Reviewed · ISRAEL
From Sharm El-Sheikh: Colored Canyoun , Blue Hole & Dahab
This day trip is interesting because it strings together two of the Sinai Peninsula’s most famous stops in one go: Colored Canyon and Blue Hole. I love that you actually get into the water for snorkeling at Blue Hole National Park, with a guide who keeps the group organized and moving.
I also like the way Dahab gets folded into the day. You’re not just sightseeing, you’re eating Bedouin BBQ in a beach camp, then doing a camel ride along the coast, with an optional quad add-on if you want more action. The one thing to watch is snorkeling costs, since gear like fins and life jackets is not included and the sea can be choppy.
Key takeaways before you go
- Colored Canyon’s 800-meter gorge walk, with sandstone cliffs in yellow, purple, red, and gold tones
- Blue Hole National Park snorkeling plus time to relax at the beach
- Bedouin tent BBQ lunch on the shore in Dahab, with sea and mountain views
- Camel ride along the coast, good for classic photos without needing to plan it yourself
- Optional Abu Galum and ATV/quad ride depending on what you select
- A short Dahab city shopping stop where you can browse stalls and grab small souvenirs
Why this Colored Canyon and Blue Hole combo feels like a real Sinai day
This tour works because it keeps changing gears. You start with a canyon walk that’s all about your feet and your eyes, then you switch to water time for snorkeling, then you end in Dahab with food, animals, and coastal scenery.
The best part is the pace. It’s not rushed in a chaotic way, and the guides tend to do more than point and talk. I’ve seen guides like Mido and Mustafa run the day with energy and clear explanations, so you know what you’re looking at and what’s coming next. There’s also a helpful, friendly vibe from the team, including drivers like Abdul who stay ready for small needs.
Getting from Sharm El-Sheikh to Dahab: early pickup, smooth transport
The day starts with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. It’s a practical set-up for a long travel day, especially if you’re not excited about managing taxis or negotiating stops on your own.
A couple timing realities matter. Your pickup time depends on where you’re staying, so confirm the exact time the day before. Also expect a possible delay of up to 10 minutes, which is normal for shared tour logistics.
Once you’re on the road, you’ll be heading toward Dahab first. That matters because you’re not just using Dahab as a pass-through. You get enough time to do multiple activities and still eat.
Colored Canyon jeep ride and the 800-meter gorge walk
Colored Canyon is the first big moment, and it’s special because it’s not a short photo stop. You’ll take a jeep ride to the canyon area, then walk through an about 800-meter gorge.
What you’re looking for is the color. The canyon walls show bands and layers in shades of yellow, purple, red, and gold. Every turn changes the view, so the walk stays interesting even if you’ve done other canyon areas before.
Two practical tips make a difference here:
- Wear comfortable footwear you can move on. This is not just a flat stroll. You’ll be on rocky surfaces, and grip matters.
- Expect some uneven ground. If you feel less confident climbing over rocks, take it slow and use steady foot placement.
You’ll also get a canyon history description as part of the experience. That kind of context helps you see the shapes as more than scenery. It gives meaning to the colors and formations while you’re walking.
Blue Hole National Park snorkeling: what to expect and what to plan for
Blue Hole National Park is the reason many people sign up, and it’s a solid choice if you want a real snorkeling experience rather than a quick dip.
You’ll have time to relax on the beach first, then do snorkeling with the group. The reefs and marine life are the main draw, and the whole point is that the water lets you see underwater color and fish life.
Here’s the key reality from on-the-ground experience: snorkeling gear is not included. That typically means you’ll need to rent what you need on site, and the most common add-ons are fins, wetsuit options, and life jackets.
You should budget for that. I’ve heard people paying extra for life jackets, and also for wetsuits and fins. The sea can be choppy, which makes life jacket use feel less optional. One practical warning I’d repeat: if you’re traveling with kids, a life jacket can be a big help for comfort and safety.
Also think about this before you go: the tour includes a bottle of water, but if you want extra, you may find yourself buying it later at a premium. Having your own stash ready saves time and stress.
Bedouin tent BBQ lunch in Dahab: where the day slows down
After canyon time and snorkeling time, you’ll settle in for lunch in a Bedouin tent. It’s served on the beach camp area in Dahab, with sea and mountain views.
This lunch stop matters because it breaks the day into something you can actually enjoy. You’re not eating in a hurry while still thinking about the next activity. You’re eating in a setting that fits the region, and that makes the day feel like a full experience, not just a checklist.
If you like taking photos, this is a good pause point. The light on the coast changes quickly, and the view helps you reset your energy after water time.
Camel ride along the coast and the fun factor
After lunch, you’ll do a camel ride along the coast. This is one of those experiences that feels simple, but it adds a classic Sinai touch to your day.
From a practical standpoint, it also creates a predictable moment. You’ll be walking less, sitting more, and getting those photos while the tour is still in control of timing.
If you want this to be as smooth as possible, plan to keep your personal items secure and avoid fumbling with bags during the ride. It’s not hard, it’s just easier when you come prepared.
Optional quad bike ride along Dahab’s sea and mountains
If you add the ATV option, you’ll get an adrenaline-style ride along Dahab’s coastline and surrounding terrain.
This is where you decide what kind of day you want. The canyon and snorkeling are already active, so the quad is a second surge of energy. If you’re traveling with someone who prefers calmer sightseeing, this optional segment is worth thinking about up front.
Also note that this is included only if you select the ATV/quad option. It’s not automatically part of every version of the tour.
Dahab city shopping stop: souvenirs without wasting the day
At the end of the day, you return to Dahab city for a shopping stop. It’s brief, but it’s useful if you want small souvenirs that feel local.
This stop is where you can look for items from stalls and market-style shops. Some add-ons, like cultural Egyptian scarves, may also be available depending on what you selected.
I also liked how the team helps make this easy. People reported help with folding scarves, which sounds tiny until you’re trying to keep souvenirs looking good and not crumpled in your bag.
Price and value: what $21 covers, and what to budget for extra
On paper, the price of about $21 per person looks like a strong deal for a full day: hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, jeep adventure time, Colored Canyon access, Blue Hole National Park time, and lunch in a Bedouin tent. You also get a camel ride and a bottle of water.
But you should plan for the common extras. Snorkeling gear is not included, and you may need to rent life jackets and other items on site. Expect to spend some money there, especially if you want the full kit like fins and a wetsuit option.
So how do you judge value? I think this trip is best value if:
- You want multiple major stops packed into one day
- You’re comfortable adding a little extra for snorkeling gear
- You like guided flow, not self-planning
If you already have your own snorkeling gear and you’re okay skipping the rental pieces, your cost could stay closer to the base price. If you need multiple rentals for comfort, your final budget will be higher.
The guide experience: names you’ll hear and what they tend to do well
A lot of the quality here comes down to people. I’ve seen guides such as Mido, Mustafa, Ahmed, and Emad recognized for being upbeat, informative, and helpful throughout the day. There’s also a support vibe from drivers like Abdul.
In practical terms, that usually means:
- You get clearer explanations during canyon time
- Snorkeling time feels organized
- The team helps with small moments so you do not lose time or get stuck
It’s not just entertainment. Better guidance reduces stress, especially on a day with many moving parts.
Timing quirks and comfort tips that keep the day easy
One small consideration is that the order of activities can shift. Sometimes lunch and snorkeling may happen earlier than you expect, or timing can adjust once everyone arrives. This is not a deal-breaker, but it’s smart to stay flexible and focus on enjoying each segment when it comes.
For comfort, the biggest “prep items” are:
- Good canyon shoes you can trust on rocky ground
- A little extra water capacity if you run through your bottle early
- Money for snorkeling rentals, life jackets especially
- A light layer if you get cool after water time
Also, confirm your pickup time the day before. That one step helps you avoid unnecessary waiting.
Who should book this tour, and who might want a different plan
This is a great fit if you want a single-day mix of nature and activities:
- Canyon walking with color-rich scenery
- Guided snorkeling at Blue Hole National Park
- A Dahab lunch in a Bedouin beach camp
- Camel ride photos
- Optional quad time if you want more motion
It may not be the best fit if:
- You dislike snorkeling or you want total control over where you go and when
- You hate extra fees on top of the base ticket price
- You’re expecting a very slow pace with lots of downtime
Should you book this Colored Canyon, Blue Hole, and Dahab trip?
I’d book it if you want one compact day that feels like more than one stop. The combination of Colored Canyon, Blue Hole snorkeling, Bedouin BBQ, and camel time gives you variety that’s hard to replicate on your own in a single day.
I’d also book it if you value guidance. When you’re snorkeling in a choppy sea, or walking a canyon with uneven footing, having a professional guide can make the difference between feeling rushed and feeling in control.
Just go in knowing two things: bring solid footwear, and budget for snorkeling rentals. Once you do that, this becomes an efficient, memorable Sinai day.
FAQ
How much does the trip cost?
The price listed is $21 per person.
What’s included in the tour?
Included items are hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned transport, a professional canyon and snorkeling guide, jeep adventure safari, a visit to Colored Canyon with canyon history description, lunch in a Bedouin tent on the beach in Dahab, a camel ride along the sea, a shopping stop in Dahab city, and a bottle of water. Blue Hole and Abu Galum are included if you choose that option, and the ATV ride is included if you choose that option.
Do I need snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling gear is not included. You may need to rent items on site.
What languages is the tour offered in?
The tour is offered in English, Italian, and Arabic.
What time will the pickup be?
Pickup time depends on your hotel location. You’re asked to confirm the exact pickup time one day before the trip. A delay of up to 10 minutes may occur.
Are Abu Galum and the ATV ride included automatically?
No. Abu Galum (and Blue Hole) are included only if the option is selected, and the ATV ride along the sea and mountains is included only if you select that option.
Can I cancel and get a full refund?
Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.