From Sharm El Sheikh: Day Tour to Petra by Ferry

Petra is one of those places that makes time feel unreal, carved into rock and built by the Nabataeans long before cars and cruise ships existed. What makes this tour different is the route: you start from Sharm El Sheikh and cross from Egypt to Jordan by ferry, then hit Petra the same day with a guided visit.

I really like that the group is set up for convenience. You get hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and assistance at the border, so you are not stuck figuring out the paperwork alone. I also like the structure once you reach Petra, with a real guide showing you the big-ticket spots like Al Khazneh and the Roman ruins.

The main drawback is simple: this is a very long day. Expect waiting time at ports and borders, and the day can feel hectic around logistics and meals, especially if you have dietary needs.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Ferry crossing from Egypt to Jordan makes the trip feel like an adventure, not just another bus ride
• Skip-the-line Petra entrance via a separate entrance, so you spend more time walking and less time queuing
• 3-hour Petra guiding window that covers the core sights you came for
• Siq to Al Khazneh route, with an option to walk or take a camel
• Lunch included in Petra at a local restaurant
• You’ll see Petra plus major Roman-era stops like the theater, tombs, and colonnaded street

How This Trip Actually Feels: Cross-Border Convenience With a Long Clock

This tour is built for people who want Petra but do not want to plan the Egypt-to-Jordan journey on their own. You leave Sharm El Sheikh right before midnight, which means you are not starting with sunrise views, you are starting with late-night momentum. From there, the day is basically a relay race: vehicle, border, ferry, Petra, then ferry back.

Once you are on the move, the experience becomes classic Petra. You’ll enter through the canyon approach (the Siq), follow the path past rock-cut carvings and structures, and then reach the dramatic reveal of Al Khazneh. After that, the guide takes you through key ruins like the Roman theater, royal tombs, the Roman colonnaded street, and Qasr al-Bent. That guided flow matters because Petra is easy to get turned around in if you are wandering solo.

One thing I appreciate is that the tour does not just drop you at Petra. It sets you up with a guide and a structured sightseeing block, and it includes lunch, plus entrance fees. Yes, the day is long. But if your goal is Petra in one trip, this format saves you time and decision fatigue.

Midnight Pickup, Taba Border, and the Ferry Ride That Changes the Mood

You begin with pickup from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh in a modern air-conditioned vehicle, just before midnight. The first stretch is travel to the border crossing area in Taba, and you get met and assisted once you arrive. That assistance is important, because border crossings are where schedules usually fall apart.

After the border side, you head to the port of Aqaba and board a ferry that sails directly toward Petra’s neighboring region. The ferry time is about 2 hours and 20 minutes each way, so you get a real break in the middle of the long day. It also helps that the trip is not only land travel. The sea crossing is one of those small “I’m really doing this” moments, especially if Petra is a bucket-list stop for you.

Practical note: there can be waiting. Some previous schedules have involved long pauses at border points and around immigration processes. I’d treat that as normal risk on any cross-border day trip, not as something you can fully control.

Petra Day: The Siq, Al Khazneh, and the Roman-Era Highlights

Once you’re in Petra, you move into the heart of the experience fast. Your route follows the iconic approach through the Siq, a natural crack in the rock that acts like a corridor into the city. Along the way, you’ll see rock-cut carvings and structures tied to Petra’s Nabatean identity.

You have a choice for the Siq approach: walk it or ride a camel. Walking is the simplest option if you want control and free pacing. Camel riding can feel more fun and photo-friendly, but remember it is still Petra terrain, so comfortable footwear still matters for any walking you do before or after the ride.

The Main Payoff Spot: Al Khazneh

At the end of the Siq you’ll see Al Khazneh, the famous façade that has been standing for more than 2,000 years. This is the moment most people picture, and having a guide here is helpful because you understand what you’re looking at instead of just seeing shapes.

The Roman Ruins You’ll Want Your Guide For

After the big reveal, the itinerary focuses on major ruins that show Petra’s later phases. You’ll visit:

• The Roman theater
• The royal tombs
• The Roman colonnaded street
• Qasr al-Bent

These are the spots where a guide really earns their keep. Petra is layered, and the labels plus the explanations help you connect the dots: Nabatean carving style, later Roman influence, and how the city was organized.

Also, the tour includes a 3-hour guided tour of Petra. That time is long enough to cover the essentials without turning into an exhausting lecture. It’s a good balance for a day trip.

Lunch in Petra: Included, Helpful, and Worth Planning Around

Lunch is included at a local restaurant inside Petra after you’ve toured the main sights. On paper, that’s great because it removes one more task from your day. In real life, this is where long-day tours can show their weak spots.

Some people have noted that lunch can be hectic and that vegetarian options may be limited beyond salads. I’d suggest you treat lunch as “included, but not guaranteed fine-dining.” If you eat vegetarian or have specific dietary needs, consider bringing a small snack to keep momentum if your meal situation is limited. That small buffer can save a lot of stress when your day is already packed.

If you are sensitive to timing, keep in mind that Petra is not an easy place to pause whenever you want. Build your day in your head so lunch is a reset, not a delay.

The Return Route: Ferry Back to Aqaba, Then Into Egypt

After Petra, you head back to the port area and board the ferry back to Egypt. Again, the ferry time is about 2 hours and 20 minutes. This return window is a chance to catch your breath, recharge your phone, and accept that your overnight fatigue is coming.

When you arrive back at Taba and then Sharm El Sheikh, the tour includes a transfer back to your hotel at around midnight. That means this is not a “go out for dinner after” day. Plan for a real sleep afterward.

One more practical detail: if the ferry has an urgent disruption, you will be transferred into Jordan via the Arava border instead. That’s reassuring because it gives the operator a fallback plan, even if it might change the feel of the schedule.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For at $381

At $381 per person, this tour isn’t cheap. But you are not just paying for a guide in a single country.

You’re paying for a full bundle:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh
• Air-conditioned transport
• Ferry tickets Egypt to Jordan and back
• Petra entrance fees
• A live English guide plus 3-hour guided Petra tour
• Lunch at a local restaurant in Petra
• Jordan entry visa

The value logic is straightforward. If you tried to do this independently, you would likely spend time coordinating transport, arranging border processes, buying ferry tickets, securing the visa, and booking guide time in Petra. Paying $381 is basically buying back your time and reducing uncertainty on logistics.

That said, the long day is part of the “price.” You are trading comfort of an easy schedule for the convenience of a cross-border day trip. If you are the kind of traveler who gets cranky when plans run 45 minutes late, this route may test you.

Guides Make the Difference: What the Best Days Have in Common

One theme shows up again and again: the guide can turn a tiring schedule into a genuinely satisfying day.

In past experiences, guides such as Karim and Kareem were praised for being enthusiastic, attentive, and knowledgeable, and they seemed to keep the group moving with confidence. Others like Imad were specifically highlighted for personalized kindness and for making the experience feel cared for. On the Egypt and Jordan sides, names like Wazy and Ahmed also came up as standout guides.

You may or may not get the same guide names, but the lesson is useful: if your guide is strong, Petra feels clearer and the whole day runs smoother. When choosing a tour like this, prioritize operators that provide a proper guide and not just a driver with a map.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This tour is a strong fit if:

• Petra is high on your priority list and you want it done in one day
• You prefer a guided structure over self-navigating a huge site
• You want the convenience of ferry transport plus Petra entrance and visa handled

It might be a tough fit if:

• You hate long travel days and unpredictable border waiting
• You need a very calm schedule with lots of flexible breaks
• You have strict dietary needs and rely on the included meal being fully accommodating

If you come prepared with good walking shoes, water habits, and patience for border logistics, you’ll enjoy the experience more.

Tips to Make Your Day Smoother (Without Overthinking It)

Here are practical things you can do before you go, based on how this kind of day trip plays out:

• Bring your passport, since it’s required for the tour.
• Plan for a long day by eating a solid breakfast the morning before pickup, then treat lunch as the main midday meal.
• Wear shoes you trust for uneven stone. Petra is walk-heavy even with a guide and even if you ride a camel for part of the route.
• Pack for timing uncertainty at borders and ports. If you can manage energy, you manage the day.
• If you’re vegetarian, don’t assume a full vegetarian menu. Have a small snack option so you’re not stuck mid-day.

Should You Book This Petra by Ferry Tour?

Yes, you should book if your goal is simple: see Petra from Sharm El Sheikh with the hard logistics managed for you, including the ferry, entrance fees, a real Petra guide, and a meal. The structure and guided coverage help you hit the iconic Nabatean and Roman highlights without getting lost.

I’d hesitate only if you know you struggle with long travel days, border waits, or meals that might not match your diet perfectly. If that’s you, consider either traveling slower or adding buffer time.

For most people, the payoff is real. You get the Siq to Al Khazneh moment, major ruins, and the rare experience of going to Petra via a ferry route, all in one packed day.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Sharm El Sheikh to Petra?

The total duration is about 22 hours.

Where do you get picked up and dropped off?

Pickup is included from your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh, and the tour returns you to your hotel at around midnight.

Is the Petra entrance and guide included?

Yes. Petra entrance fees are included, and there is a 3-hour guided tour with an English-speaking guide.

How do you travel between Egypt and Jordan?

You travel by ferry from the Egypt side to Jordan, and you return by ferry as well.

Is lunch included during the Petra visit?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant in Petra.

Do I need a passport for this tour?

Yes, you need your passport.

Is a copy of my passport required?

You are asked to provide a copy of your passport to the local partner at most 2 days before the tour.

What happens if the ferry has an urgent cancellation?

If the ferry is urgently canceled, you will be transferred into Jordan via the Arava border.

Is the Jordan entry visa included?

Yes, the entry visa to Jordan is included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.