This Dahab travel guide covers the best things to do in Dahab: the Blue Hole, the Lighthouse reef, windsurfing and laid-back seafront cafés. Below you will also find the best time to visit Dahab, how to get there and around, and a choice of hotels in Dahab.
Dahab lies on the Gulf of Aqaba coast of South Sinai, about an hour and a half’s drive north of Sharm El Sheikh. Once a small Bedouin fishing settlement, it grew from the 1980s into one of the Red Sea’s most laid-back resorts, with low-rise camps, small hotels and seafront cafes rather than big resorts. Its name means “gold” in Arabic, often said to refer to its golden sands.
Neighbourhoods
The town stretches along the bay. Assalah, the original Bedouin village, has bakeries and local shops; Masbat and Mashraba form the busy promenade of restaurants, dive centres and shops; Lighthouse is the quieter, family-friendly area with a shore dive right off the promenade; and to the south, the sheltered Laguna is the windsurfing and kitesurfing hub.
What to see and do
- Blue Hole: a deep sinkhole in the reef north of town, famous among freedivers and snorkellers. Deep dives through the Arch have caused many deaths, so dive within your training and with a reputable centre.
- Shore diving and snorkelling: reefs such as Lighthouse, the Canyon and the Islands can be reached straight from the beach.
- Ras Abu Galum Protected Area: a rugged stretch of coast north of the Blue Hole, protected since 1992 and reachable only on foot, by camel or by boat, with Bedouin camps and fine snorkelling.
- Wind sports: steady winds make Laguna one of Egypt’s best spots for beginners and experienced windsurfers and kitesurfers.
- Desert trips: jeep and camel trips into the mountains, and overnight trips to St Catherine and Mount Sinai.
Practical tips
Three to five days lets you dive or snorkel, relax and take a desert trip, though many people stay far longer. The town is spread out; walk the promenade and use taxis between districts. Cash machines can run out at weekends, so keep some cash. Dress modestly away from the beach, carry your passport for checkpoints, and bring reef shoes.
Last checked October 2026. Sources: roughguides.com, ask-aladdin.com, english.ahram.org.eg, circledivers.com.
Historical background
Tourist ideas
At a glance
Arabic nameدهب
GovernorateSouth Sinai
Trip typeDiving, backpacker
Best seasonYear-round
Ideal stay3–5 days
Nearest airportSharm El Sheikh (SSH)
Complete guide to Dahab
About the city, its weather, the best time to visit and how to get there.
About Dahab
- Arabic name
- دهب
- Governorate
- South Sinai
- Region
- Sinai
- Good for
- Diving, backpacker
- Travel region
- Sinai
What is the weather like in Dahab?
- Jan
- Apr
- Jul
- Oct
Average daytime highs, °C. Reference: Sharm El Sheikh and South Sinai.
When is the best time to visit Dahab?
- Best season
- Year-round
- Ideal stay
- 3–5 days
The sea stays warm enough for diving and snorkelling all year; winter evenings are cool and windy.
How do I get to Dahab?
- Nearest airport
- Sharm El Sheikh (SSH)
Flights to Sharm El Sheikh and buses from Cairo. Carry your passport for road checkpoints.
What to see in Dahab
- Blue Hole
- Lighthouse reef
- windsurfing
- laid-back cafes
Archaeological sites in South Sinai governorate
Museums in South Sinai governorate
Things to do from Dahab
Day trips with hotel pickup, run by a local operator. Book directly with them.
Where to eat in Dahab
Ralph's German Bakery مخبز رالف الألماني
Favourite breakfast stop for bread, pastries and coffee.
Lakhbatita لخبطيطة
Quirky, eclectically decorated seafront restaurant known for homemade pasta.
King Chicken كينج تشيكن
Cheap and cheerful local spot for grilled chicken and Egyptian sides.
Blue House البيت الأزرق
Rooftop Thai restaurant with sea views and well-regarded curries.
Shark Restaurant مطعم شارك
Long-running, budget-friendly restaurant with large portions.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Shopping in Dahab
Dahab Promenade (Masbat & Lighthouse) ممشى دهب (المسبط والفنار)
Seafront walkway lined with Bedouin crafts, silver jewellery, clothing and dive shops.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Dahab?
You can visit Dahab year-round.
How do I get to Dahab?
Flights to Sharm El Sheikh and buses from Cairo. Carry your passport for road checkpoints.
What is the nearest airport to Dahab?
The nearest airport to Dahab is Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH).
How many days should I spend in Dahab?
Plan to spend 3–5 days in Dahab.
What are the must-see places in Dahab?
The must-see places in Dahab include the Blue Hole and Lighthouse reef, and visitors also enjoy windsurfing and laid-back cafes.
Where can I eat in Dahab?
Popular choices include Ralph's German Bakery, Lakhbatita, King Chicken, Blue House. See the dining section above for more.
Where can I go shopping in Dahab?
Try Dahab Promenade (Masbat & Lighthouse). See the shopping section above.
