Cruise Port Day PlannerCruise Port Day Planner
Find CruisesPlan a Cruise My Trips Port Guides Featured Cruises

Sharm el-Sheikh EgyptCruise Port Guide

Upcoming cruises to Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh occupies the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula at the point where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Red Sea, and it has developed since the 1980s into one of the world's premier beach resort destinations — a seamless strip of luxury hotels, diving centres, and waterfront promenades set against the stark drama of the Sinai desert mountains. The city's defining asset is its underwater world: the Red Sea off Sharm el-Sheikh supports some of the most diverse and visually spectacular coral reef ecosystems on the planet, with visibility regularly exceeding 30 metres and water temperatures warm enough for comfortable snorkelling year-round. Ras Mohammed National Park, a protected area at the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula 20 kilometres from Sharm, is considered the crown jewel — its shark reef, Yolanda wreck, and Jolanda reef deliver experiences that rank among the top ten dive sites globally, with resident sharks, napoleonfish, and vast schools of snapper moving through pristine hard and soft coral formations. Tiran Island and the Straits of Tiran, accessible by boat day trip, add four legendary reef walls — Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon — to the repertoire of available sites.

Beyond the water, Sharm el-Sheikh's central Naama Bay district is a pedestrian-friendly waterfront of restaurants, cafés, and shops that remains lively until late at night, reflecting the city's evolution as a year-round resort. The nearby Old Market (Sharm el-Sheikh El Qadim) offers a more authentic Egyptian bazaar experience with spice merchants, jewellers, and souvenir sellers in a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. For those drawn by the Sinai's Biblical and historical significance, Mount Sinai — believed to be the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments — rises 2,285 metres above sea level approximately 200 kilometres north of Sharm by road, typically visited on overnight excursions. St. Catherine's Monastery at its base, founded by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, is the world's oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The desert environment surrounding Sharm creates opportunities for unique land-based experiences: quad biking and jeep safaris into the Sinai mountains, camel trekking to Bedouin camps for traditional tea and stargazing under extraordinarily clear skies, and dolphin encounters at Ras Mohammed's dolphin reefs. The famous Blue Hole at Dahab — a circular sinkhole in the reef accessible only a short drive north — is one of the world's most storied and dramatic dive sites.

Getting Around from the Port

Cruise ships dock at Sharm el-Sheikh's dedicated cruise terminal, located near the Old Market area. Naama Bay, the main resort and entertainment strip, is approximately 6–8 kilometres north; taxis run approximately EGP 50–100 ($1.50–$3 USD). The terminal area itself has taxis readily available. For Ras Mohammed National Park (20 km south), organized tours cost approximately $30–$50 per person by coach. Mount Sinai excursions (200 km) require overnight stays or very long day trips ($60–$100 per person). The Old Market is within walking distance of the port. Naama Bay beach clubs offer complimentary or low-cost shuttles from the port area for customers. Tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) offer cheap short-hop transport within the port area.

Attractions and Activities

Snorkelling and diving excursions are the signature activities: half-day boat snorkel trips to Tiran Island and Ras Mohammed cost approximately $35–$65 per person (equipment included). A two-tank dive with a local dive centre costs $60–$100 depending on site. Glass-bottom boat tours for non-swimmers run approximately $25–$40. Ras Mohammed National Park day trip by speedboat ($50–$80) provides diving and snorkelling alongside the park's iconic marine landscapes. The Naama Bay beach clubs (Ghazala Gardens, Four Seasons) can be accessed on day passes for $30–$70, including pool and beach access. Quad biking desert tours depart regularly from Naama Bay ($30–$50/hour). Camel treks to Bedouin camps run $25–$50 per person. Dahab Blue Hole day trip by private taxi or organized tour ($50–$80 includes transfer and dive or snorkel). Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery overnight tour ($80–$120 per person).

Dining & Shopping

Naama Bay offers an international dining strip: seafood restaurants, Egyptian mezze, and resort hotels with buffet dining at varying price points. For authentic Egyptian food, the Old Market area has small restaurants serving koshary (rice, lentils, pasta in tomato sauce), ful medames, and grilled fish. The Sinai Star restaurant near the Old Market is popular with local divers for its generous seafood platters. Shopping in the Old Market is the preferred local experience: papyrus art, silver jewellery, Bedouin textiles, alabaster figurines, and aromatic spice mixes are available through spirited negotiation. The duty-free zone at the port and airport sells spirits, cigarettes, and perfume. Khan el-Souk mall in Naama Bay offers fixed-price souvenir shopping for those who prefer not to bargain.

Weather

Sharm El-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula has a hot desert climate with the main cruise season from October to May, when temperatures are comfortable at 68–82°F (20–28°C). Summer months are very hot at 95–104°F (35–40°C). Light clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential year-round — the extraordinary Red Sea coral reef (among the world's best), Ras Mohammed National Park's marine biodiversity, and the nearby Sinai mountains make Sharm El-Sheikh one of the premier Red Sea dive destinations.

Average Temperature (°F)
7951Jan8352Feb8856Mar9761Apr10367May10674Jun10679Jul10880Aug10776Sep10170Oct8963Nov8256Dec
Average Precipitation (in)
0.07Jan0.11Feb0.08Mar0.02Apr0.01May0Jun0Jul0Aug0Sep0.1Oct0.13Nov0.04Dec

Safety

Sharm el-Sheikh has been heavily secured following past security incidents and is considered safe within the resort zone. Many governments advise against travel to North Sinai; Sharm and South Sinai are in a separate security category and generally considered safe for tourists. Tourist areas are patrolled by tourist police. Do not venture into desert areas alone or without a guide. Take only reputable licensed dive and snorkel operators. Jellyfish can be present in season (September–November). Sun, heat, and dehydration are serious hazards — drink bottled water, use high-SPF sunscreen, and avoid the hottest midday hours. Egypt's informal transport and tour operators vary widely in quality; book through your ship or established companies.

Currency and Language

Egyptian Pound (EGP). USD is widely accepted throughout Sharm's tourist zone. ATMs are widely available in Naama Bay and the Old Market. Credit cards accepted at hotels, dive centres, and larger restaurants but cash is preferred at markets and smaller vendors. Haggling is expected and culturally appropriate in the Old Market. No tipping custom; however, a small bakshish (tip) of 10–15% or a few Egyptian pounds is appreciated by service workers.

Top Attractions

Show map
Ras Mohammed National Park
A pristine nature reserve at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, famous for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and unique ecosystems including mangrove forests and earthquake cracks. It's a top destination for diving, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing.