Dahab Travel Guide: The Blue Hole and Sinai's Slow Coast

Dahab sits on the Gulf of Aqaba coast of the Sinai Peninsula, 100km north of Sharm el-Sheikh. The town is small, unhurried, and built around a shallow lagoon where restaurants extend over the water on low platforms. It functions as a dive town, a windsurfing hub, and — increasingly — a long-stay base for budget-conscious travellers looking for reliable Red Sea access without the resort-city infrastructure of Sharm.

Getting There

There is no airport in Dahab. The most common routes are: bus or shared taxi from Sharm el-Sheikh (approximately 1.5 hours), or an overnight bus from Cairo (seven to eight hours, departing from Turgoman station). Minibuses and shared taxis also connect from the Israeli border crossing at Taba, 90km north.

The same Sinai-only visa rules that apply in Sharm apply here. A free 15-day stamp is issued at the airport and land borders if you are staying within Sinai. A full Egyptian e-visa is required to travel beyond Sinai.

The Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is the site Dahab is most associated with internationally — and it comes with a reputation for accidents that deserves to be taken seriously. The sinkhole drops vertically to 130m. Snorkeling around the rim and diving the upper sections (to around 30m) is straightforward and safe for certified recreational divers. The arch at 56m is the dangerous section: narcosis, disorientation, and the distance involved have contributed to a significant number of fatalities over the decades. The site is accessible from shore and is genuinely beautiful. Treat any diver who suggests the arch as a casual excursion with scepticism.

Local Dive Sites

The Blue Hole gets the headlines, but Dahab has several other sites that are quieter and technically less demanding. The Canyon is a series of underwater passages and swimthroughs at recreational depth — well regarded by local dive instructors. The Lighthouse is a shore-accessible site good for night diving and macro photography. Islands is a drift dive site with stronger currents suited to more experienced divers.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

The lagoon in front of the main town produces consistent wind — predominantly northerly — making it a functional spot for both windsurfing and kitesurfing. Several schools operate on the lagoon with equipment rental and instruction available. The flat, shallow water is good for beginners.

The Town and Long Stays

Dahab’s waterfront is a strip of independent cafes, dive shops, and small restaurants. Prices are low by any Red Sea standard. The combination of cheap accommodation, consistent wind, good diving, and a community of long-term travellers has made it a popular base for digital nomads and anyone looking to extend a Sinai visit. Internet reliability varies — cafe wifi is workable, dedicated coworking is limited.

Best Time to Visit

October through May is the most comfortable period. Summer temperatures are hot but the consistent northerly wind keeps conditions on the water more tolerable than inland Egypt. Water temperature stays between 20–28°C year-round.

Nearby

Sharm el-Sheikh is 100km south — accessible for a day trip to Ras Mohammed or the Thistlegorm wreck. For an entirely different experience, Siwa offers a desert oasis contrast worth planning around.