The classic day trips from Sharm El Sheikh are snorkeling at Ras Mohammed National Park, about 12 km away at the southern tip of Sinai; boat trips to the Tiran reefs; the Blue Hole and canyons near Dahab; and the night climb of Mount Sinai with a visit to Saint Catherine’s Monastery. The sea stays warm, between 22 °C and 29 °C (72–84 °F) all year.
Key Takeaways
- Ras Mohammed, declared a national park in 1983, lies about 12 km from Sharm El Sheikh, where the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meet.
- The Strait of Tiran has four main reefs, Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse and Jackson; Jackson Reef carries the wreck of the Lara, a 137 m cargo ship, on the reef since 1982.
- Mount Sinai rises to 2,285 m; the monks’ route up is about 3,750 steps, the “Steps of Repentance”.
- Saint Catherine’s Monastery is closed on Fridays, Sundays and major Greek Orthodox feast days, and opens 9:00–11:30 am on other days.
- Sea temperature runs from about 22.4 °C (72 °F) in February to 28.8 °C (84 °F) in August.
The main day trips at a glance
| Trip | What you do | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ras Mohammed National Park | Boat or road trip with snorkeling on coral walls | About 12 km from Sharm; national park since 1983 |
| Tiran reefs | Boat trip to Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse and Jackson reefs | The Lara wreck lies on Jackson Reef |
| Blue Hole and Dahab | Snorkeling at the Blue Hole, desert drive, canyons | Dahab is north of Sharm on the Gulf of Aqaba |
| Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine | Night climb for sunrise, then the monastery | 2,285 m summit; monastery open 9:00–11:30 am, closed Fridays and Sundays |
| Petra (Jordan) | Long day trip across the Gulf of Aqaba to the Nabataean city | Needs your passport and a very early start |
Ras Mohammed National Park
Ras Mohammed is the headland at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. It was declared a national park in 1983 to protect its reefs, which drop straight into deep blue water and attract large shoals of fish. Most visitors go by boat from Sharm for several snorkeling stops, or by road for snorkeling from the shore. Published figures for the park’s area differ between sources, so we do not quote one.
Our Ras Mohammed snorkeling trip covers the park’s best-known sites with equipment and a guide.
The Tiran reefs
In the Strait of Tiran, between the Sinai coast and Tiran Island, four reefs line up from south to north: Gordon (the closest to Sharm), Thomas (the smallest), Woodhouse and Jackson. On Jackson Reef you can see the remains of the Lara, a 137-meter Cypriot cargo ship that has sat on the reef since 1982. The strait has strong currents in places, so snorkelers usually stay close to the boat crew’s chosen sheltered spots.
The Blue Hole and Dahab
Dahab, a relaxed town north of Sharm on the Gulf of Aqaba, is the base for the Blue Hole, a deep sinkhole in the reef just offshore that is famous among divers. Snorkelers can explore its rim, where the coral is close to the surface. Day trips usually combine it with a desert drive and a stop in a colored canyon. See our Blue Hole desert safari.
Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine’s Monastery
Mount Sinai (Gebel Musa in Arabic) is 2,285 m high. Most visitors climb at night along the camel path to watch the sunrise from the summit, then descend by the steeper route of about 3,750 steps, the Steps of Repentance, cut by monks. At the foot of the mountain stands Saint Catherine’s Monastery, founded in the 6th century, whose library holds about 3,300 manuscripts and is listed by Guinness World Records as the oldest library still in operation. The surrounding Saint Catherine Area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
Plan the day around the monastery’s short opening window, 9:00 to 11:30 am, and remember it is closed on Fridays, Sundays and major Greek Orthodox feast days. Nights at the summit are cold for most of the year, so bring a warm layer. Book the trip as our Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine’s Monastery tour.
Weather and sea temperature
| Month | Average high | Average low | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21.9 °C (71 °F) | 13.5 °C (56 °F) | 23 °C (73 °F) |
| April | 30.1 °C (86 °F) | 20.3 °C (69 °F) | 23 °C (73 °F) |
| July | 37.9 °C (100 °F) | 27.8 °C (82 °F) | 28 °C (82 °F) |
| October | 31.9 °C (89 °F) | 23.5 °C (74 °F) | 27.5 °C (82 °F) |
Snorkeling is good all year. Summer days are very hot on land, so desert and mountain trips are best from October to April, while winter evenings and the Mount Sinai summit can be cold.
Practical tips
- Entry to Sinai: travelers who fly into Sharm El Sheikh and stay under 15 days only in Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba can get a free entry permission stamp instead of a visa; trips outside those resorts, including to Saint Catherine, need a full visa, according to UK government travel advice. Check the current rules for your nationality before you book.
- Travel advice: some areas of Sinai beyond the main tourist routes carry government travel warnings; licensed tour operators keep to the permitted routes.
- Boats and reefs: wear reef-safe sunscreen, never stand on coral, and check that the boat carries life jackets.
- Passports: carry yours on every day trip; there are checkpoints on Sinai roads, and you need it for Petra.
For more ideas, see all our Sharm El Sheikh day tours.
FAQ
How far is Ras Mohammed from Sharm El Sheikh?
About 12 km. The park sits at the southern tip of Sinai, where the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meet.
How high is Mount Sinai?
2,285 m. The monks’ path down has about 3,750 steps; most visitors climb at night to see the sunrise.
When is Saint Catherine’s Monastery open?
From 9:00 to 11:30 am, except Fridays, Sundays and major Greek Orthodox feast days, when it is closed.
Ras Mohamed National Park Snorkelling
Blue Hole Desert Safari
Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine’s Monastery
EGYPT
TOURS
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