Sinai's bohemian beach paradise - budget diving, windsurfing, and pure chill
Dahab (meaning "gold" in Arabic) is a small Bedouin fishing village turned laid-back beach resort on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula, 85km north of Sharm El-Sheikh. Unlike its glitzy southern neighbor, Dahab has retained an authentic, bohemian character beloved by backpackers, divers, and free spirits from around the world.
The town is world-famous among divers for the Blue Hole (a 130m deep sinkhole), budget-friendly dive centers, and excellent shore diving. It's also a premier windsurfing and kitesurfing destination. With cheap accommodation, beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, Bedouin camps, and a wonderfully relaxed vibe, Dahab is where people come for a few days and stay for weeks.
Famous: World-renowned dive site, 130m deep sinkhole
Snorkeling: Beautiful coral at surface, safe and stunning
Diving: For experienced divers only (currents, depth)
Access: 15 min taxi north (EGP 50-100) or shore dive
Cost: Snorkel gear EGP 50, dive $30-40
Note: Beautiful but demands respect - follow dive center guidance
Why Dahab: Egypt's cheapest diving + world-class sites
Shore Diving: Unique - walk from beach, no boat needed!
Sites: Canyon, Eel Garden, Islands, Lighthouse, Caves
Costs: Fun dive $20-30, Open Water course $250-350
Season: Year-round excellent
Perfect For: Budget travelers, frequent divers
Season: March-November (April-May, Sept-Oct best)
Spot: Laguna - perfect flat water, consistent winds
Wind: 15-25 knots typical
Lessons: Kite course $350-500, windsurf $50-80/day
Conditions: Beginner to advanced
Why: One of world's best kitesurfing destinations
Type: Famous underwater canyon system
Depth: 15-30m, suitable for Advanced Open Water
Experience: Swim through narrow passages, cathedral
Access: 20 min taxi from town
Cost: $30-40 guided dive
Status: Top 10 Sinai dive sites
Options: Camel treks, overnight desert camps
Half-Day: Sunset camel ride + tea ($20-30)
Overnight: Desert camping, Bedouin dinner, stargazing ($50-80)
Highlights: Traditional Bedouin hospitality, desert landscapes
Season: Cooler months best (Oct-April)
Authentic: Bedouin guides, traditional lifestyle
Unique: World-class snorkeling straight from beach!
Sites: Lighthouse, Eel Garden, Napoleon Reef
Cost: Gear rental EGP 50-100/day (or bring own)
Marine Life: Moray eels, octopus, reef fish, coral gardens
Safety: No currents, shallow, safe for all levels
Best Time: Morning (calmer, better visibility)
Distance: 140km (2 hours) - closer than from Sharm!
Tours: $40-60 from Dahab
Experience: Climb for sunrise, visit ancient monastery
Departure: Midnight, summit for 5-6 AM sunrise
Climb: 3-4 hours up (or camel)
Worth: Absolutely - magical experience
Scene: Growing wellness destination
Classes: Beach yoga, meditation, retreats
Centers: H2O Yoga, Dahab Sun, various beach camps
Cost: Drop-in classes $5-10, retreats available
Vibe: Relaxed, spiritual, health-focused
Perfect For: Digital nomads, long-term travelers
Famous: Dahab is world freediving capital
Blue Hole: Ideal training spot (depth, calm)
Courses: AIDA courses $300-500
Community: Large international freediving scene
Season: Year-round
Why Dahab: Perfect conditions, affordable, supportive community
Dive the Blue Hole, windsurf perfect conditions, and embrace the bohemian beach life!