Dahab and Blue Hole

Dahab is a relaxed Red Sea town on the Gulf of Aqaba coast of South Sinai, about 95 km north-west of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, and is known for the Blue Hole, a celebrated snorkel and dive site a few kilometres north of the centre. The road journey takes around one and a half to two hours each way. Options include a day tour at roughly EGP 1,250-2,000, a public bus at about EGP 150-300 one way with only a few departures daily, or a taxi at roughly EGP 2,000-3,500 one way. A tour is simplest for a single day because it covers the transfer, entry and gear. The Blue Hole is a sinkhole that drops to great depth close to the shore, with a coral-lined rim suited to snorkelling and a shallow reef plateau beside it. Experienced divers use the nearby Arch, but this is a technical hazard, and visitors should only dive with a certified local centre. Wind usually picks up after late morning, so arriving before 11:00 gives calmer water and better visibility. In town, the Lighthouse area and Masbat beach, along the Dahab promenade, hold a dense string of seafront cafes, dive shops, bazaars and small restaurants. A suggested day starts with a 07:30 departure from Sharm, a snorkel session at the Blue Hole in the morning, then lunch at a Masbat or Lighthouse cafe, where fresh fish, falafel and Bedouin-style tea are common. The afternoon can be spent on the promenade, browsing shops or relaxing on the beach before the return drive, leaving around 15:30 to arrive about 17:00. October to May offers the most comfortable weather, while summer is very hot and windy. Visitors should bring a swimsuit, reef-friendly sun protection, a towel and cash, since card use is not universal in smaller cafes. Respect for local dress norms is appreciated away from the beach. Dahab also hosts windsurfing and kitesurfing, which suit visitors who plan a longer stay.