Sharm El Sheikh is a Red Sea resort city at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, known for diving at Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran, beach resorts and Naama Bay nightlife.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Sharm El Sheikh.
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- Lively
- sunbeds
- showers
- watersports
- restaurants
Naama Bay Beach
Sheltered sandy bay in the heart of the resort area; most beach frontage belongs to hotels with day-use fees around EGP 300-800 (~$6-16).
Editor’s tip. Wear reef shoes; coral rubble and sea urchins are common near the water's edge
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- Relaxed
- jetty access
- sunbeds
- dive centre
Sharks Bay Beach and House Reef
Sand beach with a house reef off the jetties; snorkelling is the draw.
Editor’s tip. Enter from the jetty rather than walking over the shallow coral to protect the reef
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- Local and scenic
- pier
- reef platform
- cafe
Ras Um Sid Beach
Rocky coastline with a pier for reef access beneath the lighthouse.
Editor’s tip. Wear sturdy reef shoes; the shoreline is rocky with sea urchins
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- Quiet resort
- sunbeds
- resort facilities
Coral Bay Beach
Quiet resort beach on the northern stretch with shallow sand and reef beyond.
Editor’s tip. Confirm day-use fees with the resort before visiting if not staying there
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- Protected, remote
- limited shade
- no facilities beyond park services
Marsa Bareika, Ras Mohammed
A sheltered cove inside Ras Mohammed National Park, good for swimming and snorkelling.
Editor’s tip. Bring water, food, shade and sun protection as there are no facilities beyond park services
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- Family-friendly
- sunbeds
- watersports
Ras Nasrani Beach
Wide beach on the north coast with shallow water near hotels.
Editor’s tip. Confirm day-use fees at the hotel before visiting if not staying there
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- Casual
- beach clubs
- sunbeds
Hadaba Bay Beach
Beach clubs and hotel beaches on a small bay between Naama Bay and the Old Market.
Editor’s tip. Compare day-use fees between clubs before choosing, as prices vary
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- Pristine
- boat access only
White Island Sandbar
A tiny sandbar offshore, visited on boat trips for snorkelling.
Editor’s tip. Choose an early departure to reach the sandbar before other boats
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- Resort
- resort facilities
- sunbeds
Nabq Bay Beach
Resort beaches facing the Straits of Tiran with long sandy shoreline.
Editor’s tip. Swim in the morning when the wind is lighter
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Sharm El Sheikh memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Sharm El Sheikh’s coast.
Is Naama Bay Beach free to enter?
Most of the beachfront belongs to hotels, and non-guests usually pay a day-use fee of around EGP 300-800. The fee commonly includes a sunbed and shower access.
From the Naama Bay Beach editorial.
Is Naama Bay good for snorkelling?
Yes, many hotel jetties give direct access to the house reef. Reef shoes and a mask are recommended, and gear can be rented locally.
From the Naama Bay Beach editorial.
Are there sharks at Sharks Bay?
The name does not guarantee shark sightings. Wildlife encounters vary, and visitors mainly come for the corals and reef fish.
From the Sharks Bay Beach and House Reef editorial.
Can beginners snorkel the house reef?
Yes, the reef is reached from jetties over calm water. Beginners should stay near the jetty and use a flotation vest if unsure.
From the Sharks Bay Beach and House Reef editorial.
Is Ras Um Sid a sandy beach?
Not primarily. The coastline is rocky with a small sandy area and a reef platform, and the draw is snorkelling and views.
From the Ras Um Sid Beach editorial.
Is it good for snorkelling?
Yes, the reef is close to shore and reachable from the pier. Reef shoes and care around the coral are recommended.
From the Ras Um Sid Beach editorial.
Is Coral Bay suitable for children?
The shallow sandy entry suits children, though reef shoes are advised because of coral and sea urchins further out.
From the Coral Bay Beach editorial.
How far is Coral Bay from Naama Bay?
It is about 12 km north, around 15-25 minutes by taxi for roughly EGP 200-400.
From the Coral Bay Beach editorial.