Houseboat rental Sharm El-Sheikh - 1 houseboat

Where Desert Mountains Kiss the Red Sea: Welcome to Sharm El-Sheikh

Picture waking up on the water with rust-colored Sinai mountains rising dramatically in the distance, crystal-clear turquoise waters beneath you, and a world of underwater wonders waiting to be explored. Sharm El-Sheikh, perched on the southern tip of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, offers a holiday experience unlike anywhere else on Earth. This Egyptian resort city sits at the confluence of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, creating one of the most spectacular coastal settings in the world.

The city stretches for nearly 30 kilometers along the Red Sea coast, with several stunning bays dotted throughout. It covers approximately 480 square kilometers and has a population of around 77,000 permanent residents. Located roughly 500 kilometers from Cairo by highway, Sharm El-Sheikh feels like a world apart from Egypt's ancient capital.

A City Born from the Sea

Unlike Cairo or Luxor with their millennia of pharaonic history, Sharm El-Sheikh is refreshingly modern. Until the mid-20th century, this area was merely an insignificant fishing village and Bedouin settlement. The transformation began in the 1960s when divers discovered the exceptional coral reefs and marine life hiding beneath the Red Sea's surface. Since then, the city has blossomed into one of the Middle East's premier tourist destinations.

UNESCO has recognized Sharm El-Sheikh as a City of Peace, selecting it among the top five cities of peace worldwide out of 400 global cities. This unique designation stems from the numerous international peace conferences hosted here, including the historic 1999 agreement establishing Palestinian self-rule over the Gaza Strip. Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak officially designated the city with this title in 1982.

Why a Houseboat Holiday in Sharm El-Sheikh Makes Perfect Sense

Choosing a houseboat for your Sharm El-Sheikh adventure offers distinct advantages over traditional resort stays:

• Unparalleled access to the Red Sea: Wake up directly on the water and step into one of the world's most celebrated marine environments without crowds or long transfers
• Year-round pleasant climate: The sea never drops below 20 degrees Celsius, making water activities enjoyable in every season
• Privacy and flexibility: Create your own schedule and enjoy the spectacular coastline on your terms
• Dramatic scenery at your doorstep: The backdrop of the Sinai Mountains against clear blue waters creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty
• Gateway to exceptional dive sites: Position yourself near world-famous locations like Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran

The Red Sea coastline here is dramatic, with rust-colored Sinai mountains behind clear, blue water. Popular routes visit stunning locations including the powder-white sandbar known as White Island and famed reefs like Jackson, Gordon, Thomas, and Woodhouse near Tiran Island.

Best Times to Book Your Floating Escape

The sea around Sharm El-Sheikh is attractive year-round, but certain periods offer specific advantages. For the most comfortable air temperatures, aim for March through May and October through November when temperatures sit pleasantly around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. June through September brings the warmest water and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving, though midday sun can be intense. December through February is cooler but still pleasant on calm days and often less crowded. Winter daytime temperatures remain comfortable, though evenings can be cooler.

Beyond the Obvious: Hidden Treasures of Sharm El-Sheikh

While the beaches and coral reefs rightfully draw visitors from around the globe, Sharm El-Sheikh harbors several lesser-known gems worth exploring:

The Heavenly Cathedral

Built in 2010, this Coptic Orthodox church features incredible hand-painted biblical murals covering nearly every inch of the interior. Local artists spent over two years creating the vibrant frescoes. The ceiling alone is jaw-dropping, and the peaceful atmosphere inside makes it feel like a true hidden gem.

Al-Sahaba Mosque

Standing in the heart of Old Sharm, this stunning mosque was inaugurated in 2017 and represents an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture. Inspired by the Ottoman Empire, it features copper-colored domes, golden doors, and slender 76-meter minarets rising high into the sky. The interior is adorned with intricate muqarnas showcasing the skill of local artisans. Visiting at night is particularly recommended when the lights create a magical atmosphere.

Nabq Protected Area

Located 35 kilometers north of the city center, this nature reserve declared in 1992 features a unique integrated environmental system combining desert and mountainous landscapes with valleys that add special beauty to the area. The marine environment includes wonderful coral reefs and colorful fish, plus rich wildlife including deer, foxes, and various reptiles.

Abu Gallum Reserve

Situated on the Gulf of Aqaba between Sharm El-Sheikh and Taba, this protected area declared in 1992 features special topography combining desert environment, mountain ranges, and a marine environment rich in wonderful coral reefs.

Your Top Five Unexpected Adventures

Move beyond the typical tourist trail with these distinctive experiences:

1. Dive the SS Thistlegorm Wreck

This British cargo steamship built in 1940 and sunk by German bomber aircraft in 1941 is considered one of the top ten wreck diving sites in the world. The wreck attracts many divers for the amount of cargo that can be seen and explored. Boots, motorcycles, trucks, armoured vehicles, rifles, and even steam locomotives are visible, preserved like an underwater museum. The depth of around 30 meters makes it accessible without specialist equipment. Day trips from Sharm take approximately three to four hours to reach the site.

2. Explore the Colored Canyon

Journey by jeep to this natural wonder near Nuweiba, where walls reaching up to sixteen stories display some of the most colorful rock formations in all of Sinai. Created by the erosion of water upon sandstone and limestone over millions of years, the canyon features vibrant sandstone cliffs in shades of yellow, purple, red, and gold. The walk through the 800-meter gorge takes about 45 minutes.

3. Experience a Bedouin Stargazing Night

The Sinai Desert offers one of the world's most spectacular settings for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and clear desert air providing unparalleled views of the night sky. These evening experiences include traditional Bedouin dinner prepared in the traditional Zarb oven, camel rides, and fascinating entertainment including Tanoura spinning performances and fire shows. Using powerful telescopes, knowledgeable astronomers guide you through identifying constellations, planets, and distant galaxies.

4. Visit the Hippie Village of Dahab

About an hour's drive from Sharm El-Sheikh, this laid-back coastal town attracts a nice crowd of kitesurfers and free spirits. Known for the famous Blue Hole diving and snorkeling spot, Dahab offers excellent waterfront restaurants and a completely different atmosphere from the resort areas of Sharm. The town has grown from a small Bedouin fishing village into one of the best places in South Sinai for shopping and dining.

5. Climb Mount Sinai for Sunrise

Located at the foot of this biblically significant mountain, Saint Catherine's Monastery was founded in the 6th century and is considered one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves an interesting collection of Byzantine icons and ancient manuscripts. Ascend the mountain where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments and reach the summit in time to watch the sunrise over the desert landscape.

Essential Information for Your Houseboat Holiday

Getting There

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport serves as the main gateway, receiving direct flights from numerous European cities. The city can also be reached by driving down the eastern coast from Eilat, Israel, via Nuweiba and Dahab, or via the western coast from Cairo. Daily buses operate both routes, with the Cairo journey taking approximately six to eight hours.

Climate Considerations

The climate is very dry, with sometimes no rain all year. Summer days are blisteringly hot while nights remain warm to hot. In winter, days are shirt-sleeve warm but nights and the sea are cooler. A cold wind called the shimal sometimes blows from the north during winter months. The average winter temperature is around 23 degrees Celsius, while spring averages around 26 degrees Celsius.

Language and Communication

While Arabic is the official language, the highly developed tourist industry means English is used almost everywhere. Hotel and restaurant staff usually speak several languages. Russian and Italian are also commonly spoken.

Cultural Tips

Sharm El-Sheikh is very relaxed regarding clothing. Swimwear is completely acceptable on beaches, at pools, and throughout resort areas. Outside resort areas, light summer dresses, shorts, and linen outfits are perfectly appropriate. Tipping is customary, especially in restaurants and for tour guides, with around 10 percent generally appreciated.

Nature Reserves and Marine Parks

Ras Mohammed National Park, declared Egypt's first natural reserve in 1983, is located at the confluence of the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba, about 12 kilometers from Sharm El-Sheikh. The park contains over 220 species of coral and more than 1,000 species of fish, making it one of the best diving spots in the world. Visitors should note that entrance fees apply.

Make Your Red Sea Dreams Reality

The combination of world-class marine environments, dramatic desert landscapes, ancient cultural heritage, and modern comforts makes Sharm El-Sheikh an extraordinary destination for a houseboat holiday. Whether you spend your days exploring kaleidoscopic coral reefs, hiking through rainbow-colored canyons, or simply watching the sun set behind the Sinai Mountains from your floating accommodation, this Egyptian gem promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Book a houseboat now and experience the magic of waking up on the Red Sea, where every day brings a new adventure in one of the world's most captivating coastal destinations.