A colored canyon and coral snorkeling, one packed day. I really liked the Blue Hole snorkeling and beach time, and I also loved seeing Canyon Salama up close with its 800-meter gorge in striped sandstone colors. One thing to consider: the canyon involves climbing and scrambling, so you’ll want solid shoes and a calm head.

For the price, I like that $70 covers the big moving parts: round-trip hotel transfers from Sharm, entrance fees, jeep safari, lunch, and even a short camel ride. Do note the passport requirement: you’ll need to send a photo copy up to 2 days before the tour to get government permission.

Key highlights at a glance

• Blue Hole National Park snorkeling: coral reef area with plenty of fish to see
• Canyon Salama jeep safari: an 800-meter gorge with yellow, purple, red, and gold sandstone cliffs
• Bedouin lunch by the sea: beach camp lunch with sea and mountain views
• 20-minute camel ride: along the coast for photos and a classic Sinai feel
• Photo stop setup: there’s time for photos at the canyon with a photographer on site
• Real-world comfort notes: good shoes for canyon scrambling and dry clothes for after snorkeling

A 10-hour Dahab safari built around Blue Hole and Canyon Salama

This is a full-day outing that hits Dahab’s two headline natural attractions. You start early, move efficiently, and pack a lot in without feeling like you’re just driving past everything. If you want a single day that combines snorkeling plus a jeep canyon experience, this format makes sense.

You’re looking at about 10 hours total from Sharm El-Sheikh. The tour is priced at $70 per person, and that’s part of the appeal: the essentials are included, not nickel-and-dimed every step of the way. Still, like many trips built around popular stops, you should expect a chance to buy photos or to be offered extras during the day.

The day has enough activity to feel like an adventure, but it’s not a grueling hike. The one practical limitation is the canyon terrain—short on time, but not always easy on footing.

Sharm El-Sheikh pickup, van ride, and how the day flows

You’ll get an early pickup from your hotel area in Sharm El-Sheikh. From there, you’ll ride in an air-conditioned van to Dahab City, and the drive takes about an hour. That timing matters because Blue Hole is easier when the day is fresh and cooler, and it helps you avoid rushing at the first main stop.

Once you’re in Dahab, the flow is straightforward: you go to the Blue Hole area first, then lunch and a camel ride, then you switch to jeep transport for Canyon Salama. On paper, it looks like three separate experiences; in practice, it works because each stop has a different pace.

The ride back to Sharm is also part of the comfort. You return via a High Ace (as listed), which is typically comfortable enough after a long day outdoors. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring what you normally use—this is a full day, not a short hop.

Blue Hole National Park: beach time and snorkeling without extra gear

Blue Hole is the big aquatic draw. You’ll start at Blue Hole National Park, relax on the beach, and then do snorkeling on the coral reef. The reef area is described as home to hundreds of colorful fish, which is exactly what you want from this kind of stop: predictable marine life, even if you’re not a super-expert swimmer.

Snorkeling duration can be around 45 minutes depending on conditions and pacing. That’s long enough to enjoy it without turning your whole day into a wet, tiring workout. One helpful detail: snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so bring your own mask and snorkel if you can. If you don’t, you may need to arrange rentals separately on the day.

Also plan your comfort. After snorkeling, you’ll want something dry soon. One practical tip from real experiences: wear gear that dries fast, and have dry clothing ready for the transfer afterward.

Finally, be aware that Blue Hole is a nature area, not a spa. You’ll spend time standing and preparing, then in the water. It’s worth bringing simple sun protection (hat/scarf, sunscreen) and water-friendly sandals if you like an easy entry/exit.

Bedouin lunch by the sea, plus a 20-minute camel ride

After the snorkeling, the day shifts into classic Sinai flavor with a Bedouin lunch at a beach camp. The meal comes with views of the sea and surrounding mountains, which helps the lunch feel like a reset instead of a rushed stop between activities.

The camel ride is a short one—about 20 minutes—so it’s more of a memory-maker than a long ride through the desert. You’ll still get the fun photos and that slow, scenic moment along the coast, but you won’t feel stuck on a camel for hours.

If you’re photo-focused, this is a good window. Between the beach setting and the coastline views, you can get shots that look like you planned them for days instead of squeezed them into a day tour.

One small reality check: people love the camel ride, but it’s also an animal interaction. Stay respectful, follow the guide’s instructions, and expect to feel a little warm in the sun even on a “short” ride.

Canyon Salama by jeep: 800 meters of striped sandstone colors

The Canyon Salama part of the day is the showstopper for many people. You travel by jeep to the canyon, where you’ll see an 800-meter gorge with sandstone cliffs in shades of yellow, purple, red, and gold. It’s the kind of color variation you don’t get from a normal “sand equals sand” desert view.

This is also where the tour gets more active. You’ll be moving around for photos, and the canyon involves climbing and scrambling. For that reason, bring good footwear with grip. One practical note from lived experience: you need shoes you trust on uneven rock. Slippers are great for the beach, but not the canyon.

There’s also a photographer component at the canyon. That can be fun because it guides where to stand and how to pose, but it can also mean extra pressure to buy photos later. If you’re not into photo packages, just be polite and decide on your own terms.

One more consideration: popular canyon stops can attract lots of attention. You might encounter people asking for money, including children near photo areas. Keep your boundaries simple and follow the guide’s lead on where to stand and when to move on.

Dahab market stop and how to handle shopping pressure

After Canyon Salama, the tour includes a stop at a local shopping center in Dahab for souvenirs. This is common on day trips: it’s convenient for travelers who want a one-stop chance to buy gifts.

Still, this is the point where you should watch how the time and sales pitch are handled. Some people find market stops unnecessary, and there can be chances to pay extra for optional add-ons that are presented as more “needed” than they actually are. One experience reported extra per-person costs in the range of 30–50€ for extras.

My practical advice: go in with a mindset that the shopping stop is optional for your schedule. If you don’t want to buy, don’t get drawn into conversations that turn into a sales push. If you do want something, check prices calmly and set a spending limit before you arrive.

If your goal is photos and nature, the day will still deliver. Just don’t let the shopping stop steal your energy.

What to pack: passport copy, scarf, dry clothes, and the right shoes

This tour has one standout admin requirement: you must provide a photo copy of your passport up to 2 days before the tour so permission can be issued. Bring your passport as well. If you forget the copy, you may create problems for getting the government permission required for the tour.

Beyond that, pack for two very different environments: water time at Blue Hole and rock time at Canyon Salama.

Here’s what I’d bring based on what actually matters:

• Good shoes with grip for canyon climbing and scrambling
• A scarf or light head covering (one person even noted you can buy one on the spot)
• Snorkeling gear if you have it (equipment isn’t included)
• Slippers or sandals for the beach after snorkeling
• Dry clothing for the ride and the rest of the day after you get wet

Think of it like packing for a small outdoor camp day. If you show up with flip-flops and no dry clothes, the canyon will feel tougher than it needs to be, and the return transfer will feel colder and less comfortable.

Price and value: what your $70 really covers

At $70 per person, this tour is priced to be fair for a day that includes transport, entrance fees, and two major natural sites. You’re not paying extra for the canyon jeep safari or for lunch, which is a plus if you’ve been on tours where food and park access are the first surprise costs.

What’s included:

• Round-trip transfers from your hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh
• Air-conditioned van transport
• Entrance fees
• Jeep safari at Canyon Salama
• Snorkeling at the Blue Hole
• Lunch
• Camel ride (about 20 minutes)
• Taxes and fees

What’s not included:

• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal spending
• Snorkeling equipment

That mix affects your budgeting. If you need snorkeling equipment, plan for that extra cost. And if you’re sensitive to sales pressure during the market stop, keep your spending controlled and your priorities clear.

Also, consider the energy level. You’re doing a lot in one day, so you’re paying partly for time-saving logistics. If you’d rather travel slower, this format may feel rushed. If you’re happy with a full itinerary, the value is strong.

Who this Dahab Safari is best for (and who should rethink it)

This is a great fit if you’re visiting South Sinai and want a “two-hit” nature day: reef snorkeling plus Canyon Salama’s geology. The tour is also a good match if you like classic extras like a short camel ride and a beach-camp lunch with views.

It’s less ideal if:

• You hate any kind of scrambling on uneven rock
• You’re hoping snorkeling includes gear and you don’t want to handle it
• You dislike shopping stops and possible add-on pressure

The best part for many people is that it’s structured. You get early timing, defined stops, and a clear sequence. That means you can enjoy the scenery without spending your day figuring out transport between Dahab’s key sights.

Should you book Dahab Safari from Sharm El-Sheikh? My call

Book it if you want a packed day that actually uses its time well: Blue Hole snorkeling, Bedouin lunch with a view, a short camel ride, and Canyon Salama by jeep. For $70 with entrance fees and transfers included, it’s a strong value if you show up prepared with the right shoes and a snorkel setup if you need it.

Pass or reconsider if you’re uncomfortable with canyon climbing or if you know you’ll get stressed by shopping stops and optional add-ons. In that case, you might prefer a simpler half-day option—less motion, fewer “extras” moments.

If you can handle one busy day and you want both water and rock sights, this tour is a solid way to make the most of your time in South Sinai.

FAQ

How long is the Dahab safari from Sharm El-Sheikh?

The total duration is 10 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $70 per person.

What is included in the tour price?

Round-trip hotel transfers from Sharm El-Sheikh, air-conditioned van transport, entrance fees, the Canyon Salama jeep safari, snorkeling at the Blue Hole, lunch, a 20-minute camel ride, and all taxes and fees are included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Do I need a passport for this tour?

Yes. You should bring your passport.

Why do I need a copy of my passport?

You’re asked to provide a photo copy of your passport up to 2 days before the tour so government permission can be issued.

What languages will the host or greeter use?

The host or greeter is listed as English and Arabic.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.