Dahab Safari from Sharm El-Sheikh: Canyon Salama & Blue Hole

The best part of this day is the sharp change of scenery. You go from Sharm El-Sheikh to the Blue Hole, where coral and colorful fish meet a dry mountain setting, then continue by jeep into the striped sandstone walls of Canyon Salama. It is a lot of Sinai in one long day.

I like the mix of sea, desert, and Bedouin culture, and I like that lunch, transport, entrance fees, and a camel ride are folded into the $70 price. The catch is that the day is tiring, snorkeling equipment is not included, and some optional activities or shopping stops may lead to extra spending if you are not firm.

Key points before you book

• Blue Hole snorkeling: Expect about 45 minutes in the water, with equipment rented separately.
• Canyon Salama: The 800-meter gorge has yellow, purple, red, and gold sandstone, but the route involves climbing and scrambling.
• A full 10-hour day: Early pickup, a one-hour drive to Dahab, several stops, and the return to Sharm El-Sheikh make this a busy outing.
• Bedouin lunch by the sea: The beach camp gives you time to eat and look across the water toward the mountains.
• Camel ride included: The ride lasts 20 minutes and is mainly a short photo-friendly coastal experience.
• Bring the right kit: Passport, sturdy shoes, beach footwear, dry clothes, sun protection, and a scarf will serve you well.

What the $70 day is really buying you

At $70 per person, this is a good-value package if you want several South Sinai sights without arranging separate transport. The cost covers hotel transfers from Sharm El-Sheikh, an air-conditioned van, entrance fees, the jeep ride at Canyon Salama, snorkeling access, lunch, a 20-minute camel ride, and taxes.

That list matters because the distances and permissions can make independent planning awkward. You also need a passport copy submitted no later than two days before departure so government permission can be issued. Keep the original passport with you on the day.

The price does not include snorkeling equipment, tips, personal purchases, or optional activities. That last category deserves attention. Keep your wallet closed until you understand exactly what is included. A recent account of the day described possible extra charges of roughly 30 to 50 euros per person for services presented as if they were required. The advertised package includes the main activities, so ask before paying for anything additional.

The day can also include shopping stops in Dahab. These may suit you if you want souvenirs, scarves, or local goods. If you are focused on the canyon and the sea, they can feel like lost time. You are allowed to treat them as optional in spirit, even if the group pauses there.

The early drive from Sharm El-Sheikh to Dahab

Pickup begins early at your hotel, followed by roughly one hour in a modern, air-conditioned van. That is a useful comfort on a day with heat, dust, and outdoor activity. You will spend much of the day moving between places, so transport quality affects the experience more than it might on a short sightseeing tour.

Dahab is the base for the coastal and desert portions of the outing. The town is known for its natural setting and nearby protected areas, and the route gives you a quick sense of how different this part of South Sinai is from the resort zone around Sharm El-Sheikh.

The total duration is about 10 hours. That sounds generous, but it fills quickly. You have the drive, Blue Hole, lunch, camel ride, Canyon Salama, a shopping stop, and the return journey. Think of it as an active day, not a slow beach escape.

Group size can affect the pace. One recent departure had 12 people, small enough to keep the day reasonably manageable. The provider is Sun Pyramids Tours, with English and Arabic support. No individual guide name is provided, so do not book expecting a particular named guide.

Blue Hole: beautiful water, limited time

The Blue Hole is the emotional high point for many people on this route. You arrive at the national park, settle near the beach, and enter the water for a snorkeling session among coral and colorful fish. The setting is striking because the sea sits below bare mountains, with almost no need for decoration.

The snorkeling time may be around 45 minutes. That is enough for a good look, but it is not a full-day water outing. If you want long, unhurried time in the sea, this tour may feel rushed. If you want a strong introduction to the site while still seeing a canyon and riding a camel, the shorter session makes sense.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own if you have a mask and fins you trust, or budget for rental equipment. A dry change of clothes is useful after the swim, as is a towel if your hotel or organizer does not provide one. The supplied information specifically asks you to bring your passport, but practical beach gear will make the day more comfortable.

You can also relax on the beach. That gives non-snorkelers something to do, though the tour is built around the water visit. The Blue Hole is not simply a photo stop, so pack swimwear if you want the full experience.

Be aware of the conditions underfoot. Slippers or beach footwear help around the shore, while sandals may not be enough for the canyon later. Carry both if possible.

Lunch at the beach camp

After the Blue Hole, you eat a Bedouin lunch at a beach camp. The meal is included, and the location is part of its appeal. You sit near the coast with sea views on one side and the dry mountains around you.

This stop breaks up the active portions of the day. You have just been in the water, and the next major stop involves a rougher jeep ride and walking through a gorge. Use lunch to dry off, eat properly, and refill your energy.

The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this as a food-focused excursion. Its value is practical and atmospheric: a provided meal in a memorable setting, without requiring you to find a restaurant during a tightly timed day.

The coastal camp may also be where the camel ride begins. The 20-minute ride is short, so consider it a taste rather than a serious trek. You will likely have time to take photographs along the coast, and this is one of the easiest parts of the itinerary for families or first-time camel riders.

A scarf can help with sun and dust. You can buy one locally, but bringing one from Sharm El-Sheikh saves time and money.

Camel riding for 20 minutes

The camel ride is included, but its brief length sets the right expectation. You will not spend hours crossing the desert. Instead, you get a short coastal ride and a classic Sinai photo opportunity.

I like this kind of inclusion because it adds variety without taking over the day. You can say you rode a camel, enjoy the view, and move on before the novelty wears thin. If camel riding is your main goal, however, you will want a longer, dedicated experience.

Wear clothes that allow easy movement, and keep cameras and phones secure. The itinerary does not specify riding conditions or the exact route, so treat it as a simple group activity rather than a private ride.

Canyon Salama by jeep

The trip to Canyon Salama brings the strongest change in scenery. You leave the coast in a jeep and head into an 800-meter gorge cut through sandstone. The walls are described in yellow, purple, red, and gold, and the narrow passage makes the colors appear even stronger in bright sunlight.

The jeep ride itself is part of the fun. It adds a little rough-road adventure and gives you views that a standard van could not reach. The desert section is not just transport between stops; it is one of the day’s main experiences.

The canyon requires more effort than the beach. You may need to climb, scramble, and use your hands in places, so sturdy closed shoes are important. One person specifically advised wearing proper footwear because the route involves clambering through the gorge. Flip-flops are a poor choice here.

The main weakness is interpretation. The supplied program does not describe a dedicated geology talk, and the experience may focus more on walking through the gorge and taking photos than on explaining how the rock formed. If you want detailed geology, ask the guide for context as you go.

There is also a reported litter problem in the final section of the canyon. That can take some shine off an otherwise powerful natural setting. Go for the colors and rock formations, but do not expect every section to look untouched.

Photos, markets, and the end of the day

Photography is a major part of this outing. The canyon walls, camel ride, beach, and jeep route all give you different backdrops. A photographer may take pictures during the day, with the option to buy them afterward. You are not required to purchase them, so decide in advance how much you want to spend.

The stop at a local shopping center in Dahab is intended for souvenirs. It can be useful if you want a scarf or small gift, but it is not one of the natural highlights. If sales pressure bothers you, be polite and direct. You can look without buying.

Some itineraries also include extra activities, such as quad biking, but quad biking is not listed among the included services here. Do not assume that an activity offered during the day is part of the $70 price. Confirm the cost and whether it is optional before agreeing.

After the final stop, you return to Sharm El-Sheikh by High Ace vehicle. Expect to arrive tired. The combination of an early start, sun, snorkeling, walking, and a rougher desert ride makes this a day for people who prefer variety over leisure.

What to bring for a smoother day

The official requirement is your passport, plus a passport copy supplied in advance for government permission. Take that seriously. Without the correct document, the border and travel permissions may cause problems.

I would also pack:

• Sturdy walking shoes for Canyon Salama
• Sandals or slippers for the beach and snorkeling area
• Swimsuit and dry clothes
• Towel, if not supplied
• Sun protection and a scarf
• Water and a small bag for wet clothing
• Cash for rentals, tips, souvenirs, and optional activities

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the canyon includes climbing and scrambling according to the practical descriptions of the route. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, confirm which parts can be adapted before booking. The information confirms accessibility in general, but it does not explain how the gorge portion is handled.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Sharm El-Sheikh plans are still shifting.

Who should book this Dahab safari?

This is a good match for you if you want one packed day with several different activities. You get sea time, a desert gorge, a camel ride, lunch, a jeep ride, and a taste of Dahab without arranging each piece yourself.

Families with older children may appreciate the variety, though the canyon’s uneven route and the long day require reasonable fitness. Active couples, first-time visitors to South Sinai, and photographers will find plenty to enjoy.

I would hesitate if your priority is slow snorkeling, a quiet beach, or serious geology. The Blue Hole session is fairly short, the canyon explanation may be limited, shopping can interrupt the rhythm, and optional extras may increase the real cost.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you value variety and convenience more than a relaxed pace. At $70, the included transport, lunch, entrance fees, jeep safari, snorkeling visit, and camel ride offer solid value, especially if you are staying in Sharm El-Sheikh and want to see Dahab in one day.

Go in with clear expectations. Bring the right shoes, arrange your passport copy early, rent or pack snorkeling gear, and ask about every extra charge. If you can accept a busy schedule and some rough edges, Blue Hole and Canyon Salama make this a memorable South Sinai outing.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts about 10 hours, including transportation and the scheduled stops.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers from your hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh are included.

How do you travel during the tour?

The main transfers use a modern, air-conditioned van. The Canyon Salama portion includes a jeep safari, and the return is by High Ace vehicle.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you need to bring your own or pay for rental equipment.

What do I need to bring for the tour?

You must bring your passport. You should also bring a passport copy in advance, as it is needed to arrange government permission no later than two days before the tour.

How long is the camel ride?

The included camel ride lasts 20 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Bedouin lunch at a beach camp is included in the price.

Are tips and personal purchases included?

No. Tips, personal spending, optional activities, and other extras not listed in the package are not included.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.