The Red Sea's most bohemian resort — the legendary Blue Hole, world-class windsurfing, a laid-back Bedouin atmosphere and the finest budget diving in Egypt
Flight Time
5–6h from UK (via Sharm El Sheikh, then 90 min drive)
Best Time
Year-round (March to May and September to November ideal)
Country
Egypt
Suppliers
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Dahab is the most bohemian and characterful resort on the Red Sea — the Blue Hole, the Canyon, world-class windsurfing and a laid-back Bedouin atmosphere make it the favourite destination of independent travellers in Egypt. The diving is world-class and the prices are the best in Egypt.
Best reached via Sharm El Sheikh (90 min drive). St Catherine's Monastery is an excellent day trip.
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Jan
21°C
Feb
22°C
Mar
25°C
Apr
29°C
May
33°C
Jun
36°C
Jul
37°C
Aug
37°C
Sep
34°C
Oct
30°C
Nov
26°C
Dec
22°C
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Call 01282 960 460The Blue Hole, the Canyon, world-class windsurfing and the laid-back Bedouin atmosphere that make Dahab the most characterful resort on the Red Sea.
The Blue Hole is one of the most famous dive sites in the world — a 130-metre-deep underwater sinkhole in the reef just north of Dahab, with a dramatic arch at 55 metres connecting the hole to the open sea. The Blue Hole is one of the most beautiful and most dangerous dive sites in the world (it has claimed many lives from divers attempting the arch). The snorkelling on the rim is excellent and safe for all abilities.
The Canyon is one of the finest dive sites in Dahab — a dramatic underwater canyon with sheer walls, extraordinary coral formations and a resident population of Napoleon wrasse, moray eels and reef sharks. The drift dive through the canyon is one of the most atmospheric dives in Egypt. The Canyon is suitable for all levels of diver and is one of the most popular sites in Dahab.
Dahab is one of the finest windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations in the world — the consistent winds (the Aqaba wind blows reliably from the north) and the flat, shallow lagoon at the Laguna area make it ideal for both sports. The Dahab Laguna is one of the best kitesurfing spots in Egypt. Several schools offer lessons for beginners and equipment hire for experienced riders.
The Dahab promenade (the Mashraba) is the most atmospheric waterfront in Egypt — a colourful strip of Bedouin-style restaurants, dive centres, souvenir shops and cafes built on a wooden boardwalk over the water. The restaurants serve excellent fresh fish and Egyptian food at very reasonable prices. The atmosphere in the evening is relaxed and convivial.
Dahab has the best value diving in Egypt — the dive centres are numerous and competitive, the sites are excellent and the prices are significantly lower than Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada. A two-dive day trip with equipment costs approximately £40–50. The PADI Open Water course is available at most centres for approximately £200–250. The quality of instruction is generally excellent.
The Eel Garden and the Lighthouse are two of the most popular snorkelling and diving sites in Dahab — both accessible directly from the beach in the town centre. The Eel Garden has a sandy bottom covered in garden eels and is excellent for beginners. The Lighthouse has a beautiful coral reef with abundant fish life and is one of the best shore dives in Egypt.
St Catherine's Monastery is 2 hours from Dahab by road — one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, at the foot of Mount Sinai. The climb to the summit of Mount Sinai (2,285m) for sunrise is one of the most spiritual experiences in the Middle East. Day trips from Dahab are available and the drive through the Sinai desert is spectacular.
Dahab is best reached via Sharm El Sheikh (90 minutes by road) or by direct bus from Cairo (8 hours). The town is small and easily explored on foot. The Mashraba (promenade) area is the most convenient base. Dahab is a budget-friendly destination — accommodation, food and diving are all significantly cheaper than Sharm or Hurghada. The atmosphere is relaxed and independent-traveller friendly.
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