South Sinai is Egypt's premier resort governorate, encompassing the tip of the Sinai Peninsula between the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. Home to world-class diving at Sharm el-Sheikh, biblical pilgrimages to Mount Sinai, and the laid-back beach culture of Dahab, it offers one of the most diverse adventure and relaxation destinations in the Middle East.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
St. Catherine's Monastery & Mount Sinai
The most significant day trip from any South Sinai base, combining two of the most spiritually important sites in the world. St. Catherine's Monastery is the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery on earth, founded in the 6th century and housing priceless Byzantine icons and ancient manuscripts. Mount Sinai (Gebel Musa), rising behind the monastery at 2,285 m, is where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments. The standard approach is to depart the night before, hike Mount Sinai at 2am for sunrise, then visit the monastery in the morning.
Highlights: Burning Bush at St. Catherine's · Sunrise from Mount Sinai summit · World-class Byzantine icon collection · Steps of Repentance · Panoramic Sinai mountain views
Colored Canyon & White Canyon
A spectacular geological day trip into the desert interior of the Sinai Peninsula, visiting two dramatic slot canyons whose walls are painted in extraordinary mineral colours. The Colored Canyon features layers of yellow, red, purple, and cream sandstone in a narrow passage with several scramble-over boulders, while the nearby White Canyon has bleached limestone arches. The journey through the dramatic desert landscape is as rewarding as the destination.
Highlights: Multicolored canyon walls · Narrow slot canyon passages · White limestone arches · Desert 4x4 driving · Remote wilderness
Petra, Jordan
One of the world's greatest archaeological wonders—the rose-red Nabataean city of Petra carved into sandstone cliffs—is accessible on a day trip from Taba (or a long day from Sharm). Cross the Egyptian-Israeli-Jordanian border at Taba, drive through southern Israel's Negev or directly to Aqaba, Jordan, and proceed to Petra. The stunning Treasury (Al-Khazneh) and the siq gorge approach make this one of the most rewarding excursions from South Sinai.
Highlights: The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) · The Siq approach canyon · Royal Tombs · Monastery (Ad-Deir) · Rose-red sandstone city
Ras Mohammed National Park & Tiran Island
A full-day boat trip from Sharm el-Sheikh marina to Egypt's first national park and the legendary Tiran Island dive sites. Ras Mohammed's Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are among the world's top 10 dive sites, while the four reefs around Tiran Island (Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon) offer current-swept walls teeming with marine life. Excellent for snorkelers as well as divers.
Highlights: Shark Reef dive/snorkel · Yolanda Reef (with sunken cargo ship) · Tiran Island reef systems · Mangrove Channel · Abundant marine life including sharks and manta rays
Abu Gallum Protectorate Camel Trek & Beach
A magical day trip by camel north along the Gulf of Aqaba coast through the Ras Abu Gallum Protectorate—a pristine stretch of protected coastline accessible only on foot or by camel. The 3-4 hour camel ride reaches a small Bedouin fishing village and several stunning beaches with completely untouched reef for snorkeling. Lunch is prepared by the Bedouin guides from their fresh catch.
Highlights: Camel trekking along the Red Sea coast · Pristine untouched reef snorkeling · Bedouin fishing village · Fresh fish lunch · Sea turtle sightings
Cairo by Air
With 1-hour flights operating multiple times daily between Sharm el-Sheikh and Cairo, it is possible to make a very early morning departure to spend the day at the Egyptian Museum, visit the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, and return to Sharm by evening. It's extremely long as a day trip—most visitors prefer 2-3 nights in Cairo. Flying from Sharm to Cairo is easy and relatively cheap.
Highlights: Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx · Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square) · Grand Egyptian Museum (Giza) · Khan el-Khalili bazaar · Cairo's medieval Islamic quarter
Dahab Day Trip from Sharm el-Sheikh
The most accessible and rewarding day trip from Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab offers a completely different character: relaxed Bedouin beach cafes, world-class shore diving and snorkeling at the Blue Hole and Canyon, and an authentic laid-back alternative to Sharm's resort atmosphere. A 1.5-hour drive delivers you to one of the Red Sea's most beloved destinations.
Highlights: Blue Hole snorkeling/diving · Canyon dive site · Dahab beach cafe culture · Bedouin food · Coloured Canyon possible extension
Multi-day tours from South Sinai
If you have longer than a day, these are organised multi-day trips that start here.
Browse multi-day tours from South SinaiWe may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.