Swim On Over and Explore Ancient Wonders at Egypt’s Dive Site, Dahab

Location and Attractions

Dahab is located in the Gulf of Aqaba, between the Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia. It has become increasingly popular as a tourist destination due to its easy access from Sharm el Sheikh and other nearby cities.

The most notable attraction in Dahab is its pristine coral reefs. The crystal clear waters provide an excellent environment for snorkeling and diving, making it one of the best places to explore Egypt's underwater wonders. There are several dive sites within Dahab that offer something for everyone - from shallow reefs to deep-water walls. For those interested in marine life viewing, there is also a variety of colorful fish species present throughout the reef system which makes it possible to observe them up close without disturbing their natural habitat.

Besides its spectacular ocean views, visitors can enjoy many activities on land such as horseback riding or camel rides along the beach and desert safaris through Bedouin villages nearby. Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants serving traditional Egyptian cuisine that can be found around town including some located right on the beachfront! With so much available near Dahab, it's no wonder why people keep coming back year after year!

Accomodation

Dahab offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit travellers’ needs and budgets. Hotels and resorts in the area range from luxury beachfront locations with all-inclusive packages, to budget lodging for those looking for something more basic. There is also plenty of camping available close by, which provides an ideal opportunity for visitors who want to explore the area’s desert scenery or just enjoy some time away from it all in nature. Additionally, there are many Bedouin-style tents located nearby that provide comfortable yet rustic shelter - perfect for those wanting an authentic experience!

No matter what type of accommodation you choose during your stay in Dahab, you can be sure that friendly locals will greet you upon arrival with warm hospitality and make your experience unforgettable! So why not come and check out this beautiful destination on Egypt's Red Sea coast?

Diving Sites

Dahab’s El Bells is one of the most popular diving sites in the Red Sea. Located just a short boat ride away from Dahab, this dive site offers an incredible selection of reefs and walls that make it perfect for divers of all levels. With depths ranging from 5m to 35m, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the stunning coral formations and view marine life such as parrotfish, moray eels, jacks and snappers! The reef also features several caves which provide great spots for photography or simply taking a break during your dive.

The Canyon is another well-known dive spot located near Dahab. This spectacular site provides a unique opportunity to descend into its depths; with walls reaching up to 40 meters deep! Here you can observe fascinating creatures such as barracuda, batfish and even turtles while exploring an array of colourful corals. Along with its many caverns and crevices, this location also has some amazing drop-offs which add an extra thrill factor when navigating through its waters.

Finally, no trip would be complete without making a stop at Blue Hole - arguably one of Egypt’s most iconic dive sites! This natural underwater phenomenon reaches depths up to 130 metres offering divers unparalleled views into its crystal clear blue waters where they can witness beautiful coral formations along with rare fish species like hammerhead sharks! A must-visit destination for any diver looking for something truly special on their travels through Dahab!

Things to do

When visiting Dahab, there are plenty of things to do for both land and water lovers alike. For those who enjoy sight-seeing, the area offers beautiful desert landscapes and stunning beaches that can be explored on camel or horseback. Additionally, visitors can take in some of the ancient history found nearby such as the ruins of St Catherine's Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Egypt dating back to 330 AD!

For those looking for a more adventurous experience while in Dahab, snorkeling or windsurfing offer great ways to explore its waters. With its crystal clear visibility and variety of coral reef systems located throughout the Red Sea coast, snorkeling is an ideal activity for anyone wanting to get up close and personal with these underwater wonders! The warm climate also makes it perfect for windsurfing enthusiasts who will find plenty of areas suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders alike!

No matter what activity you choose during your stay in Dahab - whether it’s exploring ancient ruins or taking part in exciting outdoor pursuits - you’re sure to have an unforgettable time here! So why not come visit this beautiful destination on Egypt's Red Sea coast?

A Guide to Diving Dahab: Egypt's Best-Kept Secret

Egypt is well-known as a prime diving destination. We've all heard about Sharm El-Sheikh, right? But just a little further down the coast, you'll find Dahab - an up-and-coming diving hot spot with an atmosphere all of its own.

Let me tell you - Dahab is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to dive in the Red Sea! It has just as much to offer underwater as the bigger, more famous resorts. But above the surface, it has a much more relaxed and bohemian vibe.

Dahab has world-class dive sites, incredible marine life, and friendly locals. And most dive sites are accessible straight from the shore - which is great news if you get seasick!

Sound interesting? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about diving Dahab.

Where is Dahab?

Dahab is a small town on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula. It's situated right on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, about 80km north of Sharm El-Sheikh.

Dahab is known for its laid-back Bedouin culture and stunning scenery. The Sinai desert meets the Red Sea here, creating a landscape of dramatic mountains that plunge into the crystal clear water.

How to Get to Dahab

The easiest way to get to Dahab is to fly into Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH). There are direct flights to Sharm from several major cities around the world.

Once you arrive in Sharm, you can easily get to Dahab by taxi. The journey takes about an hour and 15 minutes.

Top Tip: It’s generally cheaper to pre-arrange your transfer, as the airport taxis often inflate their prices. You can book through your hotel or dive center.

When to Dive Dahab

One of the best things about Dahab is that you can dive here year-round! The Red Sea has warm waters and good visibility all the time.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect throughout the year:

• Summer (July and August): This is the hottest time of year in Dahab, with air temperatures reaching up to 45°C. The water temperature is a balmy 30°C.
• Winter (January and February): The winter months are much cooler, with average daytime temperatures around 23°C. It can get chilly at night, though, dropping to around 10°C. The water temperature in winter sits at around 22°C.

Top Tip: For the most comfortable conditions, both in and out of the water, the best time to visit Dahab is in the shoulder seasons: March to June and September to December.

Marine Life in Dahab

Dahab's reefs are bursting with life! Prepare to be wowed by a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, corals, and other marine creatures.

Here are just a few of the amazing species you might see while diving in Dahab:

• Lionfish
• Butterflyfish
• Clownfish
• Giant moray eels
• Sea turtles
• Nudibranchs
• Eagle rays
• Seahorses

And if you’re really lucky? You might even encounter a whale shark or a pod of dolphins!

The Best Dive Sites in Dahab

Dahab has dozens of dive sites to explore, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Here’s a quick rundown of five of the very best dive sites in Dahab:

1. The Lighthouse Let’s start with an easy one. The Lighthouse is Dahab’s house reef, located right in the center of town. This site is perfect for beginners, with a shallow training area and generally calm conditions. You enter the water straight from the shore and follow a gentle sandy slope down to around 25 meters. Keep an eye out for moray eels, turtles, and clownfish. The Lighthouse is also an excellent spot for night diving. Oh, and one last thing! Don’t miss the Dahab elephant statue at the bottom of the slope - perfect for an underwater selfie.

2. Eel Garden Eel Garden is a beautiful site for both beginners and experienced divers. It’s located a short drive from the Lighthouse and is known for its stunning coral formations and, you guessed it… eels! You enter the water from the shore and snorkel over the shallow reef flat until you reach a lagoon. Then, descend into the lagoon and follow it out to the open sea. On the other side of the reef, you’ll find a white sand slope that gently slopes down to deeper water. This is where you’ll find the garden eels - hundreds of them popping up out of the sand!

Top Tip: You only want to dive Eel Garden at high tide when the conditions are calm.

3. Gabr El Bint Gabr El Bint (which means “Tomb of the Girl”) is one of the most pristine dive sites in Dahab. It’s located about 7.5km south of The Caves and is only accessible by boat.

Because there are no roads to Gabr El Bint, the reefs here are incredibly healthy and teeming with life. Keep your eyes peeled for milkfish, whale sharks (if you’re lucky!), and huge gorgonian sea fans.

Top Tip: You might even spot dolphins playing in the boat’s wake on the way to the dive site!

4. The Canyon The Canyon is a truly unique dive site located a short drive from Dahab. This site is characterized by a series of dramatic underwater canyons and swim-throughs - perfect for exploring!

You’ll need to be an Advanced Open Water diver (or higher) to dive The Canyon. The canyon drops down to 54 meters, with a cave at 17-18 meters.

Top Tip: Dive centers often offer a two-tank trip that combines The Canyon with the Blue Hole.

5. The Blue Hole Okay, time for the big one! The Blue Hole is Dahab’s most famous dive site (and arguably one of the most famous in the world). This massive sinkhole was formed during the last ice age and plunges down to a depth of 130 meters.

Most recreational divers enter the Blue Hole via The Saddle, a shallow opening in the reef at around 6 meters. You can then swim along the edge of the Blue Hole, exploring the coral gardens and watching freedivers descend into the depths. Experienced technical divers can also dive The Arch - a 26-meter-long tunnel that connects the Blue Hole to the open sea at a depth of 56 meters.

A Word of Warning: The Blue Hole has sadly gained a reputation as “The Diver’s Cemetery” due to the number of diving fatalities that have occurred here. But don’t let that put you off! Most of the accidents have been caused by divers attempting to dive beyond their limits - particularly trying to swim through The Arch on a single tank. If you dive within your limits and follow the safety guidelines, you can have a safe and incredible experience at the Blue Hole.

Top Tip: Consider taking your Advanced Open Water course in Dahab and doing your deep dive at the Blue Hole!

Choosing a Dive Center in Dahab

Dahab is full of dive centers and resorts - and they all offer slightly different services and packages. So how do you know which one to choose?

Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect dive center for you:

• Read online reviews: Websites like TripAdvisor and Google Reviews can give you valuable insights into the experiences of other divers.
• Ask for recommendations: Talk to other divers or check out online forums for recommendations on reputable dive centers in Dahab.
• Check certifications: Make sure the dive center is affiliated with a recognized diving agency, such as PADI or SSI. This ensures that their instructors are properly trained and their equipment is up to standard.
• Inquire about safety protocols: Ask about the dive center’s safety procedures, including emergency plans, oxygen availability, and dive boat maintenance.
• Consider your budget: Prices for dive packages, equipment rental, and courses can vary significantly between dive centers. Get quotes from several different centers to compare.
• Think about your diving experience: Some dive centers specialize in catering to specific levels of divers. If you’re a beginner, look for a center with a good reputation for training. If you’re an experienced diver, consider a center that offers more challenging dives or technical diving courses.
• Look for eco-friendly practices: If you’re passionate about marine conservation, choose a dive center that prioritizes sustainable practices, such as using reef-safe sunscreen and participating in local conservation initiatives.

eyond Diving: Other Things to Do in Dahab

Dahab is more than just a diving destination. This charming town has a lot to offer above the surface, too!

Here are a few ideas for what to do in Dahab when you’re not diving:

• Relax on the beach: Dahab has several beautiful beaches, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning views of the Red Sea.
• Go snorkeling: Even if you’re not a certified diver, you can still experience the amazing underwater world of Dahab by snorkeling. The reefs here are shallow and easily accessible from the shore.
• Take a camel ride: Explore the Sinai desert and visit Bedouin villages on a traditional camel safari.
• Hike in the mountains: The Sinai mountains offer incredible hiking opportunities, with trails for all levels of fitness.
• Visit the Colored Canyon: This natural wonder is a must-see for any visitor to Dahab. The canyon’s walls are a kaleidoscope of colors, created by centuries of erosion.
• Try windsurfing or kitesurfing: Dahab is a world-renowned destination for wind and kitesurfing, with consistent winds and ideal conditions.
• Explore the town: Dahab has a laid-back and bohemian atmosphere, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore.

Tips for Avoiding Scams in Dahab

Sadly, like many tourist destinations, Dahab has its share of scams. But don’t worry - with a little awareness, you can easily avoid them.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Be wary of street touts: Don’t book tours or activities with people who approach you on the street. Stick to reputable tour operators and dive centers.
• Agree on prices upfront: Before you take a taxi, book a tour, or make a purchase, make sure you agree on a price with the vendor. This will help avoid any unpleasant surprises later on.
• Don’t be afraid to haggle: Haggling is a common practice in Egypt. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a lower price, especially if you think you’re being overcharged.
• Watch out for fake souvenirs: Be careful when buying souvenirs, as some vendors might try to sell you fake or low-quality goods.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Keep your valuables safe and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Conclusion

Dahab is a truly unique destination that has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax in the sun and explore its stunning beache, or take part in thrilling diving excursions - Dahab won't disappoint! With its warm climate year round and abundance of activities available, it's no wonder why so many people flock to this Red Sea destination each year!

The area offers some of the most incredible dive sites around including El Bells which boasts a variety of reefs and walls suitable for both beginners and experienced divers alike. The Canyon is also an amazing spot with depths up to 40 metres where visitors can view fascinating creatures such as barracuda, batfish and even turtles while exploring vibrant coral formations. Of course no trip would be complete without visiting Blue Hole - arguably one of Egypt’s most iconic dive sites! Here you will find crystal clear blue waters filled with rare fish species like hammerhead sharks making it perfect for photography enthusiasts or anyone wanting an unforgettable experience underwater.

For those who prefer staying on land, there are plenty of activities such as horseback riding along the beach or camel rides through Bedouin villages nearby. There are also several restaurants serving traditional Egyptian cuisine located throughout town making it easy to enjoy local delicacies during your stay here! So why not come check out all that Dahab has to offer? With so much excitement waiting just beneath the surface (or above!) It promises to be an unforgettable experience from start to finish!