Sharm El Sheikh
Red Sea reefs and calm family beaches define a Sharm El Sheikh stay, arranged around your group's pace after a message on WhatsApp.
Step out of your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh before breakfast and the first thing you notice is the light: hard, clean, already gold on the jagged granite of the South Sinai mountains, while the Red Sea below shifts from turquoise over the reef flats to deep cobalt beyond the drop-off. A dive boat motors out of Naama Bay, the call to prayer drifts from the Al Sahaba Mosque in the Old Market, and the desert air smells faintly of salt and cardamom coffee.
Nothing matches those filters yet. Widen your search or message us on WhatsApp.
Sharm El Sheikh Day Tours
View all
Sharm El Sheikh Attraction Tickets
View all
Sharm El Sheikh Airport Transfers
View all
Sharm El Sheikh Flight Tickets
View all
Sharm El Sheikh at first sight
Sharm El Sheikh is Egypt’s gateway to two worlds at once. Underwater lie some of the most celebrated coral reefs on earth, protected inside Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran. Inland rise the sacred peaks of Sinai, where Bedouin guides still lead walkers to the summit of Mount Sinai for sunrise and down to the ancient walls of St Catherine’s Monastery.
Why include Sharm El Sheikh in your itinerary?
- Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran give Sharm El Sheikh reef access that few resorts anywhere can match: walls of hard and soft coral, turtles, reef sharks and shoals of jacks, reached by a short boat ride rather than a long expedition.
- It is the one Red Sea resort where you can snorkel a world-class reef in the morning and climb a mountain of scripture by night, with Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery a few hours’ drive inland.
- Winter here is warm, dry and reliably sunny, which makes Sharm El Sheikh one of the easiest sun escapes for travellers from Europe, Asia and beyond, with a short flight to Cairo whenever you are ready for the pyramids.
Signature experiences in Sharm El Sheikh
Ras Mohammed by Boat: The Reef at the Edge of Sinai
At the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed National Park drops straight into the deep where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Gulf of Suez. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are legendary among divers, yet snorkellers see just as much colour in the shallows: anthias, parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, sometimes a passing turtle. Our guided day tour by boat, run with trusted local partners, handles park permits, gear, lunch on board and hotel pickup, so you simply step aboard.
A Bedouin Evening Under the Sinai Stars
As the heat fades, drive into the desert valleys behind Sharm El Sheikh to a Bedouin camp lit by lanterns. Sweet sage tea is poured from a fire-blackened kettle, flatbread is baked on a domed iron plate over the embers, and a slow-cooked dinner of rice, chicken and vegetables follows. Then the lamps go out and the Milky Way appears. We arrange this evening as a guided tour, with a private car option for the ride back to your hotel.
The Old Market and Sharm El Maya
Old Sharm is where the town keeps its everyday rhythm. Wander the Old Market past pyramids of spices, hand-woven Bedouin textiles, papyrus and perfume oils, then step inside the white Al Sahaba Mosque, with its Ottoman-style domes and minarets. Nearby, the Heavenly Cathedral surprises with its painted ceilings. Our team arranges a private car and driver for your evening here; the driver waits while you browse, and we brief you on friendly bargaining before you set out.
Sunrise on Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery
Around three hours inland, Mount Sinai rises above one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. The classic route starts after midnight, climbing by torchlight with a Bedouin guide to watch dawn break over a sea of red peaks, then descending to the monastery walls, where tradition places the Burning Bush. Our guided day tour includes the private transfer from Sharm El Sheikh, permits and a local guide, which makes a demanding night far simpler.
A Boat Day to the Reefs of Tiran
North of Sharm El Sheikh, four reefs named after nineteenth-century map-makers, Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon, line the Straits of Tiran, with an old freighter wreck resting on Gordon Reef. Strong currents carry plankton and big fish, making this a favourite for confident snorkellers and divers. Our boat day pairs Tiran with calmer coves for beginners, with lifeguards, equipment and lunch on board, and we issue your ticket together with hotel pickup.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Sharm El Sheikh
Naama Bay
The original heart of Sharm El Sheikh, Naama Bay curves around a sheltered sandy beach lined with hotels, cafés and a car-free promenade that comes alive after sunset. It is lively, well lit and very safe to stroll in the evening, with dive centres, shisha cafés and restaurants serving everything from grilled fish to koshari. Choose it if you like to walk everywhere.
Sharm El Maya and the Old Market
Old Sharm gathers around the small Sharm El Maya marina, closer to the town’s Egyptian daily life. The Old Market, the Al Sahaba Mosque and the fish restaurants by the harbour make it the most characterful corner of the resort. It feels authentic, safe and busy at night, ideal for an evening of browsing, people-watching and seafood chosen straight from the ice.
Nabq Bay
North of the airport, Nabq Bay is newer and more spacious, with large resorts along a long shore facing Tiran Island and the edge of the Nabq Protected Area, where mangroves meet the sea. It is quieter and excellent for families or anyone who wants a long reef right off the jetty. You will rely on hotel shuttles or our private driver to reach town.
Hadaba and Ras Um Sid
On the cliffs south of Naama, Hadaba and Ras Um Sid look straight down onto some of the best shore reefs in Sharm El Sheikh. The Ras Um Sid lighthouse, a clifftop promenade and quick access to the Old Market give the area a balanced feel: calm by day, close to the action by night, and very easy for snorkellers.
How long to stay in Sharm El Sheikh and how to pair it
Recommended stay
Plan four to five nights in Sharm El Sheikh for a balanced first visit: one day for Ras Mohammed, one for Tiran or a shore reef, one night for Mount Sinai and St Catherine, plus slower beach time. Divers and families seeking pure rest often stay a full week, and that pace suits the resort well.
How to pair it
Sharm El Sheikh pairs naturally with the Nile Valley. In seven days, combine four nights here with three in Cairo for the Giza pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, linked by a short domestic flight we book for you. Over ten days, add Luxor for the temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. For fourteen days, cross the Red Sea by ferry to Hurghada, continue by road to Luxor and close the loop in Cairo by train or plane.
Best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The most comfortable months in Sharm El Sheikh are March to May and October to November, when days are warm, the sea is pleasant and evenings are mild. December to February brings cooler nights and lively winter-sun crowds, while June to September is intensely hot, best for early swims and long afternoons in the shade. The sea stays swimmable all year.
The daily rhythm
Days in Sharm El Sheikh start early: boats leave the marinas soon after breakfast, when the sea is calm and the light is sharp. By early afternoon most people retreat to the shade, the pool or a long lunch of grilled fish. Life returns at sunset, when Naama Bay and the Old Market fill with strollers, tea drinkers and families until close to midnight.
On-the-ground logistics in Sharm El Sheikh
Arrival
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport lies just north of town, around fifteen to twenty-five minutes by car from Naama Bay and the Old Market, and less from Nabq Bay. Our private airport transfer meets you after arrivals with a name sign, helps with luggage and drives you directly to your hotel in an air-conditioned car.
Getting around
Sharm El Sheikh stretches along the coast, so walking works within a single bay but not between them. Local microbuses and taxis run along Peace Road, and ride-hailing apps operate in parts of the resort where available. For comfort and fixed plans, our team arranges a private car with driver for the day or evening, ideal for families and late returns from the Old Market.
Local etiquette tip
Sharm El Sheikh is relaxed, but resort dress ends at the hotel gate. Swimwear belongs on beaches and boats; in the Old Market, mosques and Bedouin camps, cover shoulders and knees. When a Bedouin host offers tea, accept at least one glass: refusing outright can feel abrupt, while accepting opens the door to real conversation.
Must-do things in Sharm El Sheikh
- Snorkel or dive Shark and Yolanda reefs inside Ras Mohammed National Park.
- Take a boat day to the four coral reefs of the Straits of Tiran.
- Climb Mount Sinai by night to watch sunrise over the red peaks of South Sinai.
- Visit St Catherine’s Monastery, one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world.
- Wander the Old Market at dusk and step inside the white Al Sahaba Mosque.
- Share sage tea and a desert dinner at a Bedouin camp under the stars.
- Stroll the car-free Naama Bay promenade after sunset with a fresh mango juice.
- Snorkel the shore reef below the Ras Um Sid lighthouse in the morning calm.
- Explore the mangroves and quiet shoreline of the Nabq Protected Area.
- Drive up the coast to Dahab for its easy seafront and the famous Blue Hole reef.
Do’s and don’ts in Sharm El Sheikh
Do
- Book reef trips for the morning, when the sea is calmest and visibility sharpest.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest to protect both your skin and the coral.
- Carry small Egyptian banknotes for tips, tea and Old Market purchases.
- Drink plenty of bottled water, especially on desert trips and the Mount Sinai climb.
- Pack warm layers for Mount Sinai: the summit is cold before dawn, even in summer.
Don’t
- Do not touch, stand on or collect coral, shells or marine life in protected parks.
- Do not wear swimwear in the Old Market, in mosques or away from the beach.
- Do not photograph local women, military sites or checkpoints without permission.
- Do not feed fish on the reef; it disrupts their natural behaviour.
- Do not let bargaining turn tense; keep it smiling, patient and friendly.
Sharm El Sheikh at a glance
Plan Sharm El Sheikh with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
About Haqqi Tours: About us Contact us Legal NoticePrivacy PolicyCookies & Marketing PreferencesTerms & ConditionsBooking, Payment & Refunds
More services in Sharm El Sheikh
Where we operate in Egypt
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Sharm El Sheikh.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Sharm El Sheikh?
First-time visitors usually love Naama Bay, with its walkable promenade, restaurants and sheltered beach, or Hadaba for clifftop reefs close to the Old Market. Families wanting space and a long house reef often prefer Nabq Bay. Our team can suggest the right area for your travel style and arrange your private transfer from the airport.
Can Sharm El Sheikh be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
Sharm El Sheikh is a place to stay, not a day trip. Reaching it from Cairo needs a flight, and the best experiences, from Ras Mohammed and Tiran to a night on Mount Sinai, each take a full day. Plan at least three nights; four or five let you rest between excursions.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Sharm El Sheikh?
Inside resorts and on beaches, normal swimwear is fine. In town, the Old Market, mosques, the Heavenly Cathedral and St Catherine’s Monastery, cover shoulders and knees, and women may like to carry a light scarf for religious sites. Greet people politely, accept offered tea when you can, and ask before photographing anyone.
Is Sharm El Sheikh tourist friendly?
Yes. Sharm El Sheikh was built around tourism, and English is widely spoken in hotels, dive centres and shops, with many staff speaking other European languages too. Infrastructure is modern, beaches are well kept and excursions are well organised. With our team confirming every booking on WhatsApp, planning here is straightforward and relaxed.
Is it safe to travel to Sharm El Sheikh now?
Sharm El Sheikh is a well-established resort with a visible security presence, controlled hotel access and a calm, family-oriented atmosphere. As with any destination, check the official travel advice of your own government shortly before departure, follow local guidance on desert excursions, and keep our WhatsApp line handy for help at any hour.
What are the must-do things in Sharm El Sheikh?
Snorkel or dive Ras Mohammed National Park, take a boat to the reefs of Tiran, climb Mount Sinai for sunrise and visit St Catherine’s Monastery. Add an evening in the Old Market, a Bedouin dinner under the stars and a drive to Dahab. Our guided day tours cover each of these with hotel pickup.
How many days do you need in Sharm El Sheikh?
Four to five days is ideal for Sharm El Sheikh: enough for two sea excursions, a night on Mount Sinai and unhurried beach time. With three days you can still see Ras Mohammed and the Old Market. Divers often stay a week, then fly to Cairo or Luxor to complete a fuller Egypt journey.
How far is the drive from Sharm El Sheikh Airport to Dahab
The route runs north along the coastal road, and the exact travel time depends on the pickup point, though the driver plans the trip so the family arrives comfortably in one stretch.
Is a private transfer available for a family staying inside the Sharm El Sheikh resort area
Yes, the straightforward airport transfer covers the resort zone directly, with the driver assigned once the flight and hotel details are shared through the WhatsApp desk.
How does Haqqi Tours confirm the driver for a Sharm El Sheikh arrival
The desk checks the flight number in advance, matches a vetted partner driver to the arrival time, and sends a fixed written price before the family confirms the booking.
What can I book in Sharm El Sheikh with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, attraction tickets, private airport transfers and flight tickets, including Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkelling Yacht Cruise with Lunch Sharm El Sheikh, Ras Mohamed and White Island Snorkelling with Try Dive Sharm El Sheikh and Sharm El Sheikh Quad Bike Desert Safari at Sunrise or Sunset. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH) is about 10 km from Naama Bay and next to Nabq Bay, with Hadaba and the old town about 20 km down the coast road. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Sharm El Sheikh?
Sharm has no rail; buses link the airport and the bus station outside town, not the resort gates, and the coastal road between Nabq and Hadaba is long, so a fixed-price car is the standard arrival. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Sharm El Sheikh?
Among them: Ras Mohamed & White Island Snorkelling Yacht Cruise with Lunch Sharm El Sheikh, Ras Mohamed and White Island Snorkelling with Try Dive Sharm El Sheikh, Sharm El Sheikh Quad Bike Desert Safari at Sunrise or Sunset, Desert Quad Safari with Stargazing and BBQ Dinner Sharm El Sheikh and Luxury Ras Mohamed and White Island Cruise Sharm El Sheikh. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.