Dahab 3 Pools with Quad, Camel and Red Canyon from Sharm El Sheikh

The Dahab 3 Pools

The 3 Pools is a sheltered lagoon area on the coast north of Dahab, where the reef forms natural pool-like basins of clear, shallow water. It is a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling, because the water is calm and the coral and fish are close to the shore, and the colours are bright in the morning sun.

If you are wondering whether the Dahab 3 Pools are worth visiting, the answer is yes for anyone who enjoys easy snorkelling in a beautiful place. The tour includes the entry to the area, so you can swim and rest on the beach. Bring swimwear, a towel and your own snorkelling gear if you have it.

Dahab and the Gulf of Aqaba coast

Dahab is a small laid-back town on the Gulf of Aqaba, about ninety kilometres from Sharm El Sheikh. The name means gold in Arabic, after the colour of the sand. Across the gulf you can see the mountains of Saudi Arabia, and behind the town rise the granite peaks of South Sinai.

The drive along the coast is scenic and takes you from the resort strip to a quieter part of Sinai. Dahab is popular with divers, windsurfers and travellers who want a slower pace, which gives the trip a different feel from a day in Sharm El Sheikh. Along the way you pass small Bedouin settlements, palm groves and viewpoints, and the guide gives background about South Sinai and its people.

The quad ride

In the default option you ride a quad bike on the beach and between the mountains. The guide gives a safety briefing and a helmet, and the group rides in line at a controlled pace along the sand and tracks. It is an enjoyable way to cover ground and to see the coastline from a different viewpoint.

Wear closed shoes, bring sunglasses and cover your face with a scarf against the dust. The quad ride is not included in the second option, which is a good choice for guests who prefer not to drive. The route and speed are set by the guide, and the quads are suitable for beginners after the briefing.

The Red Canyon and the camel ride

The Red Canyon, also known as Salama Canyon, is a narrow gorge with red and orange rock walls, reached by jeep. The rock is warm in colour and the passage narrows in places, and the guide explains how water and wind have shaped the walls. It makes a good photograph, especially in the morning light.

A camel riding experience is included, a gentle ride that suits adults and children. The Bedouin handlers lead the camel at a walking pace, so no experience is needed, and the ride gives a feel for the way travellers once crossed Sinai. Because the canyon is narrow, the air inside stays cooler than outside, which gives a pleasant break from the midday sun.

Lunch and planning your day

Lunch is served at a local seaside restaurant, with a view over the water, and includes a main meal and bottled water. Drinks and extra water at the restaurant are paid separately, and personal expenses and tips are not included.

The day begins in the morning with hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh at the time confirmed before the tour. It lasts about eight to nine hours in total, so bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear and a towel, and a camera. The seaside setting makes lunch a good time to swim again or to rest on the beach, and the restaurant staff are used to groups with children.