This day trip packs three big hits into one outing, and the scenery does not play around. I especially like the Colored Canyon gorge walk and the chance to snorkel at Blue Hole National Park with a real guide. One thing to keep in mind: snorkeling gear is not included, and you may need rentals once you’re there.

You start early, ride in air-conditioned comfort, and spend the day mixing walking, sea time, and classic Dahab fun. If the sea is a bit choppy, you’ll be glad you planned for life jacket rules and extra swimming effort.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately

• Colored Canyon 800-meter gorge with rock walls in shades of yellow, purple, red, and gold
• Blue Hole National Park snorkeling with a guide and coral-and-fish time
• Bedouin beach BBQ lunch served in a tent with sea and mountain views
• Camel ride along the coast for quick photos and a slower pace
• Optional quad ATV ride plus a Dahab shopping stop for souvenirs

From Sharm El-Sheikh to Dahab: Early Pickup, Big Variety

This trip is built for variety. You leave Sharm El-Sheikh early and head toward Dahab, then the day splits into two main modes: feet-on-rock adventure and water-time exploration. The transport is air-conditioned, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, and you’ll get a guide for the canyon and snorkeling.

Pickup time depends on where your hotel is, so you’ll want to confirm the exact time the day before. A short pickup delay of up to 10 minutes can happen. It’s not usually a problem, but it’s worth knowing because you’re starting your day early and you don’t want to be scrambling.

The vibe is not “one long museum visit.” It’s active and outdoorsy—jeep rides, then walking through the canyon, then snorkeling, then food and more fun along the coast.

Colored Canyon Jeep Ride: The 800-Meter Walk Through Striking Rock

The Colored Canyon stop is the heart of the land portion. You go by jeep first, then you walk through an 800-meter gorge. The walls are made of sandstone in multiple colors—yellow, purple, red, and gold—so even if you’re not a geology nerd, the place looks different around every corner.

What I like here is the mix of easy-to-follow movement and real “wow” visuals. You’re not just looking from a viewpoint—you’re walking through a narrow passage. That means you get changing angles, shifting light, and that sense of scale that photos rarely show.

That said, this is still a canyon walk. One practical point from the day’s reality: wear good, comfortable footwear. If you like stable footing, you’ll appreciate shoes with grip, because you may step on rocky ground and you might do some climbing or scrambling depending on where you pause and how the group moves.

You’ll also get a canyon history description along the way. Even when you think you know what you’re seeing, a short local explanation helps you connect the colors and rock formation to the place’s bigger story.

Blue Hole National Park: Snorkeling What You Came For

After the canyon, you switch to sea time at Blue Hole National Park. You’ll have beach time and the snorkeling part is a major reason people book this tour. The goal is colorful coral reefs and marine life, and you’ll be guided through the experience.

Important practical note: snorkeling gear is not included. That sounds minor until you realize how much it affects comfort in the water. Some parts of the day require you to be equipped, and one of the best things you can do is bring your own snorkeling mask if you have one, or budget for rentals on-site.

From what you may run into, life jackets are often required. One traveler mentioned that life jackets were rented for a fee per person, and they advised bringing money because you can’t just jump in without the proper safety setup. Another helpful detail: the sea can be choppy, and that makes swimming harder—especially for kids—so you’ll be glad to have the flotation support even if you feel like a strong swimmer on land.

Also consider fins and wetsuits. Gear rentals are mentioned in the experience details you’re likely to face, with some people paying extra for wetsuits and fins. Even if you plan to rent, I’d still pack a realistic mindset: your total “day trip cost” can rise if you add the right safety and comfort gear.

Bonus Option: Abu Galum

Depending on the option selected, you may also include Blue Hole and Abu Galum. The tour includes this if it’s chosen, so if you want more sea exploration beyond the Blue Hole stop, look for that add-on when you book.

Bedouin Beach BBQ Lunch: The Pause That Feels Worth It

You don’t just snack and sprint. The tour includes lunch in a Bedouin tent on the beach in Dahab. The setting matters here: sea and mountains around you, with a break from movement. If you’ve been walking in the canyon, this meal stops your legs from protesting.

The BBQ lunch in a tent also gives the day a cultural rhythm. It’s not a lecture. It’s food and a change in pace, plus you’re still in the same coastal zone where the rest of the activities happen.

If you’ve got people in your group who get grumpy when the schedule slips, the lunch stop is one of the places you’ll feel calmer. It’s time to hydrate, reapply sunscreen, and reset your energy before you jump back into riding or water activities.

Camel Ride Along the Coast + Photos on the Move

After lunch, you’ll do a camel ride along the coast. This is shorter than a full desert trek, but it’s a classic Dahab moment, and it’s timed to match the flow of the day.

Practical tip: treat it like a photo opportunity and a novelty ride, not a long safari experience. You’ll likely get a scenic stretch and a handful of good views for pictures. And if someone in your group isn’t a fan of animals, it still works as a brief, low-effort segment compared with longer hikes.

One small detail that’s easy to forget: the camel portion is after beach lunch, so plan for sun exposure and comfort. A light layer can help if the wind picks up near the water.

Quad ATV Ride Option + Dahab Shopping Stop

If you choose the optional add-on, you’ll get an ATV ride along Dahab’s coastline and nearby terrain (sea and mountains). This is where the day turns more “adventure playground,” and it’s often the most fun part for people who love motion and getting off the beaten path.

Again, it’s optional, so if you prefer a calmer day, you can keep the focus on canyon + snorkeling + lunch + camel ride.

Then you finish with a shopping stop in Dahab City. This is your chance to grab souvenirs and small items from market stalls. If you like browsing for gifts, this is the portion where you can actually spend a bit of time picking, not just buying the first thing that looks familiar.

Some people also add cultural Egyptian scarves, which can be included as an add-on. If your travel style includes wearable souvenirs, this is worth considering.

Guides and Drivers: The Human Touch That Improves Everything

The day runs smoothly when the guide and drivers are on point, and this tour tends to shine in that area. Names that show up include Mustafa, Mido, Ahmed, Emad, Rahim, and drivers like Abdul. Across those roles, the common thread is active help: explaining what’s happening, staying attentive, and making sure people are comfortable during the switch from jeep to canyon to sea.

One small but meaningful detail: some guides help with scarf folding, which sounds trivial until you realize it can be the difference between a quick photo and a frustrating “why does this won’t work” moment.

If you’re traveling with kids or want clear instructions for snorkeling safety, choose this tour style specifically for the guide support. The itinerary changes between activities, and you’ll want someone who can keep the group organized.

Price and Value: $21 Sounds Cheap, But Budget for Extras

The listed price is around $21 per person, which is unusually affordable for a full day combining transportation, jeep time, guided canyon walking, snorkeling guidance, lunch in a Bedouin tent, a camel ride, and a bottle of water.

But here’s the honest value math:

• Included: pickup/drop-off, guides, canyon visit (with description), lunch in a Bedouin tent, camel ride, Dahab city shopping stop, and water.
• Not included: snorkeling gear.
• Possible extras: life jackets, wetsuits, fins, and any add-ons like ATV ride or cultural scarf add-ons.

One traveler specifically warned that life jackets weren’t included and cost extra when rented. Another noted additional fees for wetsuits, life jackets, and fins. Then there’s water: while you get a bottle included, you may want more, and one account put the price of a small bottle at 100 Egyptian pounds.

So yes, the base cost is a strong value. Just don’t show up assuming the sea gear is free. A little cash for rentals turns the day from stressful to smooth.

If you want the best deal, pack your own mask if possible, and be ready to pay for the safety items you’re required to use.

When This Trip Makes Sense (And When It Might Not)

This tour is a good match if you want:

• a single-day plan with both desert-to-sea scenery
• a guided canyon walk with explanation, not just a quick stop
• snorkeling time at a major park, with an emphasis on safety and guidance
• a lunch that’s part of the day experience, not just a sandwich break

It may be less ideal if:

• you dislike snorkeling and water conditions, since the schedule includes sea time
• you hate paying for gear on-site
• you prefer long, slow sightseeing instead of ride-walk-ride rhythm

One more realistic consideration: the order of activities can vary. In one case, snorkeling and lunch happened before the canyon. That doesn’t ruin the day, but it’s a reminder to stay flexible and expect minor schedule shifts.

Things to Do Before You Go (Fast, Practical Checklist)

Here’s what helps you enjoy the day with less friction:

• Bring good footwear for the canyon walk on rocky ground
• Pack sun protection, then plan for water buys if you run low
• Bring money for snorkeling safety rentals like life jackets (and possibly fins/wetsuits)
• If you have your own snorkeling mask, take it—snorkeling gear isn’t included
• If you’re sensitive to motion, note that you’ll be switching between jeep rides and walking segments

Should You Book This Colored Canyon and Blue Hole Day Trip?

I’d book it if you want a day that’s actually doing things: jeep canyon adventure, guided snorkeling at Blue Hole, Bedouin beach BBQ, and a camel ride, with optional ATV fun. The value is strong for what’s included, especially at the listed price.

Skip or reconsider if you strongly dislike snorkeling in choppy water, if you don’t want to handle rental fees, or if you want a very slow, minimal-activity sightseeing day. In that case, you’d be better with a simpler coastal or city-focused plan.

If you do book, go in prepared for the gear situation and wear proper shoes. With that, this day trip becomes one of those “I can’t believe we packed all that in” trips—without feeling rushed in the wrong places.

FAQ

What’s included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned transport, a professional canyon and snorkeling guide, jeep adventure safari, 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.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Snorkeling gear is not included. You should plan for rentals if you need mask/fins and any required safety equipment.

Do I need a life jacket to snorkel?

You may. One traveler noted that life jackets were required and needed to be hired, so bring money for rentals and follow the guide’s safety instructions.

How long is the Colored Canyon part?

You’ll walk through an 800-meter gorge in the Colored Canyon.

Is a quad ATV ride included?

It’s included only if you select the option. The included description says the ATV ride is along the sea and mountains in Dahab if that option is chosen.

Is the Abu Galum stop included?

It depends on the option selected. Blue Hole and Abu Galum are included only if you choose that option.

Do you offer camel rides?

Yes. A camel ride along the coast is included.

What about the snorkeling and water conditions?

The sea can be choppy, and swimming may be difficult. This is why safety equipment like life jackets can matter.

What time will pickup be?

Pickup time depends on your hotel location, and you should confirm the exact pickup time one day before the trip. Delays of up to 10 minutes can happen.