General Tips

Do I need to pay a resort/tourist tax on arrival when booking hotels in Sharm El Sheikh online (Booking.com, Yandex Travel, etc.)?

Yes, when booking independently through Booking.com or Yandex Travel, a resort/tourist tax is often not included in the price and must be paid separately at check-in — this is standard practice, not a site error.

2 sources · today

Do you need reef/water shoes for swimming in Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes, reef shoes are recommended — sea entry in Sharm El Sheikh is mostly rocky/coral, not sandy, and they protect your feet and make it easier to climb back onto the pontoon.

1 source · today

When is the sea level higher in Sharm El Sheikh, and should I expect shallow water near jetties and reefs?

Sea level in Sharm El Sheikh can vary noticeably by season: in summer and early September it may be much lower, while winter—especially December—typically brings water levels up by around one metre. Shallow water near jetties and reefs is temporary, but worth considering when choosing a hotel.

1 source · 2 days ago

Where can I book a private yacht charter or glass-bottom boat trip in Sharm El Sheikh?

Travelers are looking for contacts for private yacht hire and sea trips, including glass-bottom boats. No specific operators or prices were shared, so confirm the departure marina, duration, transfers and inclusions before paying.

2 sources · 3 days ago

Is a standard all-inclusive package enough at a Sharm El Sheikh resort, or is an upgraded package worth paying extra for?

Travelers suggest that a standard all-inclusive plan is generally sufficient; upgrading is only worthwhile for specific extras you will actually use. One option included access to neighbouring Steigenberger hotels and their promenade, but did not offer regular shows.

1 source · 3 days ago

Are snorkel masks, fins and life jackets included on Ras Mohammed trips from Sharm El Sheikh, or do you pay extra?

Inclusions vary by operator: masks, fins and life jackets may be charged separately on Ras Mohammed tours. One reported example was a $15 trip plus around $10 for a compulsory life jacket, so ask for a full list of extras before booking.

1 source · 3 days ago

What toiletries and in-room amenities are provided at Swiss Heaven Sharming Inn 4* in Sharm El Sheikh, including a hairdryer, iron, bathrobes and dental kit?

Confirm the exact room amenities directly with Swiss Heaven Sharming Inn 4*, as the messages do not verify hairdryers, irons, bathrobes or dental kits. Bring your own toothbrush, toothpaste and preferred hair products to avoid relying on hotel supplies.

3 sources · 4 days ago

What large marine life can snorkelers see at Fanara Reef in Sharm El Sheikh, and what time is best?

Fanara Reef is reported to have rays, Napoleon wrasse, lionfish and abundant colourful reef fish, with larger sightings often occurring near the jetty during daytime. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the Fanara Pier area is worth checking, especially in the afternoon.

2 sources · 4 days ago

How can non-guests access the reef near Sensatori Sharm El Sheikh?

Sensatori’s beach is monitored and reserved for hotel guests. For reef access, use the Baron Resort pontoon, a neighboring paid beach, or approach from the Remal side without leaving belongings at Sensatori.

1 source · 5 days ago

Are sunbeds available at Caribbean Hotel’s beach in Sharm El Sheikh, and is it safe to leave beach items there?

Recent guests report a spacious beach with enough sunbeds, including first-row spots at 6 am. People left towels, snorkel masks and arm floaties for a short time without issues, although the sunbeds are dated.

1 source · 5 days ago

Which hotel should I choose in Sharm El Sheikh for a relaxed beach vacation if I'm not into snorkeling?

For open-water swimming and beach relaxation, travelers recommend Swissotel Sharm El Sheikh, Rixos Premium Magawish Suites and Villas, Reef Oasis Blue Bay, Sunrise Montemare and Sunrise Diamond Bay; among Monte Carlo-brand resorts, the Grand property has a noticeably better landscaped territory than Monte Mare Sunrise.

2 sources · 1 day ago

Which Sharm El Sheikh all-inclusive resorts have the best evening entertainment and animation?

Rixos (18+) is known for a sunset DJ beach disco and a professional costumed show with fireworks, while Sunrise runs free buses twice a week to the White Hills festival with concerts, acrobats and fire shows.

1 source · 2 days ago

What alcohol is included at all-inclusive hotels in Sharm El Sheikh and until what time is it served?

At most all-inclusive hotels, free alcohol is served only until 10 PM, with mainly beer and local spirits available; after 10 PM drinks are paid.

2 sources · 8 days ago

How much does a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park and White Island cost in Sharm El Sheikh, and how to avoid scams?

A tour-operator excursion (e.g. through Anex) costs more but is reliable; a beach-booked boat trip runs about $18-22 per person, though buying from street touts risks scams — book through your hotel or a trusted agency instead.

2 sources · 9 days ago

Is Nabq Bay in Sharm El Sheikh (Rixos area) a good place to stay — what's the beach and sea like?

Nabq Bay (Rixos hotels area) has shallow, coral-covered water with poor sea access, so real swimming is difficult — most guests just wade waist-deep near shore or swim briefly from the pier. Many travelers avoid this area because prices are high despite the inconvenient sea.

1 source · 10 days ago

What to do if someone claims your sunbed at a Sharm El Sheikh hotel beach?

Take a photo of your sunbed/umbrella number with a visible timestamp on the day you claim it — this instantly settles disputes with people trying to take your spot. Marking your towel with pen also works.

2 sources · 11 days ago

Is mid-December a good time to visit Sharm el-Sheikh — weather, sea conditions and prices?

Mid-to-late December (especially before the 28th) is low season for tour operators, so prices drop significantly; weather and sea conditions vary but swimming is usually still possible.

1 source · 12 days ago

What are the food, wind and tides like at Fun&Sun Naama Waves hotel in Sharm El Sheikh?

The hotel serves melon, apples, oranges, grapes, figs, dates and bananas; wind is noticeable but not strong; at low tide the sea recedes significantly but the bottom is clean sand.

2 sources · 12 days ago

Why do lawns/gardens smell bad at Sharm el Sheikh resorts (e.g. Jaz hotels) and is it a problem?

Jaz-branded resorts in Sharm el Sheikh follow an eco-friendly concept (lots of lawns, glass bottles instead of plastic), but watering the grass often causes a strong unpleasant smell, especially in hot weather during peak hours — guests say this issue wasn't there before 2023.

1 source · 13 days ago

Best evening party excursion in Sharm el Sheikh (Meraki, Garden, or Old Town tour)?

Popular evening options in Sharm el Sheikh include a guided tour to the Nefertiti shopping area and Old Town, plus club nights at Meraki (disco) and Garden (carnival-style festival) — best enjoyed with a group, and the music is club/house, not Russian pop.

2 sources · 13 days ago

Why does hotel check-in experience (room quality, service) vary so much day to day in Sharm El Sheikh?

Check-in quality depends on how busy the hotel is that day: around Muslim holidays or big arrival waves staff get overwhelmed and may assign a bad room you'll need to swap; on quiet days check-in is smooth and can include extra perks.

1 source · 13 days ago

What are common complaints about all-inclusive hotels in Sharm el Sheikh?

Common complaints include mediocre food, worn-out rooms, weak alcohol, and inconvenient lunch hours (usually 12:00–14:30); sunbeds must be claimed early in the morning.

3 sources · 14 days ago

Which Sharm El Sheikh hotels have a working jacuzzi pool?

Working bubble jacuzzi pools vary a lot by hotel — for example, ROBB has one, though it's more relaxing than truly therapeutic.

1 source · 14 days ago

Which beach area in Sharm el Sheikh (Naama Bay) is best for families with kids and reef snorkeling?

In Naama Bay travelers recommend hotels with a house reef where you can enter the sea without reef shoes, good kids' animation programs, and beach access 4-9 minutes from reception depending on the building.

1 source · 10 days ago

What is the beach and sea entry like at Pyramisa hotel in Sharm El Sheikh?

Pyramisa has a sandy beach with a few small steps into the water, no pontoon, and an easy entry even for kids. It's simpler and cheaper than Rixos but has a great beach.

2 sources · 14 days ago

Where is the best snorkeling in Sharm el Sheikh — lagoon or outer reef side?

Snorkeling inside hotel lagoons is often disappointing — few fish, and interesting marine life sits too deep to see clearly; better sightings (including octopuses) happen on the outer reef side or wild beaches, though even there you need to dive deeper for a good view.

1 source · 14 days ago

What is the floating platform near the pier in Sharm El Sheikh used for, and where can you try freediving there?

The raft near the pier is a freediving training platform (30+ m depth, divers train for 50+ m dives) and hosts competitions; local instructors (speaking Italian/English) offer individual training sessions.

2 sources · 15 days ago

Is Monte Carlo Resort Sharm El Sheikh good for a family trip with a teenager? (Review)

Monte Carlo Resort is a lush, well-located hotel right in Sharm El Sheikh town with spacious rooms and a tiered sandy beach, but the food gets repetitive after 3-5 days and the house reef is weaker than at nearby resorts like Reef Oasis Blue Bay.

1 source · 15 days ago

Which Sharm El Sheikh resorts have the best house reef and snorkeling right from the beach?

The reef near a resort's club beach area is usually better than at the main public beach, but it's reachable by swimming roughly 150-200 meters from the main beach. For a November trip, Grand Oasis Resort, Coral Beach Tiran, DoubleTree by Hilton Sharks Bay, and Sierra Resort are similarly priced and don't require booking sun loungers in advance.

1 source · 15 days ago

Is there coral reef and marine life for snorkeling near Naama Bay, Sharm el Sheikh?

There's no real coral reef right in Naama Bay itself — near the Novotel hotel you'll find mostly grey, dead coral, though fish are abundant; better snorkeling with rays, manta rays, turtles and octopuses is found further along toward the buoy areas, though colorful coral formations are scarce.

1 source · 1 day ago

What bag should a family use to carry four snorkelling mask-and-snorkel sets to the beach in Sharm El Sheikh?

A standard beach bag can usually hold two mask-and-snorkel sets, but a family of four will be more comfortable using a separate sports duffel. Pack the rigid snorkels along the sides of the bag to prevent them sticking out.

2 sources · 16 days ago

How much is a day pass to Pickalbatros Aqua Park and Aqua Blu in Sharm El Sheikh, and what is included?

Adult day passes cost about US$40–50, while children reportedly pay around half price. A US$45 ticket was reported to include food plus soft and alcoholic drinks at the Aqua Blu 4-star and Aqua Park 5-star resort bars.

2 sources · 16 days ago

Can Siva Sharm Resort guests visit SOHO Square while wearing their hotel wristband?

One traveler reported being closely watched by security while visiting SOHO Square with a Siva Sharm Resort wristband. Do not cut off the wristband; ask the Siva Sharm Resort reception or SOHO Square staff about access rules if questioned.

2 sources · 9 days ago

Is US$1,000 enough spending money for excursions and dining out in Sharm El Sheikh?

US$1,000 should be enough for a comfortable Sharm El Sheikh holiday beyond the resort, including excursions and meals at restaurants outside the hotel. For Tiran Island, consider a boat trip with around 2–3 hours at the destination.

2 sources · 16 days ago

Is sea access from a Sharm El Sheikh pontoon suitable for elderly travelers and children, and is there a shallow-water area?

Recent reports say that the plastic shallow-water platforms have been removed, and access is mainly via ladders from the pontoon. For a 66-year-old traveler, confirm the pontoon length and ladder setup in advance; the last ladder is considered the most practical entry point.

1 source · 6 days ago

Is this Sharm El Sheikh hotel suitable for families: does it have a playground, an operating kids’ club, and activities for teenagers?

Based on the available comments, the hotel is not considered particularly family-focused. A Kids Club sign was seen, but its operating status and teen activity programme were not confirmed, so check directly with the hotel before booking.

1 source · 16 days ago

What is the weather like in Sharm El Sheikh in early December—is it warm enough for a beach holiday and how windy is it?

The messages do not provide exact temperatures or wind conditions, but travelers repeatedly choose December for stays at Pyramisa. For an early-December trip, confirm directly with the hotel whether its beach is sheltered from wind.

1 source · 6 days ago

Should three adults book two hotel rooms in Sharm El Sheikh, or is a standard room with an extra bed enough?

Hotels in Sharm El Sheikh commonly accommodate three guests in a standard room by adding one extra bed, so a second room is not always necessary. However, the allocated room category or view may differ—for example, Garden View instead of Sea View.

1 source · 7 days ago

Do I need special water shoes for swimming at Sharm El Sheikh beaches because of coral?

Not every Sharm El Sheikh beach has coral reefs at the shore — some spots have a smooth, sandy entry where no shoes are needed. Where corals are present, crocs or flip-flops work fine for walking to the pier, flippers for swimming, and dedicated coral shoes are only necessary if the seabed is really sharp.

2 sources · 18 days ago

Is it windy on Sharm El Sheikh beaches in September-October, and is it OK for swimming with kids?

In early August the beach (e.g. near Reiheena hotel) has a noticeable breeze, but it's not a problem because of the heat; conditions are good for swimming with young kids from about 1.5 years old.

1 source · 7 days ago

What is the sea like in Sharm El Sheikh — is it worth visiting Egypt just for the Red Sea, and how salty is it?

The Red Sea in Sharm El Sheikh is very salty and keeps you afloat easily with minimal effort — but the surrounding landscape (heat, sand, desert scenery) can feel unremarkable, so the trip is mainly worth it for the sea and diving/snorkeling.

1 source · 18 days ago

Which Sharm El Sheikh hotels have no steep stairs to the beach (good for limited mobility)?

First-line beachfront hotels usually have gentle, comfortable paths and stairs to the beach, unlike cascade-style hotels built on hillsides. Within the same hotel there are often two routes: through the building (with steps) or around the perimeter (no stairs, leading straight to the restaurant).

2 sources · 13 days ago

Where to book a cheap Cairo excursion (with the Grand Egyptian Museum) from Sharm El Sheikh?

Local travel agencies in town sell the Cairo excursion (including the Grand Egyptian Museum) for $85-100, while hotel guides and online booking sites charge $120+.

2 sources · 18 days ago

How crowded are the beaches in Sharm El Sheikh and what's the best time to swim?

Sea water level is higher in the morning than in the afternoon. Hotel beaches can have up to 30% local (non-guest) visitors, but staff monitor this so loungers stay dry and available.

2 sources · 3 days ago

Do you need to tip tour guides in Sharm El Sheikh, and how reliable is their advice?

Guides in Sharm El Sheikh often hint at or expect tips upfront, so travelers recommend tipping only for genuinely good service. Also, many guides have limited expertise, so avoid asking them detailed or technical questions.

2 sources · 19 days ago

Is it cold at night climbing Mount Sinai, and what should you wear?

It gets cold near sunrise at the top of Mount Sinai, so bring a windbreaker/sweater and sneakers (not sandals), plus a spare t-shirt and at least 1.5L of water per person.

1 source · 19 days ago

How much do family excursions/attractions cost in Sharm El Sheikh, and are there child discounts?

Family excursion prices in Sharm El Sheikh typically run $30-80 per adult depending on the operator and family size; kids under 5-6 are often free, older kids get 50% off. Tickets can usually be bought right at the box office.

2 sources · 20 days ago

Why is the sea sometimes cloudy/murky in Sharm el Sheikh and when is it clearest?

Cloudy water happens cyclically, often linked to full moon and tide changes — it's not constant. Best clarity is early morning (around 7am), or try beaches in the Ramla/Naama Bay area instead.

2 sources · 4 days ago

Do Sharm El Sheikh hotels charge tourists for missing pool/beach towels?

Yes — if a beach/pool towel goes missing from your sunbed (often taken by other guests), hotels typically refuse to show camera footage and pressure you to pay a fine or accept a partial 'discount' to cover the loss.

2 sources · 4 days ago

What evening entertainment and activities do Sharm El Sheikh resorts offer for kids and adults?

Evening animation schedules usually aren't posted on hotel boards — ask the animators directly; daytime programs include kids' parties and football broadcasts, and for diving trips the Adventure dive center near Charmillion Club Resort beach is recommended.

1 source · 21 days ago