Sharm El Sheikh: What to Do in Paradise on the Shores of the Red Sea

Sharm El Sheikh, located on the southern coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, is considered one of the most popular tourist resorts in the world. Combining stunning natural beauty, rich marine life, and excellent leisure facilities, Sharm El Sheikh attracts tourists from all over the world. Let me now tell you what you can do in this paradise on the shores of the Red Sea.

Nature and Beaches

Sharm El Sheikh is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and endless golden beaches. The Red Sea coast is simply stunning, with its crystal-clear warm waters, coral reefs, and unique underwater fauna, making it an ideal place for diving and snorkeling. The Ras Mohammed National Park is located nearby and offers visitors wonderful opportunities to observe the amazing world of the Red Sea. The views of the Sinai Mountains and the vast desert landscapes are reminiscent of Mars and its surface, giving you a sense of being an astronaut.

The impressive underwater life

Sharm El Sheikh is considered one of the best diving destinations in the world. The reefs, inhabited by diverse species of fish and marine animals such as turtles, sea stars, and rays, make it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. Whether you're a professional diver or a beginner, you'll find numerous dive sites and diving schools offering training courses and organized dives. Experiencing the world of Ariel from "The Little Mermaid" or the brave Nemo is truly priceless in this underwater wonderland.

Entertainment and activities

Sharm El Sheikh offers a plethora of entertainment and activities to satisfy all preferences and age groups. The opportunities for water excursions on pristine white yachts to neighboring islands will not leave enthusiasts of diverse leisure activities indifferent. You can also embark on a desert safari or ride a camel to immerse yourself in the desert atmosphere and visit Bedouin camps. For golf enthusiasts, Sharm El Sheikh boasts excellent golf courses for a game. Numerous luxury resorts offer spa centers, fitness gyms, tennis courts, and other amenities for guests to relax and have fun. And, of course, the nightlife in Sharm El Sheikh is represented by lounge cafes, nightclubs, and restaurants serving delectable seafood cuisine.

Shopping and cooking

In Sharm El Sheikh, there are various opportunities for shopping. From souvenirs and handicrafts to jewelry, you will find plenty of shops and shopping centers to satisfy your shopping needs. Special attention should be given to products made of Egyptian cotton, such as t-shirts, towels, and bed linen. Traditionally, Egypt offers a wide range of oils and perfumes. Also, pay attention to local cosmetics and hair care products, as Egypt's enthusiasts have long discovered their advantages and stock up on them. The same goes for medications. In government pharmacies, they are inexpensive and protected against counterfeits, you just need to know the name of the active ingredient of the medication you need.

Ras Mohammed is a national park and one of the top 10 beaches in the world

Ras Mohammed National Park is a breathtaking natural reserve located on the coast of the Red Sea in Egypt. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, offering incredible natural beauty and unique ecosystems. With its rich and diverse underwater world, it is listed among the top 10 beaches in the world. Being in Sharm El-Sheikh and not visiting Ras Mohammed National Park would be a crime.

The biological diversity of Ras Mohammed National Park is represented by its rich marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The underwater world of the national park is mesmerizing, with its abundance of coral reefs, fish, and other marine creatures. Here, you can engage in snorkeling or diving to explore this amazing underwater kingdom.

The park truly captivates with its beautiful beaches. Clear water, soft sand, and an abundance of marine creatures make it an ideal place for relaxation and enjoying nature. Here, you can not only swim but also sunbathe and take leisurely walks along the shore, immersing yourself in the tranquil ambiance.

Ras Mohammed National Park offers breathtaking views of the Red Sea and its surroundings. The towering cliffs, cliffsides, and plateaus provide panoramic vistas of the coastal landscapes and serene horizons. There's no better place than here to capture stunning photographs while immersing yourself in the beauty of this unique location.

The park, established in 1989, also serves as a center for the preservation and protection of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the region. Its mission is to safeguard and conserve unique plant and animal species, as well as one of the most stunning coral reefs on the planet. Visiting the park requires an entrance fee, and the funds collected contribute to the financing and support of these conservation efforts.

The total area of the park is 480 square kilometers, with a significant portion being water surface (345 square kilometers). However, there are also areas where visitors can take a stroll. The park offers various trails and routes that are perfect for hiking and biking. Tourists can explore the reserve by walking along scenic paths, marveling at the natural beauty, and observing the local plants and wildlife.

Ras Mohammed is an important site for bird migration, and it offers the opportunity to observe a variety of bird species. Ornithologists and bird enthusiasts can observe them in their natural habitat and capture unique moments in photographs. The mangrove thickets provide a peaceful nesting place for birds. The reserve is particularly significant for white storks, whose population is under threat.

Visiting Ras Mohammed National Park offers unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the nature of the Sinai Peninsula. It is a place where you can enjoy stunning landscapes, engage in active recreational activities, and discover the unique wealth of biodiversity in the Red Sea.

Diving in Sharm El Sheikh - who inhabits the depths of the Red Sea

Sharm El Sheikh is renowned for its stunning coral reefs and rich diversity of marine life. It offers excellent diving conditions for most of the year. The warm and clear waters, great underwater visibility, and moderate currents make it an attractive destination for divers of all experience levels. You can immerse yourself in a vibrant and unique underwater world, where you will encounter colorful tropical fish, fascinating corals, sea turtles, rays, and other marine species. In the article about diving in Sharm El Sheikh, you will discover who inhabits the depths of the Red Sea and its unique reefs.

Various species of tropical coral fish

During diving, you will be able to see a multitude of colorful tropical fish.

The clownfish, known to many from the movie "Finding Nemo," always hides in anemones.

The butterflyfish, with its vibrant lemon-colored appearance that can be seen from afar, often swims in pairs. By the way, butterflyfish can reach sizes ranging from 3 to 7 cm.

Parrotfish have a highly unusual head shape, large size, and incredibly vibrant colors, which is why they received their name. This species of fish is renowned not only for its bright colors but also for its fascinating behavior.

The angelfish is characterized by a powerful, backward-pointing spine located on the lower side of its gill covers, as well as a striped pattern with a predominant yellow and purple coloration.

Meeting a soldierfish requires a very attentive diver as during the day, these fish prefer to hide in the reefs. However, occasionally they venture out from their shelters and swim near them.

The surgeonfish got its name from the tail spines that resemble scalpels. Their bright blue and yellow coloration is surprisingly not observed in their juvenile stage. You may remember this fish as the forgetful Dory from the previously mentioned movie "Finding Nemo."

Angelfish or lionfish are excellent at camouflaging themselves among coral. Their unique appearance serves as a warning signal, as these fish are venomous. In general, I do not recommend touching anything with your hands in the Red Sea.

Stonefish is another champion of camouflage. It is also venomous, and its venom can be lethal to humans, causing death within a couple of hours.

Grunts, or grunt fish, have earned their nickname due to the grunting sounds they produce. Scientists believe that these sounds serve as signals within their species.

Barracudas are often encountered in certain diving spots in Sharm El-Sheikh, where you can witness schools of barracudas swimming together, creating a spectacular and mesmerizing sight.

Рыба-игла, узнать ее легко: чрезвычайно тонкая и пугливая рыбка, которая старается держаться поближе к рифу.

Sea turtles

Sea turtles are indeed a fascinating sight in Sharm El-Sheikh. The destination is home to several species of sea turtles, including the green turtle and the loggerhead turtle. You can encounter them while diving or snorkeling in the Ras Mohammed National Park. An interesting fact about sea turtles is that their anatomy has remained relatively unchanged for millions of years since the Mesozoic era. This suggests that they have long been the pinnacle of evolutionary success within their species.

The seafloor

During your dive, if you're lucky, you may encounter elegant and graceful marine rays gliding above the seafloor. They create an impressive spectacle with their smooth movements. The most commonly encountered rays are stingrays. They often venture into shallower waters and camouflage themselves on the seabed for warmth. Be cautious as they can strike with their tail spine if they feel threatened. Additionally, be aware of the electric rays, such as the electric torpedo ray, which can deliver a shock of several tens of volts.

Moray

Moray eels are fascinating and unique creatures of the marine world. Despite their menacing appearance, they usually prefer to avoid encounters with humans and other animals. Moray eels tend to retreat and hide rather than confront threats.

Sharm El-Sheikh offers a wide range of diving sites suitable for different skill levels and interests. You can choose dive spots where you will encounter large predatory fish, magnificent caves, walls teeming with marine life, and even sunken ships. It's important to note that underwater fauna can vary depending on the season and specific diving location. It's best to consult with local instructors and diving experts to ensure a high-quality diving experience and prioritize safety, especially if you're a beginner. And let's reiterate the golden rule: never touch anything with your hands in the Red Sea. Wishing you enjoyable dives!