Petra Day Tour from Sharm El Sheikh — Ferry to Jordan & Full-Day Petra

Petra Day Tour from Sharm El Sheikh – Petra is the kind of place that lives in the imagination long before you arrive. From Sharm El Sheikh, you’ll slip across the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry and drive into Jordan’s mountains to walk the narrow Siq and stand before the Treasury (Al-Khazneh)—the rose-red façade that has fascinated travelers for centuries. This tightly run day trip blends smooth logistics with rich storytelling, so you spend your time seeing Petra, not figuring out how to get there.

Petra Day Tour from Sharm El Sheikh- Highlights

The Siq – Petra’s Dramatic Entrance

Walk the winding sandstone corridor—about 1 km—where light and shadow paint the walls in copper and rose tones. Every curve builds suspense for what’s ahead.

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – Icon of Petra

Step into the open and meet the Treasury, cut straight from the cliff. Your guide unpacks the myths and masonry that made this the world-famous symbol of the Nabataean city.

Roman Theatre & Royal Tombs

Continue along façades and streets carved into stone to the Roman Theatre, Royal Tombs (don’t miss the “Rainbow” hues), and the colonnaded remains of Petra’s Hellenistic-Roman chapter.

Al-Habis Fort Viewpoint

Climb to Al-Habis for a sweeping look over Petra’s basin—ribbed ravines, layered colors, and the city’s grand scale revealed from above.

Lunch & Aqaba Break

Recharge over a Jordanian lunch, then pause in Aqaba for a litt

Petra. The word still has the power to stop you in your tracks. From Sharm El Sheikh you can reach this UNESCO World Heritage site in a single (long but extraordinary) day: a midnight coach to Taba, a short ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba, and then Petra — the rose-red city carved in stone. Here’s everything you need to know before you book.

Quick facts

• Duration: ~24 hours door-to-door (late-night pickup from Sharm → return after midnight).

• Typical pickup: between 01:00–03:30 AM (varies by operator / hotel).

• Ferry: Taba ↔ Aqaba (morning and evening sailings).

• Time in Petra: 3–4 hours guided walking tour plus optional short horse ride at the Siq entrance (often ~700 m).

• Price range (typical): £160–£220 (varies by operator, inclusions).

• Top highlights: The Siq, Al-Khazneh (Treasury), Royal Tombs, Roman Theatre, Colonnaded Street, Al-Habis viewpoint.

Why choose this Petra day trip from Sharm?

Two reasons: logistics and spectacle. Flying to Jordan isn’t practical from Sinai — the ferry route via Taba/Aqaba is the efficient, experience-rich alternative. You reclaim a full day at Petra rather than wasting it on long roads. The payoff: walking the Siq until the Treasury unexpectedly opens into view — a moment almost cinematic in scale.

What most operators skim over but great tours deliver:

• On-ground assistance at border crossings to avoid delays.

• A local Jordanian guide inside Petra who decodes the carved façades and water-management genius of the Nabataeans.

• A sensible pacing of the day so you see the major monuments without rushing every step.

Practical tips & insider advice (fresh, from local guides)

Passport & visa: Bring your passport (valid 6+ months). Most tour operators arrange Jordan entry visas and the Gulf-of-Aqaba re-entry procedures — confirm this at booking. Nationals of some countries must obtain visas in advance; check with the operator.

Timing & crowds: Enter Petra early—midday sees the largest crowds. If your tour hits Petra around 10:00–11:00, you’ll enjoy the Treasury with good light and manageable crowds. The Siq is quietest at first light, but ferry schedules mean most groups arrive mid-morning.

Horse ride at the Siq: It’s convenient but often rushed; the horses/handlers may be persistent. If you prefer walking or worry about animal welfare, politely decline — the final reveal of the Treasury is equally spectacular on foot.

Shoes & clothing: Sturdy walking shoes (trainers or lightweight hiking shoes), hat, sunglasses and breathable layers. The carved rock is abrasive — avoid shorts that expose knees if visiting tomb interiors. Sunscreen is essential.

Money & shopping: Bring USD or Euros (and/or a credit card). Small vendors accept cash; larger hotels/shops accept cards. Haggle gently in Aqaba and Petra side-stalls.

Camera & phone: A wide-angle lens is useful for the Treasury and colonnade photos. Battery packs are handy — you’ll be on your feet all day.

Hydration & altitude: Petra sits ~800–1000 m above sea level in places; bring water and pace yourself. The site is extensive — expect several hills and steps.

Accessibility: Petra is a walking site with uneven paths; it’s challenging for wheelchair users except short stretches. Pregnant travelers should consult their doctor — the day is long and physically demanding.

Who should book this trip?

• Culture and history lovers visiting Sinai who want a “once-in-a-lifetime” day at Petra.

• Photographers aiming for dramatic sandstone light and texture.

• Travelers who don’t mind long travel windows in exchange for a full day inside Petra.

Not ideal for those who need a leisurely hotel schedule or cannot tolerate long coach rides and late returns.

Safety & realistic expectations

• Expect long travel time and border procedures — part of the experience, not a glitch.

• Petty crime is minimal inside main tourist zones; use normal travel caution with valuables.

• Tour operators typically carry first-aid kits and have local contacts for emergencies.