Is Sharm better than Hurghada for snorkeling?+
Yes, significantly. Sharm's reefs drop off steeply into deep water right from shore, so even from bays like Ras Um Sid or Sharks Bay you're over a coral wall within a minute. In Hurghada the coastline is mostly sandy, and reaching coral usually means taking a boat.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?+
Yes, but if you stay only in southern Sinai and don't leave the Sharm and Dahab area, you get a free fifteen-day entry stamp. For a trip to Luxor or Cairo, you'll need a full tourist visa for twenty-five dollars.
How hard is the climb up Mount Sinai?+
It takes three to four hours going up, and it's done at night so you reach the summit by sunrise. The camel trail is gentle, but the last seven hundred steps must be climbed on foot. An averagely fit person can manage it, but it's an all-night undertaking.
When is the best time to visit?+
March to May and October to November, with temperatures around 30°C and the sea above 25°C. Winter is a pleasant 23°C and swimming is possible, but evenings are cool. Summer, at 38°C, is extreme for most people.
Can you snorkel straight from the beach in Sharm?+
Yes, and it's the main advantage over other Egyptian resorts. The best house reefs are at Ras Um Sid and Sharks Bay. You enter the water via a jetty over the reef, since walking on the coral itself is forbidden.
Is it safe to take trips around Sinai?+
Tourist routes in southern Sinai are patrolled and pass through checkpoints, often in convoys. Organized trips to the monastery, Dahab and the Coloured Canyon are common and safe. Don't head off the main roads on your own.
How much should I tip?+
A tip is expected for almost every service. Ten to twenty pounds for baggage porters, twenty pounds a day for housekeeping, fifty pounds for a driver or guide on a full-day trip. Keep small bills on hand — breaking a large note is often a problem.
Is Sharm suitable for families with children?+
Yes, especially Nabq Bay with its large family resorts and water parks. Watch out for the exposed coral seabed near shore, though — pick a hotel with a sandy entry or plan on water shoes for the whole family.
