The Red Sea offers a full range of water activities—from world-class diving to windsurfing and jet skiing. Here’s what’s available, where to find it, and how much it costs.
Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the world’s top diving destinations, and the Red Sea is ideal for dozens of water activities. You can find equipment and guides right on the beach, at hotels, and at dive centers. The wind conditions in the Strait of Tiran also attract windsurfers.
Hundreds of dive centers, well-developed infrastructure, and iconic dive sites—Ras Mohammed, the Tiran Reefs, and the Blue Hole in Dahab (80 km). Cost: one reef dive starting at $35, a day trip to Ras Mohammed $60–85, a PADI Open Water course about $650. During the off-season (May–September), prices are 15–25% lower.
Coral reefs off the coast, equipment rentals, and boat tours to the best reefs. For more details, see the article “Snorkeling in Sharm el-Sheikh.”
The Strait of Tiran offers steady winds from April through September. Schools are available at several hotels and at specialized centers. Board and sail rentals start at $30–40 per hour.
Available right on the beaches of Naama Bay and other areas. Jet skis cost about $20–30 for 30 minutes, and banana rides cost $10–15 per person. These are popular family activities any time of year.
Parasailing is offered by operators in Naama Bay—at a height of 50–100 meters, with views of the bay and the Sinai Mountains. Price: about $30–40 per flight.
Glass-bottom boats let you observe corals and fish without diving—perfect for those who don’t swim or are traveling with small children. Tours last 1–2 hours and depart from the Naama Bay marina.
The best activities for families with children include: snorkeling in quiet coves (Ras Nasrani), jet skis (when accompanied by an adult), banana boat rides, and catamaran rides on the beach. Diving is available starting at age 10 through the PADI Bubble Maker program and at age 12 through the Junior Open Water program.
Do I need a certification to dive in Sharm?
For introductory dives (Discover Scuba)—no. For independent diving, you’ll need a PADI certification or equivalent.
Is it possible to go kitesurfing in Sharm?
Yes, in the Strait of Tiran—one of the best wind corridors in the region.
Which sport is best for a first-time experience?
Snorkeling is the most accessible and safest way to explore the underwater world without any certifications.
What time of year offers the best conditions for diving?
All year round, but visibility and water temperature are best from March through May and September through November.
How much does a diving course cost?
A full PADI Open Water course costs about $650; an introductory dive costs $50–80.
