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

REVIEW · SHARM EL SHEIKH

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

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  • From $21
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Operated by FTS Travels · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 4.5 (63)Price from$21Operated byFTS TravelsBook viaGetYourGuide

Jeep, canyon, and snorkeling in one day. This is a fast, fun strip across the Sinai, built around the Colored Canyon and the Blue Hole, with Dahab beach time and extra activities if you choose them.

I especially like how the day blends two totally different kinds of scenery: the 800-meter gorge walk in sandstone colors, and the Blue Hole area where you can snorkel among reef fish. I also like the human factor. Guides such as Mido and Mustafa are repeatedly praised for keeping things clear, moving at the right pace, and sharing local details along the way.

One thing to plan for: snorkeling gear is not included, and snorkeling conditions can be choppy, so you’ll likely need to rent a life jacket. If you forget cash for rentals and small items, you’ll feel it.

Key points to know before you go

  • Colored Canyon is an 800-meter gorge with sandstone walls in yellow, purple, red, and gold tones
  • Blue Hole National Park snorkeling is the main marine highlight, with colorful coral and fish
  • BBQ in a Bedouin tent on the beach gives you a real break with sea-and-mountain views
  • Camel ride plus optional quad ATV turns Dahab’s coastline into a full activity day
  • Bring money for extras like life jackets and possible wetsuits/fins
  • Comfort matters: canyon footwear is a smart idea for rocky, uneven walking

Colored Canyon in a Jeep Day Trip: that 800-meter walk

From Sharm El-Sheikh: Colored Canyoun , Blue Hole & Dahab - Colored Canyon in a Jeep Day Trip: that 800-meter walk
This tour is built for people who want variety without stitching together multiple days. You start with early pickup from Sharm El-Sheikh, then you’re transported in air-conditioned comfort toward Dahab. From there, you head out by jeep for the Colored Canyon section.

The canyon part is about a steady walk through a narrow gorge. You’ll cover roughly 800 meters, passing rock faces that show off layered colors as the light changes. It feels less like a walk on a marked path and more like moving through a natural sculpture corridor—turn a corner and you get a new angle.

If you enjoy taking photos, this stop rewards patience. Step aside when you can. Let the colors shift in the shadow. And yes, you will want proper shoes. One practical point that comes up in real-world feedback is to wear comfortable footwear with grip, especially if you’re less confident on uneven, rocky surfaces.

A good guide also helps here. You’re not just walking; you’ll get a canyon history description and some context about what you’re seeing. That turns a simple hike into something you can actually connect to, instead of just watching pretty rocks go by.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sharm El Sheikh.

Blue Hole National Park Snorkeling: where the reef does the talking

From Sharm El-Sheikh: Colored Canyoun , Blue Hole & Dahab - Blue Hole National Park Snorkeling: where the reef does the talking
After the canyon, the day pivots to the sea. Blue Hole National Park is the snorkeling focus, and the whole point is getting into a spot where you can see reef life up close.

You’ll have time to relax on the beach area first, then head out for snorkeling. The expectation here is straightforward: colorful coral and fish. If you’ve only done snorkel tours where the water is calm, keep expectations realistic. Some days have a choppy feel, and that can make swimming harder than you’d think.

That’s why the most important prep tip is this: don’t assume you can simply hop in without the right safety setup. The tour data says snorkeling gear isn’t included, and the on-the-ground reality is that life jackets are often required. People have shared that life jackets can be rented on site, and the cost can be meaningful enough that you should carry cash.

If you’re traveling with kids, this matters even more. A life jacket makes the experience far less stressful. It also helps if you aren’t a confident swimmer, because you can focus on watching fish instead of fighting currents.

Also: if you’re choosing whether to bring your own gear, consider what you can handle comfortably. The tour does not promise fins, masks, or any full kit. If you’d rather travel with your own snorkeling mask and basic gear, that’s usually the least hassle way to avoid add-on fees.

The optional Abu Galum piece

Some versions of this day trip include Blue Hole and Abu Galum if you select that option. If marine life is your main goal, it’s worth asking when you book which stops are included in your exact departure.

Dahab BBQ lunch in a Bedouin tent: the break that makes the day work

From Sharm El-Sheikh: Colored Canyoun , Blue Hole & Dahab - Dahab BBQ lunch in a Bedouin tent: the break that makes the day work
One reason this trip feels good even though it’s packed is lunch isn’t rushed into a generic restaurant stop. Instead, you get BBQ lunch in a Bedouin tent on the beach in Dahab, with views over the sea and the mountains.

That setting changes the vibe. You’re not just eating; you’re resetting. In practical terms, it gives you time to refill with water, dry off after the water portion, and slow your brain down before the next active segment.

The BBQ lunch also pairs well with the location. Dahab’s shoreline is a spread of sea air and open space, so even a short meal becomes a real pause in the day’s motion.

Camel ride along the coast: quick, scenic, and good for photos

From Sharm El-Sheikh: Colored Canyoun , Blue Hole & Dahab - Camel ride along the coast: quick, scenic, and good for photos
After lunch, the tour includes a camel ride along the sea. It’s not a full-day camel trek. Think of it as a coastal photo moment and a culture-flavored activity that’s short enough to fit comfortably into the schedule.

This is the kind of stop where your attitude matters. If you treat it as a gentle ride and take photos responsibly, it tends to be fun. If you expect it to replace other adventure activities, you might feel the timing is short.

Either way, it’s a nice contrast to the rocky canyon and the water snorkeling. You’re back on land, moving along the coastline, and getting a different angle on Dahab’s setting.

Quad bike ATV ride in Dahab: optional, but expect real action

From Sharm El-Sheikh: Colored Canyoun , Blue Hole & Dahab - Quad bike ATV ride in Dahab: optional, but expect real action
Depending on your selected option, you may add an ATV ride along the sea and mountains in Dahab. People who choose this tend to like it because it turns the trip from sightseeing-only into something physical and exciting.

Just remember what that means practically: you’ll want to be comfortable getting on and off, and you’ll want to protect yourself from sun and dust. The tour description frames it as an adrenaline-style coast-and-terrain ride, so don’t plan to do this if you’re dealing with an injury or you’re not comfortable with active rides.

If you’re the type who wants one or two signature adventures and nothing else, you can keep it simple and go with the base highlights. If you want a full action day, the quad/ATV add-on is usually the difference-maker.

Dahab city shopping stop: souvenirs without overthinking it

From Sharm El-Sheikh: Colored Canyoun , Blue Hole & Dahab - Dahab city shopping stop: souvenirs without overthinking it
At the end, you’ll return by jeep toward Dahab City for a shopping stop. The market area is where you can find small souvenirs and items sold by local stalls.

If you like shopping, this is a workable time window. You’re not forced to browse for hours, but you also have a moment to pick up something you’ll actually bring home.

If you’re not into shopping, still do a quick lap. You might notice small Egyptian touches like scarves and beach items that fit the vibe of the day’s coastline. There’s also an add-on option for cultural Egyptian scarves if you choose it.

Cost and value of a $21 day trip: what you get, and what you still pay for

At around $21 per person, this tour can feel like a bargain—if you handle the extras smartly. Here’s the value breakdown based on what’s included:

Included basics:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned transportation
  • Professional canyon and snorkeling guide
  • Jeep adventure safari
  • Colored Canyon visit plus canyon history description
  • Lunch in a Bedouin tent on the beach
  • Camel ride along the coast
  • Shopping stop in Dahab
  • A bottle of water

Snorkeling add-on reality:

  • Snorkeling gear is not included
  • You may also need to rent life jackets (especially if conditions are choppy)
  • Some people have been charged for wetsuits and fins as additional rentals, sometimes as a package

So what does that mean for your budget? If your goal is maximum value, you need two things:

1) money for rentals (life jacket and possibly more)

2) your own flexibility if you didn’t plan for choppy water

In plain terms, the headline price covers a lot of logistics and activities. The extra cost is mostly about being water-ready.

Water cost tip

Bring more than you think you’ll need. One practical note that’s been shared is that bottled water can be expensive on the ground—people have quoted 100 Egyptian pounds for a small bottle. You will get a bottle included, but it may not last for a full day that includes snorkeling and heat.

Timing, pickup, and comfort from Sharm El-Sheikh

This is an early-day kind of tour. Pickup depends on your hotel location, so you’ll need to confirm the exact time one day before the trip. There’s also the reality of transport timing: a pickup delay of up to 10 minutes can happen.

That small detail matters because you’re doing an active day. If you plan your morning tightly around a specific minute, you’ll feel annoyed. If you give yourself a little buffer, the day starts smoother.

The vehicle ride is in air-conditioned transport, which is a real plus when you’re heading out early. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Even if you’re not walking under direct sun for long stretches, the coastline and water breaks can still catch you.

Who this tour fits best

This day trip suits you if:

  • you want to pack two headline sights into one day: canyon walk plus Blue Hole snorkeling
  • you like the idea of a guide-led itinerary with built-in breaks
  • you want a mix of land, sea, and a couple action activities (camel and optional ATV)

It’s less ideal if:

  • you hate active logistics and prefer slow travel
  • you’re short on flexibility for rental items
  • you want snorkeling but refuse the idea of renting safety gear

If you’re traveling as a family, it can work well because the day includes safety-friendly planning around snorkeling gear needs. If you’re traveling solo, the guide-led structure is also helpful, especially if you’re new to the area.

Should you book Colored Canyon, Blue Hole, and Dahab?

From Sharm El-Sheikh: Colored Canyoun , Blue Hole & Dahab - Should you book Colored Canyon, Blue Hole, and Dahab?
If you want a one-day taste of the Sinai that feels like a full experience—not just a bus ride—this is a strong pick. The big wins are the canyon walk, the Blue Hole snorkeling, and the fact that lunch happens in a proper beach setting with a Bedouin-tent feel.

Before you book, do two quick reality checks:

  • Plan a budget for snorkeling safety and gear rentals
  • Pack for a long day and wear solid shoes for the canyon section

If you do those two things, this tour is a good value way to get multiple highlights with minimal hassle.

FAQ

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off using air-conditioned transportation.

How long is the Colored Canyon walk?

The Colored Canyon section is about an 800-meter gorge walk.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included.

Do I need to rent a life jacket for snorkeling?

You may. Snorkeling can require life jackets, and rentals are typically available on site.

What is included for lunch?

Lunch is included as BBQ in a Bedouin tent on the beach in Dahab.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes. A camel ride along the coast is included.

Are the Abu Galum stop and ATV ride always included?

Not necessarily. Blue Hole and Abu Galum and the ATV ride are included only if you select the corresponding option.

What languages are offered on the tour?

The tour languages include English, Italian, and Arabic.

When should I confirm pickup time?

Pickup time depends on your hotel location, so you should confirm the exact pickup time one day before the trip. Pickup delays of up to 10 minutes may occur.

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