The Absolute Best Public Beaches In Sharm El-sheikh
As early as the 1760's the name of Sharm el-Sheik could be found on European maps, but it remained a very quiet fishing village until recently. Since the late sixties however, the town of Sharm el-Sheikh has gone on to become one of the most widely known and visited beach resorts in Egypt.The Egyptian government has both developed and encouraged the further development of quite a number of other beach resorts in order to try and spread the visitors around, but none the less Sharm still remains the number one tourist spot in the Sinai area.
Nearly all beaches in Sharm el-Sheikh are the property of the hotels and so remain for the exclusive use of their guests. Fortunately however there are also a few wonderful public beaches, and here are a some of the best ones.
Sharks Bay - Without the sharks
The beach at Sharks Bay is operated by local Bedouins, and for a modest charge you can stay at the beach all day. The entry fee includes the use of a sun bed. If possible you should try to get one of the spots under the parasols made from old palm trees. The sand on the beach is somewhat coarse and burning hot to the feet, until with a sigh of relief you reach the edge of the water. At Sharm el-Sheik the coral reef generally reaches all the way in to the coast, but there is a wide stretch at Sharks Bay where there is a break in the reef, and where the water remains shallow enough for kids to paddle around and snorkel. Be aware that it suddenly gets deeper however.
Ras Umm Sidd - The spectacular depths of Sharm el-Sheikh
In contrast the coral reef rises up from the blue ocean depths just a few meters from the coastline at the rocky beach at Ras Umm Sidd. Before getting to the edge of the reef, you will have to swim with some care over a wide reef platform, where the currents can be quite strong. At the edge the currents are also rather strong, and the place is a lot more demanding that the smaller reef at Sharks Bay. At the same time however, this place is both wilder and more beautiful: The sea is bluer, the fish are bigger, and the corals themselves are in better shape.
Naama Bay - at the centre of everything
Sharm el-Sheiks central Naama Bay beach is buzzing with life throughout the day. Sun beds and parasols are located one besides another, and energetic animators are trying to encourage the sweating beach-goers to participate in water aerobic not to mention beach volley, while the waiters at the neighboring beach restaurants and bars are busy. The beach in the bay is one large sandy beach, with shallow water and thus very family friendly. On the beach diving shops and excursion vendors compete to take you away - with no end to the possibilities, be it going on a sailing trip in a boat with a transparent bottom, water skiing, riding the banana-boat, going on a desert safari, and or camel and horse back riding.
