Sharm El Sheikh is Egypt's most visited resort and one of the world's best diving and snorkelling destinations. Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula where desert mountains meet the Red Sea, it offers a unique natural combination — coral reefs right off the shore, crystal-clear water and 300+ sunny days per year. A charter from Riga gets you here in 4 hours, with All Inclusive tours starting from €319 per person for 7 nights.
Sharm El Sheikh Areas
Naama Bay — Main Tourist Hub
Naama Bay is the heart of Sharm — a long promenade along the sea with restaurants, shops, cafés and nightclubs. It has the highest hotel concentration and most active tourist life. The beach is sandy with easy sea access (no corals at shore), making it family-friendly. Popular hotels: Stella Di Mare Beach Resort 5* (from €399), Tropitel Naama Bay 5* (from €379).
Sharks Bay — Snorkeller's Paradise
Sharks Bay lies north of Naama Bay and is famed for excellent coral reefs right off the shore. Sea entry is typically via pontoons — ensuring clean reef access without coral damage. The atmosphere is calmer than Naama Bay. Hotels: Savoy Sharm El Sheikh 5* (from €449), Coral Sea Sensatori 5* (from €419).
Ras Um Sid — Quiet and Natural
Ras Um Sid is in the city's south and boasts one of Sharm's best reefs. The area is quieter with fewer hotels but superb marine life right at the shore. Suited to experienced diving enthusiasts and couples. Hotels: Reef Oasis Blue Bay 5* (from €369), Il Mercato Hotel 5* (from €349).
Diving and Snorkelling
The Red Sea off Sharm El Sheikh is among the world's best dive destinations. Expect dozens of coral species, colourful tropical fish, moray eels, turtles, manta rays and even whale sharks (November–February). Key dive sites:
- Ras Mohammed National Park — 30 min by boat from Sharm. Legendary Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef walls with dozens of fish species. Trip: €40–60.
- Tiran Island — 4 dive sites around a coral island. Turtles, barracudas, vibrant corals. Boat trip: €35–50.
- Blue Hole — Dahab, 1.5h from Sharm. World-famous dive site with a 100m+ deep sinkhole. Day trip: €50–70.
- SS Thistlegorm wreck — WWII shipwreck, one of the world's TOP 10 wreck dives. Advanced diving: €80–120.
Best Time to Visit
| Period | Air temp | Sea temp | Crowds | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October – November | 28–32°C | 25–27°C | Medium | €319 |
| December – February | 20–24°C | 21–23°C | High season | €349 |
| March – April | 24–30°C | 22–24°C | Low | €319 |
| May – September | 35–42°C | 26–29°C | Low (hot) | €299 |
The ideal period is October–April: comfortable temperatures, excellent underwater visibility and reasonable prices. Summer (June–August) is very hot (40°C+) but cheapest, with warm sea.
Excursions from Sharm El Sheikh
Ras Mohammed by boat (€40–60, half day) — snorkelling and diving in Egypt's most protected marine park. Includes 2–3 stops and lunch.
Dahab day trip (€50–70) — visit the bohemian beach town, snorkel at the Blue Hole, enjoy Bedouin tea in the desert.
Cairo and Pyramids (€80–120, full day) — by plane or 6–7h bus. Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum. Long day but unforgettable.
Bedouin evening in the desert (€30–45) — quad bike safari, camel riding, Bedouin camp with traditional tea and dinner under the stars.
Practical Tips
Visa: For Latvian citizens — on arrival for $25 or e-visa in advance. Airport visa takes 10–15 minutes.
Money: Egyptian Pound (EGP). 1 EUR ≈ 55–60 EGP (2026). Euros and dollars accepted in tourist areas at worse rates. ATM withdrawals recommended.
Safety: Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt's safest places — a separate security zone with permanent checkpoints. Safe to walk around day and night in the tourist area.
FAQ
How much does an AI tour to Sharm from Riga cost?
All Inclusive tours to Sharm El Sheikh from Riga in 2026 start from €319 per person for 7 nights (flights, transfers, AI hotel included). Price depends on season — October and March are cheapest (from €319), December-January more expensive (from €349–449).
Is Sharm suitable for beginner divers?
Absolutely. Many dive centres offer beginner courses (Discover Scuba Diving) for €50–70 — diving to 6–12 metres with an instructor. Snorkelling requires no experience — just a mask and snorkel, and you'll see corals and fish right off the shore.
Which hotel is best for snorkelling?
Sharks Bay hotels offer the best house reef — Savoy, Coral Sea Sensatori and Sultan Gardens. At these hotels you can snorkel directly from the hotel pontoon without booking a separate trip. Ras Um Sid area also has excellent reefs.
Is it safe to swim in the Red Sea?
Yes, the Red Sea is safe for swimming and snorkelling when following basic rules — don't touch corals, don't remove fish, use reef-safe sunscreen. Shark attacks are extremely rare, and beaches have lifeguards and buoys.
How much spending money should I bring?
In an AI hotel, extra money is only needed for excursions and souvenirs. Tourists typically spend €100–200 per person per week outside the hotel. Excursions: Ras Mohammed €40–60, Dahab €50–70, desert safari €30–45. Souvenirs and local meals — €10–20.
Is Sharm suitable for families?
Yes, especially the Naama Bay area with sandy beaches and easy sea entry. 5* hotels have kids' clubs and pools. However, if children's animation and entertainment programmes are important, Turkey offers better infrastructure in this regard.
How long is the flight from Riga?
The charter flight from Riga to Sharm El Sheikh takes approximately 4 hours non-stop. Flights operate from Riga Airport (RIX) directly to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH). Transfer from airport to hotel takes 15–45 minutes depending on area.
Is it worth visiting in summer?
In summer (June–August) temperatures reach 40–45°C, too hot for many. But prices are lowest (from €299) and the sea is warm (28–29°C). If you tolerate heat and plan to spend most time in the water or air-conditioned hotel, summer can be a bargain.
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