Apart from the beautiful sandy beaches and the luxury resort character, there is also a huge variety of things to do in Sharm El Sheikh. Great snorkeling spots in the Red Sea, excursions in the desert and many other activities are available.
Sharm El Sheikh, located on the tip of the south Sinai Peninsula, has otherworldly attractions in addition to its great sandy beaches. So here is my personal selection of Day Tours from Sharm El Sheikh that you might find interesting!
From discovering reefs to exploring ancient markets & towering mountains – this vibrant Egyptian town has it all. Besides this, the area around Ras Mohammed National Park & the Nabq Protectorate has plenty of great opportunities for finding marine life and enjoying desert landscapes.
Why Sharm El Sheikh Works Well for Day Trips
You could snorkel all day on the coral reefs of Sharm El Sheikh and explore the desert valleys the next day – OR! you can combine things with some shopping or local dining as part of your itinerary.
Sharm El Sheikh has great tourism infrastructure that includes everything from hotels to transport, dive centres, excursion providers (often they’ll offer pick up from your hotel if you’re spending time here).
Sharm El Sheikh Day Tours for Sea and Nature Lovers
Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the most popular natural attractions in the area of Sharm El Sheikh. The park is located southwest of the city and is a unique area of amazing coral reefs, coastal landscape, beaches and underwater wildlife. On the website of the Egypt State Tourism Authority, besides the description of these unique locations, you can also find information about other major attractions like Shark Observatory and Anemone City.
Getting there this area is reached by boat with snorkeling stops or it can be visited on a land based tour which would tend to include views and the beaches. Make a decision whether you would rather spend more time on the water or visit more of the area.
The white Island is the next popular take off for some boat tours. at low tide. Still, reaching out for this white sand formation is according to the different stages of the low tide and the sea condition.
Nabq Protectorate
Nabq Protectorate presents an alternative environment with mangroves, desert surroundings, beaches and offshore reef. The protected area has over 600 km 2 and is as such ideal for someone seeking more than snorkeling.
There are some treks which involve hiking, a little bit of coastal sightseeing or time with the Bedouin. Everything that will be involved in the Excursion will differ with every operator, different times of the year and following the regulations of the location. Before booking do not be shy to ask what is going to be involved including what food will be needed, any entrance fees to be paid, transport or gear needed.
Desert Adventures Beyond the Resort Zone
Another angle to consider is a Sharm holiday in the Sinai desert. Various excursions are available to take you into the Sinai desert; quad biking, camel rides, sunset stops, excursions to desert camps. Trips can last anything from a few hours to most of the day.
Desert conditions can feel a lot more midday hot and nighttime cooler so pack appropriately. Be sure to pack closed shoes, a hat/ sunscreen and a light jacket for evening tours, plus a scarf if you quad bike on dusty roads.
Backpackers want less organized trips. Going in a group of fewer people than the fellow travelers would like to go will make the trip quieter. Before booking, find out the maximum size of the group and whether the journey includes conflict zones or busy activity areas.
Mountain and Cultural Excursions in Sinai
Travelers interested in history and mountain scenery can look beyond the coast. St. Catherine’s area is one of Sinai’s best-known cultural and natural destinations. It includes St. Catherine’s Monastery and mountain trails surrounded by valleys and rocky landscapes. Egypt’s tourism authority advises travelers to confirm access with tour operators, hotels, or licensed guides before mountain excursions.
Trips to this area can involve long drives and early starts. Some itineraries focus on the monastery, while others include a mountain hike. Check hiking difficulty, start times, and walking distance before booking.
A cultural day can also stay within Sharm El Sheikh. The Old Market is useful for shopping, local food, spices, and evening walks. The Sharm El Sheikh Museum offers another option for travelers who want a break from outdoor activities.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Start by deciding what kind of day you want. Snorkeling tours suit travelers who enjoy the sea, while desert trips work well for active outdoor experiences. Cultural tours can appeal to visitors who prefer history, markets, and sightseeing.
Then compare what each package includes. A low headline price may exclude park fees, snorkeling equipment, meals, or pickup from certain hotels. Read the itinerary and ask about extra charges before paying.
You can also review the MSM Travel Egypt Website while comparing trip styles, schedules, and excursion details. Compare any option with other current listings so you understand the route, inclusions, cancellation terms, and pickup arrangements.
Practical Tips for a Better Day Trip
Sea trips: bring a swim suit towel, reef friendly sun cream, water and a dry bag for your belongings. If there is snorkeling involved on your trip ask if masks, fins and a life jacket are part of what you get.
Bring comfortable clothing and walking shoes for trips into the desert or the mountains. Obey all directions in the protected area, and do not touch the coral reef or animals.
The time of day the trip departs is also variable by weather conditions, permits, or some local operation. Check with the night before the tour to ensure pickup for missed transfers.
Entry Rules and Travel Planning
Entry requirements depend on nationality, trip length, and whether you plan to travel beyond the South Sinai resort zone. Egypt’s official tourism information states that some visitors staying up to 15 days in Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba may receive a free entry permit. Travelers going outside those areas or staying longer may need a visa.
Rules can change, so check official requirements before departure. This matters if your plans include Cairo, Luxor, or other destinations outside the permitted South Sinai area.
Best Ways to Build Your Itinerary
Avoid packing every major activity into consecutive days. A boat trip, desert excursion, and mountain journey can each require an early start. Leave some open time for the beach, your hotel, or a relaxed evening.
A balanced plan could include one Red Sea day, one desert outing, and one cultural or mountain excursion. Sharm El Sheikh Day Tours work best when the schedule matches your energy level, interests, and travel pace.
Plan a Day That Fits Your Travel Style
Apart from the beaches and resort hotels, Sharm El Sheikh is also famous for its surrounding reefs, nature reserves, desert landscapes, bazaars, and mountain passes, which may tempt most tourists to go on an adventure tour of southern Sinai.
Before finalizing your decision, it is essential to compare different companies’ offers and carefully examine inclusions and restrictions regarding the departure dates, transfers, the size of the group, and the tours’ physical activities. Although the MSM Travel Egypt Website is an excellent platform to shortlist your options, double-checking the details on the official website is recommended, as the information may change. One of the best ways to enjoy Sharm El Sheikh is to combine a day tour with a stay at a luxury resort.
