Where is Dahab and how to get there?
Dahab is located on the east coast of the Sinai Peninsula, 85 km north of Sharm el-Sheikh. You reach Dahab from your flight to Egypt to Sharm el-Sheikh, then by taxi to Dahab (1h15 drive, £20-£30). If your tour includes Cairo, the domestic flight Cairo-Sharm (1 hour) is organized and included by SEV - all your domestic flights in Egypt are organized and included by SEV. Tip: combine Dahab with a Nile cruise or a stopover in Cairo to optimize the trip.
What makes Dahab different from Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada?
Three major differences: (1) Atmosphere - Dahab is the former Bedouin village converted into a divers/backpackers hub since the 80s, bohemian chic atmosphere, waterfront restaurants on the lagoons. Sharm/Hurghada = big resorts. (2) Diving - Dahab hosts the mythical Blue Hole (blue hole 130 m deep, world top 10 tek diving), Canyon, Bells, Eel Garden. Sharm has Ras Mohammed (best for varied diving). (3) Price - Dahab is 30-40% cheaper than Sharm for boutique-hotel equivalent + external restaurants.
Which dive in Dahab for which level?
Beginners/Open Water: Lighthouse Reef (in front of the village, accessible coral garden), Eel Garden (garden eels, max depth 20 m). Intermediate level: Bells & Blue Hole (entrance via the Bells at 27 m, exit at the Blue Hole - reference circuit), Canyon (spectacular fault 30 m), Three Pools. Advanced/tek divers: The Arch at the Blue Hole (passage to 56 m, deep dives only with experienced instructor - historically the most dangerous site in the world, absolute caution). Snorkeling: Eel Garden, Lighthouse, Lagoona from the shore.
How much does it cost to stay in Dahab?
Indicative 7 nights per person, based on 2 adults: 3★ boutique hotel with half board (Coralia, Bedouin Moon, Acacia) -
£310-£460/person. 4★ all-inclusive hotel (Iberotel, Tirana) -
£460-£690/person. Hotel 5★ resort (Le Méridien Dahab) -
£690-£1,000/person. Your flight to Egypt is your responsibility and not included in these prices.
Diving package 10 dives extra: £230-£350/person. For a personalized quote including transfers and domestic flights, contact the SEV team on
WhatsApp.
When is the best time to go to Dahab?
October-November and March-May are the perfect periods : 25-28°C day, sea 24-26°C, moderate winds. December-February: 22-25°C day, sea 22-23°C (cool for diving - 7mm wetsuit required), cool nights (10-15°C). June-August: 35-40°C, water 28-30°C - bearable for diving but hot days outside the sea. Summer = better diving visibility (up to 40m). Winds: Dahab is windy all year round (kitesurfing and windsurfing popular) - good for water sports, sometimes strenuous on evening terraces.
What to do in Dahab besides diving?
Land activities: Sinai desert excursion (4x4 + Bedouin bivouac under the stars), Mount Sinai (Mount Moses) trek at sunrise + Sainte-Catherine monastery (overnight excursion from Dahab), Colored Canyon (multicolored canyon 1 hour away in 4x4). Sea activities: kitesurfing and windsurfing (Dahab is one of the best spots in the world), snorkeling in Lagoona, camel rides on the beach. Atmosphere: dinners on cushions at the water's edge in Asilah or Mashraba, Bedouin markets (silver jewelry, fabrics, hookahs), yoga classes on the beach.
Is Dahab suitable for families with children?
More geared towards couples and divers than families. No large family resorts with water parks (unlike Hurghada). The hotels are smaller, boutique atmosphere. For families with teenagers (12+): Dahab works - teens will enjoy snorkeling, desert excursions, and the bohemian atmosphere. For younger children: prefer Hurghada (Sunrise Royal Makadi, Pickalbatros Aqua Blu) or Sharm el-Sheikh (Rixos). Beaches: mostly rocky (reefs close to the edge), not very suitable for little ones who want to play in the sand.
Combine Dahab with other Egyptian destinations?
Popular combinations: (1) Cairo + Nile Cruise + Dahab (12-14 days) - complete circuit with final diving. (2) Dahab + Sharm el-Sheikh (10 nights including 5+5) - Dahab for the atmosphere + pure diving, Sharm for resort comfort. (3) Dahab + Mount Sinai + Petra (Jordan) - religious/adventure trip 12-14 days via Nuweiba-Aqaba boat (1h30 crossing) + Petra + Wadi Rum. (4) Dahab + Bahariya White Desert (10 nights) - combined sea + desert adventure.
