Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt - Cruise Port Guide

Last updated: March 2026 - we review this guide before every cruise season.

Sharm el-Sheikh is a resort beach town on the Sinai Peninsula, famous for world-class diving and snorkelling in the Red Sea. For cruise passengers, the appeal is straightforward: warm water, coral reefs, and a relaxed atmosphere away from busier Mediterranean ports. The town itself has grown rapidly as a tourist destination, with modern facilities catering to visitors. Most cruise passengers spend their port day on water activities or at the beach rather than inland sightseeing.

At a glance

Port	Sharm el-Sheikh cruise terminal, about 10 kilometres north of the town centre
City access	Requires transport (taxi or shuttle); town centre is 15-20 minutes by road
Don't miss	Snorkelling or diving on the Red Sea reefs; Naama Bay beach and promenade

Quick Facts for Cruise Passengers

• Currency: Egyptian pound; US dollars widely accepted, especially in tourist areas
• Language: Arabic; English widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and shops in the resort area
• Emergency number: 112
• Main cruise terminal: Sharm el-Sheikh International Cruise Terminal
• Distance to city centre: About 10 kilometres; 15-20 minutes by taxi
• Key drop-off point: Taxis and shuttles gather outside the terminal; the main resort area centres on Naama Bay
• Pickpocket risk: Low in the resort and tourist areas; use normal urban awareness in markets
• Cards or cash: Cash is preferred for local transactions; ATMs in the resort area accept international cards
• Dress code: Shoulders and knees should be covered when away from beaches; swimwear acceptable at the beach and pool areas
• Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels and restaurants; download offline maps before leaving the ship

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Sharm el-Sheikh?

The Sharm el-Sheikh International Cruise Terminal is a modern facility handling multiple large cruise ships. The terminal sits about 10 kilometres north of the main resort area. Facilities at the terminal are basic but adequate, with some cafes and ATMs. The terminal is relatively new and well-maintained, though it is not within walking distance of any attractions.

Arriving by sea, Sharm el-Sheikh appears as a developed coastal resort backed by desert hills. The town sprawls along the coast with the Red Sea as the obvious focal point. The cruise experience here revolves around either organised water activities booked through your ship or independent taxi trips to beaches and the town centre.

How to Get from Sharm el-Sheikh Cruise Port to the City Centre

Transport is essential from the terminal. Unlike Mediterranean ports where you can often walk from the dock, Sharm el-Sheikh requires a taxi or shuttle to reach anything of interest.

Is it possible to walk from Sharm el-Sheikh cruise terminal to the city? No, the terminal is 10 kilometres from the main resort area and walking is not practical in the desert heat.

Taxi

Taxis gather outside the terminal. Negotiate the fare before entering the taxi or use a ride-hailing app if your phone works (WhatsApp or local apps like Uber can be unreliable in Egypt). A typical ride to Naama Bay costs 150-250 Egyptian pounds (roughly £4-7). The journey takes 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Ensure your driver has a meter running or confirm the price in advance.

Ship Shuttle

Some cruise lines offer shuttle buses from the terminal to Naama Bay or the main resort area for a small fee (typically 10-20 pounds). Check at the information desk when you disembark. This is more convenient than negotiating with independent taxis if you are uncomfortable with the process.

Organised Water Activities

Many cruise passengers book snorkelling or diving trips directly through their ship or independent operators at the terminal. These excursions include transport from the terminal, equipment, and a guide. This is often the most straightforward option and removes the need to arrange your own transport.

Best Things to Do in Sharm el-Sheikh on a Cruise Stop

With a typical 8-10 hour port call, your options split between water activities and beach time versus exploring the town. Most passengers choose water-based activities because that is why they come to Sharm el-Sheikh. However, you can easily combine a morning snorkel with an afternoon exploring Naama Bay.

Snorkelling and Diving on the Red Sea Reefs

The Red Sea reefs are the main attraction. The water is warm (26-28°C year-round), visibility is excellent, and the marine life is spectacular: tropical fish, soft corals, sea turtles, and occasionally rays. Snorkelling trips depart regularly from the terminal or beaches and last 2-3 hours including transport. You do not need certification to snorkel. Diving requires a certification or a supervised introductory dive. Reef health varies by location, but popular sites like Ras Muhammad remain biodiverse and visually stunning.

Naama Bay Beach and Promenade

Naama Bay is the social heart of Sharm el-Sheikh: a sandy beach lined with restaurants, bars, water sport operators, and shops. The promenade is pleasant for a walk, and the beach is comfortable for a swim or sunbathing. The water is clean and warm. This is a thoroughly developed tourist area with all the amenities but none of the challenge of exploring independently.

The Old Town (Sharm el-Moye)

The original fishing village around the Old Town marina still exists but is overshadowed by the modern resort. The Old Town has local character and some decent restaurants away from the main tourist drag. A taxi journey there takes 20-30 minutes from the terminal. This is worth it if you have a longer port call and want to escape the resort atmosphere briefly.

Ras Muhammad National Park

A protected marine reserve at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Muhammad offers spectacular snorkelling and diving. The corals are healthier here than many reef sites because of protection from development. A half-day trip (4-5 hours) is doable if your ship is in port for 10+ hours. This requires a guide or organised tour.

How long do you need in Sharm el-Sheikh?

• 6 hours: A snorkelling trip (2-3 hours) plus time at Naama Bay beach. You will need to choose between water activities and the beach, not both comfortably.
• 8 hours: A full snorkelling or diving experience plus time at Naama Bay, or a longer trip to Ras Muhammad. You can enjoy the water and still have a leisurely afternoon.
• 10+ hours: A full diving experience or extended snorkelling, plus time exploring the Old Town or Naama Bay at your own pace, with no rush to return.

Is Sharm el-Sheikh Easy to Explore Independently?

The resort area (Naama Bay) is very easy to navigate independently. Restaurants, shops, and beaches are straightforward to access, and staff speak English. However, the terminal location is remote, so you will need transport to get anywhere. Snorkelling and diving are best booked through an organised operator rather than attempting to arrange on your own, unless you are experienced and comfortable with logistics.

Going independently in the resort area costs less than a ship excursion and gives you flexibility. The trade-off is that you must arrange your own taxi, book your own water activities, and manage timing. If you prefer structure and reassurance, a ship excursion removes the logistics and guarantees your return.

Key tip: Book water activities in advance through your ship's programme or bring printed confirmation of an independent booking. Show this to the terminal staff to ensure you can leave the ship on time. If you plan to explore independently, allow 45 minutes before all-aboard to return to the terminal, account for taxi delays, and pass through port security again.

Best Shore Excursions from Sharm el-Sheikh

Almost all excursions from Sharm el-Sheikh are water-based, which makes sense. Options include snorkelling trips, diving experiences for certified and non-certified divers, glass-bottom boat tours for non-swimmers, and catamaran cruises. Afternoon trips to the Old Town or desert activities (4x4 safaris, camel rides) are available but less popular and harder to fit into a cruise port schedule.

• Red Sea snorkelling: The most popular option. Trips last 2-3 hours and include equipment, a guide, and transport from the terminal. Suitable for all ages and abilities. The reefs near Naama Bay are less pristine than Ras Muhammad but are convenient and still beautiful.
• Ras Muhammad diving or snorkelling: A full-day trip to the national park with superior coral health and marine life. Longer travel time but worth it if you have 10+ hours ashore and love the water.
• Glass-bottom boat: If you want to see the reefs but do not swim, a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tour keeps you dry whilst showing marine life. These are leisurely and good for older passengers or non-swimmers.
• Camel ride and desert sunset: A drive into the desert for a camel ride and dinner as the sun sets. This feels like a "different Egypt" experience but is touristy and takes time better spent on water.

Ship excursions handle logistics, guides, and safety. Independent operators are cheaper but require you to coordinate your own transport and timing. For water activities especially, the safety reassurance of a ship excursion (diving guides, emergency protocols) can be valuable.

Shopping, Food and Practical Notes

Shopping hours

The resort area shops and restaurants are open year-round during daylight and evening hours, often 9 am to 11 pm or later. Shops in the Old Town may close midday during summer heat. Ramadan affects timings (shops close during fasting hours), so check if your cruise coincides with this period.

Where to eat

Naama Bay has dozens of restaurants ranging from simple local cafes to upmarket seafood establishments. Fresh fish is the obvious choice. Pizza and international options are common in the resort but lack authenticity. The Old Town offers more local atmosphere and better value. Prices in the resort area are higher than inland Egypt but reasonable by cruise ship standards.

Getting connected

Download offline maps of Sharm el-Sheikh and Naama Bay before you leave the ship. Mobile data is available but can be patchy. Wi-Fi is free in most hotels and restaurants. The resort area is straightforward to navigate, but an offline map helps if you venture to the Old Town.

Money and tipping

The Egyptian pound is the official currency, but US dollars are accepted everywhere in the resort. ATMs accept international cards and are plentiful in Naama Bay. Tipping (baksheesh) is expected: leave 10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and tip snorkelling guides. Small bills and coins are useful.

The Egypt Tourism Authority has visitor information for Sharm el-Sheikh and the wider South Sinai region. For nature-focused excursions, the South Sinai destination guide includes details on Ras Mohammed National Park and marine reserve access.

Local Tips for Cruise Passengers in Sharm el-Sheikh

• Book water activities early. Snorkelling trips fill quickly, especially in peak season. Reserve with your ship or through an online operator the day before if possible.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen. The Red Sea reefs are delicate. Use sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, which damage coral. Your snorkelling guide will remind you of this.
• Hydration in the heat. The desert heat is intense, especially in summer. Bring a refillable water bottle and drink regularly. Tap water is safe to drink, and bottled water is cheap in shops.
• Do not overestimate diving ability. The Red Sea is stunning, but strong currents exist. If you are not certified or are a weak swimmer, snorkelling is safer and still magical. Guided dives with professional instructors are safe but require honesty about your ability.
• Taxi negotiation. If taking an independent taxi, agree the price before entering. Taxis do not always have functioning meters. Have small bills ready. If the price seems wrong, ask the terminal staff or your hotel concierge what a fair fare should be.
• Accessibility. Beaches and water activities have variable accessibility. Naama Bay beach has some ramps and facilities, but the Old Town is not wheelchair-accessible. Boats for snorkelling require physical agility to board.
• What to do if you are short on time. A 4-6 hour call makes a full diving trip risky time-wise. A snorkelling trip plus beach time is more realistic. You can swim at Naama Bay beach without an organised trip, which saves time.

What to Pack for Sharm el-Sheikh

The climate is hot and sunny year-round. The Red Sea is warm, and swimming opportunities are central to your visit. However, remember that modest dress is expected outside resort areas and beaches.

• Swimwear and cover-up. Bring a lightweight kaftan, shirt, or sarong to wear over your swimwear when not at the beach. Shoulders and knees should be covered in town.
• Sun protection. The sun is intense. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (high SPF), a hat, and sunglasses. Even 2-3 hours in the sun without protection causes severe burning.
• Water shoes. Snorkelling often means wading over sharp rocks and coral. Soft water shoes or reef shoes protect your feet.
• A lightweight, waterproof phone pouch. Keep your phone dry on a boat excursion and safely with you when snorkelling.
• Cash and cards. Bring both. Restaurants and shops in Naama Bay take cards, but small local vendors and tips require cash.
• Lightweight layers. The sun is hot, but air-conditioning in shops and restaurants can be cold. A thin sarong or cardigan helps.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sharm el-Sheikh Cruise Port

How far is the cruise terminal from Naama Bay?

The terminal is about 10 kilometres north of Naama Bay, a 15-20 minute taxi journey. The terminal is isolated, so transport is essential to reach any attractions.

Can I snorkel safely in the Red Sea with limited swimming ability?

Yes, if you take a guided snorkelling trip with a reputable operator. You will wear a life jacket and stay with a guide. The water is calm in many areas, though currents exist. Be honest about your ability with the tour operator.

Is it cheaper to book water activities independently or through my ship?

Independent operators are typically cheaper, but ship excursions include reliability and the safety net of the ship waiting. For a first-time water activity in a new country, the ship's security and peace of mind may outweigh the cost difference.

What currency should I bring?

Bring US dollars (preferred in the resort) or use ATMs to withdraw Egyptian pounds. Cards work in most tourist establishments. Small denominations are useful for tips and taxis.

Is the resort area safe for solo travellers?

Naama Bay is very touristy and safe. However, solo female travellers should be aware that unwanted attention from local men is common. Dressing modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and avoiding isolated areas reduces this. Travel in groups when possible.

Can I see the reefs without getting wet?

Yes, glass-bottom boat tours and semi-submarine tours show marine life whilst keeping you dry. These are less thrilling than snorkelling but are good options for non-swimmers or those uncomfortable in the water.

What is the best time of year to visit Sharm el-Sheikh?

October to April offers the most pleasant weather (warm but not scorching). Summer (June-August) is extremely hot. Winter months can have occasional rain but are still generally warm. Water temperature is warm year-round (26-28°C).

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

Check the UK Foreign Office website for current visa requirements. Cruise passengers may be able to obtain a visa on arrival, but this depends on your nationality and current regulations. Arrange this in advance if possible to avoid delays returning to your ship.