1. Snorkel the reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park
Egypt's first national park protects some of the richest reefs in the Red Sea where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. A full-day boat trip snorkels two reef sites and stops at White Island, a sandbank in the open sea.
2. Sail to the reefs of Tiran Island
Two hours north by boat, the Strait of Tiran has a string of reefs and a shallow turquoise lagoon that is good for beginners. Lunch is served on board.
3. Ride a quad or buggy into the Sinai desert
Three-hour quad and buggy safaris leave in the morning and afternoon, with a stop at a Bedouin village for tea. No experience or licence is needed.
4. Spend an evening at a Bedouin camp
The Super Safari combines a quad ride, a camel ride at sunset, an open-air dinner and a tanoura, belly dance and fire show.
5. Hike the Colored Canyon and visit Dahab
A full day trip takes you through the multicoloured sandstone walls of the Colored Canyon, along the coast by camel and into the laid-back town of Dahab, with snorkeling at the 3 Pools lagoon.
6. See Ras Mohammed's land sights
If you would rather stay on land, a half-day bus tour visits the park's mangroves, the Allah Gate monument, the Magic Lake and the Earthquake Cracks, with snorkeling from the beach.
7. Go parasailing or swim with dolphins
For something short and easy, fly 10 minutes under a parachute above the coast, or swim with dolphins at Dolphina Park with a trainer.
8. Walk Naama Bay and the Old Market in the evening
Naama Bay's pedestrian promenade is lined with cafés, shops and restaurants and is liveliest after dark. In the Old Market (Sharm El Maya) you'll find spice and souvenir stalls, local restaurants and the Al Sahaba Mosque.
9. Climb Mount Sinai for sunrise
Mount Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery are about three hours' drive inland. Most visitors climb overnight to watch the sunrise from the summit — bring warm layers, as it is cold at the top for much of the year.