Sharm El Sheikh is a top holiday destination, thanks to the beauty of its beaches and the variety of services it offers for all kinds of tourists. It’s also a favourite spot for water sports enthusiasts, especially scuba divers, as the area is home to some spectacular underwater treasures.
El Fanar Beach
One of the most beautiful swimming areas in the region and an ideal spot for snorkelling or diving, as it sits right by a barrier reef, on one of Sharm El Sheikh’s most famous reefs, Ras Um Sid.
At the end of the wooden walkway leading to the barrier reef, you’ll already be able to see some of the rich marine life that makes El Fanar Beach famous in the calm, clear waters.
Located almost in the Indian Ocean, just 20 kilometres from Sharm El Sheikh, this beach is part of the Ras Um Sid Natural Park. It’s common to see groups of diving enthusiasts preparing to dive close to the shore, as well as those who simply wear goggles and fins to swim among the colourful fish.
El Fanar Beach offers all the amenities you might need for a day at the beach, with several hotels nearby. In fact, the most beautiful beach area is private, requiring an entrance fee of around six euros, which includes a sun lounger, parasol and a small bottle of water.
It’s very easy to get here; there’s a large car park, so it tends to have a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere, especially at sunset when the interplay of light and reflections on the water makes the place truly magical.
Na’ama Bay
Na’ama Bay is the most popular beach in Sharm El Sheikh, not only for tourists but also for those who live here year-round as if on a never-ending holiday. This area is famous for its nightlife and is surrounded by restaurants and nightclubs where you can enjoy live music.
Na’ama Bay has fine sand and the same crystal-clear waters as the Red Sea, making it perfect for water sports like swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding.
Above all, Na’ama Bay is a favourite meeting spot among tourists and locals at sunset for watching the sun dip below the horizon, followed by an evening enjoying the shows held in its entertainment venues.
Shark’s Bay Beach
This bay, located very close to Sharm El Sheikh Airport, just north of Na’ama Bay, is one of the quieter beaches in the area. It’s also an incredible spot for scuba diving or snorkelling.
Among the coral reefs, you’ll see a diverse range of colourful fish and many reef sharks, which are the stars of this beach and lend it its name. So, whether you’re an experienced diver or not, just diving into the sea is enough to ensure a unique experience.
This beach is home to several diving centres where you can get all the equipment you need, and it’s very common to see diving enthusiasts coming and going from these spots.
The beach entrance is rocky, with several wooden walkways leading directly into the sea, similar to other spots along the Egyptian coast. That said, you can also simply relax on the shore and enjoy a day at the beach.
Shark’s Bay is very close to Soho Square, one of Sharm El Sheikh’s main shopping centres, making it easy to combine a dive into an amazing underwater world with a lovely meal or a shopping spree.
Ras Um Sid
This beach is hugely popular with divers and sea life enthusiasts, as it’s one of the most beautiful spots for underwater exploration in Sharm El Sheikh. Depending on the currents, you can experience different types of dives, but one thing you can’t miss is a steep wall covered in an incredible array of gorgonian fan corals.
There are many hotels and resorts in this area, as Ras Um Sid offers some of the most stunning views over the Red Sea, making it a very special spot for swimming with all the amenities you might need.
The beach combines sandy and rocky areas, with wooden walkways leading directly to the sea, making it less crowded than other parts of Sharm El Sheikh.
Ras Um Sid transforms into a truly unique place at sunset, with breathtaking views and magical light, making it a great idea to visit at that time to watch the sun go down.
