Sharm El Sheikh: Jeep, Blue Hole Snorkel & Dahab Day Trip

Summary

Colored Canyon’s wild colors, Blue Hole snorkeling and Dahab’s desert air

You’ll ride jeeps through Sinai’s painted canyons, snorkel at Blue Hole with its unreal marine life, share BBQ lunch in a Bedouin tent by turquoise water, and feel desert wind on camelback and quad bike near Dahab. Expect real laughter with your local guide and moments of quiet awe you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to hold on,” our driver grinned as we bumped out of Sharm El Sheikh before sunrise — I was still half-asleep, but that first blast of cool desert air woke me up fast. The drive toward Dahab felt like watching the world turn gold and pink all at once. Our guide, Ahmed, kept pointing out little things — a goat herder waving from far off, the way the rocks changed color as we got closer to the Colored Canyon. It’s hard to explain what it’s like walking through those narrow sandstone walls; there’s this hush except for your own footsteps crunching sand. I touched one wall and it left red dust on my palm. Weirdly satisfying.

The main reason I booked this day trip to Blue Hole from Sharm El Sheikh was for the snorkeling — and yeah, it’s wild how clear the water is. Ahmed handed me a mask and just said “breathe slow.” That first look under the surface, with all those darting fish and coral that looked almost fake? I had to float there for a second just to take it in. There was this salty tang in the air and you could hear kids laughing down the beach somewhere. Lunch was in a Bedouin tent right by the sea; smoky grilled chicken, flatbread that flaked apart in my hands, mint tea that tasted like sweet grass. I tried saying thank you in Arabic (pretty sure I butchered it), but they smiled anyway.

I didn’t expect much from the camel ride along the coast — honestly thought it’d be awkward — but somehow it felt peaceful with just hoofbeats and wind off the water. Afterward came quad biking near Dahab: loud engines, sand flying everywhere, me yelling over my shoulder at my friend because she kept stopping for photos. We finished off wandering through Dahab city for a bit (I bought some weirdly heavy turquoise beads) before heading back in tired silence. Still think about that silence sometimes — Sinai sunset outside, everyone just looking out windows lost in their own thoughts.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeep tour to Canyon, Blue Hole, Dahab

• Pickup from Sharm El Sheikh
• Jeep ride to Colored Canyon
• Explore Colored Canyon gorge
• Visit Blue Hole National Park
• Snorkel among coral reefs
• BBQ lunch at beach camp
• Camel ride along coast
• Quad bike ride on coastline
• Shopping stop in Dahab City
• Return to Sharm El Sheikh

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Sharm El Sheikh to Blue Hole & Dahab take?

The tour is a full-day trip including travel time between locations.

Is hotel pickup included for this jeep adventure?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Sharm El Sheikh.

Can beginners snorkel at Blue Hole?

Yes, snorkeling is suitable for beginners with guidance provided.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a BBQ lunch is served in a Bedouin tent by the beach in Dahab.

Are entry fees to Blue Hole included?

Entry fees for Blue Hole and Abu Galum are included if selected when booking.

Is there shopping time in Dahab city?

Yes, there is a brief stop in Dahab City for shopping before returning.

What activities are included besides snorkeling?

The tour includes jeep safari rides, camel riding along the sea, ATV quad biking near Dahab (if option selected), and canyon walks.

Are guides provided during canyon walks or snorkeling?

A professional guide accompanies guests during canyon exploration and snorkeling activities.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh, all entry fees if selected (Blue Hole and Abu Galum), guided jeep safari through Colored Canyon with local insights, snorkeling gear at Blue Hole with support from your guide, BBQ lunch served fresh in a Bedouin tent by the sea, camel ride along Dahab’s coastline, an ATV ride if chosen when booking, bottled water throughout your adventure, plus time for shopping in Dahab city before heading back home.