Dahab, Egypt: travel guide
The Red Sea's most beloved bohemian hideaway — a former Bedouin fishing village on the Gulf of Aqaba that has evolved into a low-key haven for divers, windsurfers, free-divers and travellers seeking something more genuine than Sharm El-Sheikh's resort polish. The Blue Hole — a 130-metre submarine sinkhole fringed with coral — is one of the world's most famous (and humbling) dive sites. Dahab's Lagoon is premier windsurfing and kite-surfing territory. The Bedouin restaurants along the beach — cushioned floor mats, shisha, tagine and a view of the mountains across the gulf in Saudi Arabia — create a sensory experience unique on earth. Winter mornings are cool; summers are hot but breezy.
- Country
- Egypt
- Currency
- EGP
- Time zone
- Africa/Cairo
- Nearest airport
- SSH
Top places to visit in Dahab
Blue Hole Dahab
Beach · 4.7 rating · about 3 h
One of the world's most famous dive sites — a 130-metre submarine sinkhole north of Dahab, accessible directly from shore. Spectacular shallow coral rim for snorkellers and free-divers. The Arch tunnel at 54 m is a technical SCUBA dive…
Assalah Mashraba Beachfront Strip
Activity · 4.7 rating · about 2 h
The legendary hippie strip of Dahab — cushioned restaurants and cafés built on wooden platforms directly over the water. Order fresh juice, Egyptian food or a shisha while watching the Red Sea lap at your feet. The heart of Dahab's chill…
Dahab Lagoon (Kite & Windsurf)
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 4 h
Wide, shallow lagoon north of Dahab providing among the world's best kite-surfing and windsurfing conditions — flat water, consistent thermal wind, zero boat traffic. Site of world records and international competitions. Multiple kite…
Canyon Dive Site
Beach · 4.8 rating · about 2 h
Dahab's most famous shore dive — a narrow underwater canyon beginning at 7m and descending to 52m. The walls are covered in gorgonian fans and soft corals; schools of fish hover in the shaft of blue light above. One of the Red Sea's most…
Eel Garden Reef Dahab
Beach · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h
Shallow coral garden (5–15m) north of the Blue Hole road packed with garden eels, turtles, parrotfish and colourful coral. Ideal for beginners and snorkellers. One of the most accessible reefs in Dahab — reach on foot from town.
Lighthouse Point (Fanar) Reef
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h
The Lighthouse (Fanar) reef at the southern end of Dahab's bay — gently sloping coral garden to 30m with excellent fish life. Considered Dahab's most beginner-friendly shore dive site and a beautiful snorkel location.
Bedouin Night Camp (Sinai Desert)
Activity · 4.7 rating · about 16 h · entry EGP 2,000
Overnight stay in a traditional Bedouin camp in the Sinai mountains above Dahab. Camel trekking, goat meat dinner cooked over open fire, drumming and stargazing under the Milky Way. The definitive alternative to Dahab's dive-centre scene.
Three Pools Snorkel Site (Galala)
Beach · 4.5 rating · about 2 h
Three interconnected natural rock pools at the edge of the Red Sea, creating calm protected snorkel areas with extraordinary coral and fish life even in rough conditions. Located 3km south of central Dahab.
Wadi Gnai Hike (Sinai Mountains)
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 4 h · entry EGP 500
A half-day hike through a dramatic granite wadi in the Sinai mountains above Dahab. Guided by local Bedouins through towering rock walls, desert plants and ancient rock inscriptions. No technical climbing needed.
Dahab Promenade (Masbat)
Beach · about 1.5 h
Palm-lined beachfront promenade of restaurants and cafes in central Dahab.
Abu Galum Protectorate
Nature · about 4 h
Protected coastal reserve north of Dahab reachable by camel or boat.
Neptune's Beach Dive Site
Beach · about 2 h
Popular beach dive site along the Blue Hole road, Dahab.
Things to do
- Blue Hole Snorkelling & Free-Diving, Dahab Water Sports · 3 h · from EGP 730 per person
- Camel Trek & Bedouin Camp in Sinai Desert Adventure · 4 h · from EGP 1,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Blue Hole, Canyon & Eel Garden Snorkel Day 7 h · from EGP 1,200
Where to stay in Dahab
- Mashraba & Lighthouse Area about EGP 1,200 per night
Dahab's bohemian backpacker hub along the lagoon. Dive centres, budget guesthouses, beach cafés and the legendary Lighthouse reef. Best for divers.
Hotels
- Nesima Resort Dahab 3-star · EGP 900 to EGP 2,200 per night
- Bishbishi Garden Village 2-star · EGP 300 to EGP 700 per night
- Swiss Inn Dahab Resort
- Ganet Sinai Hotel
- Dahab Paradise Hotel
Where to eat
- Lakhbatita Egyptian, International, Vegetarian · about EGP 220 per person
- Ralph's German Bakery & Restaurant German, International · about EGP 85 per person
- Yalla Restaurant Dahab Egyptian, International · about EGP 85 per person
- Nomad's Restaurant Dahab Egyptian, Bedouin · about EGP 85 per person
Getting around
- Bicycle main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Taxi main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking
Every city has walking. 2.5 km ceiling is a placeholder default, not a researched per-city figure -- Singapore is sheltered and air-conditioned, Bangkok often has no pavement.
Safety and scams to avoid
Blue Hole "Guide Fee" Pressure
Blue Hole access path
Men at the Blue Hole entrance claim there is a mandatory "guide fee" of EGP 100–200 to enter the site. No such fee exists.
How to avoid it: The Blue Hole is a public beach. There is no entry or guide fee. Walk past confidently.