Discover Dahab
Where Desert Meets the Red Sea
Travel Guide by
Rafiki Hostels Community
10,000+ travelers explored Dahab with us
🌊 Ever dreamed of diving the world's most famous underwater sinkhole? Learning to kitesurf in stupidly perfect wind? Or catching sunrise on Mount Sinai before your coffee kicks in?
On the southeastern edge of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, Dahab started as a quiet Bedouin fishing village — and somehow turned into one of the world's best-kept travel secrets. While the tour-bus crowds pile into Sharm el-Sheikh, the real ones find their way here.
Whether you're here to dive the legendary Blue Hole, shred wind at the Lagoon, hike Mount Sinai at 2 AM, or just do absolutely nothing on a beach cushion with a shisha in hand — Dahab gets it. No pretense. No rush. Just sun, sea, and a vibe so good you'll extend your stay (everyone does). This is your guide to all of it.
6 Reasons You'll Fall in Love 💙
From diving deep in the Red Sea to watching the sun rise over Mount Sinai, here's why Dahab isn't just a trip — it's a flex.
World-Class Diving
Legendary dives? We've got the big one — the Blue Hole. Plus dozens of unreal coral-packed sites waiting for you. Oh, and that PADI certification you've been postponing? Get it here for up to 40% less than elsewhere.
- Crystal-clear waters with 30m+ visibility
- Shore diving at world-famous sites
- PADI courses from $250-350
Incredibly Affordable
Stretch your budget? Easy. Dahab has killer hostels, drool-worthy food, and epic adventures — all at "Wait… that's it?" prices.
- Dorm beds from $10-15/night
- Fresh seafood dinners under $10
- Daily budget: $20-35 total
Kite & Windsurf Paradise
Dahab Lagoon: where wind is always on your side, waters are shallow and safe, and mountains show off just for you. Kitesurf here and thank us later.
- Perfect wind April-October
- Beginner-friendly shallow lagoon
- Professional schools & rentals
Desert Adventures
Beyond the sea, the sunrise hikes up Mount Sinai, camel rides that feel straight out of a movie, Bedouin campfire dinners, and starry skies.
- Mount Sinai sunrise trek (2,285m)
- Bedouin camps under the stars
- Colored Canyon & quad biking
Laid-Back Vibes
Dahab's relaxed, hippie atmosphere is contagious. No aggressive touts, no tourist traps—just genuine hospitality and good vibes.
- Beach cushion cafes with shisha
- Yoga studios & wellness retreats
- Safe for solo travelers
Backpacker Community
Meet travelers from around the world! Dahab's vibrant social scene makes it easy to connect, share stories, and make lifelong friends.
- Daily group trips & activities
- Beach BBQs & live music nights
- International community vibe
Dive Into the Red Sea 🤿
Dahab: home to dive spots so good you won't believe they're literally a stroll from the beach.
The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole — Dahab's crown jewel and possibly the most famous dive spot on the planet. 100 meters deep. Vibrant marine life. And the legendary "Arch" dive at 56 meters — only for the brave.
Not a pro? No worries. Snorkel the rim and watch the deep blue drop like it's showing off. Fish, turtles, maybe even a dolphin or two — this place is basically the Red Sea's VIP lounge.
Location
15km north of town
Depth
100m+ sinkhole
💡 Pro Tip
Beat the crowds and catch the water at its clearest — 7–9 AM is prime time. Cash is king here, so don't forget some for the entrance fee and a beachside snack. Your future self will thank you.
The Canyon
Exhilarating dives. Narrow passages. Swim-throughs. Coral walls so dramatic they deserve their own soundtrack.
Lighthouse Reef
Perfect for night dives with incredible coral gardens and abundant marine life.
Eel Garden
Perfect for beginners, soft sandy bottoms and hundreds of curious garden eels popping up like underwater neighbors.
Three Pools
Colorful coral gardens. Soft corals. And a unique three-pool lagoon system that feels like nature designed it just to show off.
Get PADI Certified in Dahab
Dahab isn't just one of the best places in the world to get certified. It's one of the smartest. Get your Open Water for around $250–350 (yep, not $500+ like most places). Same certification. Same standards. Way better story. Small groups. Pro instructors. And your "classroom"? World-class Red Sea dive sites.
🏆 Popular centers: H2O Divers, Poseidon Divers, Blue Beach Club. Most offer free accommodation during your course!
Desert Adventures 🏜️
The Sinai Desert offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences just a short trip from the beach
Mount Sinai Sunrise Trek 🌄
This hike isn't just about stunning sunrises; it's about experiencing history and spirituality. The hike starts at 2 AM, up to Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa), where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments. Then you reach 2,285 meters just as the sun rises and sets the mountains on fire! Gold, pink, purple, unreal.
Choose your challenge: the legendary "Steps of Repentance" — 3,750 stone steps carved by monks — or the longer, easier camel path. Tours include transport, local Bedouin guides, tea at the summit, and a visit to the historic Saint Catherine's Monastery.
Duration
10-12 hours
Price
$30-50
Altitude
2,285m
Difficulty
Moderate
What to Bring
Warm layers (it gets freezing at the summit!), water, snacks, headlamp, comfortable hiking shoes, and cash for entrance fees. Dress in layers you can remove as you warm up during the climb.
🐫 Bedouin Desert Camp
Overnight Experience
Spend a night in a traditional Bedouin camp deep in the desert. Sip strong tea, tear into fresh bread, devour hearty stews, and swap stories around the fire. Wake up to a sunrise so peaceful that steal your breath.
🏜️ Colored Canyon
Full Day Trip
A day trip to the Colored Canyon near Nuweiba is pure desert magic. Red, purple, yellow, and gold rocks twist and turn as you hike narrow passages and scramble over boulders. Nature showing off? Absolutely.
Beach Life & Water Sports 🏖️
Perfect weather. Crystal-clear waters. Endless ways to avoid responsibilities in the Red Sea.
Dahab's coastline is split into two main areas: Masbat Bay (the main "backpacker" area with most hostels, restaurants, and dive centers) and the Dahab Lagoon to the north (the kitesurfing and windsurfing hub). Both offer pristine waters, coral reefs just meters from shore, and that trademark Dahab laid-back vibe.
Whether you're looking to master kitesurfing, explore freediving, or simply lounge on beach cushions watching the world go by, Dahab's beach culture is all about slowing down and living in the moment.
Kitesurfing
The Ultimate Spot
The Dahab Lagoon is a kitesurfer's dream: shallow turquoise water, consistent winds (April-October), and a stunning mountain backdrop. Beginners can learn safely while experts enjoy freestyle conditions.
💡 Top Schools: Harry Nass Center, Kite Safari, H2O Kite Center
Freediving
World-Class Training
Dahab is internationally recognized as one of the best places in the world to learn freediving. The Blue Hole provides the perfect training ground with deep water, calm conditions, and experienced instructors.
💡 Top Schools: Freedive Dahab, Blue Hole Freediving, Deep Sensations
Windsurfing
Steady Winds
The Lagoon's consistent thermal winds and flat water make it ideal for windsurfing. Whether you're learning your first water start or practicing freestyle moves, conditions are near-perfect.
💡 Lagoon Location: 5km north of Masbat (easy taxi/bike ride)
The Art of Doing Nothing
Sometimes the best thing to do in Dahab is.. Absolutely nothing! Sit back, soak up the sun, sip a tea, and watch the town work its magic. The beach vibes here? Totally different from anywhere else in Egypt.
Beach Cushion Cafes
Dozens of beachfront cafes with colorful cushions, shisha pipes, fresh juices, and views for days. Order a drink, sink into comfort, and watch the world float by.
Yoga & Wellness
Beachfront yoga studios offer morning classes ($5-10), meditation retreats, and sunset sessions. Popular spots: Dahab Yoga, Om Shanti, Red Sea Relax Resort.
Shore Snorkeling
Grab your mask and fins—spectacular coral gardens are literally 10 meters from shore at many beaches. Free, accessible, and teeming with marine life.
The Dahab Vibe
"In Dahab, you come for a few days… and somehow a week turns into two, then three. Time slows down. Stress? Forgotten. Just sun, sea, and vibes so chill they should come with a warning label."
Kite Season
Apr-Oct
Best: Jun-Aug
Water Temp
22-28°C
Year-round diving
Beach Vibe
Laid-back
Zero hassle
Cafe Culture
50+ spots
Beachfront cushions
Info You Actually Need 📋
Before you book your flight… read this (trust us).
Best Time to Visit
Year-round sunshine!
🌟 BEST: March-May & Sept-Nov
Perfect weather (25-30°C), fewer crowds, ideal for all activities
☀️ HOT: June-August
Hot (35-40°C) but great for diving. Peak kite season!
❄️ COOL: Dec-February
Cooler (15-25°C), low season = best prices
How to Get There
Multiple options
From Sharm Airport (SSH)
Our shuttle drops you downtown in 90 mins, stress-free. ($34)
From Cairo
Bus (8-10 hours, $10-20) or domestic flight to Sharm + transfer
From Israel
Taba border crossing, then bus/taxi to Dahab (3-4 hours total)
Budget Breakdown
Super affordable!
💡 Pro Tip: Bargain for activities, eat where locals eat, and take cooking classes to save even more!
What to Pack
Essentials only
Ready to Experience
Dahab's Magic? ✨
Pick your perfect hostel vibe. Plan your adventures. Start your Red Sea chaos. Dive. Climb. Lounge. Repeat.
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