Explore on your own rating
The Old Market is walkable, but the beaches, Naama Bay and the reefs need a taxi or a tour.
Where ships dock
- Sharm el-Sheikh port, in Sharm el-Maya bay below the Old Market (Old Sharm)
Getting to town
Ships dock in the port at Sharm el-Maya, and the Old Market with Al Sahaba Mosque is a short walk from the port gate. Naama Bay, the main resort strip, is about 7 km away by taxi.
Taxis wait at the port gate and aren't metered: agree the price (and whether it's in pounds or dollars) before you get in. Ras Mohammed National Park, glass-bottom boats and snorkelling trips are best booked through the ship or a licensed operator.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP). U.S. dollars often accepted for tours.
Entry: U.S. citizens need an Egyptian visa for mainland Egypt (e-Visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg or visa on arrival). For short stays in the South Sinai resorts, Egypt issues a free Sinai-only entry stamp, which does not cover Cairo, Luxor or the rest of the country. Your cruise line arranges clearance, so follow its instructions (U.S. State Department / Egypt e-Visa portal, checked Oct 2026).
Top sights nearby
- Al Sahaba Mosque and the Old Market (Sharm Old Town)
- Heavenly Cathedral (Coptic Orthodox)
- Naama Bay promenade
- Ras Mohammed National Park reefs (tour)
- Glass-bottom boat or snorkelling trip
- St Catherine's Monastery (long tour, about 3 hours each way)
Beaches
- Naama Bay (taxi)
- Hotel and reef beaches along the coast (day passes vary)
Safety & tips
- The State Department rates Egypt Level 2 (Exercise increased caution; advisory issued July 15, 2025), with northern and middle Sinai at Level 4. Sharm el-Sheikh is in South Sinai, outside the Level 4 area, and is one of the places U.S. government staff may travel. Don't head north into the Sinai interior on your own.
- Drones are banned in Egypt and will be confiscated: leave yours on the ship.
- Dress modestly in town and at the mosque; swimwear is for beaches only.
- The sun is fierce: carry water, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
From Naama Bay allow 20 minutes by taxi; from Ras Mohammed or St Catherine's use a tour that guarantees the return. Be back 30 minutes before all-aboard.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.
Shore excursions that get you back on time
Prefer a guided option in Sharm el-Sheikh? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.
Find Sharm el-Sheikh shore excursions on Viator ↗
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Quick answers
Can you explore Sharm el-Sheikh on your own?
Yes, with some planning (rated Moderate). The Old Market is walkable, but the beaches, Naama Bay and the reefs need a taxi or a tour.
How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Sharm el-Sheikh?
Ships dock in the port at Sharm el-Maya, and the Old Market with Al Sahaba Mosque is a short walk from the port gate. Naama Bay, the main resort strip, is about 7 km away by taxi.
Do I need a passport for Sharm el-Sheikh?
U.S. citizens need an Egyptian visa for mainland Egypt (e-Visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg or visa on arrival). For short stays in the South Sinai resorts, Egypt issues a free Sinai-only entry stamp, which does not cover Cairo, Luxor or the rest of the country. Your cruise line arranges clearance, so follow its instructions (U.S. State Department / Egypt e-Visa portal, checked Oct 2026).
When should I head back to the ship in Sharm el-Sheikh?
From Naama Bay allow 20 minutes by taxi; from Ras Mohammed or St Catherine's use a tour that guarantees the return. Be back 30 minutes before all-aboard.
📬 Get port tips before you sail
Free Get Port Savvy tips in your inbox.