Perched at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula where turquoise waters meet dramatic desert mountains, Sharm El Sheikh is one of the world’s great dive and snorkel destinations — and it makes for an extraordinary cruise port call. Whether you’re chasing underwater adventure, desert landscapes, or simply a sun-soaked afternoon, this Egyptian resort town delivers something memorable at every turn.
Arriving by Ship
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Sharm El Sheikh, a well-organised facility that handles passengers efficiently. The port itself is located in the Sharm el-Maya area, close to the old town, and taxis and minibuses are readily available just outside the terminal gates. The main tourist hubs — Naama Bay and the Old Market — are just a short ride away. If you’re planning to head further afield to spots like Dahab or Ras Mohammed National Park, arranging transport in advance will save you time and negotiating energy dockside. If you need reliable, stress-free airport or hotel transfers sorted before you even step ashore, a private transfer is worth booking ahead. 🎟 Book: Private Transfer To/From Sharm El Sheikh Airport- Sharm El Sheikh
Things to Do
The Red Sea around Sharm El Sheikh is genuinely world-class, and even non-divers can witness its extraordinary coral gardens through snorkelling. Ras Mohammed National Park, about 20 kilometres from the port, is widely considered one of the best diving sites on the planet — the visibility can stretch beyond 30 metres, and schools of barracuda, reef sharks, and technicolour reef fish are a constant presence.
For a different kind of adrenaline, head to one of the beaches along Naama Bay and launch yourself into the air. Parasailing over the Red Sea gives you an entirely different perspective on the coastline — the vivid blue water contrasting with the sandy Sinai mountains is genuinely breathtaking from above. 🎟 Book: Parasailing in Sharm el Sheikh It’s an easy, accessible activity even if you’ve never done anything remotely adventurous before.
If ancient history is your pull, the Monastery of Saint Catherine — one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world — sits about 90 minutes away at the foot of Mount Sinai. It’s a long but deeply rewarding excursion for those with cultural curiosity. Closer to port, Soho Square offers an entertainment complex with an ice rink, restaurants, and outdoor performances that give you a slice of the modern Egyptian resort scene.
After a day of activity, treat yourself to a traditional Turkish bath. A hammam experience — with steam, exfoliation, and a full body scrub — is one of the best ways to decompress before returning to the ship. 🎟 Book: Turkish Bath in sharm el sheikh
Local Food
Sharm El Sheikh’s food scene blends authentic Egyptian cooking with international resort cuisine, and both are worth exploring. For something genuinely local, seek out ful medames — slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with cumin, lemon, and olive oil — served with warm flatbread at one of the smaller restaurants in the Old Market area. It’s a staple Egyptian breakfast and one of the most satisfying meals you’ll have for almost no money.
Seafood is predictably excellent here. Fresh grilled fish caught that morning, served with tahini, pickled vegetables, and a stack of bread, is a signature meal along the waterfront restaurants. Koshary — Egypt’s beloved street food of rice, lentils, pasta, and spiced tomato sauce — is hearty, cheap, and genuinely delicious if you spot it on a menu. For sweets, look out for basbousa, a semolina cake soaked in syrup and dusted with coconut, at local bakeries near the Old Market.
Shopping
The Old Market (Al-Souk Al-Qadim) is the place to go for shopping that feels genuinely Egyptian rather than tourist-manufactured. Narrow lanes are packed with stalls selling papyrus artwork, hand-painted alabaster, spices piled into vivid pyramids, leather goods, and handmade jewellery. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience — start at roughly half the asking price and enjoy the friendly back-and-forth.
If you’re after quality souvenirs, look for items like Bedouin embroidered textiles, hand-blown glass, or small painted scarab beetles. Spices such as saffron, dried hibiscus (karkadeh), and black seed are excellent to take home and easy to pack. Avoid purchasing anything made from coral or turtle shell, which is both illegal and environmentally harmful.
Practical Tips
Egyptian pounds are the local currency, and while US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, you’ll get better value paying in local currency. ATMs are available near Naama Bay and the Old Market. Dress modestly when stepping away from the beach — covering your shoulders and knees shows respect in local markets and religious sites. The sun in Sharm El Sheikh is fierce year-round, so high-factor sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle are non-negotiables. If you’re planning to stay connected throughout your port day, renting a portable Wi-Fi device means you can navigate, translate menus, and share those underwater photos without worrying about data roaming charges. 🎟 Book: Sharm El Sheikh – 4G LTE Airbox MiFi in Egypt
Before You Head Back to the Ship
Sharm El Sheikh rewards curious travellers who push past the resort surface to find the raw, remarkable landscape underneath — both literally beneath the waves and out in the sweeping Sinai desert. Even a single day here can feel genuinely transformative if you plan it well. Leave enough time to watch the sun sink behind the mountains before you head back to the dock — it’s the kind of sunset you’ll be describing to people for years.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
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