Sharm El Sheikh Colored Canyon, Blue Hole & Dahab Day Tour — Jeep Safari and Snorkel
A single day that pairs Sinai’s desert sculpting with Red Sea snorkeling: a jeep ride into Colored Canyon, a beach lunch and reef swims at Dahab’s Blue Hole, and time to browse Dahab’s markets. Practical, active and ideal for first-time Sinai visitors.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start early
Departures are full-day—leave early to avoid the hottest midday hours in the canyon and to get calmer seas for snorkeling.
Footwear matters
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip for the uneven, sometimes sandy canyon floor and brief scrambles.
Bring a snorkel mask
Operators provide basic gear, but a personal mask ensures fit and keeps fogging down when you explore coral close to shore.
Protect electronics
Carry a small dry bag or waterproof case—the canyon can be dusty and the beach camp humid; phones and cameras are vulnerable.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small Bedouin coffee stands on the route offer strong tea and a chance to chat with locals
- •A quiet observation point above the canyon entrance gives panoramic views with fewer visitors
Wildlife
- •Green sea turtle (occasionally in reef shallows)
- •Small reef fish like damselfish and parrotfish
Conservation Note
The Red Sea’s coral reefs are fragile—use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid standing on coral and follow local guide rules to minimize impact.
Dahab began as a Bedouin fishing hamlet and expanded into a diving hub after the 1970s; the Colored Canyon formed over millennia through wind and episodic flash floods carving sandstone layers.
Photographer's Notes
- • Inside the narrowest section of Colored Canyon where light streaks across walls
- • Beach camp at Blue Hole looking back toward the reef
- • A ridgeline view above the canyon entrance for sweeping perspective
What to Bring
Sturdy trail shoesEssential
Grip and ankle support for sandy, rocky canyon terrain.
Snorkel mask (personal)Essential
Better fit and hygiene than rental gear when exploring reefs.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+)Essential
Desert sun and reflected glare from the sea are intense all year round.
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps valuables safe from sand, salt spray and sudden rain.
Common Questions
How long is the drive from Sharm El Sheikh to Dahab?
It’s roughly a 1–1.5 hour drive depending on traffic and exact pickup locations—plan for transfer time in the tour’s 8-hour schedule.
Is snorkeling at the Blue Hole suitable for beginners?
Yes—there are shallow reef sections accessible to snorkelers; the famous deep drop-off is for experienced divers only.
Can I join a camel or quad ride on the tour?
Yes—camel rides along Dahab’s shoreline and optional quad rides are offered as add-ons by many operators.
Is the Colored Canyon walk strenuous?
It’s moderate: narrow passages and uneven footing require caution, but no technical climbing gear is needed.
What should I know about safety and conservation?
Follow guide instructions, avoid touching coral, use reef-safe sunscreen and take all trash with you—these areas are ecologically sensitive.
Are restrooms and food available during the day?
Operators usually provide a buffet lunch and bottled water at the beach camp; restrooms are basic at sites like Blue Hole and Dahab.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
Dahab, South Sinai Governorate
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to walk 1–3 miles over uneven ground, handle short scrambles and swim/snorkel for 30–90 minutes
Ready to Explore Dahab?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now