Sharm El Sheikh Cruise Port Guide: Things to Do & Practical Tips

Quick Take

Port Type

Beach-resort hybrid with water-activity focus

Best For

Divers, snorkelers, beach swimmers, and cruisers wanting guaranteed sun and sea access

Avoid If

You dislike package tours, very crowded beaches, or have limited mobility beyond flat terrain

Walkability

Town center is walkable (10–15 minutes from some docks); most attractions require transport or organized excursions

Budget Fit

Mixed; beaches are free, but diving and organized tours are pricey; local food and taxis are cheap

Good For Short Calls?

Yes, if you stick to the beach or one organized activity; full-day excursions (diving, Sinai interior) not realistic

Port Overview

Sharm El Sheikh sits on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, fronting the Red Sea. The cruise port is a working pier facility with a small terminal; most ships dock at a dedicated cruise berth or anchor nearby with tender service. The town itself is a sprawling beach-resort hub built for divers and package tourists, not a traditional Mediterranean port; don't expect a charming old town or architecture of note.

The main draw is the Red Sea: world-class diving and snorkeling, calm shallow-water reefs, and reliable sun. A typical port day works best if you book an organized snorkel or dive tour, or if you're content to spend 3–4 hours on a nearby beach without much exploration. Independent walkers can reach the town center in 10–15 minutes for food and shopping, but there is little to see beyond resort hotels, restaurants, and market stalls.

Sharm is best suited to cruisers who want guaranteed beach time or an easy water activity. It is not a cultural or historical destination, nor is it ideal for a day of independent wandering. Expect crowds, heat, and a commercial, resort-town atmosphere.

Is It Safe?

Sharm El Sheikh is generally safe for tourists and cruise visitors in established resort and beach areas. The town center and Naama Bay are heavily policed and commercial; petty theft (pickpocketing) can occur in crowded markets, so keep valuables secure. Do not venture into remote areas or desert regions without a licensed guide; political tensions in Sinai can make some inland zones off-limits to tourists, and local authorities strictly enforce restricted zones.

Swimming in the Red Sea is safe; no known shark attacks on beaches in recent years. Be aware of coral and sea urchins; wear reef shoes or ask locals about safe entry points. Water sports (diving, snorkeling) are well-regulated by international standards if you use established operators.

Use common sense: avoid large crowds at night, do not carry excessive cash, and register with your embassy if staying overnight. For most cruise visitors spending a few hours on a beach or on an organized tour, safety is not a significant concern.

Accessibility & Walkability

The port terminal and beach areas are largely flat and paved, suitable for basic wheelchair access. The main taxi ranks and organized tour pickups are close to the ship exit. However, many beaches lack dedicated accessible facilities (ramps, beach wheelchairs, or adapted toilets), and sand itself is not wheelchair-friendly. Snorkeling and diving operators can accommodate some mobility needs if informed in advance, but logistics are more complex than at a typical Mediterranean beach port.

The town center (souk, restaurants) has uneven paving and crowded pedestrian areas; navigating independently with a wheelchair is possible but not seamless. For cruisers with mobility concerns, booking an organized tour with accessible transport is strongly recommended.

Outside the Terminal

Exiting the cruise terminal, you'll find a small plaza with taxis, a few souvenir stalls, and tour operator representatives holding signs. The air is hot and dry, and the vibe is immediately commercial and casual—this is a purpose-built resort town, not a historic port. You'll see other cruise passengers heading toward organized tour pickups or taxi queues. The first few hundred meters are safe and tourist-oriented; hawkers selling tours, taxis, and trinkets are persistent but not aggressive. Within 5 minutes, you can be in a taxi heading to a beach or the town center.

Beaches Near the Port

Local Food & Drink

Eating at Sharm is cheap and casual. Naama Bay and the town center are packed with restaurants serving Egyptian (kushari, falafel, grilled fish), Middle Eastern, and international fast food. A simple fish or seafood meal runs $6–12 USD; street food (shawarma, kebab, falafel sandwiches) is $2–4 USD. Quality is uneven; stick to busy, well-established places. Beachfront restaurants are pricier ($12–25 USD for mains) but offer better ambiance and cleaner facilities. Tap water is not recommended; drink bottled water ($1–2 USD). For quick, safe meals, eat at a beach club or popular souk café rather than random street stalls if you have a sensitive stomach.

Shopping

The souk (old town market) sells spices, textiles, cheap souvenirs, and postcards. Prices are negotiable. Beachfront shops and resort malls near Naama Bay stock international brands and overpriced tourist goods. Don't expect bargains on big-ticket items; haggling is expected in the souk but prices are generally low to begin with. Avoid buying coral, shells, or other sea souvenirs—many are environmentally protected. Most items are mass-produced; quality is mixed.

Money & Currency

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

USD Accepted?

Yes

Card Payments

Cards accepted at larger restaurants, resorts, and some shops; small vendors and taxis cash-only. Visa and Mastercard widely recognized.

ATMs

ATMs in town center and near Naama Bay; withdraw EGP for better rates, though USD accepted almost everywhere for tourists

Tipping

Tipping (baksheesh) is expected; round up bills or add 10–15% at restaurants; $1–2 USD to taxi drivers and tour guides is appreciated

Notes

Exchange rates are better at ATMs than at currency exchanges or your ship. Carry small bills (USD or EGP) for taxis and small purchases.

Weather & Best Time

Best months

October–April (mild, 65–80°F / 18–27°C)

Avoid

June–August (extreme heat, 95–105°F / 35–40°C, very crowded)

Temperature

November–March: 70–75°F (21–24°C) during the day; sea temp 72–75°F (22–24°C)

Notes

Winter is peak cruise season and most pleasant. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses; UV is intense. Sea conditions are calmest in summer despite the heat.

Airport Information

Airport

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)

Distance

~15 km

Getting there

Taxi (~20–30 min, $15–25 USD), organized airport transfer through your cruise line, or shuttle buses from major hotels

Notes

Many cruisers fly in/out from Cairo and take an onward flight or bus to Sharm; direct flights from Europe exist. Airport is straightforward; use a pre-arranged transfer to avoid hassle.