Blue Hole, Coloured Canyon and Dahab Jeep Trip from Sharm El Sheikh

The Coloured Canyon

The Coloured Canyon lies on the road between Dahab and Nuweiba, a narrow gorge about eight hundred metres long where the sandstone walls show layers of yellow, purple, red and gold. Wind and flash floods have carved smooth curves and hollows in the rock, and the light that falls into the gap changes the colours throughout the day.

You reach the canyon by 4x4 jeep and explore it on foot with the guide for about two hours, including a safety briefing. If you are wondering whether the Coloured Canyon is worth visiting, the answer is yes for anyone who likes unusual landscapes, as there is nothing else like it in Sinai. Bring a camera and good shoes.

The Blue Hole National Park

The Blue Hole is one of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea, a deep underwater sinkhole a short distance north of Dahab. Next to it, a protected beach area is used for snorkelling, with coral and fish close to the shore. The default option includes the entry ticket and about an hour of snorkelling here.

Swimming or diving in the deep hole itself is not part of this jeep trip, and access to it is by boat as a separate activity. A life jacket is required for the visit, snorkelling gear is not included, and conditions depend on the sea. If you only want the canyon, choose the option without the Blue Hole.

Dahab

Dahab is a small Bedouin town on the Gulf of Aqaba, whose name means gold in Arabic, after the colour of its sand. It has a relaxed, bohemian feel, with a seafront lined with cafes and shops, and mountains rising behind it. It is popular with divers, windsurfers and travellers who want a slower pace than Sharm El Sheikh.

On this trip you have free time in Dahab, about an hour, to walk along the seafront, buy souvenirs or relax by the water. Pickup from hotels in Dahab is also available in the default option, which is useful if you are staying in the area.

Abu Galum quad ride

Abu Galum is a protected area on the coast north of Dahab, known for its quiet bays, mountains and Bedouin settlements. The quad ride takes you along the sea and between the mountains for about half an hour, with the Gulf of Aqaba on one side and the granite peaks on the other.

The ride is guided at a controlled pace and is suitable for beginners. You are given a helmet and instructions, and the guide explains the route. Keep a scarf over your face against the dust, and wear closed shoes and sunglasses. Between the beach and the mountains the sea is a deep blue, and the track is firm enough that the ride feels smooth even for first-time riders.

Bedouin lunch and camel ride

Lunch is served in a Bedouin tent on the beach in Dahab, with the sea in front and the mountains behind. The meal is a simple barbecue-style lunch with rice, salads and bread, and you eat sitting on cushions in the shade. Drinks and extra water at the restaurant are paid separately, and a bottle of water is included.

A camel ride along the sea is also included, a calm walk that is good for photographs. The Bedouin team explains the animals and the traditions of the area. After lunch you rest before the drive back to Sharm El Sheikh, about an hour by road.