Sharm El-Sheikh is probably the best known town in southern Sinai for the simple reason that it is Sharm el-Sheikh which gave the Red sea an international reputation as one of the world's most extraordinary Diving destinations. A reputation built on the natural beauty of the coral reefs of Ras Mohammed, Tiran, and the Aqaba coast. These formations, on which Sharm built its legendary reputation, remain as dazzling as ever and are still one of the primary reasons to visit Sharm El-Sheikh.
But Sharm has come a long way since its beginnings as a diving destination and today diving is only part of the attraction. Many visitors come to enjoy the sun, to parasail and windsurf and bicycle, play golf, or to explore the magical desert landscapes of the southern Sinai. Steady development since the mid-1980s has transformed Sharm El-Sheikh and the surrounding area into a world-class resort destination with the construction of almost forty hotels and resorts.
The continued development has benefitted Egyptians and foreign alike but it still brings with it new problems and concerns for the natural beauty of the Sinai that brings so many guests as the increase in visitors, combined with a lack of information, mean that extra care is necessary to insure that the beauty of South Sinai is protected from damage by humans. Accordingly the last several years have witnessed strong efforts by the Sharm el-Sheikh community to protect and preserve the fragile environment of the region.
The creation of Ras Mohammed National Park In 1983 marked the first great step in this effort, and today a full 52% of the Egyptian shoreline on the Gulf of Aqaba is protected. The coral reefs and the tropical fish seen in these areas rival those that can be seen anywhere in the world and with diving centres in abundance throughout South Sinai you can visit as a novice and return home having picked up your either PADI or CMAS certificate at rates that might be cheaper than in your home country.
Sharm El Sheikh is the simplicity of sun, sea and sand. In Addition to the luxury of five-star hotels, water sports, shopping, and entertainment; Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities in the Sinai Peninsula.
There are small intimate hotels with modern designs, as well as larger hotel complexes belonging to International chains, plus about all the amenities one could expect of a tourist center, including casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses, and health facilities. In fact, with diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horses and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions, it is almost impossible for a visitor to ever suffer from boredom.
Four miles south the southern section of the town stands on a cliff overlooking the port, with a breath taking view. This area is locally known as Hadaba and it is where many foreigners who have chosen to call Sharm their home end up settling down.
In stark contrast to the residential area of Hadaba is Na'ama Bay which is one of the main centers of tourist activities. Located just north of Sharm el-Sheikh city, this area is a resort town of its own. Most hotels at Na'ama Bay have their own, private beaches with comfortable amenities such as chairs, shades, and beach bars. Shark's Bay is also nearby, and again is a growing resort community with more and more to offer, along with several diving centers.
The small harbor known as Sharm el-Maya is located next to the civil harbor, has accommodations for boats, and includes a Yacht Club with rooms. For those who live to shop, the Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including jewelry, fragrant oils, leather goods, clothing, pottery, and books. This is a must visit for all diving enthusiasts. There are many diving sites along the 10 mile beach between Sharm el-Sheikh and the Strait of Tiran.