After immersing yourself in the diverse things to do in Sharm El-Sheikh, from snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea to exploring the vibrant Naama Bay, day trips from Sharm El-Sheikh offer a doorway to the broader wonders of Egypt. These excursions allow you to discover ancient historical sites, stunning desert landscapes, and traditional Bedouin culture, adding depth to your Sharm El-Sheikh adventure.
Venturing beyond Sharm El-Sheikh uncovers a treasure trove of things to do in Egypt, such as the majestic Sinai mountains, the storied Monastery of Saint Catherine, and the mesmerizing colored canyon. Each journey is an invitation to experience Egypt’s rich tapestry of history, nature, and culture.
Deciding where to stay in Sharm El-Sheikh is crucial for travelers aiming to maximize their experience, offering a balance between the city’s bustling markets and tranquil beachfront resorts. The right accommodation provides not just comfort but also strategic access to both local attractions and the starting points for your day trips, ensuring a memorable stay.
Discover Best Day Trips from Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
1. Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt
Ras Mohammed National Park, a world-renowned diving destination, is known for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and clear waters. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling and observing the unique desert landscape meeting the sea.
Distance: Approximately 30 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, snorkeling, and diving
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Park Entrance: $10
- Snorkeling Tour: $30 (varies by provider)
- Diving Excursion: $60 (varies by provider)
Budget: Approximately $40-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and activities)
Scenic Spots: Shark Observatory, Yolanda Reef, Mangrove Channel
Travel Tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear for a more personalized experience and to save on rental costs.
2. Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Egypt
Saint Catherine’s Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai, is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world. It houses a rich collection of religious icons and ancient manuscripts, including the Codex Sinaiticus.
Distance: Approximately 230 km
Travel Time: About 2 to 3 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Ancient Christian monastery, religious icons, and manuscripts
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Entrance Fees:
- Monastery Entry: $5
- Mount Sinai Hike: Free (guided tours available at additional cost)
Budget: Approximately $50-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and guided tours)
Scenic Spots: Mount Sinai, Burning Bush, Icon Gallery
Travel Tip: Dress modestly for your visit to the monastery and consider combining your trip with a hike up Mount Sinai.
3. Dahab, Egypt
Dahab, a laid-back town, offers a contrast to Sharm El-Sheikh with its relaxed vibe and beautiful natural sites like the Blue Hole, a world-famous diving spot. It’s also popular for windsurfing, camel treks, and Bedouin-style dining.
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Blue Hole diving spot, windsurfing, Bedouin-style dining
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Blue Hole Snorkeling: $10
- Camel Ride: $15
- Bedouin Dinner: $20
Budget: Approximately $30-$70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and activities)
Scenic Spots: Blue Hole, Lagoon Beach, Eel Garden
Travel Tip: Try the local Bedouin tea and donβt miss snorkeling or diving in the Blue Hole.
4. Colored Canyon, Egypt
The Colored Canyon presents a striking natural landscape with its multicolored rock formations. It’s a fantastic location for hiking and photography, showcasing the beauty of the Sinai Peninsula’s rugged terrain.
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Multicolored rock formations, hiking, photography
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Entrance Fees:
- Canyon Access: $5
- Guided Tour: $20 (optional)
Budget: Approximately $30-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and guided tour)
Scenic Spots: Narrow Canyons, Rock Formations, Desert Landscape
Travel Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water for the hike, and consider a guided tour for the best experience.
5. Tiran Island, Egypt
Tiran Island, situated at the entrance of the Gulf of Aqaba, is a prime location for diving and snorkeling, with beautiful coral reefs and rich marine life. The island itself is uninhabited, offering unspoiled natural beauty.
Distance: Accessible by boat from Sharm El-Sheikh
Travel Time: About 1 to 2 hours by boat
Transportation: Boat
Main Attractions: Diving and snorkeling, coral reefs, marine life
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Boat Trip: $40 (includes snorkeling gear)
- Diving Excursion: $60 (varies by provider)
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and activities)
Scenic Spots: Jackson Reef, Laguna Reef, Tiran Straits
Travel Tip: Ensure your trip includes a stop at the famous Jackson Reef for the best snorkeling and diving experiences.
6. Luxor, Egypt
Luxor, known as the world’s greatest open-air museum, holds an immense amount of ancient Egyptian history. Highlights include the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Temple of Luxor.
Distance: Approximately 450 km
Travel Time: About 45 minutes by flight or 4 to 5 hours by car
Transportation: Flight or Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Entrance Fees:
- Valley of the Kings: $10
- Karnak Temple: $8
- Luxor Temple: $5
Budget: Approximately $150-$250 (including transportation, entrance fees, and guided tours)
Scenic Spots: Hatshepsut’s Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Corniche
Travel Tip: A guided tour is recommended to fully appreciate the historical significance of the sites.
7. Ismailia, Egypt
Ismailia, located by the Suez Canal, offers a glimpse into modern Egyptian history and a chance to see the famous canal up close. The city also features beautiful gardens and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Distance: Approximately 350 km
Travel Time: About 3 to 4 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Suez Canal, gardens, historical sites
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Suez Canal Authority Building: $5 (for panoramic view)
- Ismailia Museum: $3
Budget: Approximately $40-$70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Temsah Lake, Suez Canal, Fayed Beach
Travel Tip: Visit the Suez Canal Authority building for a panoramic view of the canal and its passing ships.
8. Cairo, Egypt
A trip to Cairo from Sharm El-Sheikh lets you explore Egypt’s bustling capital, home to the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, which houses an extensive collection of ancient artifacts.
Distance: Approximately 500 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by flight or 6 hours by car
Transportation: Flight or Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Entrance Fees:
- Pyramids of Giza: $12
- Egyptian Museum: $10
- Sphinx: Included with Pyramids entry
Budget: Approximately $100-$200 (including transportation, entrance fees, and guided tours)
Scenic Spots: Giza Plateau, Nile River, Cairo Citadel
Travel Tip: Plan to start early to avoid crowds, especially at the Pyramids of Giza, and consider hiring a knowledgeable local guide for in-depth insights.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
What are some must-visit attractions on a day trip from Sharm El-Sheikh?
Must-visit attractions include Ras Mohammed National Park for snorkeling and diving, a desert safari in the Sinai Desert, a visit to Saint Catherine’s Monastery, and a trip to the Colored Canyon for hiking.
Is a day trip to the Ras Mohammed National Park worth it?
Absolutely! Ras Mohammed National Park offers some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences in the world, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. It’s a not-to-be-missed destination for nature lovers.
Can I visit the ancient city of Petra from Sharm El-Sheikh?
Are there guided tours to the Sinai Desert?
Yes, there are numerous guided desert safaris available, offering experiences like camel riding, Bedouin dinners under the stars, and even overnight camping in the desert.
What historical sites can I visit on a day trip from Sharm El-Sheikh?
Saint Catherine’s Monastery is a must-visit historical site, being one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, and Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments.
Is there a trip to the Colored Canyon?
Definitely! The Colored Canyon offers an extraordinary hiking experience through narrow canyons with beautifully colored walls. It’s a great adventure for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Sinai.
Can I explore the Red Sea’s marine life on a day trip?
Yes, there are numerous boat trips available from Sharm El-Sheikh that offer snorkeling and diving excursions to explore the rich marine life of the Red Sea, including trips to Tiran Island and the SS Thistlegorm wreck.
Are there any cultural experiences available near Sharm El-Sheikh?
You can immerse yourself in Bedouin culture with a visit to a traditional Bedouin camp, where you can enjoy local cuisine, tea, and learn about their way of life. Star-gazing trips in the desert are also a popular cultural experience.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/sharm-el-sheikh-l408?activity_type=dayTrip
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