Sharm El Sheikh All-Inclusive Holidays: An Expert’s Guide to Egypt’s Premier Resort
Welcome to Sharm El Sheikh, where the Sinai desert meets the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. We’ve consulted local experts to create your definitive guide to all-inclusive holidays in this world-renowned resort destination, combining practical advice with insider knowledge about the best diving spots and hidden gems.
Choosing Your Perfect Location
Dr. Mohammed Al-Sayed, Sharm El Sheikh tourism director with 20 years of experience, explains: “Each area of Sharm has its own character. While Naama Bay offers vibrant nightlife, areas like Sharks Bay provide a more relaxed atmosphere.”
Resort Areas Overview
Naama Bay
- Best for: First-time visitors, nightlife lovers
- Known for: Beaches, dining, shopping
- Atmosphere: Lively, cosmopolitan
- Distance from airport: 15 minutes
- Beach type: Sandy with coral reefs
- Resort style: Mix of luxury and mid-range
Key Features
- Pedestrianized promenade
- Multiple beach access points
- International restaurants
- Vibrant nightlife
- Traditional bazaars
- Diving centers
Sharks Bay
- Best for: Families, luxury seekers
- Known for: Premium resorts, snorkeling
- Atmosphere: Upmarket, relaxed
- Distance from airport: 10 minutes
- Beach type: Private sandy beaches
- Resort style: Luxury all-inclusive
Key Features
- Soho Square entertainment center
- Premium dining options
- Private beaches
- Quieter atmosphere
- Family facilities
- Water sports centers
Nabq Bay
- Best for: Peace seekers, nature lovers
- Known for: Protected coastline, mangroves
- Atmosphere: Tranquil, natural
- Distance from airport: 20 minutes
- Beach type: Protected beaches
- Resort style: New luxury resorts
Key Features
- Protected marine area
- Mangrove forest
- Newer resorts
- Spacious beaches
- Desert proximity
- Kitesurfing spots
Gardens Bay
- Best for: Diving enthusiasts
- Known for: House reefs, diving centers
- Atmosphere: Laid-back
- Distance from airport: 15 minutes
- Beach type: Coral beaches
- Resort style: Diving-focused resorts
Key Features
- House reefs
- Professional dive centers
- Snorkeling access
- Traditional atmosphere
- Smaller resorts
- Marine life
Climate and When to Visit
Hassan Ibrahim, local meteorologist, shares: “Sharm enjoys year-round sunshine with virtually no rainfall. Winter offers perfect temperatures, while summer is ideal for water activities.”
Seasonal Overview
Spring (March-May)
- Temperature: 25-32°C
- Water temperature: 22-24°C
- Rainfall: Rare
- Visibility: Excellent
- Wind: Moderate
- Perfect for: All activities
Summer (June-August)
- Temperature: 35-40°C
- Water temperature: 26-28°C
- Rainfall: None
- Visibility: Excellent
- Wind: Light
- Perfect for: Water activities
Autumn (September-November)
- Temperature: 28-35°C
- Water temperature: 25-27°C
- Rainfall: None
- Visibility: Excellent
- Wind: Light
- Perfect for: All activities
Winter (December-February)
- Temperature: 20-25°C
- Water temperature: 21-23°C
- Rainfall: Occasional
- Visibility: Very good
- Wind: Can be strong
- Perfect for: Sightseeing
World-Class Diving & Snorkeling
Ahmed Rashad, PADI Course Director with 15 years’ experience, advises: “Sharm offers some of the world’s best diving. From beginners to experts, there’s something for everyone.”
Top Dive Sites
Ras Mohammed National Park
- Type: Boat dive
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Known for: Walls, pelagics
- Best time: Early morning
- Depth: 5-40m
- Special features: Strong currents
Tiran Island
- Type: Boat dive
- Level: All levels
- Known for: Coral gardens
- Best time: Morning
- Depth: 5-30m
- Special features: Four main reefs
Shark & Yolanda Reef
- Type: Boat dive
- Level: Advanced
- Known for: Large fish
- Best time: Early morning
- Depth: 10-40m
- Special features: Famous wreck
Local House Reefs
- Type: Shore dive
- Level: Beginner
- Known for: Easy access
- Best time: Any time
- Depth: 5-15m
- Special features: Perfect for training
Activities Beyond Diving
Water Activities
- Snorkeling trips
- Parasailing
- Glass bottom boats
- Banana boats
- Jet skiing
- Sailing
Land Activities
- Quad biking
- Desert safaris
- Bedouin experiences
- Star gazing
- Camel rides
- Mountain climbing
Cultural Experiences
- Old Market visits
- Traditional bazaars
- Bedouin dinners
- Coptic Church
- Al Sahaba Mosque
- Local museums
Dining and Cuisine
Chef Mahmoud Hassan, culinary director at a leading resort, explains: “While all-inclusive resorts offer international cuisine, many now include authentic Egyptian dishes and local specialties.”
Resort Dining Tips
- Breakfast: 7-10:30am
- Lunch: 12:30-3pm
- Dinner: 6:30-10:30pm
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Reservations: Required for à la carte
- Special diets: Inform in advance
Local Restaurants
El Masrien, Old Market
- Specialty: Egyptian
- Price range: Moderate
- Best for: Local experience
- Must try: Grilled seafood
Fares Seafood, Naama Bay
- Specialty: Fresh fish
- Price range: High
- Best for: Special occasions
- Must try: Daily catch
Soho Square Restaurants
- Multiple cuisines
- Price range: Varied
- Best for: International dining
- Must try: Various options
Practical Information
Essential Safety Tips
- Use bottled water
- Book excursions through hotel
- Keep valuables in room safe
- Use regulated taxis
- Respect local customs
- Follow resort guidelines
Money Matters
- Currency: Egyptian Pound
- ATMs: Widely available
- Credit cards: Accepted
- Tipping: Expected
- Resort extras: Check inclusions
- Exchange: Use official sources
Health and Safety
- Travel insurance: Essential
- Hospitals: International standards
- Pharmacies: Well-stocked
- Sun protection: Critical
- Food safety: Follow guidelines
- Emergency: 112
Cultural Insights
Local Customs
- Dress modestly outside resorts
- Ramadan observances
- Photography permissions
- Alcohol restrictions
- Public behavior guidelines
- Religious respect
Tipping Culture
Tourism expert Fatima Hussein explains: “Tipping (baksheesh) is customary in Sharm.”
Resort Tipping Guidelines
- Housekeeping: £E20-30 per day
- Waiters: £E20-30 per day
- Bartenders: £E15-20 per day
- Pool/Beach staff: £E15-20 per day
- Spa treatments: 10%
Expert Tips for Making the Most of Your Stay
- Book diving/excursions early
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Carry small notes for tips
- Respect prayer times
- Book popular restaurants ahead
- Stay hydrated
Planning Your Perfect Holiday
Best Time to Book
- Summer: 6 months ahead
- Winter sun: 4-6 months ahead
- Christmas/New Year: 8-10 months
- Ramadan: Check dates
Package Types
- Standard all-inclusive
- Ultra all-inclusive
- Family packages
- Adult-only options
- Diving packages
- Luxury all-inclusive
Final Recommendations
“Sharm El Sheikh offers something for everyone,” says Dr. Al-Sayed. “While the diving is world-class, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the desert, local culture, and amazing marine life from the surface too.”
Note: All expert recommendations are based on professional experience in Sharm El Sheikh tourism and hospitality. Always check current travel advice and contact specific travel agents for current offerings and availability.