Things to Do in Red Sea

The swirls of candy-colored rock at Colored Canyon are a popular day trip destination from Sharm el Sheikh, forming some of the most impressive natural features in the world.

The Red Sea separates Egypt and Saudi Arabia, flowing from the Indian Ocean through the Gulf of Aden. In Egypt if surrounds the Sinai Peninsula and Gulf of Aqaba. 

Dotted with cruise and fishing boats, this historic stretch of sea is one of the world’s most popular diving sites. The protected coral reefs, good visibility, dive wrecks and rich variety of marine life attract snorkelers and divers from around the globe.

There are a number of popular dive sites in the Red Sea, including the Abu Talha huts, the islands south of Dahab, and the Light and the Point off Sharm el Sheikh. More than 20 sites are protected within Ras Mohammed Marine Park.

Look out for white-tip reef sharks, hard and soft corals, sea turtles, eels and angel fish.

This legendary Greek Orthodox St. Catherine Monastery is one of the oldest places of worship in the world.

Founded in the 4th century, the monastery stands on the site where Moses saw the burning bush. When you visit, it’s possible to see a living descendant of that very bush.

The walled monastery complex includes a fortress, chapel, the 6th century Church of the Transfiguration and monastic buildings. The monastery was never attacked, so its famous library of rare manuscripts, priceless icons, reliquaries and artworks is complete.

Towering 2,285 meters (7,495 feet) above the monastery is Mount Sinai. For many, the trek to the summit is a highlight of a visit to the monastery, either by following the camel trail or climbing the Steps of Repentance. At the top you’ll be rewarded by spectacular views, plus the knowledge that you are standing on the spot where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

World-famous coral reefs, wreck diving, fantastic snorkeling and a rich array of marine life are protected by Egypt's Ras Mohammed Marine National Park, attracting avid scuba divers from around the planet.

Plunge into the park's waters and you have the chance to spot more than 220 species of coral, over 1,000 species of fish, dozens of varieties of star fish and sea urchins, and several kinds of sea turtles.

Popular diving sites include Sha'ab Mahmoud, Beacon Rock, Jackfish Alley, Yolanda Reef, Old Quay and the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm.

Wreck diving is popular off Tiran Island, surrounded by coral reefs and snorkeling lagoons in the Red Sea.

The wreck of the Sangria can be clearly seen here, its doomed hull rising above the surface of the sea.

The lagoons surrounding Tiran are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving, and the island is a popular destination for Red Sea excursions and diving tours.

The Giftun Islands are a popular excursion from Hurghada, offering snorkeling, diving, sunbathing and a welcome retreat from the mainland bustle.

Offshore reefs provide spectacular drop-offs for experienced divers, hiding moray eels and fish in amongst the corals. Closer to shore, the coral reef snorkeling is superb.

The islands are famous for their pristine protected beaches, and a resort on the larger island provides all the facilities you need for a day by the sea, along with tours and windsurfing.

The busy fishing and ferry Safaga Port is frequently visited by cruise ships and snorkeling day tours.

Excursions head off to dive the port’s unpolluted waters from long stretches of beach near Tobia Arba'a reefs.

Kite and windsurfing are popular here too, and nature lovers are intrigued by the town’s black sand dunes.

There’s much more to Hurghada than modern resorts and tourist facilities.

North of the resorts, you’ll find Old Hurghada, or Ad-Dahar. Most locals live in Ad-Dahar, and it’s here that you’ll find the most authentic restaurants and hotels.

The highlight of the old town is the souk, or market. It’s easy to while away several hours here, browsing the local produce and spices, and shopping for take-home souvenirs like rugs, water pipes and traditional clothing.

Sharm el Sheikh lies on the tip of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulfs of Aqaba and Suez meet the Red Sea. Rapidly growing in popularity with tourists, it is one of the most extraordinary diving destinations in the world. In addition to cruise ships, the port welcomes private yachts and sailboats and regular ferries to and from Aqaba and Hurghada.

How to get to Sharm el Sheikh

The port is located on the southern side of town, about 4 kilometers from Old Sharm and 10 kilometers from the tourist hotspot Na'ama Bay. No public transportation connects the port with the city and taxis may not always be available, so the best option to get into town may be a shore excursion or other transportation offered by your cruise ship.

One Day in Sharm el Sheikh

Diving is the primary attraction in Sharm el Sheikh, but there is plenty to occupy the non-diver. Possible activities include snorkeling, horseback riding, quad bike riding, parasailing and camel trekking.  Just south of the city you will find the Ras Mohammed National Park, which is a wildlife haven known to have some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.

You might also consider a day trip to Mount Sinai and the Monastery of St. Catherine.  The mountain is thought to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments and hiking to the top (about 2-3 hours) will reward you with incredible views across Sinai.

For a more relaxing experience in Sharm el Sheikh, you might just spend the day around town, checking out the Bedouin handicraft markets or relaxing on the beach.

The focus of the Sharm el Sheikh resort action is Na’ama Bay, a collection of glittering seaside resorts fronting the water.

Stroll the beachfront promenade lined with restaurants and hotels, or organize a camel or horse ride to the desert Bedouin villages.

Na’ama Bay’s clubs party hard from midnight to dawn, and cafes overlooking the water are an atmospheric setting to try a sheesha water pipe.

Of course, Na’ama Bay’s other raison d’être is as a jumping-off point to hit that crystal-clear water, filled with fluttering fish, lying offshore in Ras Mohamed National Park.