A laid-back coastal town on the Sinai Peninsula where scuba divers explore the Blue Hole reef. Local Bedouin culture shapes the relaxed beachfront cafes and markets.
Dahab sits on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, where the desert meets the Red Sea. In this former Bedouin fishing village, you can dive at the Blue Hole sinkhole, snorkel among parrotfish at Lighthouse Beach, or trek through the rust-colored walls of the Colored Canyon. As the sun sets, you'll see Saudi Arabian mountains across the water while dining at seaside restaurants along the promenade.
Getting to Dahab
Fly into Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport and take a one-hour taxi ride north to Dahab. Many hotels arrange airport transfers for around 200 Egyptian pounds ($25). Alternatively, you can take a 7-hour bus ride from Cairo, which costs approximately $12. Buses leave daily from Cairo's main terminal and require passport checks at security checkpoints.
Diving at the Blue Hole
The Blue Hole drops 130 meters into the seafloor, with coral formations and marine life along its rim. You can explore the surrounding reef area as a beginner diver, while technical divers descend deeper into the sinkhole. Local dive schools offer PADI certification courses starting at $250. A single dive costs around $30, including equipment rental.
Exploring the Beaches
The 5-kilometer coastline has distinct sections. At Lighthouse Beach, you'll find coral reefs just 10 meters from shore, home to angelfish and lionfish. Laguna Beach catches winds of 15-25 knots, drawing windsurfers and kitesurfers year-round. Head to the northern beaches for basic Bedouin camps and empty stretches of sand.
Desert Adventures
The Colored Canyon's walls rise 40 meters high, with striations in red, purple, and yellow rock. You can book a jeep or camel trip with local Bedouin guides for $40 per person, including transport, meals, and camping equipment. Trips start at 2 PM and return the next morning, giving you time to stargaze in the desert.
Where to Stay
You'll find rooms from $15 for hostel dorms to $100 for beachfront hotels. Stay in Mashraba for basic guesthouses with shared kitchens and communal areas. The Medina district has newer hotels with pools and restaurants. Most accommodations include breakfast and have rooftop terraces facing the sea.
Local Food Scene
Along the waterfront promenade, restaurants serve grilled Red Sea fish, koshari (rice and lentils), and molokhia (jute leaf stew). Fresh seafood at Shark Restaurant costs $10-15 per meal. In the Assalah neighborhood, Egyptian restaurants serve ful medames (fava beans) and ta'meya (falafel) for $3-5. Most kitchens close by 10 PM.
Getting Around Dahab
You can walk between most locations within 20 minutes. For longer distances, rent a bicycle for about $5 per day. Local taxis run fixed routes within town for 10-20 Egyptian pounds ($0.50-1) per ride. While many streets lack formal names, locals navigate by landmarks like the lighthouse and main square.
Day Trips from Dahab
Visit Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery on an overnight trip for around $50, including transport and guide. The monastery welcomes visitors from 9 AM to 12 PM, except Fridays and Sundays. To reach Mount Sinai's summit for sunrise, begin the 2.5-hour climb at 2 AM with a Bedouin guide.
