Sharm El Sheikh Excursions & Day Trips

Sharm El Sheikh sits at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, wrapped around some of the best-protected reefs in the Red Sea and within reach of two of the region's great overland journeys — the holy summit of Mount Sinai and the Coloured Canyon near Dahab. Whether you came to dive, to ride the dunes, or to tick off the pyramids on a day flight to Cairo, there's an excursion for it. Here are the trips worth your time, with rough durations and prices so you can build your week before you land.

Ras Mohammed and Tiran snorkelling boats

The signature Sharm sea day is a boat into Ras Mohammed National Park, where the reef walls drop into deep blue and the coral gardens are among the richest in Egypt. Most trips pair it with the Tiran Island reefs or the White Island sandbar, giving you two long snorkelling stops of about 90 minutes each plus lunch on board. Reckon on a full day of roughly 7 to 8 hours. Group boats start around €25–35 per person; a private yacht is a different world of money but perfect for a group. Divers get their own dedicated boats too — see our Red Sea diving guide for site notes.

Desert safari, quad bikes and Bedouin dinner

The Sinai desert makes a fine counterpoint to all that water. Afternoon safaris combine quad biking over the dunes, a camel ride, a stop at a Bedouin camp, sunset over the mountains and a BBQ dinner with a show. Plan on about 5 to 6 hours, timed for the cooler end of the day. Group prices generally sit in the €20–35 range depending on ride time and whether dinner is bundled in.

St Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai

One of Egypt's most memorable excursions is the overnight climb of Mount Sinai to watch sunrise from the summit, followed by a visit to St Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest working monasteries in the world. It's a demanding trip: pickup around midnight, a two to three hour hike up in the dark, sunrise at the top, then the descent and the monastery before returning to Sharm by mid-morning. Budget roughly €35–55 per person and expect to be away 10 to 12 hours.

Coloured Canyon and Dahab

A full-day inland tour heads north to the laid-back town of Dahab and the spectacular Coloured Canyon, a narrow maze of sandstone streaked with mineral colours. Days usually mix a 4x4 or jeep ride, a canyon walk, a camel or ATV segment, snorkelling near the Blue Hole and lunch in a Bedouin tent. Count on 8 to 10 hours and around €35–55 in a group.

Day trip to Cairo by flight

Cairo is a long haul by road from Sharm, so most visitors fly — a short hop that turns the pyramids into a comfortable day rather than an ordeal. A typical itinerary covers the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum with a guide and lunch. Flight day trips run a full 12 to 14 hours and cost considerably more than a boat day; a cheaper long-coach option exists but makes for a punishing schedule.

Day trip to Luxor by flight

Luxor is also reachable as a flying day trip, taking in the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple and Karnak. Like Cairo, it's a premium excursion because of the airfare, but it packs the highlights of ancient Thebes into a single well-run day. Verify current flight-inclusive prices when booking, as they move with the season.

Best time, private vs group, and how to book

Sharm is a true year-round resort — even winter stays mild — but spring and autumn give the kindest mix of warm water and comfortable air for both the reefs and the desert. Group tours are the affordable, sociable default and fine for most trips; private tours cost more but suit families, divers and anyone doing a long flight day where a tailored pace pays off. Every price here is a guide only, so verify before you commit. Browse the bookable excursions below and reserve online ahead of your trip — Mount Sinai and the Cairo flights in particular sell out in peak weeks.