Discover Dahab, Egypt's premier Red Sea resort, renowned for its affordable diving, tropical beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Explore diverse activities, from thrilling water sports to serene desert safaris. Ideal for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts alike.
| Overview | |
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| Location | South Sinai, Egypt |
| Total | 418 sq mi |
| Elevation | 69 ft |
| Population | 3,106 |
| Climate | Tropical |
| Established | 1990s |
| Main Activities | Diving, Windsurfing |
Dahab is the best Red Sea resort in Egypt. This article aims to provide every traveler with all the information and details about Dahab and how to enjoy a vacation across the Red Sea. It was written by a very skilled team of tour operators, tour guides, and travel consultants who know all the best attractions and activities to do in Dahab.
Across the Red Sea are a number of incredible resorts, but Dahab has always stood out as the Middle East’s prime beach resort for independent travelers and adventure seekers. Dahab holds an attractive mixture of tropical sights, diving sites, and natural attractions worthy of being called the finest tropical resort across the shores of the Red Sea.
The former Bedouin fishing village became one of Sinai's most famous and attractive diving locations in the 1990s. It has become a popular tourist destination in Egypt because of the various hotels and restaurants, and it is served by Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport. The city is renowned for its adventure water sports, such as diving, snorkeling, and especially windsurfing.
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Read MoreDahab is near the infamous Blue Hole, a.k.a. the world's most dangerous diving site & one of the best places for water sports in Egypt. The city offers many forms of entertainment, such as camel and horse rides, cycling, jeep, and quad bike trips, a Safari trip into the desert where you will enjoy a magical time in a Bedouin village, the coolest nightclub scene, and the finest hotels and restaurants. The city is highly famous for being the cheapest diving resort in Sinai compared to Sharm El Sheikh and Ras Suder.
Dahab covers a total area of more than 1,130 square kilometers and is located on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula on Aqaba Bay. About 80km (50 mi) northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh lies the majestic city of Dahab, 87 km from Nuweiba city and 465 kilometers from the Ahmed Hamdy Tunnel. It has two central bays, Al Qura and Ghazala.
The Dahab map consists of two places: the first is Ras Abu Galum, a protected area & one of the camping spots in Egypt that holds the legendary Blue Hole, one of the most famous and dangerous diving spots in the world. The second place is in the Asia area, which hosts 75% of the population in Dahab in three towns: Mubarak, Al Zarnook, and Al Asia.
The city is divided into three major parts. The first is Masbat, which includes the Bedouin village of Asalah. In the north and south lays Mashraba, which is a tourist attraction and has many more hotels; in the southwest is Medina, which includes the Laguna area, which is famous for its shallow-water windsurfing activities.
Through the magical, perfect combination of the Red Sea and the Sinai desert, Dahab established itself as an alternative resort, attracting independent and adventurous travelers from all over the world.
The city is divided into three major parts. The first is Masbat, which includes the Bedouin village of Asalah. In the north and south lays Mashraba, a tourist attraction with many more hotels, and in the southwest is Medina, which includes the Laguna area, which is famous for its shallow-water windsurfing activities.
Through the magical, perfect combination of the Red Sea and the Sinai desert, Dahab established itself as an alternative resort, attracting independent and adventurous travelers from all over the world.
The word Dahab means gold, which reflects on the golden color of its deserts and beaches or the sky after a magical sunset. The climate in Dahab is quite tropical, with hot summer days, warm-mild winter days, and an average temperature of 25 C (77.2 F). Throughout the year, Dahab experiences low humidity levels, which contribute to its comfortable climate.
Summer (June to August) is known to have temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) during the day. Autumn (September to November) brings slightly milder temperatures compared to summer, typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with cooler evenings. Winter (December to February) is mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures averaging around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Nights can be cooler. Spring (March to May) sees temperatures gradually warming up, with pleasant weather for outdoor activities ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), making it an excellent time for diving and other water sports.
The magical city resort of Dahab offers a number of entertaining activities worth trying, such as camel riding and a beach buggy super safari, in which you can ride into the desert and admire the majestic Sahara landscape.
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Read MoreDahab is famous for its therapeutic centers that can cure a number of different diseases, especially arthritis. Across the waters of the Red Sea are a number of very exciting activities to do, such as windsurfing, fishing, surfing, sailing, and especially diving. There are many skydiving schools located all across Dahab.
Dahab is located in Aqaba, the ancient Dahab port that the Nabataeans used in the second century B.C. to serve as a connecting focal point in the trade between the west and the east. Tal El Mashraba, or "The Drinking Hill" is a marvelous monument found in Dahab near the ancient port that was used as a rest stop for camels and travelers.
The area is also known for being home to many remnants of World War I and II, like shipwrecks in the Red Sea and a small fort near the lighthouse, which was placed along essential trade routes throughout history. The nearby Sharm El Sheikh has a miniature archaeological museum that displays some artifacts from the Sinai Peninsula.
It is one of the famous national parks in Egypt, located south of Dahab on the Gulf of Aqaba. It contains various magical, colorful fish, coral reefs, marine caves, dunes, and beaches. It also includes multiple types of marvelous plants, like mangroves, and amazing animals, such as reptiles and deer. The reserve extends for an area of 600 km. It is Situated 25 kilometers from Sharm El-Sheikh, which was established in 1992 with the primary goal of conserving coral reefs and mangrove trees.
The area offers a serene environment ideal for relaxation and nature appreciation that contains mangrove trees lining the shore, creating a picturesque setting and playing a crucial role in filtering salt from seawater while providing a habitat for birds and fish. Nabq has a diverse marine life, making it perfect for diving and snorkeling. The protectorate is home to Bedouin tribes, offering opportunities for camel rides, camping, and local-guided tours.
It is an enchanting nature reserve and a magical diving area. Wadi Rasasah is located on the Gulf of Aqaba and has a beautiful, unique feature: the close proximity of the majestic mountains with the marvelous beach of Dahab, which makes for a heavenly view.
The reserve was widely famous for its underwater cave system, which spanned up to 100 meters. It also has 44 species of coral reefs, colorful fish, seagrass, birds, and 165 wild plant species.
The Blue Hole is considered one of the world's most famous diving sites. It is a deep hole or crypt in the Red Sea in Egypt with a total depth of 130 meters. The hole has a shallow opening of 6 meters wide, known as the saddle, and an opening to exit from the hole or blue well to the open sea, called the arch, in the form of a long tunnel 26 meters long.
The Blue Hole attracts divers from all over the world, as the sight of the arch that connects the open sea to the blue hole also draws them to contain magical, charming, and enchanting scenes of light, plants and rare marine animal formations, and the meeting of the mountain with the holy red sea.
The Blue Hole is one of the most fun and entertaining diving activities. However, it is dangerous because it has a number of deadly caves that appear to be less deep than they really are. This area contains corals, magical coral reefs, various types of colorful fish, and a lot of magic, fun, and excitement, but we will warn you a lot before embarking on this adventure.
The Dahab Canyon is famous for being one of the most magical diving areas in Egypt. It features a striking natural formation that rises to 10 meters high and is nearly sealed at the top. It winds its way up from the depths, leading to a spacious coral dome teeming with glassfish. It is accessible through a sandy lagoon that offers stunning coral gardens inhabited by various marine species.
The Canyon itself is located about five minutes northeast of the lagoon exit. At its most significant point, it is around 20 meters deep, inviting exploration. Navigating the Canyon is straightforward, and sunlight creates mesmerizing light effects along the way.
The central region of Dahab is where the majority of the population, up to 75%, lives. Dahab is divided into three main areas: Mubarak City, Al-Zarnuq, and Al-Asala. In the city, Coral Island, located on the Palestinian borders, contains the remains of a historic castle built by the Crusaders.
It is an enchanting road parallelling the marvelous coastal highway, which includes many small hotels, cafeterias, and homes.
It is the primary tourist and commercial area in the city of Dahab, starting with Al-Fanar Street.
It is the bay that contains a large group of shops, diving clubs, cafes, camps, and hotels.
It is the area that contains a large number of cafes and diving centers, as well as Al-Mashraba Hill, which is a group of stores for an old port.
Dahab's allure lies in its transformation from a simple fishing village to a paradisiacal tourism spot that holds excellent waters, beloved Bedouin culture, and a surprising array of unique restaurants that cater to all travel foodies. It features a list of top restaurants across various cuisines, from traditional Egyptian food to Italian, Asian, Lebanese, and more. Dahab's charm enchants some tourists, who choose to settle there, even changing careers to open restaurants, enriching the town's culinary scene and benefiting visitors.
The most famous restaurants in the area include:
It includes recommendations for seafood restaurants like Friends, Ali Baba, Shark, and Darwish, as well as dessert spots like Ice Bubble and Mahalawy.
There are over 20 dive sites in Dahab, catering to all levels of experience, from gentle beginner dives to thrilling technical dives. The Red Sea is home to over 1,000 species of fish and hundreds of different types of coral. There are a number of colorful coral reefs, playful dolphins, majestic manta rays, and even the occasional whale shark. Dahab is flanked by two protected areas, Nabq to the south and Ras Abu Galum to the north, covering 52% of the Gulf of Aqaba's coastline. These areas play a crucial role in managing growth and preserving the reef and ecosystem. Dahab offers diverse dive sites across three main areas:
Northern Dahab has a number of actual magnificent diving sites, including the Blue Hole, which is famous for its underwater arch and the "Bells" system; the Canyon, which is known for intricate swim-throughs, and the Napoleon wrasse; and Abu Helal, which features coral gardens, pinnacles, and diverse marine life. Central Dahab is a true miraculous gem which is home to the Lighthouse, which is easily accessible, with vibrant corals and night dive opportunities; Bannerfish Bay which is home to schools of bannerfish and butterflyfish, great for photography; and Eel Garden, which is famous for its garden of eels and sightings of seahorses and ghost pipefish. Mashraba is a sloping coral wall with swim-throughs and macro marine life. Southern Dahab is home to a number of captivating diving sites, which include the Caves, which offers an underwater labyrinth adventure with swim-throughs and tunnels; El Shugharat has a coral garden paradise with sightings of reef sharks, eagle rays, and dugongs, and the Golden Blocks that have large coral blocks and friendly fish like angelfish and clownfish.
Dahab is blessed with a number of marvelous wonders, including the stunning Blue Hole Beach, which was formed by a unique natural event where a comet created a deep blue hole in the sea. It offers various activities like diving, camel rides, barbecues, safaris, and a Bedouin atmosphere. Canyon Beach, which is a renowned gem in Dahab, is known for its colorful mountains and a sea cave 52 meters deep with vibrant fish. Perfect for adventure lovers to enjoy rare aquatic life and coral reefs.
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Read MoreThe beautiful Lagoon Beach features a sandy tongue extending into the sea, ideal for hiking, diving, swimming, surfing, camping, and scuba diving to explore nature's secrets. The extravagant and beautiful Garden Beach is favored by diving enthusiasts for observing colorful fish and exciting water sports like parasailing, water skiing, and swimming in picturesque surroundings. Dahab Public Beach is a famous wonder known for its lively atmosphere, which is Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water games but not recommended for those seeking calmness.
Dolphin Camp & Diving has been recently renovated with a private beach area and barbecue facilities and is very close to Dahab Beach. Cosmos Camp is a private beach area with a terrace that is surrounded by sea and mountain views, family rooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Elrayga Camp Dahab is a lovely place surrounded by courtyard views, with a garden, bar, and private parking. It features a shared kitchen and air-conditioned units, offers yoga classes and offers bike and car hire. It is also famous for cycling and walking tours. Tango Camp Dahab is located by the Red Sea and has air-conditioned rooms, a garden, airport transport, a shared kitchen, and all the amenities you need. El Safa Camp is also a fun place that is found near Eel Garden, where everyone enjoys the most comfortable amenities.
Alaska Camp & Hotel has an outstanding garden overlooking the sea, exceptional breakfast, and well-furnished rooms with separate bathrooms. Gulf Paradise Camp Dahab is famous for providing a view of the Blue Hole and Sinai mountains. Caesar Camp Dahab is equipped with all the needed amenities and has some of the most magnificent sea views. Miramar Camp Dahab is a magically equipped camp that is known for its simple décor and a lovely patio, plus marvelous views of the landscapes of Sinia. Penguin Camp Dahab is a fancy camp experience that overlooks the sea and Sinai mountains. Sunrise Camp Dahab is a majestic place that is famous for offering simple Italian décor, breakfast, a terrace, and a hammock for relaxation and reflection on the miraculous milestones of Sinia.
Dahab is a retro town with an island-like charm that has a fun social scene ripe for forging connections, living a phenomenal nightlife, and crafting unforgettable memories. It offers a selection of lively venues, which include My Hostel in Dahab's Rooftop Lounge, which is a spirited gathering spot offering snacks, smoothies, and cocktails amidst music and camaraderie; Coral Coast Beach Bar, which is a welcoming beachfront locale drawing in a diverse crowd; Blue Beach Bar that has a seaside hotspot pulsating with techno beats; Acacia Beach Party which is a weekly rendezvous featuring talented DJs and lively psy trance tunes; Every Day Cafe which is a central hub for daily live music performances; and Eel Garden View which has a north Dahab coffee shop renowned for its Thursday open mic jams led by the charismatic "Uncle Sam". Each venue promises an atmosphere brimming with youthfulness, warmth, intellect, and boundless energy that ensures a vibrant experience for all who venture there.
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Dahab is a magical wonder that gained a reputation as an epic relaxed resort compared to the busy Sharm el Sheikh resort. This budget-friendly wonder is famous for its mesmerizing and stunning coral reefs, which makes it a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. Plus, the consistent winds attract kite surfers and windsurfers from around the globe. The heavenly beaches of Dahab are known for the shallow waters that are ideal for windsurfing in the Laguna area and the soft sands of Lagoona Beach. The resort is very close to a number of archaeological gems, including the majestic Sinai Mountains and St. Catherine's Monastery, one of the oldest continuously functioning monasteries in the world. The tropical and delightful climate of the resort is known to bring the atmosphere to life for everyone seeking fun and tranquility.
Dahab is generally considered safe for all solo female travelers who seek a tropical vacation with a budget. It's always wise to exercise common sense precautions as you would anywhere; being aware of your surroundings, dressing modestly in public areas, and informing someone about your whereabouts are essential practices.
Dahab has a different vibe compared to the more heavily developed resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, as it offers a more budget-friendly and quieter atmosphere. While it has grown in popularity, Dahab retains a more low-key and authentic charm, with a mix of local shops, cafes, and restaurants alongside tourist-oriented establishments.
Dahab is more relaxed than other coastal areas across the Red Sea. It is advised to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Swimwear is appropriate on the beach but not recommended in public areas.
The Red Sea in Dahab is known for its calm waters and beautiful coral reefs, which make it a fantastic place to swim.
You could spend a week or more exploring different dive sites and perfecting your skills. For a more relaxed experience with some sightseeing, 3-4 days might suffice.
While dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, boat trips designed explicitly for dolphin watching are available, offering a chance to encounter these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Drinking tap water is not advised in Dahab or any place in Egypt.
Since Dahab is a tropical wonder, the best time to visit depends entirely on your preference. The weather is generally pleasant year-round, with warm temperatures and sunshine, so any time you choose to visit the resort will be great. The spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer comfortable temperatures, while the windier months (April- November to February) are ideal.
There are many different ways to enjoy the wonderful resort of Dahab, including water sports like diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. You can also explore the surrounding desert for hiking or camel trekking adventures and visit all the epic historical wonders nearby, like Saint Catherine Monastery and more.
Egypt's visa requirements depend on your nationality and the duration of your stay, so make sure to check with your travel agency and embassy.
Dahab offers a different experience compared to Sharm El-Sheikh. While both have beautiful beaches and excellent diving opportunities, Dahab is known for its more laid-back atmosphere and fewer crowds, creating a more memorable experience.
Dahab and Hurghada offer different fun experiences. Dahab is smaller and more relaxed, while Hurghada is larger and more developed. It has a wider range of tourist amenities and direct access to Luxor's golden milestones.
Shark sightings in Dahab are rare, but it's always advisable to follow safety guidelines and heed any warnings from local authorities or dive operators.
Dahab is located on the coast of the Red Sea.
The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.
Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.
You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.
Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.
The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.
Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.
The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.
The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.
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