Diver's paradise! ! !
🌊 Pearl of the Red Sea - Divers' Paradise, the Ultimate Collision of Desert and Ocean
📍 Must-play core experience
1️⃣ Red Sea Diving God List
🔥 Three world-class dive sites
- Ras Mohammed National Park (entrance fee is about 350 Egyptian pounds)
▫️ Shark Reef: Swim with white tip sharks, with light and shadow interweaving in the coral canyon and visibility of 30 meters+.
▫️ Yolanda Reef: Shipwrecks coexist with soft corals, and giant sea fans dance with the ocean currents. It was rated as one of the "Top Ten Diving Spots in the World" by National Geographic.
- Thistlegorm Shipwreck (dive approx. 800 EGP)
▫️ The wreckage of a British supply ship during World War II. Motorcycles and trucks are clearly visible in the cargo hold. The barracuda storm is as shocking as a "fish tornado".
- Tiran Island Channel (snorkeling about 500 Egyptian pounds)
▫️ The "coral maze" on the border between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, where Napoleon fish and hawksbill turtles shuttle through, and the strong current area is suitable for advanced players.
✨ Hidden gameplay
- Night dive: In the waters near Naama Bay, fluorescent plankton bursts with blue light as it moves, making you feel like you are in the world of "Avatar".
- Glass-bottom boat: take the elderly/children out to sea, the transparent bottom of the boat directly hits the coral reef, and the captain will scatter fish food to attract schools of fish to surround it.
2️⃣ Desert Rhapsody
🏜️ Travel through a thousand years in one day
- Hike to Mount Sinai (ticket price: around 200 Egyptian pounds)
▫️ Set off at 3 am and climb 2,285 meters along the "Road of Confessions". At sunrise, you will overlook the golden desert from the top of the mountain and feel the sacredness of the "Exodus".
- St. Catherine's Monastery (combined ticket about 300 Egyptian pounds)
▫️ The world's oldest functioning monastery houses a 6th-century Bible manuscript. The "burning bush" in the courtyard is said to be where Moses was ordained.
- Bedouin tribal dinner (approximately 400 Egyptian pounds per person)
▫️ Ride a camel across the dunes, sample charcoal-grilled lamb and hummus under the stars, and follow the locals in traditional Saidi dance.
3️⃣ Coastal Carnival Map
🌴 Three major bays
-Naama Bay
▫️ During the day: lie down at the beach club (recommended "Soho Square", lounge chairs + parasols are free), jet ski / paragliding for a thrilling experience.
▫️ Night: There are many bars on the pedestrian street, international DJs perform at the "Pacha" nightclub, and bonfire parties on the beach last until the early morning.
-Sharks Bay
▫️ Snorkeling secrets at the reef coast, where you may encounter lobsters and moray eels among the black corals. The shoreside cafe "Camel Bar" offers hookahs and swings with sea views.
-Nabq Bay
▫️ Ecological reserve, mangrove hiking and bird watching, digging for clams at low tide, and listening to bagpipes at "Bedouin Camp" in the evening.
🍜 Egypt on the tip of your tongue
💡 Locals' Secret List
- Koshari Street (Naama Bay main street)
▫️ Egypt's national delicacy "Kushari": rice + macaroni + black beans + fried onions, topped with spicy tomato sauce, 25 Egyptian pounds per person.
- Al Fanar Restaurant (Naama Bay)
▫️ You must order the roasted pigeon (Hamaam), which has a crispy skin wrapped with fragrant rice filling and is served with pickles to relieve the greasiness. The price per person is 150 Egyptian pounds.
- Al-Masrien Restaurant (Old Market)
▫️ Traditional Egyptian stew "Molokhiyya", dark green okra soup with flatbread, a delight for lovers of strong flavors.
- Dessert carts (can be found everywhere on the streets)
▫️ Coconut Cake (Um Ali): puff pastry + milk + nuts, moderate sweetness; rose water ice cream, floral fragrance blooming on the tip of your tongue.
🚗 Transportation and accommodation guide
✈️ How to get there
- Direct flights: There are direct flights to many European countries (such as London and Paris). Chinese tourists can transfer in Dubai/Doha, and the total flight time is about 12 hours.
- By land: It takes 10 hours by bus from Cairo (about 300 Egyptian pounds), but the mountain road is bumpy, so it is recommended to choose a sleeper at night or a plane.
🚕 Travel within the city
- Taxi: The airport to Naama Bay is about 150 Egyptian pounds, and it is cheaper to take Uber.
- Car rental: International driver's license + credit card, SUV about 400 Egyptian pounds / day, suitable for self-driving to explore remote dive sites.
🏨 Accommodation recommendations
- Luxury Choice: Rixos Sharm El Sheikh (All-Inclusive Resort)
▫️ Private beach leading directly to the coral reef, 7 theme restaurants + water park, honeymoon room with candlelight dinner.
- Best value for money: Jaz Fanara Resort (three stars)
▫️ Family-friendly, kids club + pool bar, 5 minutes walk to the beach, 200 yuan per person per night.
- Backpacker's paradise: Coral Sea Resort (youth hostel)
▫️ 8 beds in a room for 50 Egyptian pounds per night, free snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can watch the sunset on the rooftop terrace.
📌 Survival Guide
- Diving equipment: Renting a full set costs about 200 Egyptian pounds per day. It is recommended to bring your own mask + snorkel (hygienic + anti-fog).
- Sun protection: SPF50+ waterproof sunscreen, headscarf/sunglasses are essential, wear long sleeves to protect against UV rays when hiking in the desert.
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the main currency, but USD/Euro are also accepted. The airport exchange rate is poor, so it is recommended to exchange at Naama Bay.
- Safety: Avoid the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula (such as Taba). Female tourists should wear conservative swimsuits and be careful when traveling alone at night.
🌞 Best travel season
- Peak season (November-April): Temperature 20-30℃, warm sea water, best diving visibility, reservations must be made 2 months in advance.
- Shoulder season (May-October): Temperatures are 35°C+, hotel prices are halved, suitable for tourists with limited budgets, and diving can avoid the midday heat.
✨ Easter Egg Benefits
- Red Sea Music Festival in April: an international DJ + electronic music party, Naama Bay Beach is transformed into an open-air dance floor.
- Diving certification: PADI open water course is about 4000 Egyptian pounds, four days and three nights including accommodation, the price-performance ratio is the best in the world.
🌊 Conclusion
Sharm el-Sheikh is the Red Sea's gift to the world - when the morning sun pierces the desert, when the starry sky at night falls into the ocean, every grain of sand and every wave here tells the ultimate romance of nature and civilization. Dive into the deep blue and let the corals crown you; cross the yellow sand and let the Bedouin stories warm your journey. This trip is worth savoring for a lifetime.