Where the Sinai desert meets the Red Sea — Sharm El Sheikh offers cruise passengers some of the world's best snorkeling at Ras Mohammed, a vibrant old-town souq, and quad-bike rides into the mountains all in one stop.
Ships dock at the Sharm al-Maya cruise terminal near the Old Market — no tendering required.
💡 Pro move: US dollars, euros, and British pounds are widely accepted by taxis and market vendors. Carry small bills — change often comes in Egyptian pounds.
Cruise ships dock directly at the Sharm al-Maya terminal, steps from the Old Market.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Sharm al-Maya Cruise Terminal, Sharm Old Town📍 | Docked |
| Aroya & large resort ships | Sharm al-Maya — upgraded berths (AD Ports Group, 2025)📍 | Docked |
Choose between world-famous underwater adventures, Sinai desert thrills, or a relaxed beach and souq day.
Egypt's premier marine reserve at the confluence of the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba. Yolanda Reef, Shark Reef, and the famous Yolanda wreck deliver breathtaking coral walls and tropical fish. Most tours include a boat ride and lunch.
Find Ras Mohammed snorkeling tours →Ride ATVs through the ochre Sinai mountains, then switch to camel for a traditional Bedouin camp visit with tea and stargazing. A perfect contrast to the sea.
Find desert adventure tours →The main resort strip 6 km from the port offers sandy beaches, clear snorkeling right off the shore, and a lively promenade of cafes and shops. Many resort hotels sell day-pass entry to their beach clubs.
Find Naama Bay beach excursions →One of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, at the foot of the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments. A long but deeply rewarding day trip through dramatic Sinai scenery.
Find St. Catherine tours →Sharm's original village market is a short walk from the pier. Browse spices, jewelry, lanterns, and souvenirs; bargaining is expected. The ornate Al Sahaba Mosque nearby is especially striking at dusk.
Explore Old Market on foot →Stay dry while viewing the reef. Glass-bottom boats depart from Naama Bay and the Old Market area, drifting over coral gardens full of parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles.
Find glass-bottom boat tours →The Old Market area near the pier is very walkable; for beaches or Naama Bay, take a taxi.
Walk from the pier gate through the colourful Sharm al-Maya souq. Browse spice stalls and souvenir shops, then find the landmark Al Sahaba Mosque at the market's heart. The stone mountain steps and the café with a built-in waterfall are quirky highlights.
A gentle walk along the bay promenade from the port, passing fishing boats, local cafes, and a view across the bay. Good for a quick leg-stretch before diving into the market.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Sharm El Sheikh, Sinai, Egypt (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 72°F / 22°C | 54°F / 12°C | 1 | 6:35 AM | 5:09 PM |
| Feb | 75°F / 24°C | 57°F / 14°C | 1 | 6:20 AM | 5:33 PM |
| Mar | 80°F / 27°C | 62°F / 17°C | 1 | 5:52 AM | 5:51 PM |
| Apr | 88°F / 31°C | 69°F / 21°C | 0 | 5:18 AM | 6:07 PM |
| May | 96°F / 36°C | 76°F / 24°C | 0 | 5:53 AM | 7:25 PM |
| Jun | 101°F / 38°C | 80°F / 27°C | 0 | 5:46 AM | 7:40 PM |
| Jul | 103°F / 39°C | 83°F / 28°C | 0 | 5:56 AM | 7:40 PM |
| Aug | 103°F / 39°C | 84°F / 29°C | 0 | 6:13 AM | 7:20 PM |
| Sep | 100°F / 38°C | 81°F / 27°C | 0 | 6:28 AM | 6:47 PM |
| Oct | 92°F / 33°C | 75°F / 24°C | 0 | 6:43 AM | 6:13 PM |
| Nov | 83°F / 28°C | 66°F / 19°C | 1 | 6:04 AM | 4:49 PM |
| Dec | 76°F / 24°C | 59°F / 15°C | 0 | 6:26 AM | 4:49 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Taxis are the primary way to get from the cruise terminal to Naama Bay (~10 km). Meters are not used — always agree on the fare before you get in.
inDrive is a ride-hailing app confirmed active in Sharm El Sheikh where you propose a fare and a driver accepts. Useful for avoiding negotiation hassle with street taxis.
Some cruise lines run a shuttle from the terminal to Naama Bay or resort areas for a small fee. Confirm availability with your ship before arriving.
Shared minibuses run along main roads and are very cheap, but routes are unofficial and hard to navigate for visitors. Best left to experienced travelers.
Private transfers can be arranged through operators like KiwiTaxi or Welcome Pickups. Fixed price, air-conditioned, and meets you at the pier.
Upcoming cruises that call at Sharm El Sheikh, Sinai, Egypt. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.