Dahab is a world-renowned coastal town on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula, approximately 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Sharm El-Sheikh. Unlike its glitzy neighbour, Dahab has maintained a distinctly laid-back, bohemian vibe, earning it a reputation as a “chill-out” capital.
The name “Dahab” means “gold” in Arabic, likely a reference to its stunning golden sand beaches. The town is strategically set on a beautiful bay against a dramatic backdrop of the Sinai mountains.
Dahab is famously divided into three main areas:
Dahab is a premier destination for diving and wind-based watersports, but it also serves as a major gateway for desert safaris and mountain trekking into the Sinai interior.
Interesting Facts & Figures
Diving & Marine Life:
World-Class Dive Site: Dahab is home to the Blue Hole, one of the most famous (and infamous) dive sites on Earth. It is a submarine sinkhole that drops to over 100 meters (328 feet) deep. Its beautiful coral arch at 56m is legendary, but the site’s depth has also made it dangerously alluring to technical divers.
The Canyon: Another iconic dive site, The Canyon is a stunning fissure in the reef that divers can swim through, exiting at around 30 meters.
Marine Reserve: The Dahab reef system is part of a protected area, boasting over 1,000 species of fish and 250 species of coral.
Culture & Vibe:
From Bedouin Village to Hippie Haven: Dahab was a small Bedouin fishing village until the 1980s, when it was discovered by Israeli and then international backpackers and divers. Its evolution from an off-the-grid hippie camp to a more established tourism centre is a key part of its character.
The Promenade: The main street, often called the “boardwalk” or “corniche,” has no actual boardwalk. It is a paved pedestrian path lined with sand-floor restaurants, a design that maintains its casual, barefoot atmosphere.
A Diving Mecca: There are over 50 dive centres in Dahab, catering to everyone from complete beginners to the most advanced technical divers.
Geography & Activities:
Wind City: The constant wind, especially north of town near the Laguna area, makes Dahab one of the top kite surfing and windsurfing destinations in the world. The shallow, flat water of the lagoon is ideal for learning.
Gateway to Adventure: Dahab is the main starting point for trips to other natural wonders, including:
Abu Galoum Protectorate (accessed by camel or 4×4)
The Blue Lagoon (a premier kite surfing spot)
The Coloured Canyon (a spectacular geological formation)
Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery (a ~2 hour drive)
Population: The permanent population is small, estimated at just under 15,000 people, but this swells significantly with tourists and seasonal workers.
Miscellaneous Figures:
Access: Most visitors fly into Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) and take a 90-minute taxi or bus ride to Dahab.
Diving Depth: The Blue Hole’s most famous feature, “the Arch,” is a tunnel that connects to the open sea at a depth of 56 meters (184 ft).
Awards: Dahab has frequently been listed in various travel magazines as one of the best diving and top value destinations in the world.
In summary, Dahab is a unique blend of world-class underwater adventure, bohemian charm, and rugged desert beauty, all served with a laid-back attitude that continues to captivate travelers.
