Jeep Safari Colored Canyon Salama & Snorkeling in the Blue Hole…

If you want a day that mixes Sinai desert driving with an actual swim spot, this jeep safari route makes sense. You start from Sharm el Sheikh early, then swing past Colored Canyon Salama before heading to the Blue Hole area for snorkeling time.

I like the way the day is paced. You get a guided walk through the gorge for about an hour, then you shift to water time, then you slow down again with a beach lunch and a camel ride, plus a stroll through Dahab.

One thing to consider: the canyon portion is where expectations can be tricky. There is at least one complaint that the canyon stop did not match the Colored Canyon Salama promise, so if that is your main reason for booking, be mentally flexible and confirm what canyon you will actually visit.

Key things I’d plan around

• Small group size: up to 15 travelers, so it tends to feel less hectic than big buses
• Gorge time is limited: you get about 1 hour to explore the rock layers with your guide
• Snorkeling is optional, but weather matters: you get time in the Blue Hole area, and the tour needs good conditions
• Bedouin lunch on the beach: the meal is included, but drinks are extra
• Entrance fees are not included: plan for potential fees at the Blue Hole and Abu Galum Nature Reserve

The long morning drive: Sharm el Sheikh to Salama and Dahab

This is a full-day outing, about 11 hours, built around travel time as much as sightseeing. Pickup is offered, and you’ll leave Sharm el Sheikh in the early morning, with about 90 minutes of driving through the Sinai stone desert before you reach the canyon area.

That long ride is part of the experience. You’ll see the desert change from flat, sandy stretches to rockier terrain as you approach the gorge. It’s also why good planning matters: start the day rested, keep your essentials easy to grab, and expect a schedule that moves.

The transport is listed as an air-conditioned vehicle, which helps when you’re crossing desert roads in the morning. The jeep element is the desert highlight, but you still rely on the vehicle for the longer legs, including the run toward Dahab after lunch.

Colored Canyon Salama: rock layers, guided walking, and realistic expectations

Your canyon stop is the “see the Sinai up close” part of the day. You’ll reach Colored Canyon Salama, and you’ll have around 1 hour to explore the gorge with your guide. This is enough time to get photos, spot rock layers and formations, and get a sense of how the canyon was shaped, without turning the stop into an all-day hike.

Here’s how I’d approach it on the ground:

• Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in, because gorge floors can be uneven.
• Bring sun protection, since you’re exposed in open desert light between rock shadows.
• Ask your guide what you should focus on for the color bands, then you’ll leave with more than just a few quick pictures.

Now, the caution. One negative comment I came across complained that the canyon stop didn’t match the Colored Canyon Salama wording, saying the actual canyon visit was not what the listing implied. That doesn’t mean it happens every time, but it is enough to make me suggest you verify details before you go, especially if “Colored Canyon Salama” is your top draw.

If conditions shift, or if routing changes for practical reasons, the experience may feel different than what you pictured. The upside is that the canyon walk is still set up as a guided experience with a clear time window, so you’re not left wandering with no structure.

Blue Hole snorkeling: the best part of the day, if conditions cooperate

After the canyon exploration, the route continues toward the Blue Hole of Dahab. You get time to relax or snorkel in the Red Sea world right there at the Blue Hole area. This part is why many people book this day trip in the first place, because it’s one of the few places along this coastline where snorkeling time feels like the main event, not an add-on.

A few practical tips that keep this enjoyable:

• Snorkeling can be gear-dependent. The tour description confirms snorkeling time, but it doesn’t spell out equipment, so plan on bringing what you need or asking ahead what is provided.
• Water and wind can change quickly, which is why the activity is described as weather-dependent.
• If you’re not a confident swimmer, spend your time relaxing and watching from the edge, then decide whether to snorkel once you see the conditions.

It’s also smart to manage your energy. You’ve already had a morning drive and a canyon walk. For me, the Blue Hole time works best when you treat it like a short, focused window, not an all-day sea session.

One more note about entrance fees: the tour lists entrance fee Blue Hole and Abu Galum Nature Reserve as not included. So even if the snorkeling time is part of the plan, expect you may still need to pay at the site if fees apply.

Bedouin lunch and camel ride: what’s included, and how to make it feel authentic

After the canyon and Blue Hole time, you’ll have lunch on the beach. Lunch is included, and the setting fits the day trip theme because it’s not a rushed stop inside a shopping district. The meal is a key value point here, especially since drinks are not included. That means it’s worth carrying a bit of cash or being ready to pay for water or soft drinks on site.

Next comes a camel ride, listed as included. Camel rides in Egypt range from very short “sit and pose” moments to longer experiences, and this description keeps it general. Still, for a first-time visitor, it can be a fun break between desert heat and seaside cooling.

How to get more out of this segment:

• Keep your expectations simple. The camel ride is part of the experience, not a substitute for a full camel tour day.
• Take a moment before you ride to listen and confirm what’s expected, like how long the ride lasts and where you’ll go.
• After lunch, you’ll be ready to switch modes again, from desert to town.

Even though this part sounds basic on paper, it’s the “local rhythm” piece of the tour. You’re moving through the day with a sequence that reflects how people actually experience the region: desert morning, sea break, then a cultural lunch.

Dahab after lunch: hippie town vibes and souvenir browsing without rushing

Once lunch is finished, you’ll continue to Dahab. The description highlights Dahab as a hippie community, and the plan is a leisurely stroll where you can shop for holiday souvenirs.

This is the part of the day I think many visitors appreciate more than they expect. Dahab is laid-back compared with the big resort areas around Sharm. You’ll have time to walk, look, and browse at a slower pace, which balances the earlier “get in, do the route, get out” feel.

A good way to enjoy this section:

• Decide ahead what you want to buy, so you don’t burn your time on wandering.
• Keep an eye on your meeting time with the group, because the tour is running on a schedule.
• If you’re not into shopping, use the free strolling time for photo stops and a relaxed drink break, then come back ready for the ride home.

Since the tour returns you to your hotel after Dahab, the town visit is likely to be a solid taste, not a deep stay. That works well if you want variety in one day.

Price and value: what $41.80 covers, and what can add up

At $41.80 per person, this tour is priced like a value combo day, not a premium private outing. You’re getting a lot of moving parts: pickup, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, a desert canyon exploration with a guide, time at the Blue Hole, lunch, a camel ride, and a Dahab stroll.

Where the price can shift in real life is in the “not included” items. Drinks in the restaurant are not included, and entrance fees for the Blue Hole and Abu Galum Nature Reserve are listed as not included. Those fees can matter if you’re trying to keep your day-trip budget tight.

Still, the structure is the real value: you pay once and the day is stitched together for you, including lunch. If you tried to do this independently, you’d spend time coordinating transport and timing around the canyon and Blue Hole, plus you’d still have to figure out a desert route and a lunch stop.

Also watch for weather and minimum group conditions. The tour is described as requiring good weather, and there’s a minimum number of travelers. If weather forces a cancellation, you should get offered a different date or a full refund.

Who this jeep safari is best for

This works best for you if you want a single day with three settings: desert canyon, sea snorkeling time, and a town stroll. It’s also a good fit if you like structured stops but still want some flexibility, like relaxing versus snorkeling in the Blue Hole area.

You might want to skip it if:

• You are very picky about matching one specific canyon name to one exact gorge on the day.
• You want lots of free time in Dahab, because the town visit is described as a stroll and shopping time, not an extended stay.
• You’re traveling with very rigid plans about what must happen, because the experience is weather-dependent and routing can change.

The group size is capped at 15 travelers, which usually helps the day feel smoother and more personal than crowded tours.

Final verdict: should you book this tour?

I’d book this jeep safari with Dahab and Blue Hole snorkeling if you’re after variety and practical logistics. For the money, the combo of canyon time, Blue Hole water time, included lunch, and a camel ride is a strong all-in-one day.

But I would book with two expectations: first, treat the canyon portion as a guided gorge visit, not a guarantee of one exact “showpiece” canyon look. Second, budget a little extra for potential entrance fees and drinks, since those are not included.

If you want the easiest yes, do this: message the operator before you go and confirm the exact canyon stop tied to the Colored Canyon Salama wording, and ask what’s covered for snorkeling at the Blue Hole area. If they answer clearly, this is a fun, efficient day trip from Sharm.

FAQ

How long is the Jeep Safari Colored Canyon Salama & Snorkeling in the Blue Hole tour?

The tour duration is about 11 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup offered is included in the tour.

What activities are included during the day?

You’ll do a jeep desert trip, explore the canyon gorge with a guide, have time at the Blue Hole of Dahab to relax or snorkel, enjoy lunch, take a camel ride, and visit Dahab for a stroll and shopping.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks in the restaurant are not included.

Are entrance fees included for the Blue Hole and Abu Galum Nature Reserve?

No. Entrance fees for the Blue Hole and Abu Galum Nature Reserve are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.