Sharm El Sheikh Day Trips: Best Itineraries & Planning Guide

Sharm El Sheikh day trips offer incredible variety—world-class snorkeling, desert adventures, and cultural experiences all within easy reach. This guide provides complete itineraries and planning advice for unforgettable day excursions.

Why Take Day Trips from Sharm El Sheikh?

Sharm El Sheikh's strategic location makes it an ideal base for day trips:

• Red Sea access: World-class marine sites 30-60 minutes away
• Sinai Desert: Dramatic landscapes start at city edge
• Historical sites: Ancient monasteries within 2-3 hours
• Bedouin culture: Authentic experiences nearby
• Variety: Water, desert, and cultural options

Marine Day Trips

Ras Mohammed National Park Day Trip

Complete Itinerary

07:00 AM - Hotel pickup from Sharm hotels
08:00 AM - Arrive at Ras Mohammed National Park
08:30-10:30 AM - First snorkeling session (Shark Reef)
10:30-11:30 AM - Boat transfer to second site
11:30-13:00 PM - Second snorkeling session (Yolanda Reef)
13:00-14:00 PM - Lunch break on boat or beach
14:00-15:30 PM - Third snorkeling session (Marsa Barraka)
16:00 PM - Depart for Sharm
17:00 PM - Return to hotel

What You'll See

• 250+ tropical fish species
• 40+ coral varieties
• Giant moray eels
• Groupers and snappers
• Pelagic species (trevally, jacks)
• Pristine coral reefs

Inclusions

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Boat transportation
• Snorkeling equipment
• Professional guide
• Lunch and refreshments
• Park entrance fees

Price: 70-100 USD per person
Duration: 8-9 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate

White Island Day Trip

Complete Itinerary

08:00 AM - Hotel pickup
09:00 AM - Arrive at White Island
09:30-11:30 AM - First snorkeling session
11:30-14:00 PM - Beach relaxation and lunch
14:00-16:00 PM - Second snorkeling session
16:30 PM - Depart for Sharm
17:30 PM - Return to hotel

What Makes It Special

• Pristine white-sand beach
• Calm, clear turquoise water
• Fewer tourists than other sites
• Excellent snorkeling for beginners
• Peaceful, exclusive atmosphere

Inclusions

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Boat transportation
• Snorkeling equipment
• Beach lunch
• Professional guide
• Refreshments

Price: 60-85 USD per person
Duration: 8 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Tiran Island Day Trip

Complete Itinerary

07:30 AM - Hotel pickup
08:30 AM - Depart for Tiran Island
09:30-11:30 AM - Jackson Reef snorkeling
11:30-13:00 PM - Boat transfer and lunch
13:00-15:00 PM - Gordon Reef snorkeling
15:30 PM - Depart for Sharm
17:00 PM - Return to hotel

For Advanced Snorkelers

• Strong currents
• Large pelagic species
• Remote, dramatic location
• Few other tourists
• Real adventure feel

Inclusions

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Boat transportation
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch and refreshments
• Professional guide
• Safety equipment

Price: 80-120 USD per person
Duration: 8-9 hours
Difficulty: Advanced

Desert Day Trips

Quad Biking Sunset Safari

Complete Itinerary

15:00 PM - Hotel pickup
15:30 PM - Arrive at desert base
15:30-16:00 PM - Safety briefing and equipment
16:00-17:00 PM - Quad biking through dunes
17:00-18:00 PM - Arrive at Bedouin camp
18:00-19:00 PM - Sunset viewing, tea, snacks
19:00-19:30 PM - Traditional dinner
19:30 PM - Return to Sharm
20:00 PM - Hotel drop-off

What You'll Experience

• 30-50 km/h quad speeds
• Desert dune exploration
• Bedouin camp visit
• Spectacular sunset views
• Traditional tea ceremony
• Desert stargazing (if staying later)

Inclusions

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• ATV and helmet
• Professional guide
• Bedouin camp visit
• Tea and snacks
• Dinner
• Safety equipment

Price: 70-90 USD per person
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Camel Safari Day Trip

Complete Itinerary

15:00 PM - Hotel pickup
15:30 PM - Arrive at desert starting point
15:30-16:30 PM - Camel ride through desert
16:30-17:30 PM - Bedouin village visit
17:30-18:30 PM - Traditional tea and sunset viewing
18:30 PM - Return to Sharm
19:00 PM - Hotel drop-off

Traditional Experience

• 5-10 km/h camel pace
• 360° desert vistas
• Cultural immersion
• Bedouin hospitality
• Photography opportunities
• Peaceful, meditative experience

Inclusions

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Camel and handler
• Professional guide
• Bedouin village visit
• Tea and snacks
• Sunset viewing

Price: 40-60 USD per person
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Jeep Desert Safari Day Trip

Complete Itinerary

09:00 AM - Hotel pickup
09:30 AM - Depart for desert
10:00-12:00 PM - 4x4 desert exploration
12:00-13:00 PM - Bedouin village visit
13:00-14:00 PM - Lunch at camp
14:00-15:00 PM - Photography stops
15:00 PM - Return to Sharm
16:00 PM - Hotel drop-off

Comfortable Adventure

• 4x4 vehicle (not self-driving)
• Off-road desert driving
• Multiple stops for photos
• Bedouin cultural experience
• Suitable for all ages
• Less physically demanding

Inclusions

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• 4x4 vehicle and driver
• Professional guide
• Bedouin village visit
• Lunch
• Refreshments

Price: 60-90 USD per person
Duration: 6-7 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Cultural Day Trips

Dahab and Blue Hole Day Trip

Complete Itinerary

07:00 AM - Hotel pickup from Sharm
08:30 AM - Arrive in Dahab
09:00-12:00 PM - Blue Hole viewing and snorkeling
12:00-14:00 PM - Lunch at beachfront restaurant
14:00-16:00 PM - Explore Dahab town
16:00-17:00 PM - Shopping and relaxation
17:00 PM - Depart for Sharm
18:30 PM - Return to hotel

What You'll Experience

• View famous Blue Hole (safe from above)
• Snorkeling at Blue Hole entrance
• Explore laid-back Dahab town
• Beachfront dining
• Local market shopping
• Bedouin atmosphere

Inclusions

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Transportation
• Guide
• Lunch
• Snorkeling equipment

Price: 70-100 USD per person
Duration: 8-9 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Saint Catherine Monastery Day Trip

Complete Itinerary

06:00 AM - Early hotel pickup
08:00 AM - Arrive at Saint Catherine
08:00-10:00 AM - Monastery tour
10:00-11:00 AM - Burning Bush site
11:00-12:00 PM - Explore monastery grounds
12:00-13:00 PM - Lunch
13:00 PM - Depart for Sharm
15:00 PM - Return to hotel

Historical Significance

• UNESCO World Heritage site
• One of oldest working monasteries
• Burning Bush biblical site
• Mount Sinai nearby
• Rich Christian history
• Ancient manuscripts and art

Inclusions

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Transportation
• Professional guide
• Monastery entrance fees
• Lunch

Price: 80-120 USD per person
Duration: 9-10 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (walking involved)

Optional Mount Sinai Sunrise Hiking

• Depart Sharm: 11:00 PM previous night
• Hike duration: 3-4 hours
• Summit arrival: Pre-dawn
• Watch sunrise from peak
• Descend and visit monastery
• Return to Sharm: 14:00 PM
• Additional cost: 20-30 USD

Colored Canyon Day Trip

Complete Itinerary

08:00 AM - Hotel pickup
10:00 AM - Arrive at Colored Canyon
10:00-13:00 PM - Hiking through canyon
13:00-14:00 PM - Lunch break
14:00-15:00 PM - Photography stops
15:00 PM - Depart for Sharm
17:00 PM - Return to hotel

Geological Wonder

• Multi-colored sandstone formations
• Dramatic narrow passages
• Spectacular photography
• 3-4 hour hiking
• Natural geological art
• Unique landscape

Inclusions

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Transportation
• Professional guide
• Lunch
• Park entrance fees

Price: 60-90 USD per person
Duration: 8-9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (hiking required)

Combination Day Trips

Marine + Desert Combo

Full Day Experience

• Morning: White Island snorkeling (8:00-14:00)
• Afternoon rest at hotel
• Evening: Quad biking sunset (15:00-20:00)

Price: 130-175 USD per person
Duration: Full day split
Best For: Active travelers wanting both experiences

Culture + Desert Combo

Bedouin Experience Day

• Morning: Camel safari (9:00-12:00)
• Afternoon: Bedouin village visit (12:00-15:00)
• Evening: Bedouin camp dinner (15:00-20:00)

Price: 120-160 USD per person
Duration: Full day
Best For: Culture enthusiasts

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Marine Focus

Morning: White Island snorkeling (8:00-16:00)
Evening: Relax at hotel, Naama Bay dinner

Day 2: Desert Adventure

Afternoon: Quad biking sunset safari (15:00-20:00)
Evening: Bedouin camp dinner included

Day 3: Cultural Day Trip

Full Day: Dahab and Blue Hole (7:00-18:30)
Evening: Free time or optional night activity

Day Trip Planning Tips

Booking Timeline

• Popular trips: Book 2-3 days in advance
• Private tours: Book 3-5 days in advance
• Peak season (October-April): Book earlier
• Last minute: Possible but limited options

What to Consider When Choosing

• Your fitness level: Be realistic
• Weather conditions: Check forecast
• Group size: Smaller is often better
• Inclusions: Compare what's included
• Reviews: Read recent feedback
• Cancellation policy: Understand terms

Essential Items to Pack

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Water bottle
• Camera
• Light jacket
• Cash for tips
• Swimwear (for marine trips)
• Comfortable walking shoes

Safety Considerations

• Stay hydrated (3+ liters water)
• Follow guide instructions
• Don't venture alone
• Respect local customs
• Use provided safety equipment
• Know emergency contacts

Cost Comparison

Day Trip Type	Price Range	Duration	Difficulty
Ras Mohammed	70-100 USD	8-9 hours	Intermediate
White Island	60-85 USD	8 hours	Easy
Tiran Island	80-120 USD	8-9 hours	Advanced
Quad Biking	70-90 USD	4-5 hours	Moderate
Camel Safari	40-60 USD	3-4 hours	Easy
Jeep Safari	60-90 USD	6-7 hours	Easy
Dahab Day Trip	70-100 USD	8-9 hours	Easy
Saint Catherine	80-120 USD	9-10 hours	Moderate
Colored Canyon	60-90 USD	8-9 hours	Moderate

Best Time for Day Trips

Marine Trips

Best: October-April

• Water temperature: 22-26°C
• Visibility: 20-35m
• Calmer seas
• Comfortable air temperature

Desert Trips

Best: October-April

• Day temperature: 18-25°C
• Cool evenings
• Clear skies for stargazing
• Comfortable conditions

Avoid: May-September (extreme heat 35-45°C)

Cultural Trips

Best: October-April

• Comfortable temperatures
• Clear views for photography
• Pleasant walking conditions
• Good lighting for sites

Common Day Trip Mistakes

1. Over-scheduling: Don't book multiple full-day trips consecutively
2. Ignoring heat: Plan around peak sun hours (11 AM-3 PM)
3. Underestimating fitness: Be honest about your ability
4. Skipping sunscreen: Apply heavily and reapply often
5. Booking cheapest option: Quality and safety vary
6. Not reading reviews: Check recent traveler feedback
7. Last-minute booking: Popular trips sell out
8. Forgetting cash: Some operators prefer cash tips

Day Trip Operator Selection

What to Look For

• Professional certifications
• Positive recent reviews
• Clear pricing structure
• Good safety record
• Responsive communication
• Insurance coverage
• Quality equipment

Questions to Ask

• What's the maximum group size?
• What's included in the price?
• What's the cancellation policy?
• Are there any hidden fees?
• What's the guide-to-guest ratio?
• Is insurance included?
• What's the backup plan for bad weather?

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