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

Exploring Egypt’s stunning landscape and vibrant coastal life is a must for many travelers, and this Colored Canyon Jeep Tour offers a great way to tick those boxes in one memorable day. From the vivid rock formations of the canyon to the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Hole, complemented by a lively visit to Dahab, this trip promises a blend of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides like Mohamed and Osama, who add a personal touch to the journey. Second, the breathtaking views of sandstone formations and coral reefs—perfect for photography lovers. Third, the value for money, with multiple stops packed into an 8-hour experience for under $30. But, be aware—this is a long day with a lot of driving, which might not suit travelers seeking a more relaxed pace.

This tour is ideal for those who love adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration in one package. If you’re in Sharm El Sheikh and want a comprehensive day trip that balances desert landscapes, seaside snorkeling, and local shopping, this might just be your perfect outing.

Key Points

• Authentic guides like Mohamed and Osama enhance the experience with local knowledge.
• Stunning photo opportunities at Colored Canyon and Blue Hole make it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
• Value-packed itinerary with multiple stops including canyon, snorkeling, and shopping in Dahab.
• Long day, roughly 8 hours, with significant time spent traveling between sites.
• Additional costs such as snorkeling gear and Blue Hole entrance fees are not included.
• Mixed reviews about logistics and facilities mean some areas could improve.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting Out: Convenient Pickup and Transport

Your day begins early, with pickup from your hotel or specified location in Sharm El Sheikh around 8:00 am. The air-conditioned vehicle offers a comfortable ride for the roughly hour-long drive to the Colored Canyon, setting the tone for a day filled with visual delights. Trust us, these transfers are a major plus, especially for those not keen on organizing transport themselves.

Stop 1: Colored Canyon – A Natural Kaleidoscope

The first highlight is the Colored Canyon, famous for its vibrant sandstone walls that display a spectrum of reds, oranges, and browns. Visitors love the chance to snap unforgettable photos of these striking formations, which look like they belong to another planet. The canyon walk lasts about two hours, and while entrance tickets aren’t included, the scenic visuals are worth it.

One reviewer, Samantha_J, describes her experience as “absolutely brilliant,” highlighting the lovely views and great photography opportunities. She mentions bringing plenty of water, which is crucial considering the desert environment. The canyon’s rugged terrain also means sturdy shoes are recommended if you plan to climb or explore more than just the main route.

Stop 2: The Blue Hole – Snorkeling and Lunch

Next, you’ll head down to Dahab’s famous Blue Hole, often called a snorkelers’ paradise. Here, you can expect to glide over coral reefs and enjoy the vivid underwater scenery. The Blue Hole is renowned for its clear waters, colorful marine life, and the chance to spot dolphins—if luck is on your side, as one reviewer did!

Your guide will escort you to the seaside, where a buffet lunch is served with views of the Red Sea. Reviewers raved about the meal, describing it as delicious and a perfect refreshment after a morning of exploring. Keep in mind, the Blue Hole entrance fee isn’t included, and you’ll want to bring your own snorkeling gear, as it’s not provided.

Stop 3: Dahab Town – Culture and Shopping

The final stop is the lively town of Dahab, where you can stroll through the bustling bazaar. This is your chance to pick up local silverware, perfumes, and clothes. Many travelers, like Tony_S, enjoyed this part, describing it as a “great way to experience local life” and “a fun shopping stop.”

For those wanting a little extra adventure, the tour offers an optional quad bike ride along the sea—a fun way to explore the coastline. The review from Samantha_J highlights the camel ride as a memorable part of their trip, though some found the duration quite brief (around five minutes).

What’s Included and What to Expect

Included:

• Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire day
• Professional guide who shares insights and keeps the group organized
• Jeep safari adventure through desert landscapes
• Lunch overlooking the Red Sea
• Bottled mineral water for hydration
• Camel ride and optional quad bike ride (if selected)
• Visit to Colored Canyon (Salama Canyon)
• Dahab shopping stop

Not Included:

• Snorkeling gear (bring your own or rent locally)
• Entrance fees for Blue Hole (can be added as an upgrade)
• Drinks at the restaurant beyond water

The tour generally caters to most travelers, with a maximum group size of 30, ensuring a lively but manageable experience. The pickup time at 8:00 am is consistent, but some reviews mention slight issues with timing or communication, so be sure to double-check your pickup details.

Authentic Experiences From Past Travelers

Authentic insights from visitors reveal a tour packed with photo-worthy scenery and friendly guides. Samantha_J mentioned that Mohamed, the guide, made her feel very included and added to the enjoyment of the trip, especially with his storytelling and local knowledge. She also gave a handy tip: bring towels and swimsuits for snorkeling, and be prepared for potential extra costs like gear hire.

On the flip side, some reviews pointed out disorganized logistics—such as rushed schedules, unclean facilities, and issues with bathroom access. Shaunee_D described the bathrooms as “vile,” emphasizing the importance of bringing your own supplies and being ready for basic amenities.

A few travelers experienced language barriers, with some guides speaking primarily Spanish or Italian, making it harder for English speakers to fully engage. These reviews highlight the importance of clear communication and perhaps setting expectations beforehand.

Highlights of the Journey

• The Colored Canyon’s vibrant colors and rugged terrain make it a standout stop. Reviewers love the photo opportunities here, with one calling it “a natural kaleidoscope.” The canyon’s landscape invites both casual sightseeing and more active exploring.
• At the Blue Hole, the underwater scenery is mesmerizing, and snorkelers can expect to see coral formations, fish, and possibly dolphins. The buffet lunch provides a much-needed break with a scenic backdrop.
• The Dahab town stop offers a glimpse into local Bedouin life and a chance to pick up souvenirs. Many visitors find this a relaxing and enjoyable way to end the day, especially after the adventurous stops.

Additional Activities and Options

For those seeking extra excitement, the quad bike ride along the sea can be booked as an upgrade. Many reviews mention this as a fun addition, though the short duration (around 15 minutes) and simple route might not satisfy thrill-seekers looking for a lengthy adventure.

Logistics and Value

At $25.99 per person, this tour offers remarkable value given the variety of activities and sights packed into one day. The round-trip transfers eliminate the hassle of organizing transport, and the guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, especially at the canyon and Dahab shopping stop.

However, keep in mind that additional costs—such as snorkeling gear and Blue Hole entrance fees—are not included unless you upgrade. Some travelers found the long hours on a bus tiring, especially if you are prone to motion sickness or prefer more relaxed outings.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip best suits adventurous travelers, photography enthusiasts, and those eager to see diverse landscapes in one day. The combination of desert scenery, underwater snorkeling, and local shopping makes it appealing for a variety of interests.

It’s also excellent for travelers on a budget, as it provides many activities and scenic stops for a very modest price. However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or better facilities, you might find the trip slightly hectic or basic in some areas.

Those with mobility issues might want to consider the rough terrain at the canyon or the short but bumpy jeep rides. And if you’re not comfortable in busy markets or with basic bathroom facilities, plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book this tour in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 16 days ahead on average, likely to secure their spot and plan logistics.

Is snorkeling equipment included?
No, snorkeling gear is not provided, so you should bring your own or plan to rent it locally at the Blue Hole.

Can I upgrade to include Blue Hole entrance fees?
Yes, you can opt to include the entrance fees as part of your booking, which simplifies the process on the day.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring water, swimsuits, towels, comfortable shoes for canyon exploring, and possibly snacks or extra cash for souvenirs and optional activities.

What’s the group size?
The tour typically groups up to 30 travelers, which keeps the experience lively but not crowded.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for travelers over 8 years old, making it family-friendly—though very young children might find some activities challenging.

Final Thoughts

This Colored Canyon Jeep Tour offers an exciting, affordable way to experience some of Egypt’s most stunning landscapes and vibrant coastal sights. With the guidance of friendly, knowledgeable guides, you’ll get plenty of opportunities for photography, adventure, and cultural exploration. While the long hours and basic facilities may not suit everyone, the overall value and variety make it a good choice for those seeking a full day of diverse activities.

If you’re after a balanced mix of desert scenery, underwater beauty, and local culture, this tour checks all the boxes. Pack your camera, a sense of adventure, and be prepared for a day that’s as scenic as it is lively.

This tour is a fantastic option for those who want a cost-effective, activity-packed day trip from Sharm El Sheikh. It’s especially recommended for adventure lovers and photography buffs, thanks to its stunning visuals and engaging guides. While some facilities and logistics could be improved, the overall experience offers authentic encounters and beautiful scenery that are hard to beat for the price.

Ideal for travelers who don’t mind a full day of activity and travel, it provides a comprehensive feel of the desert, the coral reefs, and Egyptian coastal culture—all in one memorable package.