If you are staying in Naama Bay you will find that everything you need is within a short walk. Strolling along the seafront is a popular activity particularly in the evening. Most of the centre is pedestrianised, with pavement cafes and shop owners trying to entice you into their stores. However, more and more resort hotels are springing up outside Naama bay, with little to do outside the complex.
If you intend to travel by taxi make sure you pick one up from a recognised stand (find out locally) or ask your hotel to get one for you. Taxis are no longer allowed to drive up to the front door of hotels, so you may have to walk to the outer parking bay or the main gate. Make sure you agree a price before you get in - your hotel will advise you. If you are not entirely comfortable with the arrangement do not get into the car until you feel happy.
Taxis in Naama are an experience: Almost exclusively 1970s Peugeot 504 7 seater estates which will take up to 9 people! They stink of petrol and the doors are often hanging on by a prayer. The Egyptian Highway code includes rules such as:
- Dont put your lights on at night in case it drains the battery
- Drive as fast as you can
- If you miss your turning, just reverse into oncoming traffic at great speed, it will swerve to avoid you
- Never drive more than a metre from the car in front
- There are no lanes
- If you are overtaking on the inside and the gap you are aiming for starts to close, hit the horn and accelerator at the same time, you'll probably make it
If you are diving, snorkelling or taking a boat trip the centre you book through should provide transfers to the jetty, although safety rules are of course not the same as Europe, so don’t expect seatbelts, on busy trips you might not even have a seat! Other excursions should also pick up and drop off from your hotel.
