Sharm El Sheikh: Jeep Adventure to Blue Hole, Canyon & Dahab

The best part of this Sinai day trip is its variety. In roughly eight hours, you move from a hot sandstone gorge to the Red Sea, then on to camel riding, quad biking, and lunch in a Bedouin tent. It is an active, tightly packed day rather than a slow visit to one place.

I like the striking colors of the canyon and the chance to see Dahab beyond its resort setting. I also like that guides such as Mido, Saeed, Ahmed, Mustafa, and Ahmad Nady are repeatedly singled out for patience, safety, humor, and good explanations. The catch is the long drive, plus a few extra charges that can make the $23 starting price less complete than it first appears.

Key things to know before you book

• The Colored Canyon is the visual highlight: Expect an 800-meter sandstone gorge with yellow, purple, red, and gold rock.
• This is a full activity day: Snorkeling, camel riding, quad biking, jeep travel, hiking, lunch, and shopping are all fitted into one schedule.
• The canyon walk requires care: Rough ground, hot sand, and steep rock sections can be hard in flip-flops or for anyone uneasy on uneven terrain.
• Snorkeling costs may be extra: Equipment is not included, and some participants were asked to pay separately for a mask, fins, tube, wetsuit, or life jacket.
• The $23 fare is strong value if extras are controlled: Transport, guides, lunch, and many activities are included, but check if ATV rides and entry fees are part of your selected option.
• Expect a long day in transit: Travel time is included in the eight-hour duration, so the time at each site is limited.

Why this Sharm El Sheikh tour packs in so much

This excursion is designed for you to see several sides of South Sinai in one day. You start with hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh, ride toward Dahab in an air-conditioned vehicle, then switch to jeep transport for the desert sections.

The route combines natural sights with simple adventure activities. You will not spend long at any one stop, but you will get a quick taste of desert rock, Red Sea snorkeling, Bedouin hospitality, and Dahab’s tourist shops.

That makes this a good choice if you have only a few days in Sharm El Sheikh and want a break from the hotel pool. It is less suitable if you prefer quiet sightseeing, long snorkeling sessions, or plenty of free time at each stop.

The price begins at $23 per person, which is low for a full-day outing with pickup, lunch, a guide, jeep transport, camel riding, and several stops. Still, read the option details carefully. ATV riding may apply only if you select that option, and Blue Hole and Abu Galum entry fees may also depend on the package.

The early road to Dahab

Pickup begins around 8:00 a.m. The exact hotel pickup process is not described in detail, but hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you should provide clear accommodation details when booking and be ready early.

The first section is mostly transport. The drive from Sharm El Sheikh toward Dahab takes a meaningful part of the day, and that matters when you calculate the value of an eight-hour tour. The itinerary lists about one hour for the opening and return sections, but total road time can feel longer once local transfers and activity changes are included.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, an important comfort in the Sinai heat. The group can reach up to 100 people, although some departures have been described as smaller groups. If you want a quiet, private outing, this is not the right format. If you enjoy meeting people and want many activities without arranging separate transport, it works well.

Walking through the 800-meter Colored Canyon

The canyon is the strongest reason to book this trip. Its narrow passageways cut through sandstone marked by layers of yellow, purple, red, and gold. Light and shadow change the appearance of the rock as you move through the gorge.

You will walk for about two hours, including the canyon visit and related jeep access. The setting is dramatic, but this is not a smooth, paved attraction. The route includes rough terrain, hot sand, and sections where you climb down or over rocks. One of the most useful practical tips is to wear sturdy trainers or walking shoes. Flip-flops make the hot sand and uneven footing much harder.

The canyon walk can be tiring in intense heat. One family found the scenery excellent but struggled with the temperature and the amount of walking. If you do not handle high heat well, bring water, cover your shoulders, and take the pace slowly.

The guide is expected to explain the canyon and its local history. Several guides have been praised for answering questions and helping families, especially children. At the same time, some visitors have found the pace rushed and felt they had to stay close to the guide. That usually reflects the need to keep a large group together, but it can limit your time for quiet photography.

The supplied information uses both Colored Canyon and Salama Canyon. These may refer to the same planned canyon visit, but I would confirm the exact name and route with FTS Travels before booking if that distinction matters to you.

Snorkeling at the Blue Hole area

After the desert, the tour shifts sharply to the Red Sea. At the Blue Hole area, you get time on the shore and a chance to snorkel among coral and fish. The contrast is part of the appeal: in the morning, you are surrounded by dry rock, and later you are looking through clear seawater at coral and marine life.

Snorkeling time is listed at about two hours, though that includes getting ready and moving around the site. Conditions can change. One group enjoyed the snorkeling even with a slightly rough sea, while another found the shore uncomfortable after leaving the water.

Bring suitable footwear for getting in and out if you have it. The shore may be bumpy, and walking barefoot can be unpleasant. You should also ask exactly where changing, toilet, and shower facilities are located. One strongly negative account described poor facilities and additional charges for a shower and bathroom.

The biggest practical issue is equipment. Snorkeling gear is not included. Extra charges reported during the trip included approximately $5 each for a life jacket, wetsuit, fins, mask, and tube. These amounts may vary, but you should ask for the current price before leaving Sharm El Sheikh.

Some participants were told that a wetsuit, fins, or life jacket was required. Others felt the equipment prices were high. If you already own compact snorkeling gear, bringing it can reduce cost and uncertainty. A wetsuit is also a sensible idea if you get cold in the water, and one past participant specifically advised packing one.

The guide’s role matters here. Ahmed was praised for staying close to a nervous snorkeler and helping with mask problems. Saeed was also described as friendly and willing to answer questions. You should still be comfortable with your own swimming ability, since the tour information does not promise private instruction or one-to-one water supervision for every participant.

Bedouin lunch beside the sea

After snorkeling, you eat a BBQ lunch at a beach camp in a Bedouin tent. The meal gives you a needed pause after the water and the canyon. The setting, with sea and mountains nearby, is one of the more pleasant breaks in a busy schedule.

The food is described as good or tasty, though not every part of the meal receives the same praise. Bedouin tea and a fruit drink were especially appreciated. Bottled water is included, but I would still carry extra water for the canyon and road sections.

Do not expect a long restaurant meal. This is a group lunch within an active day, so the pace may be functional rather than leisurely. It is also a useful chance to ask your guide about the remaining activities, especially if you need to skip the camel ride or ATV section.

A short camel ride along the coast

The camel ride lasts about 30 minutes and takes place along the sea. It is a brief photo-friendly activity rather than a long desert trek. You will likely have time to sit on the camel, follow the coastal route, and take pictures of the sea and mountains.

Several people considered the camel ride a worthwhile part of the package, especially when combined with the canyon and quad bikes. The activity can feel organized and quick, though. One critical account described the camel and ATV sections as operating like an assembly line, with little personal time.

That is a fair expectation to set. You are booking a low-cost group outing with several activities, not a private camel expedition. Wear clothes that allow easy movement and listen carefully when mounting and dismounting.

Quad biking along Dahab’s coast

The ATV ride adds speed after the slower camel experience. It takes about 30 minutes and follows the Dahab coastline and nearby mountain area. For many people, this is one of the most entertaining parts of the day because it gives you a chance to operate a vehicle rather than simply follow a guide.

The ATV ride is listed as included if you select that option. Confirm this before paying, since the base price may not cover every version of the tour. You may also be offered a scarf for dust protection, with one account reporting a $3 charge.

Expect a short, supervised ride, not a long wilderness route. Groups need to remain together, and the guide may keep a firm pace. If you want a private ride or freedom to choose your own route, this format may frustrate you. If you want a first taste of desert quad biking without arranging a separate safari, it is good value when included.

The Dahab shopping stop

The final Dahab stop is a shopping visit of about one hour. You can look for souvenirs and local goods before returning to Sharm El Sheikh. This is the least essential part of the day, and some people felt the time would be better spent at the canyon, coast, or snorkeling area.

You may also encounter pressure to buy scarves, trinkets, or other goods during the day. One account described frequent selling, while another found the guide helpful when negotiating for a scarf. My advice is simple: decide in advance what you might want, carry small notes, and do not feel obliged to buy.

The information also mentions small purchases from Bedouin children. If you plan to give money, use small denominations and keep your approach respectful. Shopping can be part of the local experience, but it should not become an unexpected expense.

Guides, photographers, and group style

Guide quality can shape this trip. Names connected with different departures include Mido, Saeed, Ahmed, Mustafa, and Ahmad Nady. The strongest praise centers on guides who answer questions, keep people safe in the water, explain what is happening, and show patience with children.

Ahmed Nady was especially appreciated for reassuring a nervous snorkeler and keeping the group informed. Mido was described as patient with young children and willing to answer questions. Mustafa was noted for speaking several languages and giving useful explanations. These details suggest that guide performance can vary by departure, but a good guide makes the tight schedule much easier.

A photographer may also accompany the group. Mohamed was praised for producing professional-looking images at what one family considered a fair price. Photography packages are not listed as included, so ask about the cost before agreeing to pictures.

The group limit can be as high as 100 people. That is a major consideration. A large group can mean waiting, repeated instructions, and less freedom at the canyon or beach. Some departures may be smaller, but you should not assume that. Ask FTS Travels about the expected group size for your date.

What the $23 price really means

At $23, this is an unusually inexpensive way to cover a lot of ground. Hotel transport, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional canyon and snorkeling guide, jeep transport, lunch, a bottle of water, camel riding, and a shopping stop are listed among the included items.

The price becomes less simple when you add optional or on-site costs. Snorkeling gear is not included. Entry to Blue Hole and Abu Galum may depend on the option selected. ATV riding is also tied to the selected option. Possible equipment charges can add up quickly, especially if you need a mask, fins, tube, wetsuit, and life jacket.

Ask these questions before booking:

• Is the ATV ride included in my selected price?
• Are Blue Hole and Abu Galum entry fees included?
• What is the current cost of each snorkeling item?
• Is a wetsuit required for the day’s conditions?
• Is the photographer’s package optional and how much does it cost?
• What group size is expected?

The tour is still likely to be good value if you budget for these extras and want several activities in one day. It is less appealing if you compare the headline price with a quiet, all-inclusive excursion.

Who should book this day trip?

I would choose this tour if you want action, variety, and a quick look at South Sinai. Families have managed the day with young children, but the canyon’s rough climbing and the long road sections may test younger children. Parents should judge their child’s comfort with heat, uneven ground, snorkeling, and a full schedule.

It suits you if you enjoy:

• Short hikes and rough desert paths
• Snorkeling in open sea conditions
• Quick camel and ATV rides
• Group tours with several activity changes
• A low starting price with some possible add-ons

Think twice if you need accessible paths, quiet time, premium facilities, or a relaxed pace. The canyon is physically demanding for some people, the shoreline may be rough, and the shopping stop can feel like selling time rather than sightseeing.

You receive confirmation at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The tour begins at about 8:00 a.m., and travel time is part of the stated eight-hour duration.

Should you book it?

Book this Sharm El Sheikh to Dahab tour if you want the Colored Canyon, Red Sea snorkeling, camel riding, and quad biking in one inexpensive day. The canyon and snorkeling are the strongest draws, while the guide can make a major difference. Ask about equipment, entry fees, ATV inclusion, and group size before you pay.

Skip it if you dislike long transfers, rough walking, sales stops, or surprise add-ons. For the right person, this is a lively and memorable break from resort life. For someone seeking a calm, polished day at one outstanding site, it tries to do too much.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours, including travel time between Sharm El Sheikh, the canyon, Blue Hole, Dahab, and the return journey.

What time does pickup begin?

The stated start time is 8:00 a.m. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included. Additional charges have been reported for items such as a mask, tube, fins, wetsuit, and life jacket.

Is the quad bike ride included?

The ATV ride is included if you select the appropriate option. Check the exact option before booking.

What should I wear for the canyon?

Wear sturdy trainers or walking shoes. The canyon includes rough ground, hot sand, and steep rock sections, so flip-flops can make the walk uncomfortable.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refundable.