Dahab, Egypt, is South Sinai’s most popular tourist destination on the shores of the Red Sea. It is thought to be the second most well-known city in Sinai, after Sharm El Sheikh, which is known worldwide. The name Dahab comes from the Arabic word for gold and has a golden beach. Before the Egyptian government changed its focus and built resorts and hotels, Dahab was just a tiny fishing town. The Egyptian government changed the looks of a few areas to attract tourists from all over the city, and it worked.
Where is Dahab Egypt?
Dahab Egypt is in the southeast of Sinai and covers more than 1,130 square kilometers. It is in Aqaba Bay, Sharm El Sheikh is 81 kilometers north of Dahab, and the Ahmed Hamdy Tunnel is 465 kilometers away. Dahab has two major bays: Al Qura and Ghazala.
How to Get to Dahab?
1- By Plane
Dahab is 100 km north of Sharm el-Sheikh. The easiest and quickest way to get to Dahab is to fly to Sharm el-Sheik airport. A taxi from Sharm airport to Dahab costs between $30 and $40, but this depends on how well you can negotiate.
EgyptAir and Air Nile have flights to Sharm every day from Cairo. It takes an hour to get to Dahab from Sharm, and the drive through the mountains or along the coast is breathtaking. You can take a bus from the Sharm bus station in town to Dahab, but you’ll have to take a taxi from the airport to get there.
You can also arrange with your hotel or campsite in Dahab for a pick-up and drop-off in Sharm el-Sheikh.
2- By Bus
Taking advantage of Egypt’s cheap bus network is one of the most affordable ways to get to Dahab Egypt.
The schedule is also reasonable, and taking the bus is the most comfortable way to get to Dahab. Most foreigners who live in Cairo take the night bus, which takes about 10 hours (with many checkpoints for baggage screening).
3- By Car
You can pay a driver or taxi from Sharm el-Sheikh airport to Dahab. It would help if you didn’t have to pay more than 600 Egyptian pounds for this.
Where to Stay in Dahab?
Dahab, Egypt, is primarily a place for backpackers, and there are lots of cheap places to stay there, like hostels, dorms, and camps. It will cost you about 30 LE a night. There are also hotels and even high-end resorts for those who like more comfort and luxury.
What Makes Dahab Special?
After Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, Dahab is the third most popular place in Egypt to go diving. Dahab was a quiet Bedouin fishing village, but it became popular with hippies, backpackers, and other independent travelers. In the last few years, resorts and high-end hotels have been built, but Dahab still has a unique, laid-back feel. Many travelers come here for a few days but stay for months or even years.
Dahab is also the best place for a summer vacation in Egypt and to go on a safari or see Mount Sinai. It is the best place in Egypt to go freediving, windsurfing, and scuba diving. If you don’t want to go on an all-inclusive tour, you can rent a car on the Red Sea. The Dahab Blue Hole is nearby and is one of the most famous and dangerous places to dive.
27 Top Attractions & Awesome Things to do in Dahab
1. Scuba Diving or Freediving
Undoubtedly, the Red Sea is one of the best places to dive on Earth. This one-of-a-kind place is known for its healthy coral reefs, many sea creatures, and fantastic visibility.
If freediving sounds more like your adventure, you might be surprised to learn that there are also a lot of good schools in Dahab. If you like taking risks, diving is the kind of adventure for you. It’s a trendy thing to do in Dahab. There are different diving places so that you can choose the one with the best program. Don’t worry, they have programs for people of all levels, from beginners to experts. Take a break from the land and see what lives in the water!
2. Snorkeling in Dahab Egypt
So, you are correct that snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Dahab. There are diving centers around Dahab Park, and qualified divers can dive into the famous beach dives: Blue Hole, Ras Abu Galum, Wadi, three swimming pools, and caves.
3. Dive Deep and Discover the SS Thistlegorm
The SS Thistlegorm is another place in Dahab that visitors should not miss. It is one of the most well-known shipwrecks in the world and a fascinating place for people who want to learn about history while doing the water sports they like best. Don’t worry if you aren’t an expert diver. Professional guides are always ready to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
4. Explore the Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is a popular diving spot in Dahab. It is north of Dahab on the Red Sea coast, and people think it is one of the most dangerous places to dive in the world. Since the hole is 100 m deep, it is believed that this beautiful dive site has caused the deaths of over 100 people. And because of this, the Egyptian government only lets people snorkel and dive if trained divers are also taking certified diving lessons.
Even though the blue hole is best known for diving, many people go snorkeling there to see the underwater beauty.
Divers must go on a diving tour to the Blue Hole. You’ll be able to enjoy a magical journey down into the depths of the sea as you see terrific underwater sights and are surrounded by beautiful marine life. Some underwater animals at the blue hole are Red sea clownfish, sea Goldie, corals, and others.
5. Take a Trip to Ras Abu Galum
Just north of the Blue Hole is the Ras Abu Galum Protectorate, a natural paradise with a Bedouin camp. It is the best place to find quiet and one of the most important places to visit in Dahab.
You can hike, take a boat, or go on a camel safari. In either case, the protectorate is known for its beautiful scenery. The Gulf of Aqaba meets the steep granite mountains in a stunning contrast of orange and blue. Flora and fauna include 167 species of rare desert plants and animals like the Nubian ibex, the striped hyena, and the red fox. Snorkeling and diving are both popular things to do.
Camping out at the Bedouin camp under the stars could be a great experience if you like to watch the sky. Abu Galum has a clear sky where you can see the stars and moonlight as you’ve never seen them before! This is the coolest thing to do at night in Dahab, and you can set up a tent there and spend the night under a sky full of stars.
6. Chilling at Dahab Blue Lagoon
Make sure you have enough time for the Blue Lagoon when you are in Abu Galum. It is a protected, crystal-clear lagoon that is not far from Dahab. The color of the water here is one of the calmest shades of blue you could ever see, which makes it a great place to swim and relax. It’s also a great place to watch pro kitesurfers right from the beach.
7. Appreciate the Spectacular Sunset at Laguna Beach
There are many places to swim in Dahab, but the famous Laguna has a certain vibe that you can’t miss.
Laguna Beach is a great place to relax and watch the sun go down behind the Sinai Mountains. If you want a nice place to watch the sunset, you could hang out at Dahab’s Laguna Beach. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful views, but you can also take your time to feel the cool sea breeze and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea simultaneously. Laguna Beach is an excellent place to do many things in the water.
8. Swimming at Dahab Salt Lake (The Magic Lake)
One of Dahab’s most underrated attractions is close to the enormous Dahab Lagoon!
The Magic Lake or Dahab Salt Lake are the local names for it. You’ll pass right by it, but I highly recommend swimming. This lake contains a lot of salt, which offers you incredible buoyancy similar to that of the renowned Dead Sea.
Residents frequently congregate here to cover themselves in the salty, white mud. Many assert that this is a natural mud mask that clears the body of toxins and dead skin.
9. Take a Trip in a Glass-Bottom Boat
You can still enjoy the beautiful underwater scene even if you don’t like the underwater adventure. This boat has a glass bottom to see all the colorful coral and scurrying sea creatures, and it will make you feel like you are in the depths of the water. Of course, you can use the snorkeling gear on board if you want to jump in.
10. Try the Thrill of Windsurfing
When you’re in Dahab, you can do more than swim in the sea. You can also surf right on the beach. One of the most incredible things to do in Dahab is windsurfing. At the Blue Lagoon, you can windsurf and enjoy this place’s experience and stunning beauty. Are you ready for this activity that will give you a rush?
11. Take the Challenge of Kitesurfing
Dahab is a windy town and one of the most popular places in Egypt, if not the world, for kitesurfing. If you’ve always wanted to try this incredible sport, you’re in the right place. Because the water is shallow, many kitesurfing schools in Dahab teach both beginners and experienced surfers.
12. Experience the Colored Canyon, Nuweiba
Are you curious about the exciting activities available in Dahab? Take a day to explore the breathtaking canyons of the Sinai Desert, which are conveniently close to Dahab, Egypt.
The Colored Canyon (Salama Canyon) is the best-known because of the unique geological patterns it displays in its degraded sandstone. It is 1 kilometer in length and is composed of a rainbow’s worth of various rock types (from sandstone to limestone to granite).
The Colored Canyon is one of the most impressive natural features of the Sinai Peninsula. This valley is small and twisting, filled with layers of worn multicolored rocks that have revealed vivid swirls in the rock. Hiking and photography enthusiasts will enjoy this renowned Dahab spot.
13. Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike
When it comes to hiking, Sinai’s mountains are the best. Dahab is known for its stunning landscape, so Mount Sinai is a great place to go if you want to take pictures of this fantastic view of the desert while you are here. The mountain is 7,497 feet (2,285 meters) high, so climbing is a significant physical accomplishment.
Hike up Mount Sinai and watch the beautiful sunrise. Most hikes up Mount Sinai start at night, so you can get to the top in time to watch the sunrise. From the top, you can see the beauty of the Sinai Desert and the Gulf of Aqaba.
14. Climbing the Rock
In the Sinai Desert, there are mountains everywhere to climb. Go rock climbing in Wadi Gnai if you want to test yourself. There are routes for beginners and more experienced climbers, and it’s a much more incredible experience than climbing on indoor walls.
15. Visit Saint Catherine’s Monastery
Include a stop at Saint Catherine’s Monastery, commonly known as Mount Sinai Monastery, in your itinerary. It’s better to arrange one trip to St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai.
16. Quad Bike Safari Tour in the Desert
One of the things to do in Dahab, Egypt, is to drive through the mountains and enjoy the beautiful views of the desert. The desert in Dahab is the best place for a safari trip. You’re missing an inspiring adventure if you haven’t tried it before.
You ride a quad bike in the middle of the desert to see a fascinating view of the colorful mountains and palm trees. This beautiful scenery is right here in Dahab!
Book now and enjoy the experience on our Safari Egypt tours.
17. Experience an Authentic Bedouin Dinner
Join this experience in Dahab, where you will enjoy Bedouin hospitality in a desert camp for the ultimate local treat. This isn’t like any other camping trip you’ve been on. Here, you can sit in the middle of the desert, relax by the fire, watch traditional Egyptian shows, make memories on this trip to the mountains from Dahab, and enjoy Bedouin tea and a Bedouin barbecue under a million desert stars.
18. Take a Camel Ride in Dahab Red Sea
The camel ride trip is an adventure we’d like to recommend. This one takes you through the traditional Bedouin way of life, an experience all its own. During the ride, a friendly and helpful professional guide will tell you why camels are essential to the locals and more about their beautiful history. During the tour, you can also go deeper into the oasis of Wadi El Badi, surrounded by palm trees. If you don’t like the oasis, you can also stop at the Blue Lagoon to watch a beautiful sunset.
19. Ride a Horse and Feel the Breeze
If you’re tired of water activities and want to try something new, this horseback riding experience lets you ride across the golden sands of Blue Lagoon, desert canyons, or both. Horseback riding is a relaxing activity that is great for people who want to spend the least time working and enjoy Dahab.
20. Have a Soothing Yoga Session for Your Spiritual Side
Try doing yoga in the Sinai Desert’s dunes and canyons for a healing experience.
Unlike when you do yoga under a roof, the natural setting of the desert gives you a much bigger place to clear your mind and calm your soul simultaneously—the quiet of the desert helps to inspire your inner well-being.
There are also multi-day retreats that combine yoga classes on the beach with open-air sessions in the dunes and canyons of the Sinai Desert.
21. Share Tea and Stories Around the Campfire
Camping in Dahab is very different from the way you usually do it. Not only will you probably stay in huts, but you will also camp on the beach! There are mountains in the background and a great view of the sea. There are many places to camp in Blue Lagoon and Ras Abou Galum.
22. Stargazing in the Desert
You can see thousands of stars from any place in Dahab, but if you venture into the highlands and away from the city lights, the breathtaking night sky will genuinely take your breath away.
23. Try the Beachfront Restaurants and Cafes
While you’re in Dahab, it would be best if you tried out some of the cute beachside cafes in Dahab. The main street in town is lined with restaurants that serve delicious fresh fish and smoothies. Consume everything! You won’t regret it!
Learn more about traditional Egyptian food and drinks.
24. Visit Ralph’s German Bakery for Brunch
If you’re in Dahab to eat, this is one of the best places to get breakfast. They also serve great coffee.
Don’t forget to try all of Ralph’s German Bakery treats! This bakery has a cozy cafe where they serve traditional Bavarian baked goods. All of the loaves of bread are fresh and were made at home.
The relaxing atmosphere of the bakery also makes it an excellent place to hang out while you’re out seeing all of Dahab’s best sights. Don’t forget to stop by if you’re in town.
25. Buy Some Souvenirs at Dahab Community Market
There are many places to buy souvenirs, but if you want to bring something back to remind you of your trip, why not choose something made by the locals? You might want to go to Dahab Community Market to find great things made by people from Dahab.
The area is also next to a long beach, which makes shopping there even more special because you are surrounded by such beautiful nature. You can also grab a quick bite to eat at nearby restaurants while you’re out shopping.
26. Snap a Shot in Front of the Why Not Bazaar
Tourists often take pictures at the famous Why Not Bazar, known for its chalkboard sign surrounded by all kinds of small items.
If you go into this strange shop, you’ll find that it’s one of the most unusual in Dahab. These guys sell everything from jewelry to natural medicines made from organic plants. One of the most exciting things to do in Dahab is to look around this store. It’s also a great place to take pictures.
27. Paint a Henna Tattoo
For a joyful vibe, have a henna tattoo applied to your body. Not to worry; it will disappear within 1-3 weeks.
Is Dahab Safe to Visit?
It’s pretty safe, and the people and environment are very welcoming. Depending on the time of year, you’ll probably see more tourists than Egyptians. It is a lovely place and one of the best places to visit in Egypt.
Dahab City Has a lot to Offer
Dahab is a magical place. It has beautiful natural settings and many traditional cultural elements that are fascinating to learn about. Come to Dahab for a great getaway from the city.
A trip with a group of experts will improve your experience. Book your trip to Dahab, Egypt, through our best Egypt vacation packages.
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