Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – Saturday 14th April

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – Saturday 14^th April

Sharm is at the foot of the Sinai Peninsula and it was developed for tourism by the Israelis when they occupied the Sinai from 1967 to the early 1980’s (after the Camp David agreement in 1978).  Perhaps because of the Israeli influence, or maybe because it is much more established,  it has a much different feel from Hurghada  and a nice holiday atmosphere – it helps that there is no rubbish and most of the buildings are occupied

The Marina at Sharm el Sheikh

We docked in the Marina which is close to what is now known as the Old Town of Sharm, though it probably dates from the 70s.  This has a beach and one or two hotels, but the main resort is  at Na’ama Bay which is about 4 miles away.  Here the whole resort area is traffic free and most of the hotels are only two or three storeys high – most of them are separated from their own private beaches by the promenade which runs the length of the resort and gives access to a range of restaurants and bars.  We were worried that we would not be allowed on the beach but as soon as we arrived by taxi we were approached by a young man selling a trip in a glass-bottomed boat which meant we got access  to the beach where his stall was set up between the beaches of two hotels.  Actually I think you can go on most of the beaches but have to pay if you want to use their sun loungers. 

Beach at Na'ama Bay

Coral Reef from glass-bottomed boat (fish are hiding)

There were a lot of boats in the bay which meant you had to keep very alert when snorkelling, but there were also a lot of fish to watch and the water is very clear.  The best bits of reef were a bit further out and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip in the glass-bottomed boat, though disappointed we didn’t get any good photos.  We finished our visit with a walk along the promenade to view the different hotels and a couple of drinks in the happy hour at one of the bars on the beach.  We met a couple who were on their seventh visit to the same hotel – the Jolie Ville – which did look quite luxurious.  I can see it could be quite pleasant for a few days sun, swimming and snorkelling, but there’s not a lot else of interest.

Keith liked the look of this

Tomorrow we are transiting the Suez Canal, will have to be up early to see the start.