Dahab

داهب

A laid-back beach town on the Gulf of Aqaba famous for its Blue Hole, a renowned diving spot with dramatic underwater formations. It offers a more bohemian alternative to Sharm with excellent diving, windsurfing, and budget-friendly accommodations.

Things to do

• Blue Hole Diving — Descend into Dahab's most famous underwater sinkhole featuring a dramatic 110-meter-deep circular formation and vibrant coral walls, suitable for advanced divers.
• Canyon Dive — Explore a narrow underwater canyon with stunning wall formations and rich marine life, accessible to intermediate divers starting from the Dahab coast.
• Windsurfing at Lagoon Beach — Take advantage of consistent northwesterly winds on the sheltered lagoon, ideal for beginners and experienced windsurfers alike.
• Bedouin Camel Trek — Journey into the nearby Sinai desert on camelback to experience Bedouin culture, visit local camps, and enjoy sunset views over the mountains.
• Snorkeling at Coral Gardens — Wade into shallow reefs near the town to observe colorful coral formations and tropical fish without requiring certification.
• Beach Lounging at Assalah — Relax on Dahab's main sandy beach strip lined with budget hotels, casual cafés, and a laid-back bohemian atmosphere perfect for sunset watching.

Food to try

• Grilled Fish with Za'atar — Fresh catch from the Gulf of Aqaba seasoned with thyme and herbs, typically served whole with lemon and olive oil at beachside restaurants.
• Koshari — A beloved Egyptian street food combining rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with spiced tomato sauce and vinegar, found at casual local eateries.
• Bedouin Tea (Shai Bedouin) — Sweet mint or herbal tea brewed in traditional copper pots, often served during evening gatherings at camps or waterfront cafés as a social ritual.
• Umm Ali — A warm Egyptian dessert made with phyllo pastry, milk, coconut, and nuts, baked until golden and served as a comforting treat in local bakeries.
• Falafel and Hummus Platters — Vegetarian mezze featuring crispy chickpea fritters and creamy chickpea dip with pita bread, staple budget-friendly meals throughout Dahab's cafés.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Diving Boundaries — The Blue Hole is dangerous for inexperienced divers; always dive with a certified local guide and strictly follow depth and time limits to avoid tragedy.
• Dress Modestly Outside Beach Areas — While Dahab is more liberal than inland Egypt, wearing loose clothing and covering shoulders when leaving the beach shows respect to local Bedouin and Muslim customs.
• Embrace Slow Travel Mentality — Dahab thrives on a relaxed pace; haggling is expected in shops, closing times are flexible, and spontaneous socializing with locals and other travelers is encouraged.
• Learn Basic Arabic Phrases — Greeting locals with 'Salaam alaikum' and attempting simple Arabic phrases earns genuine appreciation and often better service in small family-run establishments.