Things to Do in Dahab

Dahab is not a typical Red Sea resort town. It has no major hotel chains, no all-inclusive package infrastructure, and no cruise ship itineraries. What it has is a concentration of serious divers and freedivers, a windsurfing lagoon, a relaxed cafe strip, and day trip access to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Sinai. It is a town that people arrive in for three days and leave from three weeks later.

The Blue Hole

About 1km north of the lagoon strip, the Blue Hole is a vertical underwater cave system opening into the sea. It is accessible from the shore at no charge for snorkeling. The surface snorkeling is excellent — the water above the hole is clear enough to see the column dropping away below. Shore diving is well-established here, with the upper section of the cave accessible to recreational divers.

The arch at 56m connects the cave to the open sea. This section has been the site of an extraordinary number of fatalities — estimates of 130 to 200+ deaths have been published, making it one of the statistically most dangerous dive sites in the world. The risk is specific: deep air narcosis, misjudging depth on the approach, and inadequate preparation for the depth. Recreational divers who stay above 30m are not at the same site, practically speaking. We cover the diving detail on the Dahab diving page.

The Lighthouse

Just north of the main lagoon, the Lighthouse (El-Fanar) is the most reliable shore dive and snorkel site in Dahab. A coral wall starts at the surface and drops gradually. Good fish life, easy entry, and consistently calm conditions make it the standard site for beginner dives and Open Water courses. Evening dives here are popular.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

The Dahab Lagoon has consistent wind and flat water — conditions suited to learning. Several schools operate in the lagoon including Club Mistral. Lessons and equipment hire are available at multiple price points. Experienced riders use the outer sea where there is more swell and wind variation. The combination of reliable conditions and low cost makes Dahab one of the better places in Egypt to take a first windsurfing course.

Desert Excursions

The Sinai interior is accessible on organised day trips from Dahab:

Coloured Canyon — a narrow slot canyon about 60km from Dahab with rainbow-coloured sandstone walls; accessible by 4WD and a short walk; one of the more striking natural features in the region.

Ras Abu Gallum Protectorate — north of Dahab along the coast; accessible by camel ride or extended walk; dramatic desert-meets-sea landscape with camping possible. Blue Lagoon is within this protected area.

Half-day and full-day ATV and camel excursions into the Sinai mountains also run from the lagoon strip.

St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai

St. Catherine’s is 135km inland via desert road — about 2 hours from Dahab. One of the world’s oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries, with an important collection of early Christian manuscripts and icons. Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa), at 2,285m, is traditionally identified as the site of the giving of the Ten Commandments. The most common approach is an overnight trip from Dahab — arriving at the monastery in the evening, hiking to the summit for sunrise (2.5–3 hours), then visiting the monastery as it opens in the morning. The monastery is closed Fridays and Sundays.

Check the Egypt visa page for Sinai-only stamp restrictions on mainland travel if relevant to your trip.