Cruises to/from Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh - a Red Sea resort gem and an emerging gateway for cruise tourism on the Sinai Peninsula. The city sits at the very southern tip of Sinai, where the Red Sea splits into two gulfs — the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba — and just across the narrow Strait of Tiran the coast of Saudi Arabia comes into view. Forty years ago this was little more than a small Bedouin fishing cove and a military outpost; today it's one of the world's best-known diving resorts, welcoming more than 3 million visitors a year.
For cruise travellers, Sharm El Sheikh plays a double role: it's a relaxed port of call on Red Sea itineraries, where the ship stays in port from morning to evening, giving guests time to dive into a coral paradise, and — since 2026 — an increasingly active departure port, from which cruises now set sail to Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other Egyptian ports. In May 2026 the international operator AD Ports Group officially launched a cruise terminal here, and the first call of the megaship Aroya — the largest vessel ever to dock directly in the city — marked a symbolic start to a new chapter in the port's history. 🚢
📋 Before you set off on a cruise from Sharm El Sheikh or step ashore for a few hours in port, here's what you need to know:
🇪🇬 Country: Egypt
📍 Region: South Sinai Governorate (Sinai Peninsula)
👥 Population: around 73,000 permanent residents (official estimates; with seasonal tourism workers included, the actual number is considerably higher)
📐 Length of the resort coastline: about 30 km (19 miles) along the Red Sea
🗣️ Languages: Arabic (official); English is widely used in tourism, along with Russian and Italian
💶 Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP)
🕐 Time zone: EET/EEST (UTC+2 in winter, UTC+3 in summer) — roughly the same as Kyiv time
☀️ Climate: tropical desert, with mild winters (+18…+23 °C / 64…73 °F) and hot summers (+33…+40 °C / 91…104 °F); Red Sea water stays no cooler than +21 °C (70 °F) even in January
✈️ Nearest airport: Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) — about 16 km (10 miles) from the cruise port
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: Sharm El Sheikh Port (Port of Sharm El Sheikh)
🗺️ Port operator: since May 2026 — AD Ports Group, under a 15-year concession agreement with Egypt's Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA)
🏛️ The history of Sharm El Sheikh — from a Bedouin cove to the “City of Peace”
⏳ A strategic bay at the edge of Sinai
The name “Sharm El Sheikh” translates from Arabic as “the sheikh's bay,” and the bay carried strategic weight long before the first hotel appeared here. The city sits beside the Strait of Tiran — a narrow sea passage that controls entry into the Gulf of Aqaba, and with it, maritime access to the Israeli port of Eilat and the Jordanian port of Aqaba. Because of this geography, Sharm El Sheikh repeatedly found itself at the centre of geopolitical events in the 20th century: during the 1956 Suez Crisis, Israeli forces briefly seized the town, and after the 1967 Six-Day War it remained under Israeli control for more than fifteen years under the name Ofira.
🕊️ From military outpost to resort of peace
Only in April 1982, under the terms of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, did the city finally return to Egyptian jurisdiction. President Hosni Mubarak personally declared Sharm El Sheikh the “City of Peace” and launched a large-scale tourism development programme. The results exceeded expectations: while just three hotels operated here in 1982, by 2000 that number had grown to ninety-one, and annual guest nights climbed from 16,000 to more than 5.1 million. 🏨
The city still lives up to its “city of peace” status today — it regularly hosts major international forums and summits, including the UN Climate Change Conference COP27 in November 2022 and a peace summit attended by the presidents of Egypt and the United States in October 2025.
⚓ The Port of Sharm El Sheikh — a new gateway for Red Sea cruise tourism
📊 Scale and structure of the port
The cruise pier at Sharm El Sheikh lies a few kilometres south of the historic Old Town (Sharm El Maya), within the resort area, from where transfers run to the main tourist strip of Naama Bay and other parts of the resort. Until recently the port mainly handled small and mid-sized vessels, but in 2024 Egypt's Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) signed a 15-year concession agreement with international operator AD Ports Group (UAE) to develop and manage three Red Sea cruise terminals — in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga — along with related ferry connections.
In May 2026 that agreement moved into full swing: AD Ports Group officially launched cruise and ferry terminal services at all three ports. For Sharm El Sheikh this marked a genuine breakthrough — the upgraded berthing infrastructure allowed a megaship of the Aroya class to dock directly at the quay for the first time, without anchoring offshore. ✨
🚢 How many liners the port can handle
Sharm El Sheikh is a port undergoing active modernisation, so detailed official figures on simultaneous handling capacity and total annual passenger numbers aren't yet published as widely as in the Mediterranean's veteran ports. The key benchmark of recent years is the 2026 arrival of Aroya (around 180,000 gross tons), officially described as the largest cruise ship ever to dock directly in Sharm El Sheikh. That alone confirms the port can now welcome full-scale megaships, not just mid-sized vessels as before.
The published 2026–2027 call schedules offer a rough picture of the annual flow: during the season the port regularly, at times weekly, receives the regional liners Aroya Manara (Aroya Cruises) and Norwegian Sky (Cordelia Cruises), alongside occasional calls from major international brands — MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Explora Journeys — each carrying between roughly 780 and 2,400+ guests. Since the terminal only became fully operational in May 2026, a consolidated official figure for annual passenger throughput at Sharm El Sheikh hasn't been published yet; it will most likely appear in AD Ports Group's and the RSPA's reports after the first full season of operations.
🏢 Which cruise lines work with Sharm El Sheikh
Regular calls at the port are made by Saudi Arabia's Aroya Cruises (the ship Aroya) and Cordelia Cruises (the vessel Norwegian Sky). In addition, according to specialist cruise-booking platforms, departures and embarkations for 2026–2028 are planned for brands including MSC Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises — mostly as part of Red Sea cruises to Aqaba (Jordan), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Safaga (Egypt). Since the terminal is developing very dynamically, it's worth confirming the exact line-up of cruise lines each time before planning a trip. 🌊
💡 Interesting facts about Sharm El Sheikh and its port
A few details worth knowing before your visit:
🐠 The Red Sea off Sharm El Sheikh is considered one of the richest marine-life regions on the planet: the area is home to around 250 coral reefs and nearly 1,000 fish species.
🚢 Just off the city, in the Strait of Gubal, lies one of the world's most famous dive sites — the British cargo ship SS Thistlegorm, sunk by German aircraft in 1941 and discovered by Jacques-Yves Cousteau in 1955.
🏝️ In 2017 Egypt officially transferred the nearby islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia — a decision debated for years because of their strategic position at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba.
🏞️ Some 12 km (7.5 miles) from the resort, at the southern tip of the peninsula, lies Ras Mohammed National Park — one of Egypt's first and largest marine reserves, established in 1983 and covering about 480 km² (185 sq mi).
🕊️ Sharm El Sheikh is the only Egyptian city to hold the official title “City of Peace,” granted by President Mubarak back in 1982; it has since hosted more than twenty major international summits and conferences.
🏙️ The resort stretches along the coast for nearly 30 km (19 miles), joining together several districts — from the historic Old Town (Sharm El Maya) to the tourist hub of Naama Bay and the upscale Sharks Bay area.
☀️ The mountains of Sinai shield the resort from cold winds, so air temperatures rarely drop below +18 °C (64 °F) even in winter, and the Red Sea stays comfortable for swimming all year round.
📍 Top sights in Sharm El Sheikh — must-sees for cruise passengers
A cruise ship's call at Sharm El Sheikh usually lasts 8 to 10 hours, so most guests choose between beach time, diving, and a short city tour. A detailed list with photos, addresses and opening hours is available in the “Sights and Places of Interest” section; below is a brief overview of the city's landmark locations.
🐠 Ras Mohammed National Park — one of the world's finest diving and snorkelling areas, where coral reefs and underwater canyons meet picturesque mangrove lagoons.
🏖️ Naama Bay — the resort's tourist heart, with a palm-lined promenade, restaurants, hotels and nightlife.
🕌 Old Town (Sharm El Maya) and the Old Market — a historic district with a traditional bazaar where visitors can experience an authentic slice of Egypt away from the tourist zones.
🏛️ Sharm El Sheikh Museum — a collection of Egyptian artefacts spanning eras from the pharaohs to the present day.
🐚 Tiran Island and Strait — one of the region's landmarks, visible from the resort's coastline.
🏔️ The Sinai mountains and St. Catherine's Monastery — a popular excursion for passengers with a longer stopover (around 3–4 hours' drive each way).
✨ Why choose a cruise to/from Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is a rare combination of a beach resort and a port that is visibly turning into a full-fledged Red Sea cruise hub.
First, there's the unique nature: crystal-clear Red Sea waters, coral reefs right off the shore, and one of the world's finest diving regions. 🤿
Second, there's convenient logistics: an international airport just 15–20 minutes from the pier receives direct flights from dozens of countries, including charter flights from Ukraine. ✈️
Third, there are new route possibilities: with the launch of a full-scale cruise terminal in 2026, more and more voyages now depart Sharm El Sheikh for Jordan, Saudi Arabia and other Red Sea ports — a region that, just a few years ago, was barely accessible to mass-market cruise tourism. 🌊
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the best Red Sea itinerary, advise on combining a cruise with beach time in Sharm El Sheikh, and offer current rates from leading cruise brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh — a resort town on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and a dual-function port on the Red Sea: liners call here for a single day of shore excursions on Red Sea itineraries, while at the same time full cruises both start and end here. In particular, MSC Cruises and Aroya Cruises offer embarkation and disembarkation right in Sharm El Sheikh, on itineraries lasting 4 to 8 days through Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. So depending on your cruise, the trip to the terminal may mean either a short ride from your hotel for a few hours in port, or a full transfer with luggage on embarkation or disembarkation day. The cruise pier sits in Sharm El Maya Bay, in “Old Sharm” — that is, right at the start of the resort strip, a few kilometres (miles) from the main hotel districts. There is no direct rail link to Sharm El Sheikh — the Sinai Peninsula has no passenger railway, so the only ways into town from outside are by plane or by bus across mainland Egypt. Below is a verified, step-by-step guide to every transfer option, current prices and tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. 🎯
📍 Where Exactly the Cruise Port of Sharm El Sheikh Is
The facility's official name is Sharm El Sheikh Port. Until 2025–2026 the pier mainly handled small vessels and ferries, while large cruise ships largely bypassed the town due to depth restrictions. That changed after the port was handed, in 2024, into a 15-year concession (through 2040) to AD Ports Group under an agreement with Egypt's Red Sea Ports Authority — the same agreement also covered upgrades to the port infrastructure of three Red Sea resorts: Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga, with AD Ports Group investing about USD 3 million in developing and managing these three terminals. Thanks to the deepened berth and upgraded equipment, in spring 2026 the port welcomed an Aroya-class megaship for the first time — the largest cruise vessel ever to dock directly in the town.
📌 GPS address: Sharm El Sheikh Port, Sharm El Maya, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt
🚶 Location relative to town: the pier sits in Sharm El Maya Bay, practically within “Old Sharm” — about 2 km (1.2 mi) from the Old Market and about 5 km (3.1 mi) from the Naama Bay tourist centre
In the same bay, next to the berth for large liners, is the Marina Sharm — yachts and speedboats leave from there daily for diving, snorkelling and boat-trip excursions. Don't confuse the two: large cruise ships dock at a separate, deep-water berth within the port, while the marina serves only small pleasure craft.
⚓ About ferries: ports in the region historically ran ferry services to Hurghada and to Aqaba, Jordan, but as of now the Hurghada passenger ferry line is no longer operating, and the scheduled ferry to Aqaba departs not from Sharm El Sheikh but from Nuweiba Port to the north of town — keep this in mind if you're planning to continue your journey by sea.
❗ Important: your exact berth is stated in your cruise voucher and confirmed by the port authority a few days before arrival — check this in your ship's daily programme or at the reception desk.
✈️ From Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) to the Cruise Terminal
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (also known as Ophira Airport, code SSH) sits 18–24 km (11–15 mi) from the pier — distance estimates vary between sources depending on the exact terminal and route referenced. The drive takes roughly 20–25 minutes in normal traffic. This is the airport used by most passengers who start or end a cruise here, as well as those flying in before or after their trip to spend a few days in Sharm El Sheikh independently.
The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 handles the main flow of scheduled and charter international flights from Europe and the Middle East, while the more compact Terminal 2 serves domestic flights within Egypt and some international charters; the two terminals are a 5–10-minute walk apart, so confirm your terminal number before departure or when meeting a flight.
🇺🇦 Travelling from Ukraine: there are currently no direct flights between Ukraine and Sharm El Sheikh. The most convenient option is a charter or scheduled flight via a European hub (for example, direct charter flights operate between Warsaw and Sharm El Sheikh) or via Istanbul with a connection. Ask your Four Gates Group cruise manager to confirm the best route and departure dates.
🚕 Taxi — the most common option
The official taxi rank is right outside the arrivals hall and operates around the clock.
• Travel time: 20–25 minutes
• Approximate fare to Sharm El Maya (the port): EGP 150–250 per car (depending on time of day and your negotiating skill)
• Payment: cash, preferably in Egyptian pounds — drivers often quote prices in dollars or euros, so confirm the exchange rate up front or ask for the fare in EGP
❗ Golden rule: agree on the price before getting in the car, not after the ride.
🚐 Private transfer — the most comfortable option
A pre-booked transfer with a meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall and a name board is the best choice for families, groups, or anyone landing late at night.
• Price: from EUR 13 for a sedan (1–3 people), from EUR 15–18 for a minivan (4–9 people)
• Benefits: fixed price, flight monitoring, no waiting or haggling
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for our clients — just provide your flight number when booking.
📱 Ride-hailing apps
• Uber and Careem do not operate in Sharm El Sheikh
• inDrive is a popular alternative: you propose your own fare, and drivers either accept it or counter-offer. A typical Old Market–Naama Bay ride costs EGP 80–150
🚌 Bus: there is no direct bus route between the airport and the port. The town's bus station is in a different part of the resort (the Hadaba area), so you can't reach the pier by bus without switching to a taxi.
🚐 Shared minibus (“marshrutka”) — the cheapest but also the slowest option: shared minibuses run along the main Peace Road with no fixed stops or timetable. Suitable only for light luggage and travellers in no hurry — we don't recommend this option on embarkation day.
🚗 Car rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt and several local companies operate desks inside the airport terminal, with Europcar and others just outside it. Economy-class rental starts at roughly USD 25–35 per day. Renting a car is useful if you're staying in Sharm El Sheikh for a few days before or after your cruise, but not for driving straight to the port on the day your ship calls (see the section on driving your own car below).
🚌 From Other Egyptian Cities — by Bus or by Air
The Sinai Peninsula has no passenger rail service, so reaching Sharm El Sheikh from mainland Egypt is only possible by road or by air.
✈️ By air from Cairo — the fastest option: flights run daily, several times a day, with a flight time of about 1 hour. Useful if you fly into Cairo on an international flight and want to spend a few days in Sharm El Sheikh before or after your cruise. From Sharm El Sheikh Airport onward, follow the guidance above.
🚌 By bus from Cairo — a budget-friendly but lengthy option. The route is served by several operators, including Go Bus, Blue Bus, SuperJet and Go Mini.
• Travel time: 6–8 hours depending on the operator and departure time
• Price: approximately USD 10–38 depending on the bus class and time of day (night departures are usually cheaper)
• Arrival: buses arrive at Sharm El Sheikh's central bus station in the Hadaba area, not directly at the port
• Onward to the port: a taxi from the bus station to the Sharm El Maya pier takes 10–15 minutes and costs roughly EGP 100–150
💡 Tip: this option only suits independent travellers exploring Egypt before or after their cruise — it isn't relevant for a one-day port call.
🏙️ From Resort-Area Hotels to the Cruise Terminal
If you flew in a day or two before boarding (which we recommend for any cruise) or you're staying at a hotel after disembarking, you'll need to get from your hotel to the pier. Passengers who are simply going ashore during a one-day port call most often make their own way back to the same pier after their excursion or a walk around town — this information will be useful for them too.
• Hadaba / Old Town (the districts closest to the port): 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi), 5–10 minutes by taxi, roughly EGP 80–100
• Naama Bay (the main tourist district): about 5 km (3.1 mi), 10–15 minutes, roughly EGP 100–150
• Sharks Bay and Ras Um Sid: 8–10 km (5–6.2 mi), about 15 minutes, roughly EGP 150
• Nabq Bay (a resort area further north of town): 20–23 km (12.4–14.3 mi), 25–30 minutes, roughly EGP 250
📱 inDrive works in all hotel districts and usually works out cheaper than a street taxi if you negotiate directly.
🚐 Hotel shuttles: there is no single public bus to the port, but some hotels run their own shuttles to the Old Market or the promenade — ask at reception.
🚶 On foot: from Hadaba or Old Town you can walk to the pier in 20–30 minutes, though part of the route passes the working port area without pavements — not convenient with luggage or in the heat.
🚗 Driving Your Own Car — Parking Near the Port (and Car Rental)
Sharm El Sheikh Port is a working cargo-and-passenger facility with controlled access, not a tourist waterfront with open parking. There is no dedicated public parking for meeting or seeing off passengers right at the pier — entry to the port area is restricted to authorised vehicles (taxis, transfer coaches, service vehicles) through a checkpoint.
If you rented a car to explore Sinai independently before or after your cruise, it's most convenient to leave it at your hotel's car park and reach the port by taxi or transfer — that way you avoid any complications getting into the port area.
🚗 Car rental is available at Sharm El Sheikh Airport (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar and local companies) from roughly USD 25–35 per day for an economy car.
🛣️ Driving notes for the region: traffic drives on the right, as there is no left-hand driving here; speed bumps are installed at the entrances to resort zones; police checkpoints are common on roads outside the resort area (for example, towards Dahab, Nuweiba or Ras Mohammed National Park) — carry your passport and vehicle documents. Speed limits: 60 km/h (37 mph) in town, 90–100 km/h (56–62 mph) on highways.
💡 Tip: trips beyond the resort zone (Cairo, Saint Catherine's Monastery, Ras Mohammed National Park) often require a police-escorted convoy for tourist groups in Egypt — renting a car for such routes independently isn't always practical; an organised excursion is a better choice.
♿ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
No official information is published about dedicated wheelchair infrastructure directly at the Sharm El Sheikh Port pier, so we recommend contacting your cruise line in advance — when booking excursions or your shore transfer. Major hotels and the airport have adapted rooms, lifts and ramps, and transfer companies (including those Four Gates Group works with) can provide a vehicle adapted for passengers with reduced mobility on request. Let your cruise manager or the ship's shore excursion desk know your needs in advance so boarding and transfers can be arranged without delay.
⏰ When to Arrive at the Cruise Terminal
Sharm El Sheikh is a dual-function port, so the arrival rules depend on what's actually ahead of you: a one-day port call, or a full embarkation or disembarkation with luggage.
🔵 Scenario 1 — Port of Call (One-Day Stop)
The liner usually arrives in the morning (roughly 7:00–9:00 a.m.) and departs that same evening (per the 2026 schedule, different ships' departure times range from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. depending on the line and season).
🕐 All-aboard deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before the stated departure time — the exact time is always printed on your shore pass or announced on board on the day of the call.
🪪 Leaving and re-entering the port: going ashore and returning to the ship both involve a document check and shore-pass scan — carry your cruise Ship Card and a copy of your passport.
❗ If you plan to leave the resort area (for example, on an excursion to Cairo or Saint Catherine's Monastery), build in extra time for the return trip — checkpoints and traffic on the way out of the resort zone can delay your return. The ship does not wait for late passengers: catching up with it at the next port is at your own expense.
🟢 Scenario 2 — Embarkation or Disembarkation (Start or End of Your Cruise)
If your cruise starts or ends right in Sharm El Sheikh (for example, MSC Cruises or Aroya Cruises Red Sea itineraries), the process resembles boarding at any turnaround port, though on a more modest scale than at large European harbours.
💻 Online check-in: complete this in advance through your cruise line's website or app (MSC for Me, the Aroya app, and so on) — it involves filling out a form, uploading a photo and choosing an arrival time. A printed or phone-saved boarding pass speeds up the process at the terminal considerably.
🕐 Recommended terminal arrival time: 3–4 hours before your ship's stated departure — a specific time slot is usually assigned during online check-in.
🧳 Checking in luggage: large suitcases tagged by the cruise line are handed over right at the terminal entrance — porters will deliver them to your cabin separately; keep hand luggage and valuables (documents, medication, swimwear) with you.
❗ Boarding deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before departure — after that, the terminal closes check-in and boarding is no longer possible.
🛬 Disembarkation day: usually begins early in the morning, right after passport control and collecting your luggage at the terminal. If your return flight from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is booked for the same day, build in at least 1–2 hours of buffer beyond the stated disembarkation time for your transfer from the pier — in case of delays at passport control.
💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group Experts
🌅 If your cruise starts in Sharm El Sheikh, fly in a day before boarding. A flight delay of even a few hours can cost you the entire cruise — the ship won't wait for late passengers. One night in a hotel before boarding is your insurance against flight mishaps.
🎫 Book your off-resort excursions in advance. Trips outside the resort zone (Cairo, Saint Catherine's Monastery, Ras Mohammed) are organised as part of tour groups, often with a police escort — you won't be able to arrange this on the spot with a street taxi.
💶 Carry cash in small EGP notes. Small vendors at the Old Market and taxi drivers don't always have change for large banknotes or foreign currency.
🗣️ Agree on the price in advance. This applies to taxis, souvenir shops and snorkelling gear rental alike — fixed price tags are often the exception rather than the rule.
📱 Use inDrive instead of a street taxi at night. Uber and Careem don't operate in Sharm El Sheikh, but inDrive lets you lock in a price in the app before you get in.
👕 Dress modestly at the Old Market. Covered shoulders and knees are appropriate near mosques and in local neighbourhoods, despite the town's resort atmosphere.
☀️ Sun protection is essential. Summer temperatures reach +38…+40°C (100…104°F), and much of the route from the pier into town is out in the open sun.
🪪 Keep a copy of your passport separate from the original. Documents are checked regularly when leaving the resort and during excursions.
📶 If you plan independent walks, download an offline map of the town in advance — mobile internet can be unreliable in the resort's more remote districts.
📲 Buy a local SIM card right at the airport. Vodafone Egypt, Orange and Etisalat desks in the arrivals hall are open around the clock — it's more convenient and cheaper than roaming, especially if you plan to get around town on your own.
📞 Contacts in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh Port (Red Sea Ports Authority):+20 69 366 02 09
Egyptian Police: 122
Tourist Police: 126
Ambulance: 123
Fire Department: 180
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
Logistics in Sharm El Sheikh are simpler than in Europe's large turnaround harbours: the town is compact, and the pier sits practically within the resort zone. But it's important to know clearly which scenario applies to you — a short port call or a full embarkation or disembarkation — and plan accordingly: keep cash in EGP on hand, remember that Uber and Careem don't work here, and don't forget the all-aboard or boarding deadlines. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group help our clients plan every stage of the journey — from the airport transfer on embarkation day to choosing a safe excursion during a port call. Get in touch with your manager, and your cruise from Sharm El Sheikh — or your stop there — will go off without a hitch. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Sharm El Sheikh Landmarks and Places: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the very southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where ochre desert mountains drop straight into the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. There are no Gothic cathedrals or centuries-old palaces here — instead, two national parks protecting some of the richest coral ecosystems on the planet, genuine Bedouin desert just 20 minutes from the hotel promenade, and a mountain where, according to biblical tradition, Moses received the tablets of the covenant. For a cruise passenger whose call usually lasts 8 to 10 hours, the key decision is made early: stay within the city, or head out into the desert or the sea. Below is a verified guide to the main sights, with prices and opening hours current for 2026 and exact directions from the cruise port — Sharm El Sheikh Port (Sharm el-Maya bay) — to each location. 🎯
🏖️ 1. Naama Bay
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Naama Bay is Sharm El Sheikh's main tourist promenade and the practical heart of the city for most visitors. It's home to more than 17 dive centers, a pedestrian boulevard lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, plus the Il Mercato and Genena City shopping malls. 🌊
🔹 The promenade hosts the Naama Bay Aquarium, with the Aqua Blue water park close by.
🔹 The bay offers more than 17 equipped shore-diving points right off the beach, with no need to take a boat out to sea.
🔹 Hotels here include the Four Seasons Resort, the Ritz-Carlton and the Hyatt Regency, which have made Naama Bay the city's most prestigious district.
🔹 By evening the boulevard becomes the liveliest spot in Sharm El Sheikh: the Hard Rock Cafe and dozens of restaurants stay open late.
📜 History:
Naama Bay began to be developed during the Israeli occupation of the Sinai (1967–1982), alongside the settlement of Ofira. After the peninsula returned to Egypt in 1982, the Egyptian government pursued tourism development in this zone, and Naama Bay became the first major resort district of the new Sharm El Sheikh. The Bedouin communities who traditionally lived along this coast remain part of the bay's cultural identity to this day.
🚢 Getting There from Sharm El Sheikh Port:
• Taxi: 15–20 minutes, approximately 150–250 EGP (agree on the fare before getting in — Sharm El Sheikh taxis have no meters)
• Organized transfer/excursion: included in most group city tours
• There is no public transport or metro in the city
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Walking the promenade: free, open around the clock
• Aqua Blue Water Park: paid entry, best confirmed on site or with your cruise specialist
• Restaurants and cafes: a meal at a mid-range spot runs from 300 to 600 EGP per person
🕌 2. The Old Town and Old Market (Sharm el-Maya)
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
The historic district of Sharm el-Maya is the very bay where the cruise port sits, and also the oldest built-up part of the city. This is home to the Old Market — the main place for shopping and for a dose of authentic Egyptian atmosphere away from the hotel strip. 🛍️
🔹 The market sells textiles, spices, leather goods, silver jewelry and handmade souvenirs.
🔹 A 2-minute walk from the market's main street stands the Al Sahaba Mosque, opened in 2017 — one of the resort's largest and most beautiful mosques, free to enter for respectful visitors outside prayer times.
🔹 Haggling is part of the local etiquette: sellers expect a buyer to counter with 30–50% of the opening price, with the final price usually settling at 60–80% of the original ask.
🔹 The liveliest time to visit is 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., once the daytime heat eases.
📜 History:
Before its transformation into the tourist capital of the Red Sea, Sharm el-Maya was a small fishing settlement of Bedouin from the Muzeina tribe, who had fished this natural bay for centuries. Major development only began in the 1980s–2000s, as Egypt built out infrastructure for mass tourism, but the market's name and location still tie it to the oldest part of the city.
🚢 Getting There from Sharm El Sheikh Port:
• On foot: the Old Market sits in the same bay as the port — a 5–10-minute walk from the pier
• Taxi: 5 minutes, approximately 50–100 EGP (relevant if your ship docks in a farther part of the port)
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Market entry: free; most stalls are open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Sample prices: a plate of koshari — 45–80 EGP, grilled fish (per kilogram/2.2 lb) — 250–450 EGP, a cotton galabeya — 200–500 EGP, a silver bracelet — 150–900 EGP
🎪 3. SOHO Square
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
SOHO Square is a modern entertainment quarter of roughly 140,000 m² (about 1.5 million sq ft) on the grounds of the Savoy resort, conceived as a polished alternative to the haggling of the Old Market. 🎆
🔹 The headline attraction is the dancing fountain, with shows running hourly from 7:00 p.m. to midnight, jets of water shooting up to 15 meters (49 ft) high.
🔹 The complex also has an ice bar kept at –5 °C (23 °F), a bowling alley, an ice rink, tennis courts, and a nine-screen multimedia show called “Culturama” that tells the story of Egypt.
🔹 There are more than 60 shops and 50 dining venues here, from street food to restaurants for a family dinner.
🔹 The best time to visit is around 6:30–7:00 p.m., when the evening lighting comes on and the first fountain show begins.
📜 History:
The complex opened in 2008 as part of the development of the Savoy Sharm El Sheikh resort. The owners' idea was to build a Western-style, year-round nighttime destination — with entertainment, shopping and dining — to complement the traditional Old Market experience with a more modern format of leisure.
🚢 Getting There from Sharm El Sheikh Port:
• Taxi: 20–25 minutes, approximately 200–300 EGP. Address: Savoy Resort, White Knight Beach
• From Naama Bay: about 10 km (6.2 mi), a 10-minute taxi ride
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Entry to the grounds: free
• Dancing fountain: free, hourly shows from 7:00 p.m. to midnight
• Ice bar, bowling, ice rink: paid, priced separately on site
• Opening hours (2026): daily from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
🐠 4. Ras Mohammed National Park
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Ras Mohammed is Egypt's first and best-known national park, occupying a headland where the waters of the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba meet. That unique convergence of currents creates one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth. 🐟
🔹 The park protects more than 200 coral species and around 1,000 species of fish.
🔹 The Mangrove Channel is one of the very few mangrove stands anywhere on the Sinai Peninsula.
🔹 The Magic (Salt) Lake impresses with a salinity level close to that of the Dead Sea.
🔹 The park's best-known dive sites are Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, named after the cargo ship “Yolanda,” which sank nearby.
🔹 The park's name comes from an old legend about a local holy man buried on the headland.
📜 History:
The park was established in 1983 and covers roughly 480 km² (185 sq mi) of land and sea. It is one of the Middle East's most important protected areas, created to shield the coral reefs from growing tourist pressure even in the early days of Sinai's resort development.
🚢 Getting There from Sharm El Sheikh Port:
• By car/taxi: about 20 km (12.4 mi) south of the city center, 30–45 minutes depending on traffic
• Organized boat tour: the most popular option — departs from the Sharm El Sheikh marina and includes snorkeling at several stops
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Park entry fee: approximately 5 USD per person (rates can change — confirm before your visit)
• Opening hours: daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Snorkeling boat tours: from 12 to 28+ EUR per person depending on length and package
⚠️ Important: removing coral, shells or sand from the park is prohibited by law.
🏝️ 5. Tiran Island and the Strait of Tiran
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
The Strait of Tiran is one of the region's best-known snorkeling and diving spots, famous for four coral reefs lined up along a narrow sea passage. 🐬
🔹 Jackson Reef — the northernmost and most famous of the four, known for brilliant hard corals and dramatic drop-offs, with a chance of hammerhead sharks in summer.
🔹 Gordon Reef — home since the early 1980s to the wreck of the cargo ship “Loullia,” grounded here, with a lighthouse nearby.
🔹 Thomas Reef — a smaller reef with a soft-coral garden and an underwater canyon.
🔹 Woodhouse Reef — a narrow strip between Jackson and Thomas, best known for its soft corals and easy drift snorkeling.
📜 History:
Tiran Island has historically held the status of a disputed border territory within the Strait of Tiran — a key sea route to the Gulf of Aqaba. In June 2017, Egypt's parliament ratified an agreement transferring sovereignty over Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia, a move that triggered high-profile protests and court cases in Egypt. Despite the change in political status, the waters around the island remain open to organized boat tours from Sharm El Sheikh.
🚢 Getting There from Sharm El Sheikh Port:
• Organized boat tour only — the strait is a short sail from the Sharm El Sheikh marina; there is no way to reach it independently
• Tour length: usually a full day, roughly 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with 2–3 guided snorkeling stops and a hot lunch on board
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Boat tours (2026): from 20 EUR for a basic package up to 48 EUR for a premium option per person
⚠️ Important: given its full-day length, this excursion only works with a long port stay — confirm departure timing with your cruise specialist in advance.
🌿 6. Nabq Protected Area
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Nabq is the region's second most important nature reserve, known above all for its unique mangrove forest. 🌱
🔹 It's home to the largest stand of Avicennia marina mangroves in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea basin, stretching about 4.5 km (2.8 mi) — the northernmost mangrove forest anywhere in this part of the world.
🔹 The reserve shelters more than 20 globally threatened species: sea turtles, sharks, dugongs, ospreys, white-eyed gulls, Dorcas gazelles and Nubian ibex.
🔹 Nabq's coastal reefs count 208 species of hard coral and 438 species of fish.
🔹 Bedouin communities still live within the reserve, practicing traditional fishing and herding.
📜 History:
The reserve was established in 1992 by decree of Egypt's Prime Minister (No. 1511/1992) to protect the fragile mangrove ecosystem and coastal reefs from the effects of Sinai's rapid tourist development.
🚢 Getting There from Sharm El Sheikh Port:
• By car/jeep: approximately 30–35 km (19–22 mi) north of the port, 35–40 minutes' drive
• How it's usually visited: mostly by quad-bike or jeep safari with a Bedouin guide, often as a half-day trip with tea at a Bedouin camp
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Jeep or quad safari (2026): price depends on operator and tour length — check with your cruise specialist
• The reserve is open for visits during daylight hours
🏺 7. Sharm El Sheikh Museum
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Egypt's youngest archaeological museum, opened to show Red Sea holidaymakers the treasures of pharaonic civilization without a trip to Cairo or Luxor. 🏛️
🔹 The collection holds roughly 7,000 objects, spanning everything from prehistory to the modern era.
🔹 Highlights include a rare 4th-century BC mosaic from Alexandria, a statue of the god Eros hunting a deer at the entrance, a clay statue of the god Bes, the coffins of Isetemheb, papyri, cosmetic items, and a head from a statue of Queen Hatshepsut.
🔹 The museum complex covers about 110,000 m² (27 acres) on Airport Road.
📜 History:
The museum officially opened in November 2020, part of an Egyptian government program to spread museum collections beyond Cairo and bring ancient heritage closer to resort cities with heavy tourist traffic.
🚢 Getting There from Sharm El Sheikh Port:
• Taxi: 15–20 minutes, approximately 150–200 EGP. Address: Airport Road, Sharm El Sheikh
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Ticket for foreign adults: 200 EGP
• Ticket for foreign students: 100 EGP
• Opening hours (2026): 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (last entry) and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (last entry); hours shift during Ramadan to 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
🐬 8. Dahab
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Dahab is the polar opposite of polished Sharm El Sheikh: a small Bedouin coastal town on the Gulf of Aqaba with the laid-back feel of a backpacker retreat. 🏖️
🔹 Dahab's main claim to fame is the Blue Hole, an underwater sinkhole more than 100 meters (330 ft) deep, regarded as one of the world's most dangerous dive sites after at least 130 diver deaths between 1997 and 2012. The main hazard is “the Arch,” a 26-meter (85 ft) underwater tunnel that requires technical dive training to attempt.
🔹 The nearby Blue Lagoon, by contrast, offers calm, shallow water that's ideal for kitesurfing and for beginners learning to freedive.
🔹 The town remains far quieter and more authentic than Sharm El Sheikh, drawing travelers who appreciate its bohemian seafront cafes with cushions right on the sand.
📜 History:
Dahab grew out of a small Bedouin fishing settlement. Major tourism development took off in the 1980s and 1990s, when the town became a magnet for backpackers and divers from around the world — and it's from that era that its recognizable bohemian character, still intact today, took shape.
🚢 Getting There from Sharm El Sheikh Port:
• By car/taxi: about 68 km (42 mi) north, roughly a 1 hour 10 minute drive
• How it's usually visited: mainly as an organized full-day excursion, often combined with the Coloured Canyon or St. Catherine's Monastery
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Walking the town and beach: free
• Diving or snorkeling excursions: price depends on the program — check with your cruise specialist
⚠️ Important: given the distance, this destination is realistic only with a port stay of 9–10 hours or longer.
🏜️ 9. Coloured Canyon, Nuweiba
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
The Coloured Canyon is one of the Sinai's most striking geological formations: a narrow gorge roughly 800 meters (2,625 ft) long with walls rising up to 40 meters (131 ft). 🎨
🔹 The canyon walls are built from multicolored layers of sandstone and limestone 70–100 million years old — iron oxides give the reds, while manganese and copper compounds produce the purples and greens.
🔹 The gorge is so narrow that in places direct sunlight reaches the canyon floor for only a few minutes a day, producing an ever-shifting play of light and color.
🔹 The canyon lies near Nuweiba and has traditionally served the Bedouin as a natural route through the mountains.
📜 History:
The Coloured Canyon is a natural formation that Bedouin tribes have used for centuries as a passage through the Sinai's mountain range. In modern times, the gorge has become a popular ecotourism and jeep-safari destination, with tours organized directly from Sharm El Sheikh's cruise port.
🚢 Getting There from Sharm El Sheikh Port:
• Organized jeep safari with a Bedouin guide only — about 90 km (56 mi), 1.5–2 hours' drive each way
• Independent travel is not recommended due to the absence of public transport and the need to pass military checkpoints on the road through the Sinai
💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Jeep safari (2026): from 16 EUR for an 8-hour group tour up to 190 EUR for multi-day desert safari options
• Prices usually include a guide, transfer, lunch and water
🎨 10. Other Places Worth Your Attention
• ⛪ St. Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai — one of the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monasteries in the world (founded in the 6th century), traditionally identified as the site where Moses saw the Burning Bush. It holds the world's second-largest collection of illuminated manuscripts, after the Vatican. Located 220 km (137 mi) from the port (2.5–3 hours' drive each way), a full excursion (typically 10–11 hours, departing around 5:30 a.m.) is realistic only with a very long port call, or if the port also serves as an embarkation point. Entry to the monastery is included in the tour program; entry to its museum costs an extra 25 EGP.
• 🐠 Ras Umm Sid Reef — a popular shore diving and snorkeling spot close to the Old Town, known for a steep reef wall and a lighthouse on the headland.
• ☕ Farsha Cafe — a cliffside cafe in the Old Town with cushions right on the rocks and views over the bay — a popular spot for photos and relaxing.
• 🚢 The wreck of the “Thistlegorm” — a British WWII cargo ship that sank near Ras Mohammed in 1941; one of the world's most famous wreck-diving sites, accessible only to certified divers on a full-day boat trip.
• 🐬 Dolphinella — a dolphinarium in the Hadaba district offering swim-with-dolphins experiences, paid entry.
• 💦 Aqua Blue Water Park — a water park in Naama Bay with slides for both adults and children, paid entry.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Routes Around Sharm El Sheikh in 9 Hours
A cruise ship's call at Sharm El Sheikh usually lasts 8–10 hours. Realistically, that's enough for 2–3 stops if you plan the route well and keep in mind that most of the city's best experiences revolve around the sea or the desert rather than walking. Below are three options depending on budget and preferences.
🥉 Route 1. Budget — up to 25 EUR per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 15–25 EUR + food
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Leave the cruise port
Walk 5–10 minutes to the Old Market (Sharm el-Maya) — the port and the market sit in the same bay.
🕘 9:15–11:00 a.m. — The Old Market
Wander the stalls, sample koshari and fresh juice, and view the Al Sahaba Mosque from outside.
🕚 11:00–11:30 a.m. — Taxi to Naama Bay
Approximately 150–200 EGP, 15–20 minutes.
🕧 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — Naama Bay
Walk the promenade, swim at a hotel beach club (by arrangement) or browse Il Mercato, then lunch at one of the promenade restaurants.
🕝 2:00–2:30 p.m. — Ras Umm Sid Reef
A short stop for shore snorkeling (bring your own mask and snorkel, or rent one on site).
🕞 3:00–4:30 p.m. — Head back to the port
Taxi through the Old Town, with time for last-minute shopping at the market.
🕟 5:00 p.m. — Arrival back on board, check-in
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Taxis (2 rides): 300–400 EGP
• Lunch: 300–500 EGP
• Snorkel mask rental: 100–150 EGP
• Souvenir buffer: 200–400 EGP
💸 TOTAL: about 15–25 EUR per person (equivalent, excluding tickets to paid attractions)
🥈 Route 2. Optimal — 60–90 EUR per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 70 EUR + food
🕗 8:30 a.m. — Leave the port, transfer to the marina
Organized transfer or taxi to the boat tour's meeting point.
🕘 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Ras Mohammed snorkeling boat tour
A pre-booked tour (12 to 28 EUR) with 2–3 guided snorkeling stops among the coral reefs and a light lunch on board.
🕐 1:00–1:30 p.m. — Back to the marina, transfer to Naama Bay
🕜 1:30–3:00 p.m. — Lunch and relaxing in Naama Bay
A promenade restaurant, 400–700 EGP for a main course with a drink.
🕒 3:00–4:00 p.m. — The Old Market
Shopping for souvenirs and a look around the Old Town.
🕓 4:00–4:30 p.m. — Taxi back to the port
Approximately 150–250 EGP.
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Snorkeling boat tour: 12–28 EUR
• Ras Mohammed park entry fee: about 5 USD
• Taxis (2–3 rides): 500–700 EGP
• Lunch: 400–700 EGP
💸 TOTAL: about 60–90 EUR per person (equivalent)
💡 Swapping the Ras Mohammed tour for a Tiran Island excursion keeps roughly the same price range and day format.
🥇 Route 3. Premium — a private tour from 250 EUR per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 250–400 EUR + tickets
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ A private driver holding a name sign meets you right at the gangway
• ✅ A comfortable SUV or minivan for the whole day
• ✅ A professional, licensed English-speaking guide (Ukrainian-speaking guides available on request)
• ✅ A jeep safari to the Coloured Canyon with a Bedouin guide
• ✅ Lunch at a Bedouin camp with tea
• ✅ A flexible itinerary — adjusted on the go
You can book through your cruise manager, or get in touch with us directly, whichever way is most convenient for you:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
🕗 8:30 a.m. — Meet your driver and guide at the terminal
🕘 9:00–11:00 a.m. — Drive to the Coloured Canyon
A comfortable ride by SUV through the mountains of the Sinai, with photo stops along the way.
🕚 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — The Coloured Canyon
A private walk through the gorge with your guide explaining the geology and history of the area, with photos at the most colorful sections away from the crowds.
🕐 1:00–2:30 p.m. — Lunch at a Bedouin camp
Traditional food, tea with Bedouin hosts, and a short introduction to nomadic desert life.
🕝 2:30–4:00 p.m. — A stop in Dahab
A walk along Dahab's seafront, coffee overlooking the Blue Lagoon, and, if you'd like, a short snorkeling session.
🕓 4:00–5:00 p.m. — Return to the port in comfort
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hrs): from 120 EUR
• Driver with SUV (9 hrs): from 100 EUR
• Jeep safari to the Coloured Canyon: from 50 EUR per person
• Lunch at a Bedouin camp: from 20 EUR per person
💸 TOTAL: from 250 EUR per person (for a group of 2+, the price is calculated per group, not per person)
🤝 Four Gates Group organizes private tours around Sharm El Sheikh with licensed guides, a transfer straight from the gangway, and a guaranteed return on board. Reach out to your cruise specialist, and your day in Sharm El Sheikh will be planned perfectly around your tastes. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Good to Know Before You Go Ashore
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you're late, the ship will not wait, and catching up with it at the next port will be at your own expense.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card — in Egypt, military checkpoints are common at the entrances to protected areas and on roads through the Sinai, and you may be asked to show identification.
💵 Cash: carry 50–100 USD or the equivalent in small EGP notes for minor expenses (entry tickets, tips, haggling at the market).
👟 Clothing: comfortable closed-toe shoes for desert excursions, lightweight cotton clothing, and a hat. Covered shoulders and knees are required to visit a mosque.
☀️ Sun protection: the climate is desert-dry, with summer temperatures reaching +40 °C (104 °F) and above. A hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water are essential.
🐠 Reef-safe sunscreen: for snorkeling and diving, choose sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate — these chemicals harm coral reefs, and some operators won't let you into the water wearing ordinary sunscreen.
📱 Internet: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, restaurants and malls; download an offline map in advance for navigating outside the city.
🔐 Safety: Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt's most secure resorts, with heavy security around the hotel zone, but independent trips deeper into the peninsula (to canyons, the monastery, or remote reserves) should only be made with an organized tour and a vetted operator.
🚫 Alcohol: sold in hotels, bars and tourist zones, but not in the Old Town or in shops outside the resort complexes — Egypt is a Muslim-majority country.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals