Sharm El Sheikh: Colored Canyon Jeep, Blue Hole & Dahab Tour

Summary

Jeep through Sinai canyons snorkel Blue Hole wander Dahab markets

You’ll ride camels along Dahab’s coast, jeep into Sinai’s Colored Canyon with a local guide, snorkel at the legendary Blue Hole among coral reefs, and taste a simple seaside lunch. Expect moments of laughter and quiet awe—the kind that linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you want to try the camel?” our guide, Ahmed, grinned at me as I hesitated by the shoreline in Dahab. The camel was taller than it looked from a distance and honestly, I almost bailed—but then the sea breeze hit and I figured, why not? We’d left Sharm El Sheikh early, sun just peeking over those dry hills. By the time we reached Dahab, my shoes were already dusted with sand and my hair felt salty. Ahmed chatted about his childhood here—how he used to swim before tourists ever showed up. He knew everyone; people waved as we passed through town.

The real surprise was the jeep ride out to the Colored Canyon. It’s loud—windows rattling, engine humming—and suddenly you’re in this maze of sandstone that looks like someone spilled paint everywhere. There was this moment where all of us just went quiet, staring at these orange and pink walls twisting above us. My hand brushed against the rock and it felt warm, almost soft from centuries of wind. I tried taking photos but none of them catch how strange and peaceful it is down there. Ahmed pointed out shapes in the stone (“that one looks like a lion if you squint”), and we laughed when I saw something totally different—maybe a fish?

Afterwards came lunch—buffet style, nothing fancy but after all that sun and climbing around rocks, even plain rice tastes good. Then off to Blue Hole for snorkeling; water so clear you forget you’re wearing a mask until you come up gasping (I always do). The coral is wild here—purples and greens that don’t look real—and tiny fish darting everywhere. Some folks just lounged at the beach camp instead, which honestly looked tempting too.

On the way back we stopped in Dahab again for shopping—I’m terrible at haggling but picked up some silver earrings anyway (the shopkeeper taught me “shukran” properly; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Arabic). The market smells like spices and leather and something sweet I couldn’t place. We got back to Sharm El Sheikh tired but kind of giddy—I still think about that silence inside the canyon sometimes, how small everything else felt for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dahab visit, snorkeling, and canyon walk

• Drive to Dahab coastal town
• Explore Dahab bazaar and shop
• Snorkel at Blue Hole
• Enjoy buffet lunch by the sea
• Jeep ride to Colored Canyon
• Walk through Colored Canyon

Top questions

How long is the Colored Canyon jeep tour from Sharm El Sheikh?

The full day trip lasts several hours including travel time from Sharm El Sheikh to Dahab and stops at each location.

Is snorkeling equipment included at Blue Hole?

No specific mention of equipment being included; check with your provider or bring your own gear.

Are meals provided during this tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included during the tour.

Can I skip the camel or quad ride if I want?

The camel ride is included; quad biking is optional if selected when booking.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup from your accommodation is included.

Is this day trip suitable for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal injuries.

Will there be time for shopping in Dahab?

Yes, there’s a stop in Dahab for exploring local markets and shopping.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water gear if snorkeling, and some cash for shopping or tips.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Sharm El Sheikh, guided jeep safari through Salama (Colored) Canyon with stops for photos and exploring on foot, a camel ride along Dahab’s coast (with quad biking available if selected), bottled water to keep cool under Sinai’s sun, buffet lunch by the sea near Blue Hole where you can snorkel among coral reefs or relax at camp, plus free time for shopping in Dahab before returning home tired but happy.