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

The best part of this Sharm El Sheikh day trip is the sheer variety. In one long day, you can walk through an 800-meter sandstone canyon, snorkel over coral at Blue Hole, eat BBQ beside the sea, ride a camel, and take an optional quad-bike run along Dahab’s coast. It feels less like a single attraction and more like a fast-moving taste of Sinai.

I like the way the trip mixes natural sights with local experiences. The canyon gives you a close look at the rock, while the Bedouin tent lunch and Dahab market add human scale. I also like that guides such as Mido, Mustafa, Ahmed, Emad, and Said have been praised for clear explanations and hands-on help.

The main drawback is the pace. You are fitting several activities into one day, and the schedule can change. Snorkeling gear is not included, life jackets may carry an extra charge, and the sea can be choppy at Blue Hole, so this is not the right outing if you want a slow, quiet day.

Key points to know before you book

• An 800-meter canyon walk: Expect narrow passages, uneven ground, and sandstone in shades of yellow, purple, red, and gold.
• Blue Hole snorkeling: The water can be choppy, and a life jacket is required for sea access according to the tour information.
• Several extras in one day: Camel riding, a BBQ lunch, shopping, and an optional ATV ride give the tour broad appeal.
• Guides make a real difference: Mido, Mustafa, Ahmed, Emad, and Said are specifically praised for friendly help and clear explanations.
• Plan for rental costs: Snorkeling equipment is not included. One price cited for a life jacket is £5, while another account paid €10 per person for wetsuits, life jackets, and fins.
• Good value at $21: The low starting price covers transport, guides, lunch, and many activities, but optional extras and equipment can raise the final cost.

From Sharm El Sheikh to Sinai’s desert coast

Your day starts with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle. The exact time depends on where you are staying in Sharm El Sheikh, so confirm it the day before. A delay of up to 10 minutes is possible, which is minor, but you still want to be ready early for a full day out.

The route takes you toward Dahab, a coastal town with a relaxed feel and easy access to desert scenery. The transport matters here. You are covering enough ground that a private taxi or self-planned outing would require more organizing, while this trip bundles the transfers into one plan.

The vehicle is described as air-conditioned, and the drivers have been praised for smooth transfers and helpful service. Still, prepare for a long day in and out of transport. Wear light clothes, bring water, and keep a small bag close for sunscreen, money, and personal items.

The tour is offered with English, Italian, and Arabic support. The guide’s role is more than pointing out sights. You will need someone to explain the canyon, organize the water activity, help with the camel ride, and keep a mixed group moving. That is where guides such as Mido, Ahmed, Emad, and Said appear to make the biggest difference.

Walking through the 800-meter Colored Canyon

Colored Canyon is the most distinctive stop on land. A jeep takes you toward the gorge, where you walk through a natural maze of sandstone walls. The rock shows layers of yellow, purple, red, and gold, and the narrow route gives you a close view of how wind and water shaped the stone.

This is not a simple paved viewpoint. You should expect rocky surfaces, tight passages, and some climbing or careful footwork. Comfortable footwear is one of the smartest things you can bring. Sandals may be fine for much of the day, but they are less useful in a canyon where you need grip and ankle support.

I like this part because it asks you to slow down and look around. A wide desert view can be impressive, but the canyon works at close range. The colors change as the walls catch the light, and the route feels more hands-on than a quick photo stop.

The canyon also gives the guide a chance to explain its formation and local history. You will get more from the walk if you listen rather than rush ahead for photographs. The route is only about 800 meters, but uneven ground can make it feel more demanding than the distance suggests.

The order of the day is not fixed in every case. One account found that snorkeling and lunch came before the canyon, even though the canyon was presented first. Treat the sequence as flexible. That is useful to know if you are trying to plan meals, medication, or exact photo times.

Blue Hole National Park and the practical side of snorkeling

At Blue Hole National Park, the mood changes from dry rock to open water. You can relax on the beach and snorkel among coral reefs and colorful fish. This is the part of the day that most depends on sea conditions, your swimming comfort, and the quality of the equipment available.

The water may be choppy. One family found life jackets especially useful for children, and the tour information says you cannot enter the sea without one. That rule may feel restrictive if you are a confident swimmer, but it adds a basic layer of safety in unsettled water.

Bring cash for equipment rental. Snorkeling gear is not included in the advertised price. Costs can vary by package or local arrangement: one account paid £5 per person for a life jacket, while another paid €10 per person for a combination of wetsuit, life jacket, and fins. Ask what is included before you accept the equipment so the final cost does not surprise you.

If you already own a mask, snorkel, or water shoes, consider bringing them. The supplied information only confirms that gear is excluded, not whether personal equipment is restricted. You should also bring a towel and a change of clothes, although these are not listed as included items.

The snorkeling is a strong reason to choose this trip, but it should not be sold as a guaranteed calm-water outing. If you are not a confident swimmer, listen closely to the guide and use the life jacket. Children need extra attention here, especially when the water is moving.

The Blue Hole and Abu Galum visit is included only if you select that option. Check your booking choice carefully. The base price and the expanded version are not necessarily the same, and the $21 headline price should be treated as a starting point rather than the full cost of every possible activity.

BBQ lunch in a Bedouin tent by the beach

After the morning activities, you are served a BBQ lunch at a beach camp in a Bedouin tent. This is more than a convenient meal between stops. It gives you a chance to sit down, take in the sea and mountains, and recover before the next set of activities.

The meal is included, which helps the value of the trip. A full day with several transfers and paid attractions can become expensive when food is separate, so having lunch built into the price is useful. You should still carry extra water money. One person paid 100 Egyptian pounds for a small bottle, so buying drinks at stops may cost much more than expected.

The Bedouin setting is also one of the more grounded parts of the day. The guide may explain aspects of Bedouin life and local customs, as Said did for one group. You will not get an extended cultural visit, but the meal adds context that a standard canyon and snorkeling transfer would miss.

Do not expect a long restaurant meal. This is a busy excursion, and the lunch stop has to fit around the other activities. Enjoy the setting, eat enough, and use the break to organize your belongings before heading back into the heat.

Camel riding along the sea

The camel ride follows lunch and takes place along the coast. It is a short, photo-friendly activity rather than a serious expedition. You get the classic contrast of camel, sea, desert, and mountains in the same frame.

For many people, this is a fun first camel ride. The important point is to keep expectations modest. You are not spending hours crossing the desert, and the ride is only one piece of a packed program.

The guides and drivers may help with mounting, dismounting, and photos. One group specifically praised Rahim for taking photos throughout the day, while another mentioned help with folding Egyptian scarves. If photos matter to you, ask the guide when the best stops are rather than assuming every moment will be documented.

Wear clothing that allows you to sit comfortably and keep valuables secure. The ride is followed by more movement, so avoid carrying a large bag that becomes awkward on the camel or quad bike.

Optional ATV riding along Dahab’s coast

The ATV ride is available if you select that option. It adds speed and noise to a day that already includes a jeep, camel, canyon walk, and snorkeling. You ride along the sea and mountain area near Dahab, giving you a different way to see the coast.

I would choose this add-on if you enjoy active outings and want the day to feel like an adventure rather than a sightseeing circuit. I would skip it if you are already satisfied after the canyon and snorkeling, or if you prefer more time at the beach and lunch camp.

The important practical point is that the ATV ride is not part of every version of the tour. Confirm that you have selected it and check the additional price before booking. The same applies to the Blue Hole and Abu Galum option and the cultural Egyptian scarf add-on.

Because the day is already tightly packed, the ATV stop may feel brief. That is not necessarily a problem, but it means you should choose the option for the experience itself, not for a long off-road session.

Dahab market and the final stop

Before returning to Sharm El Sheikh, you stop in Dahab City for shopping. The market offers stalls with local items and souvenirs, including cultural Egyptian scarves if you have selected that add-on.

This stop is useful if you want a small reminder of the day, but it is not a dedicated shopping tour. You will have limited time, so decide what you are looking for before you arrive. Compare prices, ask whether bargaining is expected, and keep enough cash for drinks or equipment first.

Dahab also gives you a brief look at the town beyond the beach camp and desert activities. You will not have hours to wander, but the stop rounds out the day with a more everyday Egyptian setting.

Do not feel pressured to buy. The canyon and Blue Hole are the main reasons to book, while the market works best as a final chance to browse. If you prefer nature to shopping, use the stop to stretch your legs and take in the town.

How good is the $21 value?

At $21 per person, the starting price is unusually low for a day that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, a guide, jeep transfers, Colored Canyon, lunch, camel riding, water, and a shopping stop. That makes the tour attractive to anyone who wants to cover several Sinai highlights without hiring separate transport.

The value is strongest when you use the included parts. You receive a canyon visit, lunch, and several activities without having to coordinate different operators. Families and first-time visitors can benefit from that structure, especially when guides are actively helping with transfers and equipment.

The final price may be higher than $21. Snorkeling equipment is excluded, and life jackets or wider equipment packages may cost extra. The ATV ride, Blue Hole and Abu Galum, and Egyptian scarves are optional additions. Ask for the full cost of your chosen version, including water gear, before you commit.

I also suggest carrying extra Egyptian pounds. Bottled water can be expensive at stops, and you may want money for market purchases or rentals. A bottle of water is included, but the day is long and one bottle may not be enough for you.

A 4.5 rating from 63 reviews supports the idea that this is a good-value, activity-heavy day. The strongest praise focuses on the guides, smooth transfers, canyon, snorkeling, and the number of things included. The clearest cautions are extra equipment costs, choppy water, and an itinerary that may not follow the advertised order.

Who will enjoy this day most?

You are a good match if you want to see several sights in one outing and do not mind a busy schedule. Families have found the day enjoyable, but parents should plan carefully for the water section, the heat, rocky canyon footing, and the long hours.

You will probably enjoy it if you like mixing nature with simple cultural activities. The canyon, Blue Hole, Bedouin lunch, camel ride, ATV option, and market each offer something different. You get variety rather than long time at one site.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet beach day, a slow photography tour, or a detailed visit to Dahab. It is also not ideal if uneven ground is difficult for you, since the canyon walk includes rocky surfaces and possible climbing.

The guides are a major part of the experience. Mido is praised for professionalism and kindness, Mustafa for fun energy, Ahmed for helping people throughout the day, and Emad and Said for clear explanations and care with groups. Your exact guide will depend on the departure, but the repeated focus on guide support is reassuring.

What to bring and what to expect

Pack comfortable shoes with a firm sole for the canyon. Bring sun protection, extra water money, a swimsuit, and cash for equipment rentals. A towel, change of clothes, and a small bag for wet items will make the Blue Hole stop easier.

Wear something suitable for both desert walking and sitting on a camel. You will want clothes that keep you cool but allow comfortable movement. Keep valuables to a minimum, especially during the water and ATV portions.

Confirm your pickup time one day ahead. The company offers reserve-now, pay-later booking and full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance, giving you some flexibility if your plans change.

The tour is available in English, Italian, and Arabic. Pickup and drop-off are included in air-conditioned transport, and a professional canyon and snorkeling guide is provided.

Should you book the Colored Canyon and Blue Hole day trip?

Book it if you want maximum variety for a low starting price and you are comfortable with a full, active day. The combination of canyon, reef, camel, BBQ lunch, Dahab shopping, and optional ATV riding gives you a broad introduction to the area.

Go in with realistic expectations. The schedule may shift, the sea may be rough, and equipment is not included. If you budget for rentals, bring water money, wear proper shoes, and confirm which options you selected, this is a strong choice for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants more than a standard beach excursion.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh using air-conditioned transportation.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $21 per person. Optional activities and snorkeling equipment may cost extra.

What is the Colored Canyon?

Colored Canyon is an approximately 800-meter gorge with sandstone cliffs showing yellow, purple, red, and gold tones.

Is snorkeling at Blue Hole included?

Blue Hole and Abu Galum are included if you select that option. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Do I need to pay for a life jacket?

The tour information states that a life jacket is required for entering the sea. One account paid £5 per person, while another paid €10 per person for a package including a wetsuit, life jacket, and fins.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a BBQ lunch served in a Bedouin tent on the beach in Dahab.

Is the ATV ride included?

The ATV ride along the sea and mountains is included only if you select that option.

What languages are available?

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

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.