In short
South Sinai combines Sharm el-Sheikh's famous reefs, the relaxed dive town of Dahab and the biblical landscapes of Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery. It is ideal for divers, snorkellers and anyone wanting a beach stay with a profound cultural side trip.
The southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula sits between the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba, where deep water meets fringing reefs. Sharm el-Sheikh, with its own international airport, is the main resort area, spread along bays such as Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq. Just offshore, Ras Mohammed National Park and the reefs of the Strait of Tiran are among the most celebrated dive sites in the world.
About 90 km north, Dahab is a more bohemian town of low-rise hotels, seafront cafes and dive schools, famous for the Blue Hole and for shore diving and snorkelling straight off the promenade. Inland, the granite mountains rise to Mount Sinai (about 2,285 m), traditionally where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and to St Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries in the world.
Travel advice for parts of the Sinai Peninsula differs from that for the rest of Egypt, and it varies between regions, so check the current advice on Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au) before booking, and confirm that your travel insurance covers where you plan to go.
Top things to see in Sharm el-Sheikh & South Sinai
Ras Mohammed National Park
At the very tip of Sinai, Ras Mohammed is Egypt's first national park, declared in 1983. Its walls at Shark and Yolanda Reefs drop into deep blue water, with schools of barracuda, jacks and batfish. Snorkellers can enjoy the shallower reefs and the mangrove channel.
SS Thistlegorm wreck
A British cargo ship sunk by German bombers in 1941, still holding trucks, motorbikes and wartime supplies in its holds. It lies at about 30 metres and is one of the world's most famous wreck dives, usually done as a long day trip from Sharm.
Strait of Tiran
Four reefs, Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon, sit in the strait between Sinai and Tiran Island, with strong currents, healthy coral and frequent sightings of turtles and reef sharks.
Dahab and the Blue Hole
Dahab's Blue Hole is a vertical sinkhole beside the shore, superb for snorkelling around its rim. It is notorious among divers because attempts at the deep arch below recreational limits have been fatal; stick to guided, within-limits dives.
Mount Sinai sunrise climb
Most climbers start at around 2am from St Catherine's, walking 2.5–3 hours up the camel path, then the final 750 Steps of Repentance, to reach the summit for sunrise. It is cold at the top, often near freezing in winter, so bring warm layers; a descent by the 3,750 steps is steeper but scenic.
St Catherine's Monastery
Founded in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian, this UNESCO-listed Greek Orthodox monastery holds a bush venerated as the Burning Bush, a renowned collection of icons and one of the oldest working libraries in the world. Opening hours are limited and it is usually closed on Fridays, Sundays and religious holidays, so plan carefully.
Naama Bay
Sharm's original resort centre, with a pedestrian promenade of restaurants, bars and dive centres. It is a good base if you want evening life within walking distance.
Coloured Canyon
Near Nuweiba, this narrow sandstone canyon has walls banded in red, yellow and purple. It is reached by 4WD with a Bedouin guide and makes a memorable half-day hike.
Unforgettable experiences
- Snorkelling or diving the walls of Ras Mohammed
- A sunrise summit on Mount Sinai, followed by a visit to St Catherine's Monastery
- Shore snorkelling at Dahab's Lighthouse Reef, Three Pools or the Blue Hole rim
- A Bedouin dinner and stargazing in the desert mountains
- Diving the WWII wreck of the SS Thistlegorm
When to visit Sharm el-Sheikh & South Sinai
March to May and October to November are best, with warm air, water of about 24–27°C and comfortable conditions for both beach and mountains. Summer is very hot in Sharm and Dahab (often 35–40°C), though breezy on the coast. Winter brings pleasant beach days of about 22°C but nights on Mount Sinai can drop below freezing, so warm clothing is essential for the sunrise climb.
How long to spend in Sharm el-Sheikh & South Sinai
Allow four nights for Sharm and a Mount Sinai trip, or five to six nights to add Dahab. Divers often stay a week. The Mount Sinai climb is best done with a night in the St Catherine area rather than a straight overnight trip from Sharm.
Getting there
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) has domestic flights from Cairo of about an hour and seasonal international flights, mostly from Europe and the Middle East. From Australia, fly via Cairo or a Gulf hub. Dahab is about 1–1.5 hours by road from Sharm, and St Catherine's about three hours. Ferries across the Red Sea between Sharm and Hurghada have operated at times, but services are irregular; check before planning around them.
Specialist tips
- Check Smartraveller for the latest advice on Sinai before booking and again before travel
- Confirm your travel insurance covers all the areas of Sinai you plan to visit
- Entry rules for visitors flying straight into Sharm can differ from the rest of Egypt; check the official visa portal
- Bring a beanie, gloves and a down jacket for the Mount Sinai summit, even in spring
- Respect the monastery dress code: covered shoulders and knees
- Only dive with reputable centres and stay within your training limits, especially at the Blue Hole
Sharm el-Sheikh & South Sinai: frequently asked questions
Is Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada better?
Sharm has more dramatic reefs and easy access to Ras Mohammed, Dahab and Mount Sinai. Hurghada and El Gouna are easier to combine with Luxor by road. Our Red Sea coast guide compares the mainland resorts.
Can you climb Mount Sinai at night?
Yes, most people do. Climbs usually start around 2am to reach the summit for sunrise, accompanied by a local Bedouin guide.
Is it safe to travel to Sinai?
Travel advice differs for different parts of the Sinai Peninsula, and it can change. Always check the current advice on Smartraveller, and read our Is Egypt safe? guide.
Do I need a visa for Sharm el-Sheikh?
Rules for visitors staying only in certain South Sinai resorts can differ from the rest of Egypt and may change. Check the official e-Visa portal and our Egypt visa for Australians guide.
How do I add Sinai to an Egypt tour?
A short flight from Cairo makes Sinai easy to add after the Nile. We can tailor a beach finish in place of the Red Sea stay on our Egypt and Red Sea or honeymoon tours; start planning here.
