Top Sharm el Sheikh Day Trips: Reviews & Recommendations
Planning a trip to Sharm el Sheikh? That’s fantastic! Besides the fantastic beaches and resorts, you will find lots of wonderful day trips on offer, too, so that you can really experience all that this fascinating corner of Egypt can offer. These outings provide opportunities to explore both the stunning natural surroundings and some really cool cultural and historical hotspots nearby. Let’s check out some of the very top day trips to make your vacation unforgettable.
1. Ras Mohammed National Park: A Snorkeler’s Dream
Ras Mohammed National Park is, like, a real treasure, at the very southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It’s very popular, too, with tourists, and that’s mostly because it offers, possibly, the very best snorkeling and diving in the area, that’s what you will hear. The park is super easy to get to – there are many boat tours, or jeep trips available from Sharm el Sheikh, and so it makes a fab choice for a day trip, like your own private discovery adventure, in some respects.
So, when you are under the water, prepare to be amazed! You will be swimming amongst vibrant coral reefs positively teeming with fish – really colorful parrotfish, angelfish and maybe, if you are pretty fortunate, you might spot a turtle. And if, in some respects, snorkeling is more your speed, Shark and Yolanda reefs are pretty much world-famous for their unbelievable marine life. Too, there are some lovely beaches too, so if some of the gang are less adventurous, they can chill on the sand.
Back on dry land, the park has lots to see. There’s the Magic Lake, its almost a surreal body of water which gets its name because of the differing depths of the lake that appear when the tide changes – and there are great views to get from the observation point up on the cliff tops. Actually, so remember to take sunscreen, a hat and lots of water to have an awesome experience, alright?
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2. St. Catherine’s Monastery & Mount Sinai: History & Spirituality
For something entirely different from the beach life, consider visiting St Catherine’s Monastery, you see. So, this UNESCO World Heritage site is quite one of the oldest working Christian monasteries anywhere, tucked away at the foot of Mount Sinai, you see. Day trips tend to be very early starts to catch the sunrise from the mountain top – apparently, that is unforgettable, so worth the bleary eyes.
The hike up Mount Sinai is achievable for those of a decent fitness level – expect around 3 hours depending which trail you take, there are two options to think about! So the views as the sun comes up are worth every step; so its said, with this breathtaking view, and just this serene calm at the peak before the crowds get up there too it’s almost meditation. St Catherine’s Monastery is simply packed with history, alright, its almost overwhelming in some ways; beautiful mosaics, antique religious icons, and just a feeling that time stood still are just waiting, actually.
Arguably, its still best to visit in cooler months or take a sunrise climb – this will need forward planning though! Comfortable, robust shoes are absolutely essential. Guides are there, really, to assist you on the mountain and at the Monastery to enrich that historical feel. Remember though, it’s very religious so dress codes apply, usually; covered shoulders, and longer pants or skirts are needed. Actually, taking snacks, water and layers is an extremely good idea. This trip is very awesome to learn about the historical depth of Egypt, basically, not just the beach side it has, still.
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3. Coloured Canyon: Nature’s Masterpiece
The Coloured Canyon provides a fantastic trip a bit out of the ordinary and will certainly thrill any keen photographer. Expect, like your standard trip, some off-road driving – quite part of the fun to get there, right? Then once you reach it you will literally be strolling through a sandstone canyon painted by nature, basically.
The colors are due to weathering over quite many years on the rock; all manner of shades from deep reds and oranges to the very faintest yellows, actually. It almost looks like a painter has worked there, sort of. Usually, the trails can be uneven at times, sometimes challenging, you know, so think sturdy shoes for sure, maybe. This kind of trip isn’t really advised for anybody with mobility problems. Also, the best time of the day to visit to avoid too much sun is pretty much in the morning. Still, guides tend to have some awesome local knowledge, actually.
Be sure you pack all your camera equipment because, like, every twist provides pretty new stunning views! Enjoy experiencing an entirely natural landscape; definitely respect it, and of course leave literally no trace for many generations to come! You can explore a part of the Sinai that is less traveled and still, see real raw natural beauty, you know?
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4. Dahab: A Coastal Gem
Dahab is a little coastal town just north of Sharm el Sheikh and is an extremely awesome option to experience for a day if you would like to see something totally laid back. You have, in Dahab, very cool beaches and cafes, plus some really famous diving sites for enthusiasts.
So the Blue Hole, for instance, is absolutely legendary! It’s something of a challenging dive, sort of, yet extremely experienced divers globally still flock to take the plunge and say its, actually, just magical. For a little easier diving though, so consider the Canyon which is accessible from the shore, alright? Plenty of dive operators cater for either beginner, or extremely advanced, it’s pretty fair to say. And if being beneath the water isn’t quite your thing, the beaches are just awesome places for chilling, possibly, and maybe just dipping a toe. Still, Dahab retains a vibe quite different than Sharm, more hippy even, that is something lots of people absolutely love, too it’s almost contagious, actually!
So remember to bargain in markets, perhaps? Have lunch actually in a beach side cafe – take it easy. Just take time away from your resort and experience true authentic Egyptian daily life, actually.
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5. Tiran Island: Boat Trip & Water Fun
Taking a boat trip over to Tiran Island will make another amazing experience. Almost all trips include various opportunities for snorkeling, swimming and even simply relaxing on the boat and positively soaking up some Egyptian sun! And pretty much all tours supply any equipment that you may need so literally no kit is needed, actually.
Tiran Island has super amazing coral reefs; actually, very good snorkeling opportunities around Jackson Reef and Gordon Reef are a must. Commonly the boats usually stop off in several spots giving pretty everyone enough time to completely appreciate what’s on offer, alright? Also, lunch is, a lot of times, provided right on the boat, perhaps even fresh grilled fish that tastes wonderful after spending the morning doing water sports, literally. Be prepared, its often pretty busy during peak tourist times, basically.
Most boats usually provide sunbeds; some shaded areas for those needing them, so take things to provide maximum personal comfort. This trip is the actual ideal choice if you would love simply to spend the whole day relaxing out at sea and is brilliant for families, I think, really, who need something for every single member.
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So, there’s a bit of inspiration, really. All in all Sharm el Sheikh offers loads, and taking some organized trips is often the very best and pretty safest way, too, to explore and still see things. Just select trips, usually, which absolutely appeal the most and so pack accordingly and just have so much fun. Have a positively wonderful visit!
