Family Activities in Sharm el-Sheikh

October 31, 2026

Sharm el-Sheikh is a beach and reef destination, so family days here mostly revolve around the sea, with a few dry options for evenings and hot afternoons. Resort-strip activities are generally low risk, and the UK Foreign Office calls the Red Sea resorts of southern Sinai generally low risk at the time of writing in October 2026. Read the FCDO advice for Egypt before you travel.

See the reef dry

Glass-bottom boats leave from the Naama Bay jetty near Al-Bostan beach, and the SeaScope semi-submarine leaves from the marina on a trip of about 2.5 to 3 hours. Both let non-swimmers and small children watch the reef from a seat. Departure times change with the season, so confirm with the operator or your hotel desk.

Water parks

Cleo Park, with an ancient Egypt theme, has been open since 2006. Aqua Blue Water Park is in Hadaba, and a large park called Aqua Park is billed as the biggest in Sharm. Opening seasons and day-pass prices change, so ask your hotel or the park directly, and check whether a ticket covers food and drinks.

Soho Square

Soho Square is an evening entertainment plaza in north Sharm near the airport. It has an ice rink, ten-pin bowling, a kids’ zone, a dancing fountain show and the Culturama panoramic cinema show. Walking in costs nothing and each attraction charges separately. Evening opening hours run from about 18:30 to 02:00.

Snorkelling from a house reef

Children who swim well can try a shallow house reef with a guide. The Near and Far Gardens at Naama Bay are the gentle option. Fit a mask and life vest in advance, and keep to the guide’s instructions.

Mangroves and camels

Nabq Protected Area, about 35 km north, has the northernmost mangroves on the Red Sea and suits a calm family outing by 4x4. Camel rides run by Bedouin guides are common and short. Captive-dolphin shows and photo sessions are sold in Nabq Bay, but conservation groups such as HEPCA campaign against dolphinaria in Egypt, and this guide suggests skipping them.

Sea and sun safety for children

Egyptian law bans touching or standing on coral, collecting shells and feeding fish, so explain the rules before you get in the water. Sharks are rare but real: heed lifeguard flags, keep children out of the water at dawn and dusk and away from boats. Tap water is not drinkable, so use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Mild stomach upsets are a common complaint. Taxis have no meters, so agree the fare first.

Money

The Egyptian pound (EGP) runs at about 48 to 50 to the US dollar. Activities are often quoted in euros or dollars, while taxis and small shops want cash in EGP.

Compare family-friendly boat trips on GetYourGuide or Viator . The Wikivoyage guide to Sharm el-Sheikh lists current options by bay.