Safari Blue Hall & Dahab Tour With Camel, Snorkelling From Sharm El Sheikh

Taking a day trip that hits both the stunning desert landscapes and the vibrant Red Sea sounds like a perfect way to maximize your time in Sinai. The Safari Blue Hall & Dahab Tour promises a mix of off-road adventures, cultural encounters, and underwater sights, all with the ease of door-to-door transfers. But does it deliver the value and authentic experience you’re after? We’ve looked into this tour to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What we love about this experience are the scenic desert views, the opportunity to meet Bedouins and sip traditional tea, and the chance to snorkel at the famous Blue Hole, one of Sinai’s most iconic spots. We also appreciate that it includes transportation, removing the hassle of self-driving in unfamiliar territory. However, a common concern is that some travelers might find the itinerary a bit rushed or the desert experience not as off-road as expected. Overall, it’s best suited for travelers wanting a convenient, varied day that balances adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Key Points

• Comfort and convenience are prioritized with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• The tour offers multiple highlights: desert views, Bedouin culture, snorkeling, camel rides, and shopping.
• Snorkeling equipment is available for rent, but not included, so bring your own if you prefer.
• Some reviews mention that the desert journey is mainly by minibus on the motorway, not true off-road.
• The guides are praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, enriching the experience.
• The value for the price is decent, especially considering all included transport and activities.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting in Sharm El Sheikh: A Scenic Introduction to Sinai

The day begins early at 7:00 am with hotel pickup, which many travelers find incredibly convenient. Once you’re on the road, the first stop is a 45-minute panoramic view of the desert. Expect to see rugged mountains and vast sands stretching towards the horizon. According to one reviewer, “enjoying the panorama and mountains in the desert,” this part is mostly visual, giving you a taste of Sinai’s wild beauty without any strenuous activity.

While the description promises off-road exploration, the reality is that most of the journey is done via minibus on the motorway. One traveler, fionabs, noted that “No off-road experience through desert. It’s by minibus on motorway all the way,” which might disappoint those hoping for a true desert safari with 4×4 vehicles.

Bedouin Culture and Traditional Tea

Next, you’ll visit a Bedouin area for a 15-minute tea break. Here, you’ll get a glimpse into Bedouin hospitality, sampling traditional tea in a simple setting. The reviews mention that this location is a layby at the roadside, shared with other minibuses, which adds a bit of a touristy feel but still offers a taste of local culture. Sigrid_d appreciated this stop, noting the “Bedouin atmosphere,” which adds authenticity to the experience.

Snorkeling at the Blue Hole

After a scenic drive, it’s time for the highlight of many: snorkeling at the Blue Hole in Dahab. This famous site is renowned for its vibrant coral cliffs and colorful marine life. Expect to spend about 45 minutes snorkeling, with equipment available for rent if you didn’t bring your own.

While many praise the underwater scenery, some reviewers express caution. One noted that the Blue Hole “is not the proper one,” hinting that if you’re a repeat visitor, you might find it less impressive than in past trips. Still, for first-timers, it’s a stunning visual feast of fish and coral.

Camel Ride Across the Desert

Next, a 20-minute camel ride across the desert offers a more traditional touch. The experience is brief but memorable, with a guide facilitating the trek. Travelers have enjoyed this part, with Sigrid_d mentioning the “good organized” nature of the ride and guide. However, others might find it too short to really savor the moment or get a proper sense of desert life.

Lunch by the Red Sea

After the camel adventure, you’ll enjoy a 45-minute lunch in Dahab, overlooking the sea. The reviews highlight that the meal is well-prepared and a highlight of the day, offering a chance to relax and soak in the seaside views. This is one of the tour’s strongest points, especially given the location’s beauty and the delicious-sounding cuisine.

Shopping in Dahab

Finally, the tour wraps up with about an hour of shopping in Dahab. Expect to browse local markets and pick up souvenirs or just enjoy wandering through the shops. One reviewer described this as a good way to cap off the day, giving travelers a chance to experience a bit of local life and pick up a memento.

Practical Details and What They Mean for You

Duration and Group Size

The entire tour lasts around 8 hours, which is quite reasonable for the price of $55 per person. Most groups are capped at 25 travelers, allowing for a comfortable experience without feeling crowded. The timing means you’ll have a full day of activities, but be prepared for some elements to feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to spend more time snorkeling or shopping.

Transportation Quality

Since the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, you avoid the hassle of organizing transport yourself. The journey is predominantly by minibus, which some travelers find comfortable but others might feel limits the off-road desert experience. If you’re expecting a true off-road safari, this setup might fall short.

Costs and Extras

While snorkeling equipment isn’t included, it’s available for rent. Some travelers might prefer to bring their own gear for comfort or hygiene reasons. The tour includes lunch, tea, coffee, and all taxes and fees, so there are no hidden costs, making it straightforward to budget.

The Guide and Service

Many reviewers praise the guides for their friendliness and knowledge, which enhances the overall experience. A good guide can turn a standard tour into a memorable adventure, sharing insights about Bedouin culture and Sinai’s landscape.

Flexibility and Cancellation

The tour offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. Weather can impact the experience, but the provider commits to rescheduling or refunding if conditions are poor.

Authenticity and Overall Value

Considering the price point, this tour offers a fair balance of activities and transportation convenience. It isn’t a wild desert adventure but rather an accessible way to see some of Sinai’s highlights in a single day. The inclusion of a guide, lunch, and transfers makes it especially appealing for first-time visitors or those who prefer to avoid the logistics of self-organizing.

However, some travelers have expressed disappointment with the desert experience not being truly off-road, and the lunch receiving mixed reviews, with some describing it as poor. These are worth considering if your priority is an authentic, rugged desert safari or gourmet meal.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a well-organized, hassle-free day exploring Sinai’s natural beauty and culture. If you’re excited by snorkeling, camel rides, and shopping but prefer to avoid the stress of planning transport or navigating alone, this tour is a good fit. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate guides’ insights and want a broad overview of the region.

However, if your main goal is an authentic off-road desert safari with deep culture, this tour might not fully meet those expectations.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced mix of desert scenery, cultural stops, and seaside activities. While it’s not a hardcore adventure, it provides a practical way to tick off Sinai’s highlights comfortably. The knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and convenient logistics are what many travelers value most.

On the downside, the desert part is mostly by minibus, and the lunch may vary in quality. Budget travelers will find good value, especially given all the included transport and activities, but those seeking a deep, off-road experience might want to explore options specifically marketed as desert safaris.

This tour is a worthwhile choice if you want a diverse, easy-to-book day with memorable moments, especially if you’re new to Sinai or prefer guided comfort over rugged adventure.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making the day stress-free.

Are snorkeling equipment provided? No, snorkeling gear isn’t included but can be rented at the site.

What’s the duration of the tour? The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, starting at 7:00 am.

Do I need to bring anything special? Bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer, and wear comfortable clothing suitable for both the desert and seaside.

Is this a real off-road desert adventure? Not exactly; most of the desert journey is by minibus on motorway routes.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

What’s included in the price? Lunch, tea, coffee, and all fees/taxes are included. Snorkeling equipment and tips are extras.

Would this tour be good for families? It’s suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the activities might be more enjoyable for older children or teens.

To sum it up, the Safari Blue Hall & Dahab Tour offers a practical, varied day that combines Sinai’s natural beauty with cultural and seaside highlights. Perfect for those wanting a stress-free, all-in-one experience, it provides enough adventure, scenery, and comfort to satisfy most travelers—just be aware of the itinerary’s limits on desert off-road authenticity.