From Sharm El-Sheikh: Colored Canyoun , Blue Hole & Dahab

Sinai packs a lot into one long day. This Sharm El Sheikh trip combines the 800-meter Colored Canyon with Blue Hole snorkeling, a camel ride, quad biking, a Bedouin-style barbecue, and time in Dahab. I like the mix of desert scenery and sea life, and I like that guides such as Mido, Mustafa, Ahmed, Emad, and Said are praised for being friendly and helpful. The main catch is that snorkeling equipment and life jackets cost extra, and the schedule may change during the day.

The low $21 starting price makes this an appealing way to see several Sinai highlights without arranging separate transport. You should still expect an early pickup, a busy program, extra charges at the water, and plenty of time in vehicles. Good shoes, cash, and a little patience will make the day much better.

Key points at a glance

• The Colored Canyon is the visual star: Walk through an 800-meter maze of sandstone in yellow, red, purple, and gold.
• Blue Hole National Park adds a sea day to the desert trip: Snorkeling takes place among coral reefs and colorful fish.
• The day includes several activities: Depending on your selected option, you may ride a camel, use an ATV along the coast, and stop in Dahab for shopping.
• The barbecue is served in a Bedouin tent by the beach: It gives the day a cultural setting as well as a meal break.
• Plan for extra water costs and equipment rental: Snorkeling gear is not included, and a life jacket may be required at the Blue Hole.
• The guide can make or break the pace: Mido, Mustafa, Ahmed, Emad, and Said receive especially warm praise for clear explanations and personal help.

Why this Sharm El Sheikh day trip works

This is not a slow sightseeing outing. It is a full-day sampler of southern Sinai, designed for you if you want to see canyons, reefs, desert routes, a Bedouin camp, and Dahab in one booking.

I like the contrast. The Colored Canyon is dry, narrow, and sculpted by nature. Blue Hole National Park shifts the mood to salt water, coral, and open views of the sea and mountains. Dahab then gives you a short taste of town life and shopping.

The price of $21 per person is unusually low for a day that includes hotel transfers, a guide, jeep transport, lunch, a camel ride, and several stops. Treat that price as a starting point rather than the final amount. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and a life jacket may be an additional rental. One visitor paid about £5 per life jacket, while another reported €10 per person for wetsuits, life jackets, and fins. Prices can vary, so bring enough cash and ask what is included before entering the water.

The early ride from Sharm El Sheikh

Pickup takes place in an air-conditioned vehicle, with the exact time based on your hotel location. You should confirm the time one day before departure, and allow for a delay of up to 10 minutes.

The transfer is an important part of the day. You will cover a fair amount of ground between Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, the canyon area, and the Blue Hole. The air conditioning matters, especially once the sun is high and the desert heat settles in.

This is not the right trip for someone who wants a leisurely morning. The program begins early and includes several active stops. Families can manage it, and one group with four adults and four children had a very positive day, but younger children may find the long schedule tiring.

Walking through the 800-meter Colored Canyon

The Colored Canyon is the most distinctive land stop. Its sandstone walls form a twisting natural passage, with layers that show shades of yellow, purple, red, and gold. The colors and curves change as you move through the gorge, so the walk feels more like a route through a natural maze than a simple viewpoint visit.

You will receive an explanation of the canyon’s background from a professional guide. That added context helps you notice how the rock walls were shaped and why the narrow passage looks so different from the open desert around it.

The walk is not just a photo stop. You should expect uneven, rocky ground and places where you may need to step carefully or climb over low sections. Comfortable shoes are one of the best choices you can make for this tour. Sandals or smooth-soled trainers may leave you wishing you had brought something sturdier.

If you enjoy walking and taking pictures, allow yourself time to look up as well as ahead. The walls create strong patterns, and the narrow sections offer some of the most memorable views of the day. If you are not confident on rough ground, tell your guide early so you can understand the route and pace.

One practical wrinkle is that the order of stops may change. The advertised sequence suggests the canyon comes first, but one group found itself snorkeling and eating lunch before reaching the canyon. That is not necessarily a problem, but you should think of the listed order as flexible.

Blue Hole National Park and the snorkeling stop

At Blue Hole National Park, the trip changes from rock and dust to reef and sea. You can relax on the beach and snorkel among coral reefs and fish in clear coastal water.

The Blue Hole is a famous stop, but you should not treat it as a casual swim. One visitor found the sea choppy and swimming difficult, especially for children. Life jackets were required, which made sense in those conditions. You may need to hire one before entering the water, even if you are a confident swimmer.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Fins, masks, wetsuits, and life jackets may all involve extra charges, depending on what you need and what the local provider requires. Confirm the cost on arrival rather than assuming the $21 covers every water-related item.

The water stop is best for people who are comfortable following safety instructions and using a life jacket when asked. It is less suitable if you want a calm, independent swim with no added costs. Still, the chance to see coral and marine life makes this a valuable part of the day, especially after the canyon walk.

Bring a towel and spare clothes if you plan to snorkel. The supplied information does not promise that towels are provided, so pack what you need rather than counting on the beach camp to fill the gaps.

Lunch in a Bedouin tent beside the sea

Lunch is served at a beach camp in a Bedouin tent, with a barbecue meal and views toward the sea and mountains. This break gives you somewhere to sit, eat, and recover between the more active parts of the program.

I like this setting more than a quick meal inside a generic restaurant. The tent connects the food stop with local culture, and the coastal setting gives you a chance to slow down for a while. Guides may also explain elements of Bedouin life, as Said did for one group during the day.

Do not expect a long restaurant-style lunch with unlimited time. The tour includes several activities, so the meal works as a practical rest stop within a packed itinerary. Take a few minutes to drink water and reset before the camel ride or ATV outing.

A bottle of water is included, but bring additional water if you can. One visitor found small bottles for sale at about 100 Egyptian pounds, so buying water throughout the day can become an unnecessary expense.

Camel riding along the coast

The camel ride takes place along the sea and is included in the experience. It is a short cultural and photo opportunity rather than a serious riding expedition.

For many people, this will be their first chance to sit on a camel beside the coast. The combination of sand, mountains, and water makes it a memorable setting for pictures. The ride also adds a quieter moment after snorkeling and before the faster ATV activity.

Camel riding can be awkward when the animal rises or kneels. Hold on as instructed and listen to the staff. If you have back or balance concerns, ask how long the ride lasts and whether you can sit it out. The available details do not give a fixed riding duration.

ATV riding along the Dahab coast

The optional ATV ride brings a burst of speed to the day. You follow the coastline and mountain area around Dahab, trading the slow pace of the camel for a motorized desert outing.

This option suits you if you want more action and do not mind adding another activity to an already full schedule. It also gives you different views of the coast and surrounding desert than you get from the jeep.

Check whether the ATV ride is included in the option you choose. It is listed as an add-on choice, not as a universal part of every booking. The same applies to access to Blue Hole and Abu Galum, which may depend on the selected option.

The ATV section may not appeal to everyone. If you prefer scenery, conversation, and a relaxed beach stop, you may find the day full enough without it. If you enjoy active outings, the extra ride helps explain why this tour receives strong praise for variety.

A short stop in Dahab for shopping

The final part of the outing includes a return by jeep to Dahab City and time to browse local stalls. You may find scarves, small gifts, and other items connected with the area.

This is a brief shopping stop, not a full afternoon in Dahab. Keep your expectations realistic. You will have time to look around and buy souvenirs, but probably not enough time to understand the town in depth.

Cultural Egyptian scarves may be available as an add-on. If you are interested in buying one, ask whether it is part of your booking before the day begins. Shopping can be fun here, but bring a clear budget. Market prices and bargaining can quickly add to the total cost of a low-priced tour.

Guides, drivers, and the pace of the day

The human side of this outing receives some of its strongest praise. Mido is singled out for being professional, kind, polite, and cheerful. Mustafa is described as fun, while Ahmed is praised for helping people throughout the day. Emad and Said also receive credit for explaining activities clearly and staying available when people needed help.

That matters because the tour has many handoffs: hotel pickup, jeep transport, canyon walking, snorkeling, lunch, camel riding, quad biking, and shopping. A guide who keeps explaining what happens next can prevent confusion.

Drivers are also important on a long day. Abdul, in particular, is praised for being helpful, including assisting with scarves and practical tasks. You should still expect some waiting while the group changes vehicles or prepares for an activity.

The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Arabic. Confirm that your chosen language is available when booking if this is important to you.

What to pack for the canyon and reef

A little preparation can save money and discomfort. I would bring:

• Closed, comfortable shoes for the rocky canyon
• Swimwear, a towel, and spare clothes
• Cash for snorkeling equipment, life jackets, drinks, and shopping
• Extra drinking water
• Sun protection and a hat
• A waterproof pouch for valuables
• A light layer for the early pickup or vehicle ride

The most important tip is footwear. The canyon is uneven, and good shoes help you enjoy the rock formations instead of focusing on every step.

Water deserves equal attention. One small bottle may cost about 100 Egyptian pounds at the site, so carrying extra supplies is sensible. A bottle is provided, but that will not necessarily last through a full day in the desert and sun.

Is $21 good value?

Yes, if you want variety and accept the compromises that come with a low-cost group excursion.

For $21, the package includes hotel pickup and return, air-conditioned transport, a professional canyon and snorkeling guide, jeep travel, the canyon visit, lunch in a Bedouin tent, a camel ride, a shopping stop, and a bottle of water. Selected options may also include Blue Hole and Abu Galum or the ATV ride.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors who want a broad taste of Sinai without planning several separate trips. You get scenery, food, local contact, and activities in one day.

The value is weaker if you dislike add-on charges or prefer a carefully timed itinerary. Snorkeling gear is not included, and life jackets may cost extra. The order of activities can change, and the amount of time at each stop is not specified.

I would compare the final price of your chosen option, including equipment and add-ons, rather than judging the tour by the advertised base fare alone.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to active couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and first-time visitors who want to cover several Sinai highlights in one day.

It is especially good for you if you enjoy switching between activities. The canyon, reef, camel ride, ATV option, barbecue, and market stop create a varied day with little chance of boredom.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet beach day, a long visit in Dahab, or a relaxed canyon walk with plenty of time for photography. The program is full, and the combination of early pickup, road travel, and multiple activities can feel tiring.

The guide support helps, particularly for families. One group with children found the staff helpful and attentive. Still, children should be prepared for rough ground, sea conditions, and a long day away from the hotel.

Final verdict: a strong sampler of Sinai

This is a good-value introduction to the Colored Canyon, Blue Hole, and Dahab, with enough extra activity to keep an adventurous group busy. The canyon is the strongest land attraction, the snorkeling adds a welcome change of scene, and the Bedouin tent lunch gives the day a more local setting than a standard coach excursion.

Book it if you want a packed day and are ready for extra equipment costs. Bring water, cash, proper shoes, and swim gear, then confirm your pickup time and selected options the day before. If that sounds manageable, the tour offers a lot for the price and gives you a memorable first look at Sinai.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Sharm El Sheikh, with hotel pickup and drop-off included in air-conditioned transportation.

When will I be picked up?

Pickup time depends on your hotel location. Confirm the exact time one day before the trip, and allow for a possible delay of up to 10 minutes.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Arabic.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included in the listed package.

Do I need to pay for a life jacket?

A life jacket may require an additional rental fee at the Blue Hole. One reported price was about £5 per person, but you should confirm the current cost locally.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is provided as a barbecue meal in a Bedouin tent at the beach camp in Dahab.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes. A camel ride along the sea is included.

Is the ATV ride included for everyone?

The ATV ride is included only if you select the relevant option. Access to Blue Hole and Abu Galum may also depend on the option selected.

Does the tour visit Dahab City?

Yes. The day ends with a brief shopping stop in Dahab City before returning to Sharm El Sheikh.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-and-pay-later option allows you to book without paying immediately.