Sharm el-Sheikh Resorts Guide: Naama Bay, Shark's Bay and Beyond

Sharm el-Sheikh is, almost entirely, a resort destination. The accommodation model closely resembles Hurghada — large all-inclusive properties dominating the market — but the town’s geography creates distinct zones with meaningfully different characters. Where you stay affects not just price but access to the reef, proximity to nightlife, and convenience for the dive sites that most visitors come to use.

Naama Bay

Naama Bay is the commercial heart of Sharm and the most visited area. The main strip has restaurants, dive operators, shopping, and a beach. The Four Seasons Sharm el-Sheikh in Naama Bay is consistently rated the top property in the area — the beach is excellent and the standard across accommodation, food, and pool facilities is reliable. The Hilton Sharm el-Sheikh Fayrouz and Hyatt Regency are established mid-to-upper-range options in the same bay.

Naama Bay hotels are convenient for the social scene but not ideal for divers wanting direct reef access — the main Sharm dive sites require a boat.

Shark’s Bay

Shark’s Bay, a few kilometres north of Naama Bay, is the preferred base for serious divers. The reef comes close to shore here and several accommodations have direct house reef access.

Camel Dive Club has integrated accommodation and a well-regarded dive operation. Sharks Bay Umbi Diving Village is a smaller, more budget-oriented option that has operated in the area for many years and attracts repeat visitors. Both offer the practical advantage of being able to walk to the water and dive without a boat trip.

Hadaba Plateau

Hadaba sits on the plateau above the bay and is dominated by larger resort properties. The Rixos Premium Seagate Sharm is one of the biggest all-inclusive operations in the Sinai peninsula. The plateau location means shuttle transport to the beach is required, but the resort compensates with extensive pool areas and a full range of on-site facilities. It suits families and guests whose priority is the all-inclusive experience rather than spontaneous reef access.

Ras Um Sid

The Ritz-Carlton Sharm el-Sheikh occupies a quieter position south of Naama Bay at Ras Um Sid. The beach and reef quality here is excellent. The distance from the Naama Bay strip means the hotel functions as a self-contained destination; guests who want Naama Bay evenings will need a taxi.

Budget Options

Sharm el-Sheikh has very limited budget accommodation by Egyptian standards. A handful of guesthouses in Sharm Town (also called the Old Town), approximately 8km from Naama Bay, provide the most economical options but require taxi transport for everything. Sharm is not a destination that suits shoestring travel — if budget is the priority, Dahab 90km up the coast is a more appropriate base.

Visa Note

Visitors arriving at Sharm el-Sheikh airport can enter on a Sinai-only stamp rather than a full Egyptian visa. This is free and allows entry to Sinai resorts and certain day trips. However, it does not permit travel to Cairo, Luxor, or the rest of Egypt. If your trip includes any destinations beyond the Sinai resort zone — or a day trip to St Catherine’s Monastery — a full Egyptian e-visa is required. Book this before travel to avoid complications at the airport.