The major tourism center of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el-Sheikh is undoubtedly the leading diving destination of the world. It used to be the underwater wonders of the Red Sea, particularly famed for the waters of the Ras Mohammed Marine Park located South of Town which put "Sharm" center-stage in the first place.
Adventure seekers particularly the snorkeling and diving enthusiasts continue to flock the city in large numbers on annual basis. It is also one of the best tourist attractions of Egypt especially if you are a lover of beach.
A particular favorite for the family friendly holidays, Sharm el-Sheikh is one place that will never disappoint you in any aspect. Equipped with abundant facilities – clear waters, lavish to budget stays and resorts, adequate security equipments, professional trainers, world class places to see, bountiful of things to do, Sharm el-Sheikh does have a lot of things to do on offer.
Whether you are here for the fish life or the sand, Sharm el-Sheikh is a near perfect beach break after you are done exploring the tombs and temples found in the rest of the country.
· Do not get involved in fights or brawls with anyone.
· Do respect the local cultures and traditions.
· Do not get indulged in drugs of any form.
· Make sure you do not travel alone in the night.
· Girls please ensure that you do not get over friendly with someone you barely know.
· Do not eat street food without checking the quality.
· Make sure you drink only bottled mineral water.
· Check for the seal before you buy a water bottle.
· Do not buy a bottle from the brand you do not know.
· Before going to a restaurant, make sure you research well about the applicable dress code and dress accordingly.
· Learn a few words from the local language of the region. It can be a good way to communicate with the locals and understand the local traditions and cultures.
· Always book a hotel in an area that is centrally located.
· Avoid staying in any shady area.
· Keep the vendors at bay.
· Do not entertain the touts.
· Do not entertain the beggars.
· Always carry with you at least one proof of your identity at all times.
· Do not leave your passport in the hotel room.
Book a room in the hotel that has a room safe.The legal age for drinking in Sharm el Sheikh is 21 years.
Ras Mohammed National Park
You know if there is just one place to see in Sharm el-Sheikh courtesy which the city is now a regular on the tourist map, then it has to be Ras Mohammed National Park. Encompassed by the most incredible dive sites of the world, this peninsula is a home to the finest beaches of the city which offer the best snorkeling just off shore. It is a salt water lake and the second most northerly mangrove forest of the world. For anyone who prefers to holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh, a trip to this place is inevitable.
Naama Bay
Fringed by tall palm trees and the fine white sand, Naama Bay is the hub of resort life in Sharm el-Sheikh. You can find a number of cafes, restaurants and souvenir stores. Just in case you get bored with the sand, you can enter the beach that is clear and accommodating. Rimmed by the pedestrian only promenade, the beach is brimming with a number of luxury resorts for you to enjoy a luxury stay. For anyone who comes to the city seeking a holiday that involves a lot of bear like sun bathing, this tourist attraction of Egypt should be your top preference. The entire beach is equipped with phenomenal facilities which include the loungers and the ample sun-shades. You can even find a couple of beach side cafes when you wish to fill your belly.
Jolanda Reef
Sharm el-Sheikh is not called the best diving spot without a reason. Another prominent spot for adventure enthusiasts and the diving lovers is the Jolanda Reef. Also known as the Yolanda Reef, this is definitely one of the most popular dive sites of the Northern section of the Red Sea. Lying amidst the Ras Mohammed Marine Park, divers from around the world flock here in large numbers to explore the ruins of the Jolanda which was a Cypriot freighter ship which ran aground in the year 1980.
Ras Um Sid Beach and Reef
Do you know which is the best beach of Sharm el-Sheikh? It is without a doubt going to be Ras Um Sid. Being one of the best places to see, it lies right at the southern tail of the town in proximity to the lighthouse. People here slouch on the beach and enjoy water sports like snorkeling. You can find excellent coral reef off shore. The most ideal spot for the first timers to enjoy their love for diving is the Ras Um Sid Reef that is located farther away form the beach. Many local dive operators also use this site as the try dive site. More so, if you are into just snorkeling, this site has a plenty of fish life for you to see.
Jackson Reef
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
Sharm el Sheikh is believed to have some of the best diving locations of the world. The water here is warm and crystal clear. Moreover, the underwater world is in strict contrast to the stark desert that lies above. Given the certain currents, there is an array of plankton in the area that means a vast variety of fish is attracted here. Huge schools of Murrays, sharks and barracudas can be seen on every day basis along with thousands of brightly colored coral and reef fish. Underwater water here comprises of shelves and huge walls along with wrecks and caves. One of the best wrecks for you to see is at SS Thistlegorm. For competent divers, one of the best places to visit is the Blue Hole.
Camel Trekking into the Sinai Desert
Visiting a desert on the back of a camel is indeed once in a lifetime experience. You can hire tours that will take you trekking into the Sinai Desert on the camel. These tour operators have their own bred camels and the scenery here is extra ordinary. In the evening, you’ll be served with the home made meal which is prepared around the campfire. Visitors coming here actually see something that only a few people get to experience. Night sky over the desert is brilliant beyond belief.
Quad Biking
In case, camels are not your think, Sharm el Sheikh has something else on offer for you. So, another important thing to do here is quad biking. Take a quad biking tour of the desert to explore the hidden regions here. Several trips are conducted either early in the morning for you to see the sunrise or in the evening for you to get fantastic views of the sunset. You can find resting spaces all along the way and enjoy some snacks and drinks.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery
Saint Catherine’s Orthodox Christian Monastery or simply the Saint Catherine’s Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located at the base of the Mount Sinai, this is considered as one of the oldest Christian monasteries of the world which are still in function. The other monastery here is the Saint Anthony across the Red Sea which is located South of Cairo. This monastery was built in the sixth century to encompass the place where Moses experienced the Burning Bush. It also has a living bush which is considered to be incredibly original. Only after the Vatican Library, this monastery has the 2nd largest collection of codices and manuscripts in the world. Sacred to Christian and Muslims, this monastery is indeed one of the best places to see in Sharm el Sheikh. The original document where Muhammad declared protection of the monastery is still very much present here at the Saint Catherine’s Orthodox Christian Monastery.
Old Town Sharm
Love shopping? Sharm el Sheikh definitely has something on offer for you. Head to the Old town and the local market here is the place for the bargains. You really have to be good at bargaining to win from the vendors here. This town also has few ancient buildings as well as the caravan passages which are more than 2000 years old. At this town, the visitors can also get a sample of the local life, something that just doesn’t seem to have changed in the centuries. Sellers here tend to be pushier than you’ll find at the tourist areas, so it is advisable for you to go with a companion. You can easily reach the Old town via a taxi from the resort area.
Shop for Something Special
Get over those high street stores. Most of the designer labels sell their stuff globally. So, when you can shop for a designer item from any part of the world, why would you want to buy the same at Sharm el Sheikh? When you are here, you must try and shop for something more local, something that is more authentic or probably something that will remind you of your stay at the Sharm el Sheikh. Shopping in Egypt has to be a different experience completely so make sure you actually find something that really is special. Travelers wander all round the city to shop for antiques and you can definitely find some really incredible goods for you to make a choice. So, don’t ignore the local designers and you have incredible extra ordinary jewelry, home goods and fashions to bring to the table.
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