Dahab, Egypt Guide: Explore the Best of Dahab, South Sinai

Dahab, Egypt, was one of our favorite stops in Egypt, alongside the White Desert. It’s the perfect place to relax and explore the underwater world. For adventurers, you can try diving, free diving, snorkeling, and more.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from where to stay to the best beach spots. Check out our blog about the White Desert here.

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Your Guide to Dahab, Egypt

1. Where is Dahab, Egypt?

Dahab, Egypt, is a beautiful coastal town located in South Sinai, Egypt, along the shores of the Red Sea. On a clear day, you can even see the distant outline of Saudi Arabia from the water.

Situated approximately 85 kilometers north of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab is renowned for its stunning scenery and laid-back atmosphere. It offers a more relaxed and tranquil experience compared to the bustling vibe of Sharm El Sheikh.

The town is surrounded by the impressive mountain range of the Sinai Peninsula, adding to its picturesque charm.

With crystal-clear waters and a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, Dahab is an ideal destination.

For those interested in exploring further, you can even take a day trip to Jerusalem, which is about 300 kilometers away from Dahab.

2. How to Get to Dahab, South Sinai

Dahab, Egypt – To and From Sharm El Sheikh

First, what we did and what many people choose to do is spend a couple of days in Sharm El Sheikh. To get to Dahab, South Sinai, you have several options.

Public Bus: The most economical option is to take a public bus. It costs between 130 and 220 Egyptian pounds (approximately $4 to $7). You can book the bus tickets either in advance on the Blue Bus website or in person at Blue Bus ticket offices in Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab.

This option is not only the cheapest but also quite efficient, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours. It’s definitely our top pick for budget travelers.

Private Transport: One convenient option is to book a private transfer from the airport or your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh. It’s more expensive than the first option, but with GetYourGuide, you can pre-book a transfer and select from a wide range of departure times. To book in advance, check it out here.

Additional Information: On your way to Dahab, you will pass through several security checkpoints, as South Sinai is a protected area with strict security measures in place. Make sure to keep your passport easily accessible in your hand luggage, as you may be asked to show it at these checkpoints.

Dahab, Egypt – From Luxor or Aswan

If you’re traveling to Dahab from Luxor or Aswan, the journey can be a bit more complex. That’s why we decided to spend a few days in Sharm El Sheikh first, both to break up the trip and to experience the vibe of both cities.

The easiest option, which we chose, is to fly from Luxor to Sharm El Sheikh. Flights can be quite affordable. From Sharm El Sheikh, you can then either take a public bus or arrange for private transport to Dahab.

For more details on these transportation options, please refer to the previous section.

If you’re also stopping in Hurghada from Luxor, another option is to drive from Hurghada to Dahab. However, this journey can take up to 9 hours, so we would not recommend it due to the long travel time. Additionally, there is no ferry service between Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab, which makes this option more complicated and less convenient.

Dahab, Egypt – From Cairo

If you’re traveling to or arriving from Cairo or Giza, you have two main options:

Bus: You can book a bus ticket on the Blue Bus website, with prices ranging from 350 to 600 Egyptian pounds (approximately $11 to $19). The buses are comfortable and have different schedules each day, but the journey takes around 9 hours. This option is ideal for travelers who want to save on the cost of a hotel night by sleeping on the bus.

Flight: While slightly more expensive, internal flights in Egypt are usually quite affordable, even when booked last minute. A flight from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh takes about 1 hour. From Sharm El Sheikh, you can then take a private transfer or public bus to Dahab. For more details on transportation from Sharm El Sheikh to Dahab, check out the section on Sharm El Sheikh to Dahab.

3. Best Time to Visit Dahab, Egypt

You can visit Dahab, Egypt, at any time of the year and enjoy beach activities and explore the surrounding areas. However, the experience can vary depending on the season:

October to April: This is the most popular time to visit Dahab due to the pleasantly warm weather, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). However, this period can also be the busiest, as many travelers prefer this comfortable weather.

March or April: These months are ideal if you prefer slightly warmer temperatures while still avoiding the extreme heat of summer. The weather is generally very pleasant during this time.

July to August: The summer months can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). This heat can make outdoor activities less comfortable. However, if you don’t mind the heat and enjoy being in the water like we do, these months can still be a good choice. We also chose to visit during the summer to avoid the larger crowds of tourists in Dahab and throughout Egypt.

4. Where to Stay in Dahab, South Sinai

There are plenty of affordable options for staying in Dahab, Egypt. Whether you’re traveling on a very tight budget or looking for a bit more comfort, you’ll find suitable choices. For budget travelers, there are many great hostels available. If you prefer a bit more comfort, some hotels offer beautiful views and a higher level of comfort at budget-friendly prices.

Best Hostels in Dahab, Egypt: Top Picks for the Tightest Budget

Dahab offers a great range of hostels, as it is mostly visited by more adventurous travelers. Don’t get us wrong—there are also some nicer hotels, but they’re nothing compared to the large resorts you can find in Sharm El Sheikh. If you’re on a tight budget and love to meet people, these options are for you.

1. Rafiki Hostel

Price: From $8 for a dorm bed and from $25 for a private room, with discounts available through Booking.com’s Genius program.

Location: Rafiki hostel is just a 500-meter walk from the beach and is close to numerous restaurants and shops.

Amenities: The hostel features a pool, a coworking space on the rooftop ideal for digital nomads, and includes breakfast with your stay.

Atmosphere: The staff are friendly and eager to assist with anything you need. There are also many events throughout the week, making it a great place to meet fellow travelers and connect with people from around the world.

2. My Hostel in Dahab – Dive Center

Price: Beds in dorms start at $9.

Diving: This is an excellent choice for diving enthusiasts, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced. The staff are exceptional and the hostel offers various diving activities throughout the week.

Location: My Hostel in Dahab is well-located, with many restaurants around and just 1.2 km from Dahab Beach.

Amenities: My Hostel in Dahab has a shared kitchen, perfect for cooking a simple meal, and a coworking space. It’s also a great place to socialize with other travelers.

Features: My Hostel in Dahab is spread across different floor levels and boasts a great terrace on top, where you can enjoy watching the sunset. Breakfast is included with your stay.

Best Hotels in Dahab: Budget-Friendly Options

If you don’t mind spending a few more dollars for added comfort, here are a few budget-friendly hotel options for your stay in Dahab, South Sinai.

1. Club Red Dahab – The Best View

Price: From $55 with a Genius account, varying depending on the room type. We stayed in the sea-view apartment, which featured a fantastic balcony with breathtaking views of the beautiful blue water and surrounding mountains.

Location: Centrally located with numerous restaurants nearby, the hotel offers a quiet retreat despite being in the heart of the action.

Amenities: The room was spacious and comfortable. Club Red Dahab has a nice swimming pool, and the included breakfast was excellent. While there is no on-site restaurant, room service is available from their menu.

Diving: Club Red Dahab is an ideal spot for diving enthusiasts, with a dive shop next door offering a range of options to suit various preferences.

2. Penguin Village

Price: From $63 per night.

Location: Centrally located with great sea views.

Amenities: The rooms are spacious, clean, and have a modern look. The on-site restaurant serves excellent food.

Activities: Penguin Village offers diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing.

Atmosphere: The staff make you feel at home, enhancing the overall experience.

Luxurious Hotels in Dahab, Egypt

If you’re ready to splurge a bit and enjoy some extra comfort during your stay in Dahab, Egypt, you’ll find a few luxurious hotels that offer a great experience. These places provide spacious rooms, amazing views, and top-notch service, making your stay special and relaxing.

1. Safir Dahab Resort – All inclusive stay

Price: From $87 for a standard room with a garden view and breakfast included, up to $154 for an all-inclusive package.

Amenities: The Safir Dahab Resort features an amazing large pool and its own private beach. You can relax on a sunbed with stunning views of the water and the gorgeous mountains.

Rooms: The rooms are luxurious and offer great value for the price.

Additional Features: The staff is excellent, and there are plenty of activities available at the resort to keep you entertained.

2. Jaz Dahabeya – Luxurious Stay

Price: From $99 per night with breakfast and dinner included, or $134 for an all-inclusive package.

Amenities: Jaz Dahabeya features a fantastic pool with a view of the sea and its own private beach. The views are simply stunning.

Water Sports: You can enjoy a variety of water sports right on the private beach.

Activities: The amazing team organizes activities and games throughout the day and evening, ensuring there’s always something to do.

Overall Summary: Best Budget and Luxury Hotels in Dahab

Dahab, Egypt, offers a range of options for every traveler.

For budget-friendly stays, hostels like Rafiki Hostel and My Hostel in Dahab provide great value and a social vibe.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, Club Red Dahab and Penguin Village offer comfort and beautiful views.

For a touch of luxury, Safir Dahab Resort and Jaz Dahabeya deliver premium amenities and stunning settings.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Dahab has the perfect place for you.

5. Top Things to Do in Dahab, Egypt

Dahab, South Sinai, was one of our favorite places in Egypt. We loved the relaxed atmosphere where you’re not constantly hassled by vendors. The laid-back vibe was a refreshing change.

We also appreciated the variety of activities available. Here are a few of our top picks:

Best Beach in Dahab

Our favorite beach in Dahab was Lago Beach. It’s within walking distance from the town center, provided it’s not too hot. Otherwise, you can easily take a taxi—just be sure to negotiate the fare.

The water is simply gorgeous, with its crystal-clear, turquoise hue and stunning mountain backdrop. It was unlike anything we’d ever seen.

The Lagon beach is also perfect for stargazing at night. We were lucky enough to witness a meteor shower while we were there.

Magic Lake

On your way from the town center to Lago Beach, you’ll pass by Magic Lake. It’s a small, picturesque lagoon known for its tranquil setting and beautiful, clear water. It’s a lovely spot to stop and take in the scenery before continuing your walk to the beach.

Diving in Dahab

Many travelers visit Dahab for its stunning underwater scenery. There are plenty of diving options available; you can dive right in Dahab or book a day trip to iconic sites like The Canyon and the famous Blue Hole. Two top diving companies to consider are:

Red Sea Diving College
Dahab Divers

You can also book diving trips through many of the accommodations presented earlier.

Free diving in Dahab, Egypt

If you’re like us, you might have discovered Dahab through the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. If you haven’t watched it yet, you definitely should!

Dahab has been renowned for its free diving schools for many years. It’s the perfect place to give free diving a try or to improve your skills. Two of the top schools are Dahab Freedivers and Freedive Dahab.

Snorkeling in Dahab

If you enjoy snorkeling, there are various tours available. You can explore popular spots like the Three Pools and Blue Hole, which are covered in other sections.

But you can also find some great snorkeling spots right from the beach. To discover these hidden gems, just ask the locals or your hotel staff.

Our favorite secret spot—where we didn’t see anyone else around—was truly special. The picture below shows you the exact spot.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Dahab is a great spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to its consistent winds and calm waters. The best place to enjoy these activities is at Dahab Lagoon, where the wind conditions are ideal for both beginners and experienced riders.

Several hotels mentioned earlier, like Jaz Dahabeya and Club Red Dahab, offer easy access to these spots and can help you arrange lessons or equipment rentals.

Blue Hole

The Blue Hole in Dahab, Egypt, is a breathtaking underwater sinkhole, famous for its deep blue water and rich marine life, plunging over 100 meters deep.

First, to fully enjoy the Blue Hole, diving is your best option. You can easily take a day trip to this amazing spot from Dahab.

Then, if diving isn’t your thing, you can still experience the impressive Blue Hole by joining a snorkeling trip. Some tours even include multiple snorkeling locations, with the Blue Hole as a highlight.

Colored Canyon

The Colored Canyon is known for its stunning rock formations with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, carved by wind and water over centuries.

A typical tour includes a guided hike through the narrow, winding paths of the canyon, where you can marvel at the unique shapes and colors.

Most tours also include a stop at a nearby Bedouin village or other natural attractions, making it a full day of adventure. You can book this tour through most hotels or travel agencies in Dahab.

We weren’t lucky enough to visit the Colored Canyon since it’s impossible to go in August due to the extreme heat, making the hike unsafe and uncomfortable.

However, if you’re there in the cooler months, from October to April, it seems like an incredible spot to explore.

Three Day Mount Sinai Trek

The 3-Day Small-Group Guided Hiking Expedition in the Sinai Desert offers an immersive experience through breathtaking desert landscapes. Over three days, you’ll hike through dramatic terrain, camp under the stars, and enjoy traditional meals. The tour includes cultural insights from a local guide, providing a deep dive into the natural beauty and heritage of the Sinai Desert.

Three pool and Quad – Disappointment

We took this tour as our last activity during our stay in Dahab and really enjoyed the quad biking experience. Driving across the mountains was fantastic, and we were lucky to have a personal guide who helped us avoid the crowds.

Unfortunately, the Three Pools, which must have been amazing once, are now overcrowded with tourists. The corals are mostly dead, and our attempt to swim was frustrating as we were constantly bumped by inexperienced swimmers.

We wouldn’t recommend this spot at all.

Overall

Overall, Dahab offers activities for every interest, from thrilling free diving to relaxing snorkeling excursions.

Beyond these, you can also enjoy rock climbing, biking, desert safaris, and cultural experiences. Dahab, Egypt, truly feels like a paradise. We spent a week there and could have easily stayed much longer to experience everything it has to offer.

6. Additional Tips for Visiting Dahab, South Sinai

Respect Local Customs: South Sinai is home to the Bedouin people, who have their own customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, and be respectful of local customs.

Cash is King: While many places accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns or for small purchases.

Safety First: Always follow safety guidelines, especially for activities like diving, snorkeling, or desert driving. Make sure you are with a reputable guide or tour operator.

Local Cuisine: Try local Bedouin dishes and enjoy fresh seafood. Dahab offers some fantastic dining options that reflect the region’s diverse culinary influences.

Stay Connected: While South Sinai is relatively remote, many areas have good mobile network coverage.

Environmental Responsibility: Be mindful of your environmental impact. Follow the “Leave No Trace” principles, especially when exploring natural sites and protected areas.

Overall Guide to Dahab, South Sinai: Your Ultimate Travel Tips and Insights

Dahab, Egypt, is a gem of South Sinai, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From thrilling diving and snorkeling experiences to serene beach days and cultural explorations, there’s something for everyone.

With its welcoming atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and a range of activities, Dahab truly feels like a paradise. Whether you’re drawn by its underwater wonders or simply seeking a peaceful escape, you’ll find plenty to love in this unique destination.

We spent a memorable week there and could have easily stayed longer to fully immerse ourselves in all it has to offer. To discover our second favorite stop in Egypt, make sure to read How to Choose the Best White Desert Tour .