Guide to Top 10 Activities in Egypt’s Coastal Gem Dahab

The majority of people who come to Dahab are looking to spend their time in the water, or underwater since diving and snorkeling are the most common, and popular activities this region has to offer. But there are some more things to do in Dahab Egypt that you can discover in this article.

Dahab is a small village with approximately 15,000 inhabitants. The place attracts many backpackers with its many campsites and hostels, especially the region of Asalah (Bedouin village) in Masbat. Medina and Mashraba are the other two parts of the town, the first comes with the Laguna area, and the latter is more tourist-friendly with more hotels.

Dive or Snorkel

There are several great places in Dahab Egypt where you can explore marine life. The Blue Hole is one of the best dive sites and is only a short drive from Dahab. It is around 100 meters deep surrounded by a coral reef. The most experienced divers can come to the famous arch, a natural underwater tunnel that leads to the open sea.

The next one is the Canyon, an iconic site, a narrow fissure in the reef. It descends into a dramatic drop-off. It is more suitable for experienced divers who can explore many rock formations too.

Eel Garden, named after many eels living on the bottom surface, offers marine life with currents. Then there are several islands like Tiran Island, or Ras Abu Galum, that offer excellent conditions for divers or snorkelers to explore coral gardens, fish, and turtles.

Marine life includes a variety of species from parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, butterflyfish, and lionfish, to moray eels. Also, you can spot nudibranchs, piperfish, or seahorses.

Besides living creatures, the underwater spaces have some interesting wrecks like the C-130 Hercules airplane or the Lighthouse Wreck.

Relax on the Beach

Dahab has many beautiful beaches where you can relax, sunbathe, or do any of the watersports of your choice.

Lagoon Beach is located in the north. It is best for people who like windsurfing or kitesurfing. Its waters are shallow and calm. You can rent equipment or book a lesson. Around the beach, you will find many restaurants, cafes, and lots of shaded areas.

Assalah is another beach in the north, quiet, and not very crowded with some restaurants and cafes.

Dahab Bay is the main beach with a promenade. The place is great for snorkeling, and swimming. You can rent beachfront facilities like sunbeds or equipment for a fee. The beach has many cafes, shops, and restaurants.

In the south, you will find Eal Garden, a quiet spot, less crowded with snorkeling opportunities.

Lighthouse Beach is also in the south. It has a lighthouse thus it may be a valuable spot for photographers. There are several cafes or dive centers where you can book a tour or rent equipment.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Besides diving and snorkeling, there are some activities you can do while on the water. The most popular as the name suggests are windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

The best place for windsurfing is the Dahab Lagoon in the north of the city. The place has reliable, cross-shore winds blowing from the north. The conditions are suitable for beginners, and intermediate surfers. You can learn on your own, or book a lesson in any of the many windsurfing centers and schools. They also offer to rent the equipment for a fee. The windsurfing season usually runs from spring to autumn, from March to November is the peak season.

The lagoon is also a place where you can kitesurf. Some other spots include Blue Hole and Nabq. The season is the same as for windsurfing, from spring to autumn. You have the option to book a kitesurfing course in the school too.

Camel Trekking

Camel trekking is a great way to explore the landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula. Camels have been known as transportation choices for people in the region for centuries. Especially when they need to carry goods across deserts. They are an important part of the local Bedouin culture.

You can go on a desert safari for a couple of hours or even days usually as part of a guided tour. The tour guide will probably take you to some Bedouin camps too. Very popular trek early morning or late in the afternoon that gives you a chance to see the landscape in a different light during sunrise or sunset times.

Visit St. Catherine’s Monastery

The monastery is situated 122 km southwest of Dahab. You can reach it by car in about 2.-2.5 hours. If you want to book a guide there are several tour operators in the area. Some of the tours usually offer some additional sites to see like Mount Sinai.

It is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world – its history dates back to the 4^th century. The name comes from St. Catherine of Alexandria. She was a Christian martyr buried at the site. Nowadays it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Roman Emperor Justinian I was behind its construction in the 6^th century.

Some important key highlights include the Burning Bush (where Moses encountered God), the Chapel and Basilica, Museum (collection of icons, artifacts, and manuscripts).

Hike Mount Sinai

Sometimes also known as Mount Moses or Jebel Musa. The mountain has religious and historical importance. For example, it is the place where Moses received the 10 Commandments, or prophet Elijah used it as a refuge where he heard the voice of God.

You can hike it with a camel (even during the night), or with a donkey. Some tours combine hiking of Mount Sinai with a visit to the St. Catherine`s Monastery.

Shopping in Dahab’s Markets

The markets offer a variety of traditional Egyptian and Bedouin products as well as many handmade or crafted items.

The main marketplace with stalls and shops is right in the city center. Usually referred to as a souk offers clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, perfumes, oils, spices, or home decor. Another one is the Asala market located in the Asala area where you will find more traditional Bedoin goods like rugs, cushions, clothes, and accessories.

Try Bedouin Cuisine

Nomadic traditions of Bedouin life rely on simple ingredients that are easily available in the desert. You can expect meat of lamb and goat – roasted, grilled, or stewed. Bedouins have a special method, an ancient technique of underground cooking called Zarb – the meat is marinated with herbs, and spices and then placed in an underground oven. You can try it for example in a popular Ali Baba restaurant. Rice and flatbreads, herbs and spices are common and part of many dishes too.

Stargazing

Since there is not much light pollution Dahab, especially the Dahab desert is a fine place to watch the stars. You can just lie on the sand and gaze at the heaven, or use a telescope, or binoculars if you want to see a little bit closer.

Other spots include Mount Sinai, which has clearer and more clearer, and stable conditions, and Blue Lagoon where you can watch stars reflected in the waters.

Sometimes you can spot some special astronomical events such as meteor showers, planetary alignments, or lunar eclipses.

Learn to Freedive

Dahab is considered one of the best destinations for freediving. Often called Freediving Mecca. There are many schools or instructors that offer courses for all levels of experience. Besides basic courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced, it is possible to attend some special ones like photography courses for freedivers.

Training facilities are well equipped some with direct access to the sea. Practice locations usually include Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef, and the Canyon. After completing such a course you will receive a certification that may be recognized worldwide. There are also some competitions throughout the year for professionals and amateurs alike.

Accommodation

Budget-Friendly

Dahab Plaza Hotel in the center of Dahab offers clean and basic rooms, making it suitable for budget travelers.

Red Sea Relax Resort is a camp that provides a blend of budget and mid-range accommodations. It features beachfront huts and a laid-back atmosphere.

Mid-Range

Dahab Paradise is a mid-range option that provides spacious rooms, a pool, and easy access to snorkeling and diving spots.

Le Meridien Dahab Resort is a mid-range resort with comfortable rooms, a private beach, and multiple dining options.

Luxurious

The Bedouin Moon Hotel is a boutique hotel with a luxurious touch with elegant rooms, a stunning pool, and a tranquil setting away from the busy center of Dahab.

Swiss Inn Resort Dahab provides high-end accommodations with well-appointed rooms, numerous dining choices, and a range of water sports activities.

Safir Dahab Resort offers premium amenities, spacious rooms with sea views, a private beach, multiple swimming pools, and excellent dining options.

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