From Sharm El Sheikh: Day Tour to Petra by Ferry

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of walking through the famous Rose City of Petra, but only have a day and are based in Sharm El Sheikh, this Day Tour to Petra by Ferry might be just the adventure you’re looking for. It promises a full day of exploration, combining comfort, guided insights, and the thrill of crossing borders by ferry — a truly unique way to visit one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.

What we like about this tour is its emphasis on comprehensive guided experiences and the spectacular views of the landscape en route. Plus, the inclusion of a ferry crossing adds a dash of maritime adventure to your journey. On the flip side, the long travel hours and some logistical quirks are considerations for anyone hoping for a relaxed day.

This tour suits travelers who are eager to maximize their Jordanian experience without spending multiple days on the road. If you’re comfortable with early mornings, long transit times, and want to see Petra’s highlights with expert guides, this trip could be a good fit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Day: Includes transport, ferry, guided tour, entrance fees, and lunch
• Unique Ferry Crossing: Sail from Egypt to Jordan, enjoying scenic views
• Visiting Petra: Experience the highlights, including the Siq, Khazneh, Roman theater, and tombs
• Long but Rewarding: The trip is lengthy, but the sights and guided insights make it worthwhile
• Cost-Effective: At $300, it offers a structured way to visit Petra without additional hidden costs
• Authentic Experience: Guided tour helps you understand the history while enjoying local cuisine

A Detailed Look at the Tour

Starting Early and Traveling Long

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Sharm El Sheikh, just before midnight. From there, you’ll head toward the border crossing at Taba, which is the gateway from Egypt into Jordan. This early start is a common feature of such cross-border excursions, aiming to make the most of daylight hours at Petra. However, it does mean a very early wake-up, and as some reviews note, the journey from Sharm is quite long, making the entire trip 26 hours from start to finish.

We liked the way transportation is handled — modern, air-conditioned vehicles help mitigate some fatigue, and the guides seem to be well-organized, which is crucial for such a lengthy day. Yet, the trip’s length is a double-edged sword; one reviewer mentioned feeling the journey very intensely but still called Petra “truly a magical place.”

Cross-border and Ferry Experience

Crossing the border at Taba can be a bit of an adventure in itself — busy border crossings with potential delays are common, so patience is key. Once in Jordan, the journey continues to Aqaba, where you’ll board a ferry. The ferry ride itself is a highlight, offering views of the Red Sea and a sense of maritime exploration before stepping into Jordan’s landscape.

The ferry is included in the price and helps make the trip distinctive. We appreciate that this method of travel adds an element of novelty, especially for those used to land-only tours. Plus, the border crossing assistance ensures smoother passage, which is especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with these procedures.

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Exploring Petra

Upon arriving, the real highlight begins — a guided tour of Petra lasting about three hours. Your guide will lead you through the narrow Siq (a natural canyon) and unveil the iconic Al Khazneh (The Treasury), which has been standing for over 2000 years. The guided aspect is invaluable — it brings Petra’s carvings and structures to life, giving context that transforms mere sightseeing into storytelling.

You’ll have the option to walk or ride a camel to the Siq, adding a touch of adventure. The route also includes visits to the Roman theater, royal tombs, the colonnaded street, and Qasr al-Bent. These sites offer a comprehensive glimpse of Petra’s grandeur, giving you enough time to appreciate the scale and craftsmanship.

Lunch and Additional Sights

After exploring, you’ll enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant. While some reviews warn about pricey drinks and restaurants with unclear pricing, many also praise the quality of the meal, which provides a welcome break after the morning’s travel. It’s an opportunity to sample local flavors before heading back to the Aqaba port for the ferry ride back to Egypt.

Return Journey

The ferry trip back is a relaxing end to a long day, and the tour includes assistance at the border crossing upon return. Expect to arrive back in Sharm El Sheikh around midnight. The overall experience demands stamina, but for those eager to see Petra without extending their trip by multiple days, it offers remarkable value.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Expert Guides and Well-Organized Transport

The guides are praised for their knowledge and helpfulness, making the complex logistics of border crossings, ferry rides, and site visits smoother and more engaging. As one traveler noted, “every minute was very well planned,” making a long day feel manageable.

Scenic and Cultural Highlights

The ferry ride is a refreshing change from typical bus-only tours, offering a scenic maritime experience. The crossing adds a sense of adventure and makes the journey more memorable, especially for those interested in combining land and sea travel.

Impressive Petra Experience

You get a solid overview of Petra’s top sights with a knowledgeable guide, who helps you appreciate the carvings, structures, and historical significance. Travelers consistently mention the guides’ expertise and the stunning views as high points.

Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

Long Travel Hours

Several reviews mention the extensive travel time from Sharm El Sheikh, often up to 26 hours round-trip. While this is a common challenge for day trips to Petra from Egypt, it’s not suited for those seeking a relaxed or leisurely pace. If you’re prone to fatigue or short on stamina, you might find the long hours taxing.

Border and Logistic Hiccups

Border crossings are notorious for delays, and the trip’s success often depends on smooth procedures. Some travelers experienced delays or minor issues, which can cut into sightseeing time or add stress.

Cost versus Value

At $300 per person, the tour is priced to include nearly everything — transport, ferry, guide, entrance fees, and lunch. While this seems reasonable given the logistics, it’s worth considering whether the value matches your expectations. For travelers with more time or a tighter budget, arranging independent transport might be more economical but less convenient.

Food and Spending at Petra

The review highlighting expensive drinks and unclear restaurant pricing is a reminder to carry some cash or be prepared for possibly higher costs at lunch. You might want to bring snacks or extra water just in case.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who:

• Want to see Petra but don’t want to spend multiple days on the road.
• Are comfortable with early mornings and long days.
• Appreciate guided insights to better understand the history and significance of Petra.
• Enjoy a combination of land, sea, and border-crossing adventures.
• Are looking for structured, all-inclusive options that minimize logistical planning.

It’s less ideal for those seeking a truly relaxed day or with limited stamina for lengthy travel.

Final Thoughts

This Day Tour to Petra from Sharm El Sheikh offers an efficient way to experience one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world. Its inclusion of ferry crossings and guided tours makes it stand out among other options, providing convenience and insight that enrich the visit.

While the long hours and logistical complexities may not suit everyone, the trip’s highlights — from the stunning Khazneh to the panoramic views on the ferry — make it a worthwhile adventure for eager explorers. The guides’ professionalism and the well-organized itinerary help ensure you get the most out of your day.

If you’re excited to see Petra and are prepared for a full, active day, this tour provides excellent value and memorable sights — truly a bucket-list experience in a compact package.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup provided?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Sharm El Sheikh, making logistics easier.

How long is the total trip?
The entire journey, including travel, border crossing, sightseeing, and return, lasts around 26 hours from start to finish.

What is included in the price?
The $300 fee covers transportation, ferry tickets, entrance fees to Petra, a guided tour, lunch at a local restaurant, and the Jordanian visa.

Can I choose to walk or ride a camel to the Siq?
Yes, you have the option to walk or ride a camel to the entrance of Petra, adding a bit of local flavor to your experience.

What should I bring?
You need to bring your passport, and it’s wise to carry some cash in case you want snacks or drinks at Petra.

What happens if the ferry is canceled?
In case of ferry cancellations, you will be transferred into Jordan via the Arava border, ensuring your visit can still proceed.

This tour is a practical, well-structured way to tick Petra off your travel list if you’re based in Sharm El Sheikh, offering a blend of adventure, history, and scenic beauty all in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby