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.
History & Facts About Dahab 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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Dahab 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.
Location of Dahab
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.
Dahab Mab
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 Weather of Dahab Red Sea
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.
Activities to do in Dahab
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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Dahab 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.
Monuments and Antiques in 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.
Attractions of Dahab Red Sea
1. Nabq Nature Reserve
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.
2. Ras Abu Galum
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.
3. Blue Hole Region
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.
4. The Canyon
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.
5. Al-Asala Region
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.
6. Al-Malil area
It is an enchanting road parallelling the marvelous coastal highway, which includes many small hotels, cafeterias, and homes.
7. Al-Masbat
It is the primary tourist and commercial area in the city of Dahab, starting with Al-Fanar Street.
8. Masbat Bay
It is the bay that contains a large group of shops, diving clubs, cafes, camps, and hotels.
9. Al-Mashraba Area
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 Restaurants
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:
- Red Cat serves some of Dahab's finest Russian-Italian fusion cuisine, with freshly prepared ingredients and famous pizzas delighting visitors.
- Tim's Munch is located atop a diving center and offers a diverse menu that includes traditional American and Egyptian breakfasts as well as vegan options like oat pancakes and plant-based yogurt, satisfying a wide range of tastes.
- Ramez & Paola is a cozy spot blending Egyptian hospitality with authentic Italian cuisine. It has a mixed reputation for service but is known for generous portions and delicious pasta and pizza dishes.
- Sabah w Masa is situated at the Sea Soul Hotel and serves authentic Lebanese cuisine prepared by a Lebanese couple. Favorites include tabouleh, hummus, spicy potatoes, Lebanese sausages, and vine leaves.
- The Vegan Lab provides a unique vegan dining experience in Dahab with offerings like poke bowls, beyond burgers, and fresh smoothies, although at a slightly higher cost.
- Dai Pescatori offers premium Italian seafood dishes in a quiet setting, perfect for a romantic date or intimate gathering with friends.
- Jackie's is a vibrant Mexican restaurant that offers large portions of enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos accompanied by lively Latin American music and hosts salsa classes for customers.
- Namaste is adorned in yellow and sky blue and serves high-quality Indian cuisine on Al-Fanar Street, with popular dishes including biryani rice, chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, naan bread, and samosas.
- King Chicken stands out as a testament to Egyptian cuisine's quality despite its unremarkable design. It attracts long waiting lists for its delicious offerings.
- Rice Pudding in Laguna offers a unique treat away from Dahab's restaurants. Ice-cold rice pudding is sold on Laguna Beach, providing a refreshing delight for visitors seeking a break from the summer sun.
It includes recommendations for seafood restaurants like Friends, Ali Baba, Shark, and Darwish, as well as dessert spots like Ice Bubble and Mahalawy.
Dahab Diving Centers
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.
Famous Beaches in Dahab
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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The 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.
Best Camp Sites in Dahab
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.
Nightlife in Dahab
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.
All the Golden Attractions of Egypt Are One Click Away
Egypt is full of charming coastal cities like Dahab, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam, besides all its fascinating historical landmarks that reach back to the dawn of civilization in the immortal cities Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, so don't miss the chance to combine everything Egypt has to offer through our Egypt private tours.
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