Blue Lagoon

البحيرة الزرقاء

A stunning sheltered lagoon near Dahab featuring brilliant turquoise waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities with minimal currents, ideal for swimmers of all levels. The shallow, pristine waters and abundant marine life make it a memorable Red Sea experience.

Things to do

• Snorkeling in the Lagoon — Explore the shallow turquoise waters teeming with colorful reef fish, corals, and occasional sea turtles in one of the Red Sea's most accessible snorkeling spots.
• Swimming and Wading — Wade into the calm, crystal-clear waters that are ideal for non-swimmers and children due to minimal currents and gradual depth increase.
• Beachside Relaxation — Relax on the sandy shore surrounded by sheltering cliffs and enjoy the Mediterranean-style beach atmosphere with stunning turquoise backdrop.
• Sunset Viewing from the Cliffs — Watch the sun descend over the Red Sea from the surrounding limestone cliffs for dramatic photography and romantic evening atmosphere.
• Glass-Bottom Boat Ride — Observe marine life from a boat without getting wet by viewing the seafloor and coral gardens through transparent hull panels.
• Underwater Photography — Capture vibrant images of tropical fish, anemones, and coral formations in shallow, well-lit waters ideal for both amateur and professional underwater cameras.

Food to try

• Grilled Red Sea Fish — Fresh whole fish caught locally and chargrilled with lemon, garlic, and olive oil, typically served with rice and salad at beachfront restaurants.
• Koshari — A hearty Egyptian street food combining rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with tomato sauce and crispy fried onions, popular quick meal in Dahab.
• Shrimp Saganaki — Plump Mediterranean shrimp sautéed with tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs, a signature seafood dish reflecting both Egyptian and Greek influences.
• Ful Medames — Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with garlic, cumin, and olive oil, traditionally eaten for breakfast and widely available at local cafés near the lagoon.
• Fresh Mezze Platters — Assorted small plates including hummus, baba ganoush, tabouleh, and freshly baked pita bread, perfect for sharing while overlooking the turquoise waters.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Swimming Attire Norms — While tourists wear standard beachwear, be mindful that modest swimwear is appreciated; cover-ups like sarongs are respectful when leaving the water in local areas.
• Learn Basic Arabic Greetings — Simple phrases like 'Marhaba' (hello) and 'Shukran' (thank you) are warmly received by local vendors and boatmen who appreciate visitors' cultural respect.
• Observe Prayer Times — Many local businesses close briefly during the five daily Islamic prayer times; plan restaurant visits and activity bookings around these schedules, particularly midday and sunset.
• Negotiate Respectfully in Markets — Haggling is customary and expected at beach vendors and local shops, but it should be done with good humor and respect as part of genuine cultural exchange.