Sharm El-Sheikh Travel Guide 2025

Hotels • Diving • Red Sea Adventures

Sharm El-Sheikh, often called the jewel of the Red Sea, continues to be one of Egypt’s most popular travel destinations in 2025. With world-class diving spots, luxury resorts, desert adventures, and a blend of authentic culture, Sharm offers something for every traveler. Whether you are seeking underwater exploration, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip.

1. When to Visit

• Best weather: March to May and September to November (28–32°C, warm sea, light winds).

• Peak season: Christmas, New Year, and Easter. Book at least three to four months in advance.

• Summer (June–August): Hot and humid with temperatures above 40°C. Cheaper rates make this season suitable for divers, though less ideal for families.

2. Where to Stay

Choosing your location in Sharm is essentially choosing your travel style.

Area Atmosphere Recommended Hotels 2025 Naama Bay Central hub, nightlife, easy access to shops and cafes Jaz Fanara Resort, Reef Oasis Beach Resort Sharks Bay Quiet, upscale, excellent house reefs for snorkeling Renaissance Sharm Marriott, Coral Sea Sensatori Nabq / Ras Nasrani Long sandy beaches, family-friendly resorts Mövenpick Resort Nabq, Steigenberger Alcazar Old Market (Sharm El-Maya) Local character, souqs, affordable dining Amarante Garden Palms

Most recommended properties provide direct reef access or private jetties, along with family-friendly facilities such as kids’ clubs and spas.

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3. Diving and Snorkeling

The Red Sea around Sharm El-Sheikh is one of the world’s premier diving destinations, offering an exceptional mix of coral reefs, wreck dives, and abundant marine life.

Top Dive Sites

• Ras Mohammed National Park: Famous for Shark and Yolanda reefs, vertical walls, and schools of snapper.

• Straits of Tiran: Known for drift dives, soft corals, eagle rays, and occasional hammerhead sightings.

• SS Thistlegorm Wreck: A World War II cargo ship with trucks, motorbikes, and railway carriages at a depth of 30 meters.

• Local House Reefs: Sites such as Far Garden and Tower are ideal for check dives or night dives and often feature turtles.

Snorkeling Highlights

• Tiran Island: Shallow coral gardens and a chance to spot dolphins on the way.

• Ras Mohammed by speedboat: Beat the crowds and return before lunch.

Courses and Dive Centers (2025 Prices)

• PADI Open Water Course: €270–320 (3 days, equipment included).

• Advanced Course: €230.

• Specialty Courses: Deep-Wreck package for Thistlegorm from €320.

Trusted operators include Red Sea Diving College (Naama Bay), Camel Dive Club (Sharks Bay), and Sinai Divers (Renaissance Hotel).

4. Desert and Cultural Experiences

Sharm is not just about the sea. Desert landscapes and cultural heritage are within easy reach:

• Quad Safari and Bedouin Dinner: A late afternoon excursion across 25 km of dunes, ending with tea and traditional grilled dinner under the stars.

• Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike: A three-hour climb to the summit followed by a visit to St. Catherine’s Monastery.

• Coloured Canyon Jeep Tour: A spectacular maze of chalky rock formations near Nuweiba, often combined with a lagoon swim.

• Old Market (Sharm El-Maya): A great spot for shopping spices, smoking shisha, and enjoying local street food such as koshary.

5. Practical Travel Tips

• Visa: A free 30-day Sinai-only stamp is available if staying within the Sinai Peninsula. For Cairo or extended trips, a €25 e-visa is required.

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are widely available, but bring euros or US dollars for tips and liveaboards.

• Tipping (Baksheesh): 10% in restaurants; 20 EGP for boat crew; 50 EGP per night for housekeeping.

• Dress Code: Swimwear is acceptable in resorts. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting local markets or religious sites.

• Photography: Ras Mohammed requires a camera permit (50 EGP).

• Health: Drink sealed bottled water only. Use reef-safe sunscreen, especially in national parks.

• Safety: South Sinai’s main resorts are secure. Keep passport copies, use hotel safes, and agree on taxi fares in advance (rideshare apps are not active).

• Power Supply: 220V, European-style 2-pin plugs. Some resorts also provide UK sockets; bring an adaptor.

6. Suggested 5-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Sharks Bay, afternoon snorkeling on the house reef, evening at Farsha Mountain Lounge.

• Day 2: Full-day boat trip to Ras Mohammed, including two dives or snorkel stops and lunch.

• Day 3: Afternoon quad safari followed by Bedouin dinner and star-gazing.

• Day 4: Long-range dive trip to the Thistlegorm wreck (divers) or Tiran Island snorkeling and glass-bottom boat (non-divers). Evening stroll along Naama Bay.

• Day 5: Morning spa session or kite-surf lesson, souvenir shopping in the Old Market, evening flight.

7. Budget for 2025 (Per Person, 7 Nights)

• 3-star B&B with local dives: €650

• 4-star all-inclusive with 5 dives: €1,050

• 5-star boutique with liveaboard add-on: €1,500–1,800

• Flights from Europe: €120–250 return on low-cost carriers.

Conclusion

Sharm El-Sheikh offers an exceptional blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural depth. Whether you are a diver exploring world-renowned reefs, a family seeking a resort holiday, or a traveler combining desert adventures with Red Sea sunsets, Sharm remains one of the Middle East’s most versatile destinations. With affordable pricing, easy flight connections, and year-round sunshine, it is no surprise that travelers return year after year.

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