Sharm El Sheikh Shore Excursions

Sharm El Sheikh Marina offers a compelling range of shore excursions across three very different worlds — the Red Sea's extraordinary underwater landscape, the dramatic rock formations and desert scenery of the Sinai Peninsula, and the ancient biblical heritage of Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery. Few cruise stops anywhere in the Mediterranean or Red Sea offer such a striking variety of experiences within easy reach of the port.

Without question. Ras Mohammed is widely regarded as one of the finest marine environments in the world — a protected national park where dramatic underwater walls, pristine coral gardens, and an extraordinary diversity of sea life create an experience that stays with you long after the cruise has ended. For anyone with even a passing interest in the underwater world, a shore excursion to Ras Mohammed is an absolute must.

Ras Mohammed sits at the meeting point of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea, creating exceptional water clarity and a remarkable concentration of marine biodiversity. The coral formations here are among the healthiest and most visually spectacular in the entire Red Sea, supporting vast populations of tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles in waters that are accessible to snorkellers of all abilities.

The Coloured Canyon is one of the Sinai Peninsula's most breathtaking natural wonders — a narrow sandstone gorge whose walls have been sculpted by millions of years of geological activity into swirling layers of red, yellow, purple, and orange rock. Walking through its dramatic formations feels like stepping into another world entirely, and the canyon's vivid colours and extraordinary shapes make it one of the most photographed landscapes in Egypt.

This is one of the most profound and memorable shore excursions available anywhere on the Red Sea cruise circuit. St Catherine's Monastery is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world, housing an extraordinary collection of ancient manuscripts, religious icons, and sacred artefacts. Mount Sinai itself — the biblical site where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments — rises dramatically above the monastery and offers sweeping views over one of the most historically significant landscapes on earth.

The main path to the summit follows a well-established camel trail and is manageable for most reasonably fit visitors. The ascent takes approximately two to three hours and reveals increasingly spectacular views over the Sinai landscape with every step. Warm layers are essential as temperatures at the summit can be significantly cooler than at sea level, and comfortable footwear with good grip is strongly recommended.

Yes. Despite being a Red Sea destination, Sharm El Sheikh's well-connected airport makes day trips to Cairo and Luxor by domestic flight entirely feasible for cruise passengers with sufficient time ashore. A Cairo excursion puts the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum within reach in a single extraordinary day, while a Luxor day trip delivers Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the temples of ancient Thebes.

The Ras Mohammed shore excursion is a full day experience, combining road transfer to the national park with boat access to the finest snorkelling sites, swimming time, and a return to Sharm Marina in the afternoon. All necessary snorkelling equipment is provided, and food and drinks are included, making it a completely self-contained day out from the ship.

Yes. The Ras Mohammed snorkelling trip is suitable for all ages and swimming abilities, with calm, clear water and abundant marine life visible just beneath the surface. The Coloured Canyon walk is also accessible to older children and makes for a genuinely exciting and visually dramatic experience. Shore excursions can be arranged as private tours for families requiring more flexibility in pace and itinerary.

For snorkelling trips, bring a swimsuit, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen — all snorkelling equipment is provided. For the Coloured Canyon and desert excursions, lightweight clothing, sturdy footwear, and sun protection are essential. For the Mount Sinai climb and St Catherine's Monastery visit, warm layers are strongly advised for the early morning and summit temperatures, and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required within the monastery grounds.