Where is Dahab and how do you get there?
Dahab sits on the east coast of the Sinai Peninsula, 53 miles north of Sharm el-Sheikh. Your flight to Egypt lands at Sharm, then it is a Sharm-Dahab taxi (a 1h15 drive, $35-45). There are no direct flights into Dahab itself. Alternative: fly into Cairo, then we arrange your domestic flight Cairo-Sharm (1h) before the taxi transfer. SEV handles all your domestic flights inside Egypt - Cairo-Aswan, Aswan-Luxor, Cairo-Sharm and more - so you simply hop between Egypt's wonders. Tip: combine Dahab with a Nile cruise or a Cairo stopover to make the most of the trip.
What makes Dahab different from Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada?
Three big differences: (1) Atmosphere - Dahab is the former Bedouin village turned diver/backpacker hub since the 1980s, with a chic bohemian feel and restaurants right at the water's edge along the lagoons. Sharm and Hurghada are big resort towns. (2) Diving - Dahab is home to the legendary Blue Hole (a blue sinkhole 425 ft deep, a global top 10 for technical diving), Canyon, Bells and Eel Garden. Sharm has Ras Mohammed (the best for varied diving). (3) Price - Dahab runs 30-40% cheaper than Sharm for an equivalent boutique hotel + independent restaurants.
Which Dahab dives suit which level?
Beginners/Open Water: Lighthouse Reef (in front of the village, an accessible coral garden), Eel Garden (garden eels, max depth 65 ft). Intermediate level: Bells & Blue Hole (entry at the Bells at 88 ft, exit at the Blue Hole - the benchmark route), Canyon (a dramatic fault, 100 ft), Three Pools. Advanced/technical divers: The Arch at the Blue Hole (a passage at 185 ft, deep dives only with an experienced instructor - historically the most dangerous site in the world, absolute caution required). Snorkeling: Eel Garden, Lighthouse, Lagoona from the shore.
How much does a stay in Dahab cost?
Rough guide, 7 nights per person, based on 2 adults: Boutique 3★ hotel with half board (Coralia, Bedouin Moon, Acacia) - $430-650 per person. 4★ all-inclusive hotel (Iberotel, Tirana) - $650-970 per person. 5★ resort hotel (Le Méridien Dahab) - $970-1,400 per person. Sharm-Dahab taxi transfer on top: about $35-45 per person. Your domestic Egyptian flights (Cairo-Sharm and onward routes) are arranged by SEV as part of the service. A 10-dive package on top: $325-490 per person.
When is the best time to go to Dahab?
October-November and March-May are the perfect windows: 77-82°F by day, sea 75-79°F, moderate winds. December-February: 72-77°F by day, sea 72-73°F (chilly for diving - a 7mm wetsuit needed), cool nights (50-59°F). June-August: 95-104°F, water 82-86°F - bearable for diving but hot out of the water during the day. Summer = the best dive visibility (up to 130 ft). Wind: Dahab is windy all year (which is why kitesurfing and windsurfing are popular) - great for watersports, occasionally a nuisance on the evening terraces.
What is there to do in Dahab besides diving?
On land: a Sinai desert excursion (4x4 + Bedouin bivouac under the stars), a sunrise trek up Mount Sinai (Mount Moses) + Saint Catherine's Monastery (an overnight excursion from Dahab), the Colored Canyon (a multicolored canyon an hour away by 4x4). On the water: kitesurfing and windsurfing (Dahab is one of the best spots in the world), snorkeling at Lagoona, camel rides on the beach. Atmosphere: dinners on cushions at the water's edge in Asilah or Mashraba, Bedouin markets (silver jewelry, fabrics, shisha pipes), beach yoga classes.
Is Dahab a good fit for families with children?
More geared to couples and divers than families. There are no big family resorts with water parks (unlike Hurghada). The hotels are smaller, with a boutique feel. For families with teens (12+): Dahab works well - teenagers will love the snorkeling, the desert excursions and the bohemian vibe. For younger children: go for Hurghada (Sunrise Royal Makadi, Pickalbatros Aqua Blu) or Sharm el-Sheikh (Rixos) instead. Beaches: mostly rocky (reefs close to shore), not ideal for little ones who want to play in the sand.
Can you combine Dahab with other Egyptian destinations?
Popular combinations: (1) Cairo + Nile cruise + Dahab (12-14 days) - a complete itinerary with a diving finale. (2) Dahab + Sharm el-Sheikh (10 nights, 5+5) - Dahab for the vibe + pure diving, Sharm for resort comfort. (3) Dahab + Mount Sinai + Petra (Jordan) - a culture/adventure trip of 12-14 days via the Nuweiba-Aqaba ferry (a 1h30 crossing) + Petra + Wadi Rum. (4) Dahab + Bahariya White Desert (10 nights) - a sea + desert adventure combo.
