Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt's most exciting Red Sea destinations, combining clear water, coral reefs, desert landscapes, beaches and easy access to some of South Sinai's most memorable experiences.

Whether you are visiting for a relaxing beach holiday, travelling with children, planning a romantic escape or looking for adventure, there is much more to do in Sharm El Sheikh than simply staying at your resort.

In this guide, we explore 25 of the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh in 2026, including sea trips, snorkeling, diving, desert adventures, cultural experiences and day trips. You can also explore all Sharm El Sheikh tours and experiences currently available from Alfa Montazah Mobility.

1. Explore Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the most famous natural attractions near Sharm El Sheikh. Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the area is known for dramatic desert scenery, clear Red Sea water and rich marine life.

Visitors can experience Ras Mohammed in different ways, including boat trips and land-based excursions. For many first-time visitors, it deserves a place near the top of the itinerary.

For a land-based experience, see the Ras Mohammed – Nature Adventure & Legendary Wonders, which combines several of the protected area's natural highlights.

2. Take a Boat Trip to White Island

White Island is a popular stop on Red Sea boat excursions from Sharm El Sheikh. The pale sandbank surrounded by blue water creates one of the area's most distinctive seascapes.

Many excursions combine White Island with snorkeling stops around Ras Mohammed, making it possible to enjoy several Red Sea experiences during one day.

You can see the current Boat Trip to Ras Mohammed & White Island and check its itinerary and current booking details.

3. Go Snorkeling in the Red Sea

You do not need to be a diver to discover the underwater world around Sharm El Sheikh. Snorkeling is one of the easiest and most popular ways to see colourful reef fish and coral formations.

Options range from shore-access reefs to boat excursions with several stops. Before booking, check the individual programme to see what equipment, meals, drinks and transfers are included.

4. Try Scuba Diving

Sharm El Sheikh is internationally known as a diving destination. Experienced divers can explore a variety of Red Sea dive sites, while beginners can choose introductory experiences with professional instruction.

If you have never dived before, choose an experience designed for beginners and check the individual activity page for its requirements and restrictions.

5. Enjoy a Red Sea Boat Trip

A day at sea is one of the classic Sharm El Sheikh experiences. Depending on the selected programme, marine excursions can combine cruising, swimming, snorkeling, diving or simply relaxing on the Red Sea.

Options on the site include private boat experiences as well as shorter marine activities. Compare the itinerary and inclusions before choosing.

6. Discover Tiran and More Red Sea Experiences

The Strait of Tiran is another well-known area for Red Sea excursions from Sharm El Sheikh and is particularly popular with visitors interested in marine scenery and snorkeling.

Beyond full-day boat excursions, there are many other ways to enjoy the sea. Browse all Sea & Water Activities in Sharm El Sheikh to compare the current selection.

The category brings together the site's marine experiences, including boat trips, private boat options, glass-bottom and semi-submarine experiences, speed boats, parasailing, Banana Boat and other water activities. Check each experience individually for its current programme and booking conditions.

7. Ride Through the Sinai Desert

For a complete change of scenery, leave the coast behind and head into the Sinai Desert. Desert riding experiences provide a very different perspective on the landscape surrounding Sharm El Sheikh.

Programmes vary, so check the selected excursion carefully rather than assuming every safari includes the same activities.

8. Experience a Desert Safari

The Sinai Desert is an important part of the Sharm El Sheikh experience. Safari programmes can combine different desert activities and stops depending on the selected tour.

See the current Safari & Desert Adventures to compare Alfa's available desert experiences.

9. Ride a Camel

A camel ride offers a slower way to experience the desert surroundings and may be included in, or available alongside, selected desert programmes.

If camel riding is important to you, check the exact tour description before booking to confirm whether it forms part of your chosen experience.

10. Watch the Sunset in the Sinai Desert

The desert changes character as the sun begins to set. Changing light and cooler evening conditions can make this one of the most atmospheric times to experience the landscape outside Sharm El Sheikh.

Check the current safari programmes to see which experiences match the time of day and activities you prefer.

11. Experience Bedouin-Style Hospitality

Some desert programmes include Bedouin-style elements such as traditional tea, food or stops in desert settings. The exact programme varies between excursions.

Read the individual tour description carefully so you know exactly what is included before booking.

12. Enjoy an Evening in the Desert

A desert excursion can also provide an alternative to evenings around the resort. Depending on the programme, evening experiences may combine desert scenery with additional activities.

For all currently published options, compare the Safari & Desert Adventures before deciding which itinerary suits you.

13. Visit Naama Bay

Naama Bay is one of the best-known areas of Sharm El Sheikh. Its promenade, restaurants, cafés and shops make it an easy place to spend an evening after a day of excursions.

It is also a useful reference point when planning transport because many hotels and tourist services operate around the area.

14. Explore SOHO Square

SOHO Square is a popular evening destination with restaurants, entertainment and shopping. It provides a different atmosphere from the beach and desert activities that dominate many daytime itineraries.

It can be especially convenient for travellers staying around Sharks Bay.

15. Visit the Old Market

Sharm El Sheikh's Old Market is worth visiting for a change of atmosphere. Visitors come for shops, cafés, restaurants and evening walks.

Allow enough time to explore rather than treating it only as a quick photo stop.

16. See Al Sahaba Mosque

Al Sahaba Mosque is one of the most recognisable architectural landmarks in the Old Market area and is particularly striking in the evening.

Remember that it is a place of worship and visitors should dress and behave respectfully.

17. Spend a Day in Dahab

Dahab offers a different atmosphere from Sharm El Sheikh and is one of the popular day-trip destinations in South Sinai.

Depending on the excursion, a Dahab trip may combine canyon scenery, marine locations, camel riding, local stops or other activities. One current option is the Dahab 5 x 1 experience.

18. Discover the Blue Hole Area

The Blue Hole near Dahab is one of Sinai's best-known marine locations and appears on some day-trip itineraries from Sharm El Sheikh.

The exact programme varies between tours, so check the route, activities, equipment and any additional costs on the selected excursion page.

19. Explore Sinai's Canyon Landscapes

Sinai's canyon landscapes provide a dramatic contrast to the Red Sea coast. Current programmes include different combinations of canyon scenery, sea activities and desert experiences.

Another option currently available is the Dahab Canyon Salama Adventure, which can be found within Alfa's Safari & Desert Adventures selection.

Wear comfortable footwear and check the physical requirements of your selected excursion before booking.

20. Visit Mount Sinai

Mount Sinai is one of the region's most significant destinations for visitors interested in history, religion and mountain scenery.

Trips from Sharm El Sheikh can involve overnight travel and substantial walking, so this experience requires more preparation than a typical beach or boat activity.

21. Visit St Catherine's Monastery

St Catherine's Monastery is another major historical and religious destination in South Sinai and is frequently combined with Mount Sinai.

Alfa's Mount Sinai & St. Catherine Monastery experience combines the mountain and monastery in one itinerary. Check the tour page carefully for the current programme and physical requirements.

22. Take a Day Trip to Cairo

Travellers who want to see more of Egypt can use Sharm El Sheikh as a base for an excursion to Cairo. Depending on the selected programme, transport may be by road or air.

Alfa currently offers Cairo by Plane and Cairo by Bus. Compare the transport method, duration and itinerary before choosing the option that suits you.

23. Take a Day Trip to Luxor

Luxor provides a completely different experience from the Red Sea and gives visitors access to some of Egypt's most important ancient sites.

The current Luxor Day Trip by Plane includes major highlights such as the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temple.

24. Rent a Car and Explore at Your Own Pace

If you prefer greater independence, renting a car can make it easier to organise your own schedule around Sharm El Sheikh.

Explore the current car rental options in Sharm El Sheikh and compare the available vehicles and their individual rental conditions.

25. Rent a Scooter for Short Trips

A scooter can be a convenient option for shorter journeys around the resort depending on your driving experience and the conditions of your chosen model.

See the current scooter rental options in Sharm El Sheikh for available models and booking information.

More Experiences: Petra, Dolphins, Shows & Relaxation

Your options are not limited to the 25 ideas above. Travellers interested in a longer international excursion can also consider the Petra One Day Trip to Jordan from Sharm El Sheikh. Because this is an international journey, check the current travel and document requirements carefully before booking.

For a different type of day, browse Shows & Relax Trips. Current experiences include swimming with dolphins, the Dolphin Show and the VIP Massage experience.

How Many Days Do You Need in Sharm El Sheikh?

There is no single perfect length of stay. A short visit can focus on the beach, one Red Sea excursion and one desert experience, while a longer stay gives you more freedom to combine relaxation with several day trips.

For a balanced holiday, consider mixing sea, desert, cultural and local activities rather than booking demanding full-day excursions every day.

What Are the Best Things to Do for First-Time Visitors?

For a first visit, a good starting combination is Ras Mohammed or another Red Sea experience, a desert excursion and an evening exploring one of Sharm El Sheikh's main areas.

After that, choose additional experiences based on your interests, such as diving, Dahab, Mount Sinai, Cairo, Luxor or one of the shorter marine and entertainment activities.

Is Sharm El Sheikh Good for Families?

Sharm El Sheikh offers many experiences that may work well for families, but suitability depends on the children's ages and the specific activity. Boat trips, snorkeling programmes, desert activities and other experiences can have different requirements or restrictions.

Always check the individual tour conditions before booking for children.

How to Get Around Sharm El Sheikh

Your best transport option depends on your itinerary. Hotel transfers are convenient for organised excursions, while a private transfer in Sharm El Sheikh can be useful for airport journeys and planned trips around the resort.

Visitors who want more independence can compare Alfa's car rental and scooter rental options.

Tips Before Booking Sharm El Sheikh Activities

Check exactly what is included in the advertised price.
Confirm hotel pickup and drop-off arrangements.
Check the duration and approximate return time.
Ask about age, health or physical requirements where relevant.
For sea activities, check whether equipment is included.
Bring suitable sun protection and drinking water where appropriate.
For desert activities, follow the safety instructions provided by your guide.
Review the cancellation conditions before confirming your booking.

Explore Sharm El Sheikh Tours by Category

If you are still deciding what to book, the easiest way to compare the full Alfa selection is by experience type:

Plan Your Sharm El Sheikh Experience

The best Sharm El Sheikh itinerary is not about trying to do everything. Combine the experiences that interest you most and leave enough time to enjoy the Red Sea and your resort.

Alfa Montazah Mobility brings together sea activities, desert adventures, cultural excursions, shows and relaxation experiences, private transfers, car rental and scooter rental with local support in Sharm El Sheikh.

Explore all Sharm El Sheikh tours & experiences →

25 Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh in 2026