There are beaches and then there are the beaches of Sharm El Sheikh.
On the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, the Red Sea is almost impossibly blue. The mountains rise dramatically behind the coast, the water is warm and clear, and beneath the surface is an entirely different world: coral gardens, brilliant tropical fish, sea fans and reef walls that make Sharm El Sheikh one of the great snorkeling and diving destinations in the world.
But here’s something I wish more first-time visitors knew:
Sharm El Sheikh isn’t really a “pick a beach and spend the day on the sand” kind of destination.
Many of the beaches are rocky or coral-fringed rather than broad stretches of powdery sand. Some are attached to resorts, some operate as beach clubs, and others are public beaches where you pay a small admission fee. And if you’re willing to trade a little sand for spectacular underwater scenery, you can have an unforgettable beach day.
Here are some of my favorite places to put on your Sharm El Sheikh itinerary.
El Fanar Beach: Come for the Reef
If snorkeling is your priority, El Fanar Beach should be near the top of your list. Located in the Ras Umm Sid area of Hadaba, El Fanar sits above one of Sharm’s famous reef systems. The beach is less about sprawling sand and more about what happens once you get into the water.
A jetty provides access beyond the shallow reef, where the underwater landscape drops dramatically. The area is known for colorful coral, abundant fish and beautiful Red Sea scenery.
Admission
El Fanar is a paid-entry beach. Current visitor reports generally put admission in the neighborhood of $5–$6 per person, although the exact price can vary and should be confirmed when you arrive. Your admission typically gives you access to the beach facilities, with sunbeds and umbrellas available. (Tripadvisor)
Food & drinks
This is one of the advantages of El Fanar: you don’t have to pack a picnic and spend the day worrying about where you’re going to eat. There is a beach restaurant/bar serving food, soft drinks and other beverages, and you can settle into a lounger and make a proper day of it. Some visitors report that outside food and drinks aren’t permitted, so plan on purchasing refreshments onsite.
Snorkeling
This is the reason to come. The reef begins close to shore, and the jetty makes getting into deeper water much easier. The Ras Umm Sid reef is particularly known for its dramatic drop-off and marine life. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, but equipment is also available for rent in the area. If you don’t want to snorkel, you’ll still see fish. They do swim right at your feet as you wade in the water.
Little Bird tip: Wear water shoes. The reef is beautiful, but coral and rocky entries are not kind to bare feet.
Shark’s Bay: Easy Snorkeling in a Sheltered Setting
Don’t let the name scare you. Shark’s Bay is actually one of the more relaxed beach areas in Sharm El Sheikh and is particularly appealing if you want a combination of swimming, snorkeling and a comfortable beach setup. The bay is surrounded by resorts and has a more organized, resort-style atmosphere than some of the smaller public beaches.
Admission
Beach access varies depending on which section you use. Recent visitor reports put admission at around $5 per person for some public-access sections. Because several hotels and beach clubs operate along the bay, prices can differ considerably.
Food & drinks
This is an easy beach for spending several hours because cafés and beach bars are available nearby. Recent visitors mention drinks, pizza and other casual food options.
Snorkeling
The real attraction here is the reef. You can snorkel from the beach, and many visitors use the pontoon to reach deeper water. Fish can be seen surprisingly close to shore, making Shark’s Bay a good option if you don’t want to commit to a full-day snorkeling excursion. (Tripadvisor)
Best for: Travelers who want snorkeling without sacrificing comfort.
Naama Bay: The Classic Sharm Beach
If you’re staying in Sharm El Sheikh for the first time, chances are you’ll eventually find yourself at Naama Bay. This is the classic resort experience: restaurants, cafés, shops, nightlife and a long waterfront promenade. It’s considerably more developed than the beaches around Ras Umm Sid. And yes, you can find public beach access.
Admission
Some portions of Naama Bay have public access for only a few Egyptian pounds, while beach sections operated by hotels or beach clubs charge substantially more. Recent reports have found public access for around $1, while hotel-operated sections can charge around $20 or more for a day pass. (Airial) So don’t assume that “Naama Bay Beach” has one universal admission price.
Food & drinks
This is where Naama Bay really shines. You are surrounded by restaurants, cafés, beach bars and hotel facilities. You can easily turn a few hours at the beach into an entire day of swimming, lunch, shopping and sunset cocktails. I found the pizza to be surprisingly good at all of the beaches in Sharm, but the pizza at Naama Bay was my favorite.
Snorkeling
Naama Bay is better for swimming and relaxing than for spectacular reef snorkeling. If your dream is to float over pristine coral gardens, head toward Ras Umm Sid, Shark’s Bay or book a snorkeling excursion.
Little Bird tip: Visit Fix Price Market for snorkeling gear and souvenirs. Items are considerably less expensive here and you will see the same items elsewhere in Egypt for 5X the price or more. Some of my favorite items from here: beach towels, handmade Egyptian soap (Horus Brand Skincare Bars), and ceramic tea cups. Note that the store doesn’t allow you to carry in water bottles or snacks. Leave that in the car. (https://fixprice.eg/)
Ras Umm Sid: The Snorkeler’s Playground
Technically, Ras Umm Sid isn’t one single beach; it is a headland and reef area encompassing some of the most famous shore-snorkeling sites in Sharm. This is where you’ll find El Fanar and several other beach clubs and access points. The reef here is the star. You can encounter coral formations, colorful fish and dramatic underwater drop-offs remarkably close to the shoreline. The area is also known for large sea fans at depth, making it popular with divers as well as snorkelers.
Admission
This depends entirely on which beach or beach club you use. Public and beach-club entrances in Sharm generally range from a few dollars to considerably more for premium facilities.
Food & drinks
Several beach clubs and restaurants operate along the Ras Umm Sid coastline, so you can find everything from casual beach food to cocktails and sunset drinks.
One particularly photogenic option is Farsha Mountain Lounge, perched above the sea. It’s more famous for its cliffside atmosphere, décor and sunset views than for being a traditional beach, but it’s a wonderful place to combine your Red Sea day with an evening drink.
Snorkeling
If you’re building a Sharm trip around snorkeling, this is the area I’d prioritize.
Temple Beach: A More Relaxed Alternative
Just next to the famous Farsha area is Temple Beach & Café, a beach-club-style spot offering loungers, umbrellas, food and drinks. It’s a nice option if you want the dramatic Hadaba scenery and Red Sea access but don’t necessarily want to spend your entire day at one of Sharm’s enormous resorts. Recent visitor information places some beach access in the neighborhood of 200 EGP ($3–$4), though prices can change.
Food & drinks
This is where Temple has an advantage: it’s both a beach and a café/bar. You can order drinks and food while enjoying the sea views, making it an easy choice for a lazy beach afternoon.
Snorkeling
The Hadaba/Ras Umm Sid coastline provides access to reef areas, so bring your snorkeling gear. And if you’re staying until sunset, this part of Sharm is particularly beautiful.
Want the Best Snorkeling? Leave the Beach!
Here’s my biggest Sharm El Sheikh snorkeling tip: Don’t limit yourself to snorkeling from the beach. Some of the best underwater experiences around Sharm are reached by boat. A day trip to Ras Mohammed National Park can take you to some extraordinary reef sites, including Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef. The park sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez and Red Sea meet, creating an exceptionally rich marine environment. (Wikipedia) You can also take a boat toward the Straits of Tiran, another legendary diving and snorkeling area. These excursions are different from a beach day. You’re trading your lounger for a boat, fins and a mask—but if you’re fascinated by what’s beneath the Red Sea, it’s absolutely worth it.
So Which Sharm Beach Should You Choose?
| Beach | Approx. admission | Food & drinks | Snorkeling | Best for |
| El Fanar | ~$5–$6 | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Serious snorkeling |
| Shark’s Bay | ~$5+ | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy snorkeling + comfort |
| Naama Bay | ~$1–$20+ | Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐ | Swimming & nightlife |
| Ras Umm Sid | Varies | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Reef lovers |
| Temple Beach | ~$3–$4+ | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Beach club + sunset |
| Ras Mohammed | Excursion/park fees vary | Usually on tour | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bucket-list snorkeling |
Prices are approximate 2026 guide prices rather than guaranteed rates; beach operators can change admission fees, inclusions and day-pass policies.
A Final Thought from the Red Sea
There is something wonderfully deceptive about the beaches of Sharm El Sheikh. From the shore, you see turquoise water stretching toward the horizon, backed by the stark beauty of the Sinai mountains. But, put your face beneath the surface and suddenly you’re looking at an entirely different landscape.
The Red Sea isn’t just beautiful.
It’s alive.
The coral is right beneath you, stretching across the sand. Tiny flashes of yellow, blue and silver dart between the reef. A sea fan stretches toward the deeper water. And for a few minutes, the noise of the resort disappears completely. Underwater, it sounds like static and the water is saltier than you imagine. That is the magic of Sharm El Sheikh. You can spend the morning stretched out on a lounger with an iced drink, the afternoon snorkeling over a reef, and the evening watching the sun disappear behind the Sinai mountains. And honestly? That’s a pretty perfect beach day.
Little Bird Travels tip: If you only have time for one beach day, choose El Fanar or the Ras Umm Sid area for the snorkeling. If you want the classic resort experience, choose Naama Bay. And if you want the ultimate Red Sea experience, book a snorkeling day at Ras Mohammed.
Ready to plan your journey? Contact me at christine.brady@fora.travel.