A Real-Talk Review of the 2025 Ras Abu Gallum & Blue Hole Snorkel Safari
So, you’re likely scrolling through stunning pictures of Egypt’s coastline, and, you know, the thought of this particular trip keeps popping up. This safari is, actually, a very full day filled with desert landscapes, deep blue water, and frankly, a genuine sense of exploration. I mean, it is definitely not your standard tour where you just get on a bus and go. Instead, you pretty much get an unfiltered experience of the Sinai coast, which, at the end of the day, is the main attraction. Anyway, what follows is an honest look at what the 2025 version of this trip feels like, from the first jolt in the jeep to the final moment you pull your head out of the water. We are going to go over the bits that are amazing and, to be honest, the parts that you should be prepared for.
Kicking Things Off: The Jeep Ride into the Desert
Alright, so the day usually starts pretty early with a pickup from your hotel in Dahab. The vehicle is almost always a well-used 4×4 Jeep, which, frankly, is a big part of the character of this trip. The ride out of town is, like, a quick transition from paved roads to just desert tracks. Honestly, prepare yourself for a trip that gives your back a bit of a workout; it’s quite bumpy. Your driver, who often knows the area like the back of his hand, more or less zips through canyons and over sandy patches. Still, the views are, well, completely worth it. You get to see these huge, stark mountains of the Sinai peninsula meet the incredibly blue water of the Gulf of Aqaba, which is, as a matter of fact, a sight you don’t forget quickly. It’s sort of a dusty, windy, and totally absorbing way to begin the day’s activities.
This part of the trip isn’t just about getting from point A to point B, you know. It’s arguably a key part of the experience itself. The Jeep stops sometimes at a high viewpoint, and you can literally just stand there and take in the massive, quiet landscape. In some ways, the emptiness of the desert is just as impressive as the busy life under the water you are about to see. By the way, the air out here feels different, kind of cleaner and drier. It really sets the stage for leaving the town atmosphere behind and getting into a more natural, stripped-back frame of mind. This ride could be about an hour, and it basically gets you to the spot where you meet your next form of transportation.
Along the Coast by Camel: Getting to Ras Abu Gallum
Now, this is where things get, sort of, even more classic Sinai. The jeeps can only go so far, so the next part of the trip is on camelback, right along the water’s edge. You meet the Bedouin camel handlers, who, honestly, have a very calm and easy way about them. Getting on a camel, if you haven’t before, is a pretty funny experience in itself, a bit of a lurch forward and back. But once you are up there, the rhythm of the camel’s walk is actually quite relaxing. You are just slowly swaying along a narrow path, with the mountains on one side and the gentle waves of the Red Sea on the other. This is probably the most photogenic part of the whole day, for example.
The trek to Ras Abu Gallum isn’t very long, typically taking about 20 to 30 minutes, you know. Still, it feels like you’ve gone back in time. There are no engine noises, just the sound of the camel’s feet on the sand and the water lapping the shore. You pass these simple Bedouin encampments, and you get a small, authentic peek into a way of life that is so different from our own. To be honest, it is a very peaceful and almost meditative part of the day. You feel a genuine connection to the place, which is something a tour bus just cannot give you, really. It is a slow, thoughtful approach to the first snorkeling spot, which frankly builds the anticipation beautifully.
First Dip: Snorkeling the Quiet Waters of Ras Abu Gallum
Finally, you arrive at Ras Abu Gallum, which is, essentially, a protected area and a small Bedouin settlement right on the beach. It tends to be much, much quieter than the Blue Hole, which is why it’s usually the first stop. You can just drop your bag in one of the simple beachfront huts, grab your snorkel gear, and, you know, walk right into the sea. The entry is pretty easy, just a sandy slope that gently leads to the reef. The water here is incredibly clear, so you can see things almost immediately.
The reef at Ras Abu Gallum feels very untouched, sort of like a secret garden. You will likely see these incredible coral formations, like massive brains and delicate fans, just teeming with life. And the fish, wow, they are just everywhere. Expect to see Parrotfish nibbling on coral, swarms of bright orange Anthias, and maybe a sneaky Moray eel peeking out from a hole. I mean, sometimes you might even spot a turtle or an eagle ray gliding by if you’re really lucky. Because it is less crowded, you really have the space to just float and watch the underwater world go about its business. It’s an absolutely amazing warmup for the main event.
The Main Event: Facing the Famous Blue Hole
Okay, so after Ras Abu Gallum, it’s back on the camels for a short ride and then a quick jeep transfer over to the world-famous Blue Hole. And yes, it is basically a giant sinkhole in the reef, over 100 meters deep. The reputation of this place is huge, you know, and there are typically more people here. There are several little cafes and dive shops along the shore, so the atmosphere is a little more buzzy. Getting in here is a little different; you usually walk along a path and get in at a spot called “The Bells” and let the gentle current carry you over the reef saddle to the Blue Hole itself. This entry is just, like, spectacular.
Snorkeling at the Blue Hole is a totally different feeling from Ras Abu Gallum. Here, you are swimming right next to a vertical wall of coral that just drops down into this deep, deep blue. It is honestly a little bit thrilling and humbling. You float over the edge, looking down into what seems like an endless abyss, which is really something. The coral wall is absolutely covered in life, a literal kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. You will see lionfish, maybe some big tuna out in the blue, and all sorts of reef fish. You don’t need to be a scuba diver to appreciate the scale and beauty of this place. You just float along the outer edge, watching the scuba divers’ bubbles rise from the deep, which is, in itself, a pretty cool sight.
What You Should Honestly Pack and Expect for Lunch
Right, so let’s talk about the practical stuff, because being prepared makes the day so much better. At the top of your list should be some high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen. The sun in the Sinai is incredibly strong, and you are exposed for most of the day. A hat and sunglasses are also, obviously, must-haves. Bring your own towel and swimwear, of course. For your feet, some water shoes or flip-flops that you don’t mind getting wet are a very good idea for walking over rocky or hot sand areas. Most tours provide snorkel masks and fins, but if you have your own that you love, you might as well bring them along. And honestly, an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case is almost essential for a trip like this.
As for food, lunch is usually included, and it is pretty much always served at one of the simple Bedouin camps. You should not expect a fancy meal. Instead, it’s typically a very satisfying and tasty Bedouin-style lunch. This could be grilled chicken or fish with rice, salad, and tahini, along with flatbread. It is simple, fresh, and frankly, tastes amazing after a morning of swimming. You will also get water or a soft drink, but it is a really good idea to bring an extra big bottle of water for yourself, anyway, just to stay hydrated. Also, have a little bit of small change in Egyptian Pounds with you for things like tipping your camel handler or the driver, or maybe for buying an extra drink.
The Final Take: Is This Rough-and-Ready Safari for You?
So, at the end of the day, it is important to know if this trip fits your travel style. To be honest, if you are looking for a day of pure relaxation on a plush boat, this might not be it. This safari is, well, an adventure. It is for people who do not mind a bit of dust, a bumpy ride, and a slightly more rustic experience to see something truly special. You have to be reasonably fit, you know, for getting on and off the camel and for climbing in and out of the water at the snorkel sites. It’s totally fine for most people, but it’s just something to keep in mind.
Honestly, you will love this trip if you are the kind of person who values experience over luxury. It is for those who want to see a more authentic side of the Sinai and its coastline. The combination of the rugged desert landscape, the unique camel trek, and then the world-class snorkeling is, seriously, a winning formula. It is a very memorable, very full day that leaves you a little tired but with a camera full of pictures and a head full of amazing memories. It’s for the explorers, the nature lovers, and anyone who wants a story to tell that is, you know, a bit different from the usual.
“You don’t just see the Blue Hole on this trip; you sort of earn it. The journey through the desert and along the coast makes the snorkeling feel like a real reward.”
A Quick Summary of the Day
The whole day is basically a three-part adventure. First, a thrilling off-road Jeep ride takes you deep into the coastal desert, showing off the stark beauty of the Sinai. Next, you switch to a more traditional mode of transport, a camel, for a peaceful trek along the shoreline to the quiet snorkeling spot of Ras Abu Gallum. After enjoying the pristine reefs there, you head over to the world-famous Blue Hole for a completely different and dramatic underwater experience, swimming over a massive underwater sinkhole. It’s a day packed with activity, nature, and a bit of Bedouin culture.
- The Vibe: It’s definitely more of a rugged adventure than a relaxing luxury tour.
- Best For: Travelers who enjoy nature, are reasonably active, and want an authentic experience.
- Snorkeling: You get to experience two distinct sites: the quiet, garden-like Ras Abu Gallum and the dramatic, deep Blue Hole.
- Transport: A fun mix of bumpy 4×4 Jeep and a gentle, scenic camel ride.
- What to Bring: Lots of water, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and an underwater camera are highly recommended.
Read our full review: Ras Abu Gallum Blue Hole Snorkel Safari Full Review and Details
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