Things to do — Dahab

Dahab organises around three main activity poles: diving, water sports, and desert excursions.

Diving is Dahab's raison d'être, and probably its greatest international renown. The Blue Hole, 8 km north of the village, is one of the most mythical (and controversial) sites in the world: a perfectly circular underwater shaft 130 metres deep, opened to the sea by an arch ('The Arch') at 56 metres depth. For recreational divers respecting their limits (max 40 m Advanced), it is a magnificent and safe site, accessible directly from shore: you descend along the vertical wall covered with hard and soft corals, observe schools of fusiliers and barracudas, and ascend via the 'Bell' (outer entrance to the shaft at 7 m). Crossing the arch, however, remains one of the world's most dangerous technical dives — more than 200 divers have lost their lives there since the 1990s (memorial visible at the site entrance). Never attempt this dive without appropriate technical certification.

Nearby, the Canyon is a spectacular underwater fault between 20 and 30 metres depth, accessible from shore 5 km north of the village. The cathedral atmosphere is unique in Egypt. The Lighthouse, directly facing the village centre, is a shore-accessible coastal reef ideal for beginners and night diving. Further north, Ras Abu Galum is a Bedouin nature reserve accessible by 30-min boat ride or 1h camel ride — perfect diving + Bedouin immersion combo. To the south, Gabr el-Bint and Three Pools offer varied underwater landscapes. Count €30-45 per individual dive, €80-150 for the 2-dive day with lunch. A complete PADI Open Water course (4 days): €280-380.

Water sports make Dahab one of the world's favourite destinations for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The Masbat Lagoon, south of the village (5 min walk from the centre), offers near-perfect conditions: constant thermal wind in the afternoon (force 4-6 nearly daily from April to November), shallow water over 200 m length (ideal for beginners who can touch the bottom), comfortable water temperature. Several international schools train hundreds of practitioners every year: Harry Nass (German, the most renowned), Dahab Windsurf Center, Club Mistral, Dahab Surf Lodge. Count €200-350 for a beginner week's course with gear included, €50-90 for a free session with gear rental.

Desert excursions open a third dimension to the stay. The Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine Monastery excursion is the cultural must-do: midnight departure, nighttime climb up Mount Sinai (2,285 m, 2h30-3h walk), sunrise at the summit (one of the world's most beautiful), descent in daylight, visit to the Orthodox Saint Catherine Monastery founded in the 6th century, return to Dahab around 1 pm. Count €40-70 per person in shared group. The Coloured Canyon (1h30 north), spectacular geological fault with sandstone walls in coloured layers (red, orange, yellow, purple), is visited by 4WD and walk (€40-60 half-day). Bedouin dinners under tent in the desert (€30-50 with transport, traditional mansaf or bedouin chicken on rice, music, chichas, sometimes sleeping under the stars) are one of Dahab's great immersive experiences. For the most adventurous, 2-5 day treks in the Sinai desert with Bedouin guides allow discovery of little-known oases and archaeological sites (Wadi Hodayda, Wadi Talaa, Saint Catherine's garden).