Best things to do in Sharm El Sheikh

Check out some of the best diving sites in the world on a snorkeling or scuba tour from Sharm el Sheikh. Your skillful captain will take you to amazing places like Ras Mohammed National Park, where you can float alongside rays and sea turtles, before climbing back on deck for a delicious buffet lunch. Combo tours allow you to pack more than one activity in one day, so that you can take a camel ride along the Gulf of Aqaba, a jeep safari across the desert dunes, or a hike the rocky mountains. These tours last at least 7 hours, if not the entire day.

A crescent shaped coastal area with strips of sand separated by rocky outcrops, Shark's Bay Beach serves as the departure point for many boat tours and diving excursions. Home to a number of upscale resort hotels, the area also hosts restaurants with sea views.

Entertainment in a variety of forms, SOHO Square houses a number of classy stores selling jewelry, clothes, and electronics, with a real focus on catering to the tastes of visitors from across the world. The same rings true of the dining and drinking options on site, with different global cuisines to be tried at a range of fine, casual, and alfresco eating areas. Entertainment options include a number of play areas, a stage for performances, and sports facilities, so you don't have to be mad on shopping to visit.

Offering outstanding parasailing opportunities, Na'ama Bay also boasts a variety of entertainment facilities, shopping areas, luxury hotels, and spas. The jump-off point for many snorkeling and diving expeditions, the bay provides easy access to coral reefs rich in underwater wildlife, while its beaches serve as a pleasant places to soak up some sun and relax. Since the building of the first hotel in 1980, the area has grown into the bustling commercial heart of the city, with a number of restaurants and bars overlooking the sandy coastline.

Marvel at St. John's vision of The Apocalypse at The Heavenly Cathedral, a Coptic cathedral perched on a hilltop. Built in 2010, the tall twin rectangular towers of the cathedral dominate the skyline with elegant architecture. The church features elaborately painted ceiling and walls, lavishly illustrated with stories from the Bible and the lives of the saints. It took a team of 19 people two years to paint these frescoes and murals. The site also showcases tall stained-glass windows.

The centerpiece of a modern shopping and entertainment area, Soho Square Dancing Fountain puts on a show throughout the day, shooting jets of water in time with music. Playing regional classics and international pop tunes, the fountain "dances" in a number of rhythmic, synchronized jets. Right in the middle of the upmarket commercial space, the display provides a welcome break for weary shoppers. When the sun goes down, the lights come on, illuminating the water and encouraging onlookers to get up and dance.

Explore the deep at Blue Hole, rich in marine life but notorious for the dangers it poses. Not without reason, the spot has been termed "Diver's Cemetery" by many in the scuba diving community. Despite this, the hole attracts many keen divers, largely because of its easy accessibility (the sinkhole sits just offshore) and its main feature, a tunnel located 56 m (184 ft) below the surface--it leads to the open sea and presents a major challenge to experienced divers.

Swim with dolphins at Dolphina Park, a popular dolphinarium where you can get in the water and meet the friendly critters. Put on your swimsuit and head down into the pool to interact with the trained, sociable animals. Expert trainers remain close by to help you adjust to the experience, and command the dolphins to perform tricks. Catch a show in the main pool, where the trainers work with the dolphins to put on a synchronized spectacle. Before you leave, take a look in the gift shop to pick up a photo of your swim.

Take a break from the flashier side of the resort city and delve into its more established commercial core at Old Market. The set of stalls, stores, and places to eat contrasts with the city's better-known resort lifestyle. And while the market largely gears itself toward international tourism, scenes of authentic daily life remain prevalent in the areas selling fresh produce and spices. Pick up a souvenir of your trip to Egypt, choosing from the large selection of traditional textiles, trinkets, and ornaments. Sample local and international cuisine at the onsite eateries, including popular Egyptian barbecue joints serving kebabs and kofta.