Dahab Travel Guide

The Blue Hole at Dahab is a famed sinkhole on the Red Sea coast of Sinai, its water a dreamlike deep blue with vertical walls dropping past 100 metres. A pilgrimage for divers worldwide, yet nicknamed the 'divers' graveyard' for its depth and narcosis — an extreme sea where thrill meets beauty. The shore platform is the snorkel and free-dive launch; only seasoned divers attempt the deep arch.

The Islands, a chain of coral pinnacles off Dahab, condenses the Red Sea reef into one site. Divers weave between summits along saddle passages where coral terraces shelter jacks, snappers and lionfish; turtles and reef sharks may appear. Reached by boat, its maze-like layout suits divers and snorkellers alike.

Moray Garden is a classic shore dive south of Dahab, named for the garden eels swaying above its sand slopes. Enter from the beach onto a gentle slope of coral gardens where turtles, blue-spotted rays and groupers appear. Mild currents and clear water make it a favourite for snorkellers and divers alike.

Golden Canyon is a narrow sandstone gorge in the Sinai desert behind Dahab, its walls glowing gold, amber and rust as light pours in from above. Walking the tight passages feels like moving through a lit tunnel. Most trips add a Bedouin tea break in the desert, perfect with morning diving.

Lighthouse Reef sits off Dahab's northern shore, an easy shore dive named for the small beacon nearby. Sheltered, coral-crowded shallows swarm with clownfish, butterflyfish and lionfish, while blue-spotted rays rest on the sand. Calm and current-free, it is where most Dahab beginners take their first breaths underwater.