Sinai's luxury resort paradise with world-class diving and pristine beaches
Sharm El-Sheikh, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai, is Egypt's most upscale beach resort destination. Developed from a small fishing village into a world-class resort city, Sharm (as it's known) offers pristine beaches, exceptional diving, luxury hotels, and year-round perfect weather.
The resort sits at the meeting point of the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba, creating unique marine conditions. Ras Mohammed National Park, just south of Sharm, is considered one of the world's top 10 dive sites. The city combines modern amenities with access to biblical sites like Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery.
Status: Egypt's first national park (1983), UNESCO candidate
Diving: World-class sites - Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef, Jackfish Alley
Marine Life: 1000+ fish species, sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins
Land: Mangroves, desert landscapes, magic lake
Entry: EGP 100 ($3) land, included in dive tours
Tours: Snorkel/dive day trips $40-80
Why Sharm: Some of world's best diving, warm water, visibility 30m+
Top Sites: Ras Mohammed, Tiran Island, SS Thistlegorm wreck
SS Thistlegorm: WWII wreck, top 10 wreck dive globally
Costs: Discovery dive $50-70, Open Water $350-450, fun dive $40-50
Season: Year-round excellent
Level: All levels from beginners to tech divers
Distance: 220km north (3 hours drive)
Experience: Climb Mount Sinai for sunrise, visit ancient monastery
Tours: Overnight excursion $50-80
Departure: 9 PM-midnight, summit for 5-6 AM sunrise
Climb: 3-4 hours up, 2-3 down (3,750 steps or camel route)
Monastery: UNESCO site, Burning Bush, ancient manuscripts
Location: Strait of Tiran entrance to Gulf of Aqaba
Sites: Four famous reefs - Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon
Marine Life: Spectacular coral gardens, reef sharks, rays
Tours: Day trip $35-60 with lunch
Best For: Snorkelers & divers
Boat: Usually large comfortable boats
Area: Sharm's main tourist hub
Features: Restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, nightlife
Beach: Central beach with water sports
Promenade: Pleasant evening strolls
Dining: International & Egyptian cuisine
Vibe: Lively, tourist-friendly, walkable
Location: Nuweiba area, 100km north
Experience: Hike through narrow canyon with colorful rock layers
Colors: Red, yellow, purple, white sandstone
Tours: Day trip $60-90 (can combine with Dahab)
Duration: 1-2 hour hike
Best For: Photography, adventure
Experience: Sunset desert rides, Bedouin villages
Duration: 2-4 hours
Cost: $30-60
Includes: BBQ dinner, Bedouin tea, stargazing
Departure: Afternoon for sunset timing
Terrain: Sinai desert mountains & valleys
Activities: Parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat, windsurfing
Parasailing: $50-70 (amazing Red Sea views)
Jet Ski: $40-60/hour
Locations: Naama Bay, resort beaches
Kitesurfing: Growing destination, best Nov-Mar
Safety: Operators generally well-regulated
Type: Entertainment complex
Features: Restaurants, cafes, ice rink, bowling, dancing fountain
Evening: Free fountain shows
Dining: 30+ restaurants all cuisines
Free Entry: Browsing & fountain shows
Vibe: Modern, family-friendly
Dive world-class sites and relax at Sinai's premier resort destination!