Signifying “gold” in Arabic – a reference to the range’s sandy coastline (in spite of having no brilliant sands to discuss) – Dahab is the ideal jump off point from which one can explore some of Egypt’s most terrific deep sea diving and snorkeling sites.
A thrilling jeep ride will bring you to a lot of the Red Sea’s most significant diving destinations, and a watercraft can bring you within a few meters from the world-class reefs located along the Ras Mohammed National Park.
Overwhelmingly a Bedouin enclave at its central part, Dahab is likewise the favored base for arranging guided trekking and camel trips into the desert and the elevated statues of Mt Sinai.
Best time to Visit Dahab
The city generally has fine climate as the year progressed, with temperatures running from 20 to 40° Celsius.
The late spring months are sultry and dry and winter is cooler yet infrequently wet. The late spring months typically begin from March – August, and winter begins from September – February.
As a result of this fine climate, vacationers and hikers visit this veritable sunny vacation spot consistently.
Dahab is just an hour’s taxi ride away from Egypt’s chief air terminal of Sharm El Sheik.
The city is considered as the best travel destination at whatever time of the year. You can visit any point in the town amid any month.
The main detailed spots to evade are the desert amid the summer months and the mountains amid the winter months.
In spite of the fact that you can in any case visit these spots any time that you wanted, you can enhance your travel experience to Dahab by visiting in the most proposed months.
Best things to do in Dahab – Egypt
These are my favorite attractions and things to do in the city of Dahab, Egypt. Hope to see you there soon…
Coral Reefs
The Coral Reefs of Dahab are without a doubt one of the best dive sites in the world, especially if you’re not a fan of boat diving this activity is still worth trying here, because everywhere you can easily get to this part of the water from the shore.
Scuba Diving is not allowed, but you must go with a dive guide there, but that’s no problem. Everything is controlled and there are lots of diving academies along the shoreline.
From beginners to very experienced divers there is more than enough to do at the Coastal Reefs. Friendly people and hospitality are paramount here.
The campaign to preserve the reefs is widely practiced here, before the dive everyone is asked to respect nature and the corals and do not touch and remove the shells from their home.
You do not need to be armed with diving equipment to be enchanted by the place, just a snorkel gear and the calm waters and you will see various fish, and the blue sea.
A tip: do not forget to bring a waterproof camera.
There are so many different types of coral, fish, and other marine life forms that will fill your vision. The dive sites are protected well and really beautiful with lots of variation in corals.
It is like an underwater “Disneyland” as most divers will describe it.
The feeling of being surrounded by colorful fishes and corals is a remarkable experience, you need not be a professional or certified diver to achieve this wonderful feeling.
The Red Sea is arguably one of the best snorkeling and diving sites you can find in Egypt.
It is important to remember that despite the heat in Dahab, the water gets very cold, so for snorkeling and diving it is recommended that you use a proper clothing at least one with protection for the chest because you may want to stay in the water for more than 30 minutes.
It is a great place to dive, check it out when you’re in Dahab!
My favorite Dahab snorkeling places
Blue Hole
The location of Blue Hole looks picturesque with a couple of small restaurants / bars with more rustic flavor of Egypt, camels that are free to roam and obsolete jeeps parked near the beach.
Diving is something spectacular, marine wildlife is amazing and is in no way intimidated by the bulky presence of humans; you can swim literally immersed in an aquarium of epic proportions surrounded by a beautiful reef.
For newcomers to the impact with the “blue” the absolute thrill can be substantial, but once past the initial impact would strongly advise all the way around and also a trip over the apex is more off – attention because the current may become strong.
If you are not a strong swimmer it would be risky to make it on the corals or fail to return, be sure to visit this blue hole with a local guide who are aware of the strong water current times.
All in all it’s a unique place for a snorkeling or diving adventure.
The reef is wonderful and suitable for beginners.
It is inevitable to sip something at the “Bedouin” or grab a cup of Turkish coffee accommodated under a canopy overlooking the sea.
After more than an hour of diving, eating lunch at the same place is a unique experience.
The site is characterized by the presence of a “blue hole”, or a depression marina that is practically attached to the shore; for people who are not accustomed to diving.
It’s a bit of an impression dive and immediately be in areas where the depth reaches 100 m, but it is definitely a trip not to be missed for those who go to Sharm or Dahab City.
What else to do in dahab?
King Safari Dahab St. Catherine/Mt. Sinai Trip
A visit to the Monastery of St. Catherine is always an amazing experience.
Even if you’re not a believer, you will feel a sense of serenity and sanctity. Aside from the ancient atmosphere and the spiritual journey, the landscape of the Mount Sinai is fantastic.
Go and experience it even once in your life, it’s all worth it. You can arrange a trip to Dahab with the guides from King Safari Dahab St. Catherine/Mt. Sinai Trip.
The tour starts with a trip to Mount Sinai (night climb) with a view of the starry sky and sunrise from the top of the mountain and the next morning visit to the Monastery of St. Catherine.
The excursion includes the transfer by minivan in Dahab, a Bedouin guide for the climb to the top, the entrance to the monastery (without guide) at an arranged price.
Goodies may include; food, hot drinks, blanket and camp to camp to sleep until dawn; but you can also sleep on the mountain and bring your own food.
Prices are still not excessive and a good hot drink warms up after the cold night.
The easy hike is absolutely recommend and also the agency that has several branches in Dahab at fixed and affordable prices.
Accessible by bus from the city center the tour covers the climb through Mt. Sinai up to the St. Catherine Monastery which are all very remote and in the mountains.
In the monastery you can find a place designated by the name “Burning Bush” where God has shown himself to Moses, and where he received the Scriptures.
Inside the monastery cameras are not allowed and should not be filmed so you should do it with your impressions.
The monastery itself is now also home to a hotel. If you would like you can walk the path which Moses then also traveled, this tour is at night and starts at approximately at 1:30 pm.
During the day it is not possible because of the heat. If you’re considering a sanitary stop before the trek begins, there is an opportunity to do so at the beginning of the trail.
At the monastery there is also a possibility to go up the mountain with a camel / dromedary. The entire visit takes about 4.5 hours to complete including the transport time from Dahab downtown center.
The rise in the Sinai / St Catherine Hill is unforgettable, just get ready because you will walk like a camel, take plenty of water and some salt and something to lift the pressure.
Some tourists feel sick at the first altitude (because of the physical effort) but still manage to move on up to the top because the reward is worth the effort and one of them is to see the sun rise at the end and the amazing views of the city from above.
How I spend 3 days in Dahab?
Diving in Dahab with Pospadan
Diving in Dahab with Pospadan is an adventure and relaxation at the same time, far away from the pack-diving and mass tourism but with authentic Egyptian flair.
Pospadan organized everything the diving customer wants; from the hotel to the self-catering accommodation, from single dives up to day trips, missing equipment, etc .
In the immediate and surrounding area are numerous and very different dive sites for land dives and always made available.
All have beautiful and inexpensive restaurants with shaded areas for relaxing Dahab.
Diving with Medhat (one of the staff) is like taking the guided diving adventure into perfection. He leads with absolute sovereignty and peace and makes every dive a special experience.
The ride to the canyon is fantastic and the adventure to the reef is wonderful especially the part where it is sloping down to great depths.
Do not miss this adventure and contact these knowledgeable guides when you’re in Dahab.
Popular tourist attractions in Dahab
Extra Divers Dahab
The German dive guides of the Extra Divers Dahab are very nice and competent. There is a relaxed and friendly atmosphere once you begin transacting with them at their office.
The full expertise and experience are often passed on by the three-member team. The dive equipment is well-kept and maintained in their own workshop.
The line is quite hard to organize for the suitable sites for divers of all levels and stripes and is also flexible to deal with customer requirements.
Another interesting factor in choosing this package tour is the special consideration and support for underwater photographers.
The tour prices are transparent and fair. With their years of experience and knowledge the diving expedition guarantees a comfortable and safe underwater adventure n the waters of Dahab City.
The base is located on the beach. Excursions are started by Jeep 2 x daily from the base. Some dive spots are approached by their boat.
Even day trips to other destinations are performed and included in the package. After the dive and towards the evening you can stroll along the shores of Dahab.
You can bar hop for a few minutes and pass the time along the restaurants facing the beach.
My favorite activities to do in Dahab
Blue Beach Club Stables
The Blue Beach Club Stables is a company that offers a very interesting horseback riding experience along the beaches of Dahab.
The experience is totally safe and fun to do because of their trained guides per ride. It is a great alternative to diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing activities you can enjoy in Dahab.
It is a highly recommended adventure for families with children and couples on a honeymoon.
Go horse riding in Dahab, and the two hours of galloping on the beach and in the desert is one of the most memorable adventure you will eve r make while on vacation.
Even the horses are great and it is only here where you will see cool trainers and relaxed horses that can bring neither cars nor a pack of barking wild dogs from the rest and are prepared to both step and trot in a fast gallop with utmost care for their riders.
This adventure is one of the exciting things to do in Dahab.
Try the beautiful rides on the beach or in the desert, with horses that are well cared for and healthy, the adventure is worth all the effort!
What else to see in Dahab?
Sea Dancer Dive Center
The base of the Sea Dancer Dive Center is located directly on the beach promenade, the home and the very first beautiful coral block is practically on the doorstep.
The well-known dive site is called the “Lighthouse”. The tour starts with walking on the equipment on a trolley pulled / pushed together.
In the base of each guest gets a lockable compartment that has space for the mask, fins, computer, and lead.
For jackets, booties and suits everyone has a numbered space. – Yes, the whole system has and Steve, the manager has it all under control.
There is for flushing a large and two smaller basins, separated by mask + computer + camera + booties and jackets suits.
Of course, there are showers and toilets. On the roof terrace there are couches and comfortable seating to relax and also two classrooms where diving basics are taught.
Like almost everywhere in Dahab there is free Wi-Fi here. For diving: The team’s base is international.
The instructor / guides come from Spain, Denmark, Great Britain, Germany, Egypt and Russia. Everyone is very nice and professional.
The tours are planned together on the needs of guests.
During the two fun dives, which was a typical jeep tour to Canyon and The Bells / Blue Hole, you will be with Paul – an extremely prudent, quiet and responsible instructor.
An emergency equipment (first aid + oxygen) is also included. With Elvira, you can make an early morning dive that is also super guided by their staff.
GP Kite School Dahab
If your goal is to learn kite surfing while you’re in Dahab, this is the right place to visit. The GP Kite School Dahab and its leader Gunnar carries all his kite surfs for rent in his trailer.
He is very flexible and the prices are fair.
After 3 days of classes and practice in the lagoon he will take you to the Ras Abu Galum for 3 days, a beautiful lagoon north of Dahab, that is a perfect place for kitesurfing.
The sessions usually last whole day and until sunset. Gunnar is an excellent instructor, full of charisma, patient, and with a good heart.
It is very well connected with the Bedouins of Sinai that makes you share total immersion with the culture.
Gunnar, a class Kite guide gives step instruction by brief statement that always help you go one step further.
If you have a budget for it, the kite surfing adventure is a must try adventure when you’re in Dahab.
Famous stuff to do in Dahab
Big Blue Dahab
I recommend it without hesitation.
Be there for the courses or for the Fun dives that they offer. You can arrange for several dives with various guides and it is always perfect.
Their group of divers is extremely flexible and customer-oriented.
With their friendly and efficient staff, you will feel safe and well cared for. The diving equipments are in good condition and the costs are more than reasonable.
Poseidon Divers
They have two locations, one in the center and another to Hotel Le Meridien.
The Poseidon Divers are punctual, friendly, and defines how serious diving should be; pure enjoyment.
They have a tough course with a lot of study, but it is definitely worth it. The people at Poseidon are very relaxed and friendly.
They all speak English very well, while there are many different nationalities represented. Poseidon is professional, with an eye for the finest and most spectacular dive sites.
Their service is one of the best when it comes to diving certification and leveling up in the waters of Dahab.
Going to Dahab and exploring its rich underwater world is the best experience. Be ready to explore the most awesome dive sites in this part of Egypt like; the Canyon, Three pools, Blue Hole, etc.
These are true underwater gardens, where you can ‘see all sorts of corals and fish.
The colors are fantastic, with warm and calm water where you can ‘stand’ for hours and never get tired of the variety of marine life to see.
Then after some snorkeling fun you can enjoy a great mango juice and a view of the almost paradise atmosphere of Dahab.
Go and visit, there is no room for any kind of regret and boredom on this part of Egypt.