25 Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh in 2026 | Tours & Activities

Discover the 25 best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh in 2026, from Ras Mohamed snorkeling and diving to desert safaris, White Island, boat trips, and family activities.

Planning a trip to Sharm El Sheikh and wondering what to do beyond relaxing at your hotel or resort?

You are in the right place.

Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt’s most popular Red Sea destinations, offering a combination of crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, desert landscapes, mountains, beaches, marine adventures, and exciting day trips.

Whether you are visiting for the first time, traveling with your family, looking for adventure, or simply want to enjoy the Red Sea, there are plenty of things to do in Sharm El Sheikh throughout the year.

From snorkeling at Ras Mohamed National Park and exploring White Island to riding quad bikes through the Sinai Desert, here are the 25 best Sharm El Sheikh activities and excursions to add to your 2026 itinerary.

1. Snorkeling at Ras Mohamed National Park

 

One of the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh is visiting Ras Mohamed National Park.

Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohamed is famous for its spectacular coral reefs, clear water, and incredible marine biodiversity.

A typical Ras Mohamed snorkeling trip combines several snorkeling stops with a relaxing boat journey and a visit to White Island.

You may see colorful reef fish, coral gardens, rays, sea turtles, and other Red Sea marine life.

Best for: Couples, families, first-time visitors, and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Recommended experience: Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkeling Trip.

2. Visit White Island

White Island is one of the most recognizable natural attractions around Sharm El Sheikh.

The island is essentially a beautiful white sandbank surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. Depending on sea and tide conditions, visitors can walk on the sand, swim, take photographs, and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

A visit to White Island is usually combined with a Ras Mohamed boat and snorkeling excursion.

Best for: Photography, swimming, couples, and families.

3. Go Scuba Diving in Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is internationally known for its diving opportunities.

The Red Sea offers excellent underwater visibility, coral reefs, colorful fish, walls, drop-offs, and a variety of dive sites suitable for different experience levels.

Beginners can start with an introductory diving experience, while certified divers can explore more advanced sites.

Popular diving areas include Ras Mohamed and the waters around Tiran Island.

Best for: Beginners, certified divers, and underwater photography enthusiasts.

4. Take a Tiran Island Snorkeling Trip

Tiran Island is another excellent choice for anyone looking for unforgettable snorkeling in Sharm El Sheikh.

A Tiran Island boat trip typically includes several stops where you can swim and snorkel above coral reefs.

The journey also gives you the chance to enjoy the Red Sea from a comfortable boat while taking in views of the surrounding islands and coastline.

Best for: Snorkeling, families, couples, and groups.

5. Go Quad Biking Through the Sinai Desert

If you want something more adventurous than a beach day, try quad biking in Sharm El Sheikh.

Ride an ATV through the desert landscapes surrounding the city and experience a completely different side of Sinai.

Depending on the tour, your adventure may include mountain views, desert trails, a Bedouin village, camel riding, dinner, or traditional entertainment.

For travelers looking for more privacy, a private VIP quad biking experience can offer a more exclusive desert adventure.

Best for: Adventure seekers, couples, groups, and families with older children.

6. Enjoy a Bedouin Desert Safari

A Bedouin desert safari is one of the most popular Sharm El Sheikh excursions.

The experience usually combines desert scenery with traditional Bedouin culture.

Depending on the package, you may ride a camel, explore the desert by quad bike, visit a Bedouin settlement, enjoy traditional food, and watch an evening show.

Some tours also include stargazing away from the lights of the city.

Best for: Families, couples, groups, and travelers interested in local culture.

7. Experience Desert Stargazing

The Sinai Desert offers an incredible environment for observing the night sky.

Away from the bright lights of Sharm El Sheikh, the desert can provide a much clearer view of the stars.

A typical evening stargazing experience may include a desert drive, Bedouin-style dinner, traditional entertainment, and time to observe the night sky.

For many visitors, this is one of the most memorable experiences outside the resort.

Best for: Couples, families, photographers, and travelers looking for a relaxing evening experience.

8. Try a Buggy Desert Safari

Quad bikes are not the only way to explore the Sinai Desert.

Buggy tours offer another exciting option, especially for visitors who want a more powerful off-road experience.

You can drive through desert trails, mountain landscapes, and sandy valleys while enjoying panoramic views of the Sinai landscape.

Private buggy tours are also available for travelers who prefer a more personalized experience.

Best for: Adventure lovers and groups.

9. Explore the Red Sea on a Private Yacht

For a more luxurious experience, consider booking a private yacht trip in Sharm El Sheikh.

A private boat allows you to enjoy the Red Sea at your own pace without following a large group.

Depending on your itinerary, you can combine cruising with snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and private meals onboard.

Private yacht trips are particularly popular for couples, families, celebrations, and VIP travelers.

Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, families, and private groups.

10. Try a Semi-Submarine Sea Scope Tour

Not everyone wants to swim or dive in the sea.

A semi-submarine or Sea Scope experience allows visitors to observe the underwater world while remaining inside a comfortable viewing area.

You can see coral reefs, colorful fish, and marine life beneath the Red Sea without needing scuba diving experience.

This makes it an excellent option for families and travelers who prefer a relaxed marine experience.

Best for: Families, children, non-swimmers, and first-time visitors.

11. Go Parasailing Over the Red Sea

For a completely different perspective of Sharm El Sheikh, try parasailing.

You will be lifted above the Red Sea while enjoying panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding waters.

Parasailing is usually a relatively short activity, making it easy to combine with other water activities during your holiday.

Best for: Couples, friends, and adventure seekers.

12. Try Banana Boat and Water Sports

Sharm El Sheikh offers a wide range of water sports for visitors who want a little more excitement.

Popular activities include:

• Banana boat rides
• Sofa boat rides
• Jet skiing
• Parasailing
• Other inflatable water activities

These experiences are usually suitable for groups and are an easy way to add adventure to a beach holiday.

Best for: Families, teenagers, couples, and groups.

13. Visit Naama Bay

Naama Bay is one of the most famous areas in Sharm El Sheikh.

The area combines beaches, restaurants, cafés, shops, entertainment venues, and a lively evening atmosphere.

It is a great place to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening after returning from a day of snorkeling or desert adventures.

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, families, shopping, and nightlife.

14. Explore Old Market

For a different atmosphere, visit Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh.

This area offers traditional Egyptian and Middle Eastern-style shops, restaurants, cafés, souvenirs, spices, and local products.

It is particularly enjoyable in the evening when temperatures become more comfortable.

Take your time exploring the shops and trying local food while experiencing a different side of Sharm El Sheikh.

Best for: Shopping, food, souvenirs, and cultural experiences.

15. Relax at Ras Um Sid

Ras Um Sid is known for its beautiful coastline and coral reefs.

The area is particularly interesting for travelers who want to combine beach time with snorkeling.

Some locations around Ras Um Sid offer excellent opportunities to observe Red Sea marine life close to the shore.

Best for: Snorkeling, swimming, relaxing, and beach lovers.

16. Visit the Farsha Mountain Lounge

Farsha Mountain Lounge is one of the most recognizable sunset and evening spots in Sharm El Sheikh.

Built into the mountainside overlooking the Red Sea, the venue offers a distinctive atmosphere with traditional décor, comfortable seating, drinks, and spectacular views.

It is especially popular around sunset and after dark.

Best for: Couples, photography, sunset views, and evening relaxation.

17. Take a Day Trip to Dahab

Dahab is one of the most popular destinations to visit from Sharm El Sheikh.

The town has a very different atmosphere from the larger resort areas and is known for its relaxed seaside setting, diving, snorkeling, and desert landscapes.

A day trip can combine Dahab with attractions such as the Blue Hole and nearby desert scenery.

Best for: Adventure travelers, divers, couples, and explorers.

18. Visit the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole near Dahab is one of the best-known natural diving and snorkeling locations in the region.

It is famous for its deep blue waters and dramatic underwater landscape.

If you are planning a Dahab excursion from Sharm El Sheikh, the Blue Hole can be included as part of a full-day adventure.

Best for: Divers, snorkelers, photographers, and adventure travelers.

19. Explore the Colored Canyon

The Colored Canyon is a spectacular natural attraction in the Sinai Peninsula.

The canyon is known for its narrow passages and striking rock formations created over thousands of years.

A desert excursion to the Colored Canyon can often be combined with Dahab, the Blue Hole, or other Sinai attractions.

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and adventure seekers.

20. Take a Cairo Day Trip

If you want to combine your Red Sea holiday with Egypt’s ancient history, consider taking a Cairo day trip from Sharm El Sheikh.

Depending on the tour, you may visit famous attractions such as:

• The Pyramids of Giza
• The Great Sphinx
• The Egyptian Museum or Grand Egyptian Museum, depending on the itinerary
• Historic Cairo

Cairo is a long-distance excursion, but it can be an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience both the Red Sea and Egypt’s ancient civilization during one trip.

Best for: First-time visitors to Egypt and history enthusiasts.

21. Visit Mount Sinai

For travelers interested in history, religion, and nature, a trip to Mount Sinai offers a completely different experience.

Visitors can explore the mountain area and, depending on the itinerary, combine the trip with a visit to Saint Catherine’s Monastery.

Sunrise excursions are particularly popular.

Best for: Hikers, history enthusiasts, photographers, and cultural travelers.

22. Enjoy a Camel Ride in the Sinai Desert

Camel riding offers a slower and more traditional way to experience the desert.

You can ride through desert landscapes, visit a Bedouin area, and enjoy the scenery away from the busy resort areas.

Camel rides are often included as part of larger desert safari packages.

Best for: Families, couples, and cultural experiences.

23. Spend a Day at the Beach

Sometimes the best activity in Sharm El Sheikh is simply enjoying the Red Sea.

The city has numerous beaches where you can swim, relax, snorkel, sunbathe, or enjoy water sports.

The warm climate and clear water make a beach day an easy addition to almost any Sharm El Sheikh itinerary.

Best for: Everyone.

24. Enjoy Sharm El Sheikh Nightlife

After sunset, Sharm El Sheikh becomes a different destination.

Visitors can enjoy restaurants, cafés, live entertainment, shopping areas, and nightlife venues.

Naama Bay and other popular areas offer a wide selection of places to spend the evening.

If you prefer a quieter experience, a sunset lounge or dinner overlooking the Red Sea can be a great alternative.

Best for: Couples, friends, and adult travelers.

25. Book a VIP Airport Transfer

Your holiday experience begins as soon as you arrive at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport.

Instead of waiting for a shared bus or negotiating transportation after a long flight, you can book a private or VIP airport transfer directly to your hotel.

A private airport transfer offers a comfortable and convenient way to start your vacation.

It is particularly useful for families, couples, business travelers, and visitors staying at luxury resorts.

Best for: Travelers who value comfort, privacy, and convenience.

 

Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh by Travel Style

Best for Adventure

If you love adrenaline and outdoor activities, consider:

• Quad biking
• Buggy safari
• Parasailing
• Scuba diving
• Desert safari
• Camel riding

Best for Families

Families can enjoy:

• Semi-submarine tours
• Ras Mohamed snorkeling
• White Island
• Boat trips
• Beach days
• Water sports
• Desert experiences

Best for Couples

Couples may prefer:

• Private yacht trips
• Ras Mohamed snorkeling
• Sunset experiences
• Desert stargazing
• Farsha Mountain Lounge
• Private VIP excursions

Best for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first trip to Sharm El Sheikh, prioritize:

1. Ras Mohamed & White Island
2. Tiran Island
3. Desert Safari
4. Naama Bay
5. Old Market
6. A Red Sea boat trip
7. Dahab and Blue Hole

How Many Days Do You Need in Sharm El Sheikh?

For a first visit, 5 to 7 days gives you enough time to experience both the Red Sea and the desert.

3 Days

Focus on the essentials:

Day 1: Beach and resort
Day 2: Ras Mohamed & White Island
Day 3: Quad biking or desert safari

5 Days

Add:

Day 4: Tiran Island or diving
Day 5: Naama Bay, Old Market, and evening activities

7 Days

With a full week, you can add:

• Dahab
• Blue Hole
• Private yacht
• Water sports
• Cairo or another full-day excursion

The key is not to fill every day with activities. Leave enough time to relax and enjoy the Red Sea.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Sharm El Sheikh?

Sharm El Sheikh is a year-round destination.

For outdoor activities, many travelers prefer the cooler months from autumn through spring. Summer can be very hot, but the Red Sea remains attractive for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

The best time ultimately depends on what you want to do.

If your priority is:

Snorkeling and diving: The Red Sea can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Desert safari: Cooler months can be more comfortable.

Beach holiday: Summer is ideal if you enjoy hot weather.

Sightseeing: Spring and autumn can offer more comfortable conditions.

Tips for Booking Sharm El Sheikh Tours

Before booking an excursion, check exactly what is included.

Look for:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation
• Entrance fees
• Snorkeling equipment
• Meals
• Drinks
• Professional guides
• Activity duration
• Insurance and safety information

For private or VIP tours, also check whether the boat, vehicle, or guide is exclusively reserved for your group.

Booking directly with a reliable local tour operator can also make communication and scheduling easier.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh?

The best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh include snorkeling at Ras Mohamed, visiting White Island, diving, Tiran Island boat trips, quad biking, desert safaris, private yacht trips, semi-submarine tours, parasailing, and day trips to Dahab.

Is Sharm El Sheikh good for a family holiday?

Yes. Sharm El Sheikh offers many family-friendly activities, including beaches, boat trips, semi-submarine tours, snorkeling, water sports, and desert excursions.

What is the best snorkeling trip in Sharm El Sheikh?

Ras Mohamed and Tiran Island are two of the most popular snorkeling destinations around Sharm El Sheikh. The best choice depends on the itinerary, sea conditions, and activities included in the tour.

How many days are enough for Sharm El Sheikh?

Three days can cover the main highlights, while five to seven days allow you to combine snorkeling, diving, desert adventures, sightseeing, and relaxation.

Is Ras Mohamed worth visiting?

Yes. Ras Mohamed is one of the most popular natural attractions in the area and is particularly famous for its coral reefs, clear water, and marine life.

What should I book in Sharm El Sheikh?

For a first visit, consider booking at least one Red Sea boat or snorkeling trip and one desert adventure. You can then add diving, water sports, private yacht trips, or day excursions based on your interests.

What is Sharm El Sheikh famous for?

Sharm El Sheikh is famous for its Red Sea coral reefs, snorkeling, scuba diving, beaches, desert safaris, water sports, luxury resorts, and access to attractions such as Ras Mohamed and Tiran Island.

Plan Your Sharm El Sheikh Adventure

Sharm El Sheikh offers much more than a traditional beach holiday.

You can spend the morning snorkeling among colorful coral reefs, explore the Sinai Desert in the afternoon, watch the sunset over the Red Sea, and enjoy local food and entertainment in the evening.

Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, family activities, luxury experiences, or cultural excursions, there is something for almost every traveler.

Explore the activities available through Sharm Sea and choose the experiences that best match your travel style.

Your Red Sea adventure starts here.