Sharm el-Sheikh Port Guide

The underwater paradise of Ras Mohammed National Park is a top priority for nature lovers, offering some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world just a short boat ride away. For a mix of shopping and nightlife, Naama Bay serves as the vibrant heart of the city with its palm-lined promenade and numerous cafes. Visitors seeking cultural and religious history often take an excursion to Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai, though this requires a full day due to travel time. Alternatively, a desert safari via quad bike provides an adrenaline-pumping way to experience the dramatic landscape closer to the port.

While many visitors stay local, the historic Saint Catherine's Monastery is located approximately 2.5 to 3 hours away by road, sitting at the foot of Mount Sinai. For those interested in seeing a different side of the Sinai coast, the laid-back town of Dahab is about an hour's drive north, famous for its Blue Hole diving site and relaxed atmosphere. Closer to the port, the Old Market (Sharm Al Maya) offers a more traditional Egyptian feel compared to the modern resort areas.

Cruise ships typically dock at the main marine port near the Old Market area, which is conveniently located just a few miles south of the main tourist hub at Naama Bay. While the port area has basic facilities, it is not immediately adjacent to the primary resort strip, so transportation is necessary to reach most beaches and attractions. Taxis are readily available at the pier, and some cruise lines provide shuttle buses to the city center. Tendering is rare as the pier can accommodate large vessels, ensuring easy walk-off access for passengers.

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), but US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted by taxi drivers, shops, and tour operators in this tourist-heavy region. It is advisable to carry small bills for tipping and minor purchases, as vendors may not always have change for foreign currency. ATMs are plentiful in Naama Bay and major hotel areas, offering a convenient way to withdraw local cash. Credit cards are generally accepted in larger restaurants, hotels, and established shops, but cash is preferred in the local souks.

The resort areas are generally very safe with a heavy security presence designed to protect tourists, including checkpoints and metal detectors at hotels and malls. While independent exploration within the main tourist zones like Naama Bay and Soho Square is common and considered safe, passengers should remain vigilant against aggressive vendors and potential scams. For excursions into the desert or to remote religious sites, booking an organized tour through the cruise line or a reputable agency is highly recommended. Always verify current travel advisories regarding travel outside the southern Sinai coastal strip.

The city enjoys a subtropical desert climate, meaning warm, dry weather is the norm year-round, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). The winter cruise season is much milder and pleasant, with daytime highs averaging between 70°F and 80°F (21°C - 27°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities and swimming. Rainfall is extremely rare, so packing rain gear is unnecessary, but high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential protections against the strong sun. Evenings in the desert can get surprisingly cool during winter, so a light jacket or sweater is advisable.

The most common way to get around is by blue and white taxis, which are plentiful outside the port gates and in tourist areas. Visitors should negotiate the fare before entering the taxi or insist on using the meter, as drivers often quote inflated flat rates to tourists. Blue microbuses offer a very cheap public transit option between the Old Market, Naama Bay, and Nabq, though they can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors. Most cruise passengers prefer the convenience of arranged shore excursions or private taxis to move between the port and the resort strips.

The Old Market (Sharm Al Maya) is the best destination for a traditional souk experience, offering spices, perfumes, papyrus, and traditional cotton goods. For a more modern and upscale shopping environment, Soho Square and the promenade in Naama Bay feature boutique stores and fixed-price shops. Bargaining is expected and part of the culture in the bustling bazaars, where vendors will often start with high initial prices. Travelers should also look for locally made alabaster statues and shisha pipes as distinctive souvenirs.