Ahmed RagaieLocated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh combines beautiful Red Sea beaches with world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, desert adventures, shopping, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
Top Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh for American Tourists
Planning a beach vacation in Egypt? There are plenty of things to do in Sharm El Sheikh beyond relaxing at an all-inclusive resort.
Located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh combines beautiful Red Sea beaches with world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, desert adventures, shopping, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
For American tourists visiting Egypt for the first time, Sharm El Sheikh can be an excellent addition to a Cairo, Luxor, or Nile-focused itinerary.
Whether you are traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, here are some of the best experiences to add to your trip.
1. Go Scuba Diving in the Red Sea
One of the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh is scuba diving.
The destination is famous for access to some of the Red Sea's most impressive underwater environments, particularly Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran.
Divers can encounter colorful coral reefs, large schools of fish, rays, and other marine life.
Experienced divers can also choose more challenging sites featuring currents, walls, and deeper water.
If diving is the main reason for your trip, consider staying at a resort with easy access to a dive center or house reef.
2. Snorkel at Ras Mohammed
You do not need to be a certified diver to experience the Red Sea's underwater beauty.
Snorkeling at Ras Mohammed is one of the most memorable activities in the region.
The protected marine environment offers opportunities to see colorful coral and tropical fish in relatively shallow areas.
Boat excursions are available from Sharm El Sheikh, making it easy to spend a full day exploring the coastline.
Ras Mohammed is widely regarded as one of the major reasons divers and snorkelers choose Sharm El Sheikh.
3. Explore Naama Bay
Naama Bay is one of the best-known areas in Sharm El Sheikh.
During the day, visitors can enjoy restaurants, cafés, shopping, and beach activities.
At night, the area becomes one of the city's main entertainment districts.
For American tourists who want an easy place to spend an evening after a day at the beach, Naama Bay is a convenient option.
4. Visit the Old Market
For a different atmosphere, head to Sharm El Sheikh's Old Market.
This area offers shops, restaurants, cafés, souvenirs, spices, and traditional Egyptian products.
It is also a good place to experience a more local side of the destination rather than spending the entire vacation inside a resort.
The Old Market is particularly enjoyable in the evening when temperatures become more comfortable.
5. Take a Desert Safari
Sharm El Sheikh is surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula, making desert excursions one of the most popular activities.
Depending on the tour, visitors can experience:
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Quad biking
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Camel rides
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Desert dinners
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Bedouin-style experiences
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Sunset excursions
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Mountain views
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Stargazing
A desert safari can provide a completely different experience from the beaches and coral reefs.
For first-time American visitors, combining a Red Sea activity with a Sinai desert experience can make the trip feel much more varied.
6. Visit the Sinai Mountains
The Sinai landscape offers impressive mountains and desert scenery.
Some excursions combine mountain visits with sunrise or sunset experiences, while others include cultural stops or desert camps.
If you enjoy photography, early morning and late afternoon can provide especially dramatic light across the mountains.
Travelers should book organized excursions with established operators and follow local guidance regarding routes and conditions.
7. Take a Boat Trip on the Red Sea
A Red Sea boat trip is another excellent way to experience Sharm El Sheikh.
Depending on the itinerary, a day trip may include snorkeling stops, swimming, lunch, and time near coral reefs.
Boat trips can be ideal for families and couples who want to enjoy the water without committing to scuba diving.
If you are interested in snorkeling, ask about the exact locations included in the itinerary before booking.
8. Try Parasailing and Water Sports
If relaxing on the beach is not enough, Sharm El Sheikh offers plenty of water-based activities.
Popular choices include:
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Parasailing
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Glass-bottom boat trips
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Banana boats
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Kayaking
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Paddleboarding
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Jet skiing
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Snorkeling
These activities can be especially appealing to younger travelers and families with older children.
9. Enjoy a Relaxing Resort Day
One of the most underrated things to do in Sharm El Sheikh is doing absolutely nothing.
After several days of sightseeing in Cairo or exploring Egypt's ancient temples, a resort day can be exactly what you need.
Many Sharm El Sheikh resorts offer:
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Private beaches
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Swimming pools
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Spa treatments
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Restaurants
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Fitness centers
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Kids' clubs
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Water activities
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Evening entertainment
American travelers who normally take fast-paced vacations may appreciate slowing down for a few days.
10. Go on a Dolphin or Marine-Life Experience
The Red Sea is famous for its marine environment, and various excursions offer opportunities to encounter marine life.
However, travelers should choose responsible operators that prioritize animal welfare and avoid activities that involve chasing, feeding, or disturbing wildlife.
A snorkeling or diving trip that allows animals to be observed naturally can be a better experience than attractions built around forced encounters.
11. Experience Sharm El Sheikh at Night
Sharm El Sheikh has plenty to offer after sunset.
You can spend your evening at:
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Naama Bay
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The Old Market
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Resort entertainment venues
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Restaurants
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Cafés
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Live entertainment
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Shopping areas
The city's nightlife is one reason it appeals to couples and younger travelers as well as families.
12. Take a Day Trip to Cairo
If you have several days available, you can consider adding Cairo to your Egypt vacation.
A Cairo excursion allows you to experience attractions such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and major museums.
However, Cairo is a considerable distance from Sharm El Sheikh, so travelers should think carefully about whether they prefer a long day trip or a separate overnight stay.
For a more relaxed vacation, spending your Sharm days exploring the Red Sea and Sinai may be preferable.
13. Plan a Multi-Destination Egypt Vacation
One of the best ways for American tourists to experience Egypt is to combine destinations.
A longer itinerary might include:
Cairo → Luxor → Sharm El Sheikh
Cairo provides ancient monuments and urban culture.
Luxor offers access to some of Egypt's most important temples and archaeological sites.
Sharm El Sheikh then gives you several days to relax, snorkel, dive, and explore the Sinai.
This combination creates a balance between history, culture, adventure, and relaxation.
How Many Days Do You Need in Sharm El Sheikh?
For most American tourists, four to seven days is a comfortable amount of time.
3 Days
A short trip could include:
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One snorkeling or diving day
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One beach/resort day
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One desert or sightseeing excursion
5 Days
Five days gives you more flexibility for:
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Diving
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Ras Mohammed
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Naama Bay
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Old Market
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Desert safari
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Resort relaxation
7 Days
A full week allows you to slow down and combine several activities without feeling rushed.
This is particularly useful for travelers arriving after a long international flight.
Best Time to Visit Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is a year-round destination, but your preferred travel season depends on how you plan to spend your time.
Winter can be attractive for travelers looking for sunshine and a warmer climate compared with much of the United States.
Summer is hot, but the Red Sea remains a major attraction for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Spring and fall can offer a comfortable balance between beach weather and sightseeing.
Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh
The best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh go far beyond sitting beside a hotel pool.
You can dive among coral reefs, snorkel in Ras Mohammed, explore the Old Market, enjoy Naama Bay, take a desert safari, experience Sinai's mountains, or simply spend several days relaxing beside the Red Sea.
For American tourists, Sharm El Sheikh is particularly appealing because it can add a completely different dimension to a traditional Egypt vacation.
Instead of choosing between ancient history and a beach escape, you can experience both in the same trip.
FAQs About Things to Do in Sharm El Sheikh
What are the best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh?
The top activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, visiting Ras Mohammed, exploring the Old Market, spending time in Naama Bay, taking desert safaris, and enjoying Red Sea boat trips.
Is Sharm El Sheikh worth visiting for American tourists?
Yes. Sharm El Sheikh is an excellent option for travelers who want to combine an Egypt vacation with beaches, diving, snorkeling, resorts, and desert adventures.
How many days should I spend in Sharm El Sheikh?
Four to seven days is ideal for most travelers. Three days can work for a shorter visit, while a week allows enough time for diving, excursions, and relaxation.
Is Sharm El Sheikh good for families?
Yes. Many resorts offer family facilities, swimming pools, kids' activities, and organized excursions. Families can also enjoy snorkeling and boat trips.
What is Sharm El Sheikh famous for?
Sharm El Sheikh is best known for its Red Sea coral reefs, scuba diving, snorkeling, luxury resorts, desert landscapes, nightlife, and access to Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran.
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