Excursion tips for Sharm El Sheikh: Desert quad biking & Red Sea

Sharm El Sheikh is renowned for its luxurious all-inclusive resorts and guaranteed sunshine. However, those who spend their entire vacation on a sun lounger are missing the best parts: the rugged beauty of the Sinai Desert and some of the most spectacular reefs in the world. We ventured out of our comfort zone to experience two sides of Egypt: dust and speed on land, and silence and vibrant colors underwater. Here are our personal excursion tips for Sharm El Sheikh.

Dust, Speed, and Sinai – The Quad Adventure

Sometimes you have to leave the comfort zone of the all-inclusive buffet to experience an adventure. We traded the hotel pool for four wheels and an endless desert.

A wide, flat expanse of desert sand in Egypt leads to a rugged, rocky mountain range under a clear, bright blue sky.

Preparation at Base Camp: The Lawrence of Arabia Look

We headed to the base camp of various quad tour providers in the morning. It was a hive of activity; dozens of quads stood in neat rows while one group already waited for their tour to start.

A line of colorful quad bikes, including red, black, and green models, are parked on a sandy lot at a starting point for tours in Egypt.

Before we could mount up, paperwork had to be completed, and we had to purchase goggles and a scarf. The tour was going to be dusty, and you aren’t allowed to ride without this protection.

Wrapping the Arafat scarf (Kufiya) is an art in itself. Honestly, without helping hands, I wouldn’t have managed. A guide wrapped the fabric around my head so routinely that only my eyes were visible. Once I put on the goggles, I looked like a bank robber but felt like Lawrence of Arabia.

A close-up shot of a person in Egypt ready for a quad bike tour, wearing a black and white checkered keffiyeh wrapped around their head and face, topped with blue-rimmed sunglasses and clear protective goggles.

Starting the Engines: Into the Void

The instruction for using the quads was brief and pragmatic: “Gas here (thumb), brake here. No overtaking, keep your distance.” Most of our group decided to share a quad in pairs, which kept the group size manageable.

Then the engines started. A rumble went through the group as we drove off in single file—out of the camp and into the void.

Two people wearing red helmets and face masks ride a red quad bike across the desert sands of Egypt, with rocky mountains in the background.

The first few minutes took some getting used to. The handlebars vibrated violently, and my thumb on the throttle had to find the right feel. The ground in Sharm isn’t soft sand dunes like in the Sahara; it’s a mixture of hard sand, scree, and rock. It shakes you up, and as a passenger, I sometimes had real trouble holding on.

As soon as we picked up speed, I understood why the scarf was so important. The dust is everywhere—it crawls into every crevice. But the adrenaline rush made that feel completely secondary. It was great fun, and I could hardly get enough of the landscape.

A group of people wearing helmets and face masks ride quads through a desert landscape in Egypt, with the lead rider on a red ATV holding a long selfie stick.

Mars Landscapes and Camel Encounters

The Sinai landscape is breathtaking—literally. It looks like Mars. Rugged, red-brown mountain ranges tower into the sky, interspersed with wide plains through which we zoomed at about 40 km/h.

Our first short stop was in front of some jagged rocks where some camels were resting. The enterprising guides were pitching rides on the “ships of the desert,” but since the stop was only scheduled for 10 minutes, a camel ride would have been very brief, and no one in our group took the offer.

Two camels with colorful saddles rest in the foreground of an Egyptian desert landscape, with off-road quad buggies parked nearby against a backdrop of rugged mountains.

Tea Break with the Bedouins

The next stop was at a Bedouin tent. Of course, it is staged for tourists, but it still has its charm. We sat on carpets in the shade, the engines were off, and suddenly you could hear it: the silence of the desert.

We were served the obligatory, sugary-sweet “Habak” tea (black tea with desert herbs). It tasted surprisingly good and washed the dust from our throats.

A man wearing a checkered headscarf and sunglasses relaxes on a colorful rug inside a traditional Bedouin tent in Egypt during a break from a quad bike tour. Several other tourists, also wearing headscarves, are seated in the background under the thatched roof of the desert rest stop.

The way back felt much faster than the way out, likely because handling the quad had become more routine. When we arrived back at camp, I was completely covered in dust but absolutely happy. What a great tour!

A line of tourists ride red quad bikes through the Egyptian desert, with the person in the foreground wearing a checkered headscarf and a red Corendon Airlines drawstring bag.

Conclusion & Tips for Desert Adventurers

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. It’s loud, it’s dirty, but it was a blast. Here are my top tips:

Clothing: Don’t wear anything white! It will never be white again. Wear long, airy clothing to protect against the sun and engine heat.
Equipment: Goggles are a must (because of the dust). You can usually buy the scarf on-site, but better to bring your own if you have one.
Camera: Put your phone in a dust-proof case or a Ziploc bag. Fine sand is the death of any unprotected lens.
Water: Take a small bottle of water with you, even if tea is provided. The desert air is extremely dehydrating.

A group of tourists in Egypt prepares to restart their quad bike tour after a break, with the focus on a person from behind wearing a Corendon Airlines drawstring bag and a checkered headscarf.

The desert is alive, and conquering it on four wheels was definitely the highlight of my vacation in Sharm El Sheikh.

A Day on the Red Sea – VIP Boat Tour

Sharm El Sheikh is world-famous for its reefs and colorful underwater world. A diving or snorkeling tour in the Red Sea is one of the most popular activities for vacationers.

Hotspots for Underwater Fans

If you dive here, you are spoilt for choice. There are countless snorkeling and diving spots, some of which are located directly in front of the hotels. However, there are three places that are a dream for every underwater enthusiast.

A view from the blue waters of the Red Sea in Egypt, showing several white ships and boats anchored along a desert coastline with rugged, hazy mountains in the background.

Ras Mohammed National Park: At the southernmost tip of the Sinai, the currents of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez meet. The result is a nutrient-rich buffet for marine life.
The Strait of Tiran: In the middle of the channel between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, four reefs rise from the depths: Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon. Currents are common here—perfect for “drift dives.” You let yourself float and literally fly past soft corals in every color of the rainbow. With a bit of luck, you can see hammerhead sharks here.
SS Thistlegorm: This British transport ship was sunk by German bombers in 1941. It lies at a depth of about 30 meters and is one of the most spectacular wrecks in the world. You dive among trucks, motorcycles, rubber boots, and rifles that are still standing firmly in the cargo hold. It is an eerie, reverent, and fascinating dive that makes time stand still.

Casting Off: The Way to the Ship

We took a bus to the harbor in the morning. Upon arrival, we were met by the typical Egyptian hustle and bustle. Dozens of white yachts lay side by side, hundreds of tourists were looking for their guides, and we were right in the middle of it.

A large group of tourists walks along a pier toward white tour boats docked in an Egyptian harbor, with desert mountains and palm trees visible in the background. The scene is captured from the deck of another ship, showing yellow-striped chairs and a wooden table in the foreground.

A private tour had been booked for us, and our tour guide was already waiting. Here, too, we had to deal with some paperwork first, then we went to a rental counter for fins, masks, and snorkels.

What followed next is something I have never experienced before. The way to the ship first meant lining up at a security check. Here, bags were searched primarily for alcohol, which is strictly forbidden during a diving tour. There were probably several hundred guests standing in the long queue, waiting to finally go on board.

A bustling harbor in Egypt filled with white diving excursion boats, including one named "Dream 1," as people gather on the docks near a desert mountain landscape.

On Board the “ELITE VIP”

After our small group made it through the check, we went on board the “ELITE VIP.” We took off our shoes and found a spot on the upper deck, which was protected from the sun. There was a short safety briefing, and then we were free to explore the ship.

The lower deck of an Egyptian ship features a spacious lounge with plush white sofas, polished wooden tables, and a large mural depicting coastal scenes.

An outdoor seating area on an Egyptian ship features wooden tables and chairs with yellow-striped cushions, offering a scenic view of the blue sea and distant coastline.

Admittedly, not only when looking at the very crowded ships around us but also during the exploration tour of the ship, I felt like a VIP. We were about 20 people and were looked after by a crew of 10. There was a chef on board who was already busy preparing lunch.

The ship had two lower decks (which were not allowed to be entered with wet clothes). One upper deck was covered and equipped with large tables and chairs. The steering wheel was also located here. At the bow, there were some loungers for sun worshippers. The second upper deck was full of sun loungers.

The upper sun deck of a ship in Egypt features rows of white lounge chairs with yellow and white striped cushions, overlooking a desert landscape with mountains and palm trees.

The wooden ship's wheel, or steuerrad, sits at the helm of an Egyptian vessel, overlooking a harbor filled with white boats and rugged cliffs. The deck features polished wood flooring, a yellow-striped chair, and a chrome captain's stool positioned behind the classic steering wheel.

Underwater Magic: Snorkeling and Intro-Dive

It took some time until we heard the engines and our journey to Ras Mohammed National Park began. As we sailed out of the harbor, the water changed. The dark harbor blue turned into a radiant turquoise. We chose a spot under the sunshade. The wind was warm, and the dive master gave the briefing: “Don’t touch anything! Coral is alive.”

Patrick spontaneously decided to do a guided dive at the first diving stop. No prior knowledge is required for this. The diving instructor takes everyone individually by the hand and explained everything in detail before starting.

A scuba diving oxygen tank and buoyancy control device (BCD) vest sit on a tan carpeted floor of a ship in Egypt, with people's bare feet visible in the background.

After about 40 minutes, we reached the first spot. For me, it was now time: mask on, snorkel in, fins on. Take a quick breath—I wonder if the water is cold?

It was not cold!!! I wouldn’t have expected these pleasant temperatures in November! The moment you put your head underwater is magical. The noise of the world disappears. All you hear is your own breathing. And then you swim through a colorful, indescribably beautiful world. Parrotfish in neon colors, elegant butterflyfish, and huge schools of tiny orange sea goldies. The water was so clear that I could see all the way to the bottom.

For me, it was an indescribably beautiful experience—but of course, I also wanted to see how Patrick moved in the water with the diving equipment. The gear is heavy and clunky, and additional weights are supposed to help stay underwater. The diving instructor took him by the hand, and then he went deep down. He brought Patrick close to the reef and showed him fish living in small caves.

Culinary Delights and the Return Journey

We had almost an hour to discover the underwater world, then it was time to get back on board—time for lunch! The chef had really done his best. The buffet on the boat was simple but delicious. There was, for example, chicken, kofta, and salad. We sat below deck with wet hair and salt on our skin, gently rocking in the waves. Better than any 5-course meal.

A buffet spread of Egyptian dishes, including pasta, fried potatoes, and grilled meats, is laid out on a decorative wooden sideboard during a lunch service on a ship.

There wasn’t much time to “digest.” We had already arrived at the next diving spot. Our diving guide was in the water with us and showed us some spots. After a while, I had enough and swam back to the ship.

The return trip to the harbor was quiet. Most passengers were exhausted from the sun and the water. For me, this trip was definitely worth it! It was a great excursion with a view of nature that I had never seen like this before.

Tips for Water Rats

A boat trip is a must-do program in Sharm El Sheikh. The underwater world here is world-class and can hardly be compared to anything in the Mediterranean.

A view from the deck of a boat shows several white ships departing from a harbor in Egypt across calm blue water under a clear sky.

My tips for your trip:

Don’t forget your passport: Without a passport (or at least a good copy, depending on the harbor), you won’t get on the boat.
Motion sickness tablets: Even if the sea looks calm, once the boat stops and rocks, many people feel nauseous. Take a tablet before you go on board.
Sun protection: You burn extremely quickly on the boat because of the wind. Put on cream before you leave. Important: Use reef-friendly sunscreen so as not to poison the corals.
Try an Intro Dive: Even if you have respect for it—do it! Hand in hand with the guide, it is very safe and a completely different experience than snorkeling.
Towels: Bring the large beach towels from the hotel; there are none on the boat.

A wide shot from a boat on the deep blue Red Sea shows the distant, arid Egyptian coastline with rugged, tan-colored mountains under a clear blue sky.

The excursions took place as part of a press trip.