Things to Do in Sharm el-Sheikh: What to Do at the Resort

Sharm has plenty to offer beyond the beach: adrenaline-pumping desert adventures, evening shows, family-friendly attractions, and nightlife—the resort knows how to keep you entertained around the clock.

Contents

• Active Recreation—Sports and Thrills
• Cultural Activities
• Nightlife and Evening Fun
• Activities for Children and Families
• Unique and Unconventional Activities
• Activities Based on Weather and Season
• Common Mistakes Made by Tourists
• Tips
• FAQ

Active Recreation — Sports and Thrills

• Diving and snorkeling are the resort’s main activities (see separate articles for more details).
• ATV rides in the desert —a standard 2–3-hour tour into the Sinai Desert at sunset or sunrise; $30–60 per person.
• Camel rides —a classic tourist activity, usually included in desert tours.
• Mount Sinai at night —ascent starting at 10:00 p.m., sunrise at the summit, descent to St. Catherine’s Monastery. One of the most impressive experiences in the region.
• Water sports —windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skis, parasailing (see the relevant article for more details).

Cultural Activities

The Old Market (Souk) —an immersion in the Egyptian shopping experience, with live music in the evenings and local cafes serving hookah.

St. Catherine’s Monastery (~200 km) — one of the oldest active Orthodox monasteries in the world, dating back to the 6th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nightlife and Evening Entertainment

Naama Bay stays open until 3–4 a.m.: bars, clubs with DJs, and restaurants with live music. Soho Square offers evening shows on an outdoor stage, and Ice Land features an ice rink (yes, in the desert). For more details, see the article “Where to Go in the Evening in Sharm el-Sheikh.”

Fun for Kids and Families

• Soho Square —a complex featuring an ice rink, amusement rides, and fountains; open in the evening.
• Water parks —some large hotels have their own water slides; there’s also a separate Aqua Blue Waterpark.
• Snorkeling with kids —quiet coves (Ras Nasrani, Ras Gamila) are perfect for children ages 6–7.
• Camel ride at sunset —30–60 minutes; kids love it.

Unique and Unconventional Experiences

• Bedouin village —an evening tour featuring dinner in a traditional tent, tea, hookah, and a camel ride under the desert’s starry sky.
• Diving with sharks —special dive tours in the Strait of Tiran; for certified divers with experience.
• Trip to Dahab to the Blue Hole —a legendary diving spot, about 80 km from Sharm.

Activities depending on the weather and season

Desert activities (ATVs, Sinai)—ideal in winter and during the off-season; in summer, temperatures of +40°C make daytime tours unbearable—only dawn tours are possible. Water activities and nightlife—available year-round.

Common mistakes made by tourists

• Booking a desert tour with a stranger “on the street” instead of a reputable tour operator.
• Planning a sunrise hike on Mount Sinai without warm clothing—it can be around 0°C at the summit at night.
• Going to a club at 9:00 p.m.—the real action starts at 11:00 p.m.

Tips

• Water and desert tours involve two different kinds of physical exertion; don’t combine diving and Mount Sinai in a single day.
• Soho Square is suitable for the whole family with children of any age—a cozy evening spot without the noise of nightclubs.

FAQ

What to do in Sharm if you don’t like the beach?

Desert excursions, St. Catherine’s Monastery, markets, and evening shows at Soho Square—enough to keep you busy for several days away from the water.

How much does an ATV tour cost?

About $30–60 per person for a 2–3-hour tour.

Are there nightclubs in Sharm?

Yes, in Naama Bay—there are several bars and clubs with DJs, open from midnight until 3–4 a.m.

What are the best activities for children ages 6–10 in Sharm?

Snorkeling in a quiet cove, an evening camel ride, and Soho Square with its amusement rides.

Do I need to book excursions in advance?

During peak season (October–April)—yes, especially the Sinai tour and diving tours.