Beaches, Snorkeling & Diving
If there’s one thing Sharm al-Sheikh has an abundance of, it’s beautiful beaches and coastline. Set against a magnificent mountain backdrop, the beaches of Sharm al-Sheikh offer a vast array of marine life, flora and fauna, and enchanting rocky depths.
Just make sure you have a licensed guide with you (with the help of your hotel or tour operator) to make the most of your trip and sea adventures.
Beaches
No matter what you’re looking for in a beach, Sharm al-Sheikh has the right one for you. Whether you want a secluded and calm laze-about all to yourself or a more vibrant and social setting equipped with lots of food and beverages—Sharm al-Sheikh has you covered!
Shark’s Bay: Lined with a selection of high-end resorts, Shark’s Bay is a popular departure point for most boat trips to the amazing diving sites close by. Its crescent shape and surrounding rocky hills give it a more secluded vibe, perfect for exploring corals and tropical fish.
Snorkeling
For marine enthusiasts, the real sightseeing in Sharm al-Sheikh takes place under the sea. Not a licensed diver? No problem! You can still explore the depths with a snorkel. It’s both exhilarating to witness what goes on underwater as it is calming to float above the colorful world of fish. Just grab your snorkel, hop on a boat, and leap into the water!
Make sure you check out these reefs:
Ras Um al-Sid Beach and Reef
This beloved beach on the side of a cliff is a must-see. It’s accessible and easy for snorkelers with its offshore gorgonian forests, soft corals, and golden sandy beaches.
The Gardens Reef
This area includes the Near, Middle, and Far Garden and is made up of an intricate coral tapestry. Both large and small fish call it home. You can expect to see whale sharks, barracudas, turtles, and colorful Anthias fish.
Diving
Boasting top-notch dive centers where you can get PADI accreditation while you’re on vacation, Sharm al-Sheikh is a must-see destination for scuba divers where you can spend days exploring marine life and sunken legends. Choose from multiple dive sites and wrecks near the city, world-class sites in Ras Muhammad, and the unmissable Straits of Tiran, narrow sea passages between the Sinai and Arabian peninsulas.
Don’t Miss
The SS Thistlegorm
Just east of Ras Muhammad lies one of the most sought-after dive destinations in the world, topping most divers’ bucket lists, the SS Thistlegorm. This British WWII transport vessel was sunk in 1941 by German bombers. Fish and coral have made their homes around jeeps, motorbikes, Wellington boots, and armament and ammunition on the sea floor.
The Dunraven
This Victorian ship set sail from Bombay before catching fire and sinking in 1876. Divers can swim through the upside-down wreck in the Ras Muhammad area.
Jackson Reef
The northernmost reef in the Straits of Tiran, Jackson Reef, is a prime site for experienced divers, where the 1981 wreck of the merchant ship Lara can also be explored. Distinguished by splendid red anemone and numerous fire corals, it’s easy to spot turtles going about their business, as well as an abundance of white-tip sharks, grey reef sharks, and hammerheads.
Shark & Yolanda Reef
Consisting of two underwater coral islands, this world-ranked advanced dive site also consists of the remains of the Yolanda, a ship carrying bathroom supplies that sank in the 1980s. Keep an eye out for groupers, tuna, unicornfish, barracudas, and, of course, sleeping sharks nestled in the corals.
Naama Bay
Nabq Bay
If you’re after a more tranquil commune with nature, head over to Nabq where you will find a pristine stretch of shallow, ankle-length water before a sharp drop-off into majestic corals. This spot is a popular option for both families with young children and experienced scuba divers.
Al-Fanar Beach and Reef
Surrounded by high cliffs and home to the lighthouse it’s named after, this is an area known for beautiful views, spotting the odd manta-ray, and a thriving nightlife scene that is perfect after spending a day on the beach!
