Overview

Once a remote coastal village inhabited solely by the local Bedouin, Dahab has undergone significant changes over the years. Just a decade ago, life there was still quite rustic. However, today it has transformed into a favorite vacation destination for both expats and locals seeking a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling sun and party scene of Sharm el Sheikh.

Dahab exudes a laid-back, bohemian vibe, nestled in a tranquil corner of the Sinai Peninsula. While it's not exactly a hidden gem, it is well-known among independent and adventurous travelers. The town has evolved into an "alternative resort," offering a mix of upmarket resorts and hotels alongside more modest accommodations. Visitors flock to Dahab for its world-class scuba and free diving, excellent restaurants and cafés, diverse lodging options, and thrilling desert adventures. For anyone with an open mind, Dahab is definitely a destination worth exploring.

Things to See & Do

Dahab is a small town, but there is plenty to do to keep you busy during your visit. Several of the activities may involve getting out of the city on a tour or with private transport, but many can easily be done without leaving town.

Take a stroll of the Dahab Boardwalk. This is one of the best ways to get acquainted with Dahab. Take in the vibe as you walk, the more north you go, the quieter the walk becomes. It’s very peaceful and calming. The center of the walkway is full of restaurants, cafes, massage and nail salons, diving companies, tour companies, and shops. It is very crowded and full of activity. There are a few restaurants and cafes on the north end, but they tend to be less crowded. If you keep going north you’ll arrive at a beach.

On the south end of the boardwalk, you’ll cross a bridge where you’ll find several jewelry and soap shops. If you reach Yum Yum, things start to get very local and you will rarely see tourists beyond this point. It is full of locals going about their daily activities.

Explore Dahab Town Center. The town is very laid back and easy to wander around and browse markets without being hassled or pressured to buy items for sale. It is still touristy with plenty to look at to buy and restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

Enjoy a quiet beach day. Follow the main street north until the seaside restaurants and cafes end, you’ll arrive at a stunning beach where the red rocky mountains extend in the distance and the palm trees jut out of the ground and run parallel to the coastline. This beach is a great spot to get up early and watch the sun rise in the east over the water. It’s also the perfect spot to enjoy a peaceful day by the ocean soaking in the sun.

Watch the sunset on the Dahab Cliffs at the northern cliffs. From the center of town, it is about a 30-minute walk to get to this point, you can also walk along the beach to get here. Once you reach the cliffs the views are breathtaking, you can see both the city and the sea.

Take a hike to Mt Sinai to see the sunrise. This is an overnight trip and can be done on your own or with a tour. With a tour, you typically leave Dahab around 10 pm and drive to the St Catherine area. From there, you’ll hike to the peak of Mt Sinai to see the sunrise, then head back down. St. Catherine’s Monastery is located at the bottom of the mountain.

Visit St Catherine’s Monastery. Even if you don’t do the hike, but you are interested in historical or religious importance, St Catherines Monastery is the oldest Christian monastery in the world that has been continuously inhabited. It is also the site of the “burning bush” from The Bible.

Go Scuba Diving or Free Diving. Dahab is the most well-known for scuba diving and free diving. People come here from all over the world just to dive. This is the ideal place to see some of the most incredible underwater sights.

Visit the nearby Blue Hole. This is what made Dahab globally renowned as a dive spot. This is a submarine sinkhole over 300 ft deep just off the shore of the Sinai Peninsula. There are only five of these sinkholes in the world. The blue hole is surrounded by colorful reefs full of stunning aquatic life.

Swim in the Wadi El Wishwashi. This big swimming hole in the mountains is an excursion not to be missed. The hole fills up due to the rains that fall every winter and is a natural oasis embellished with pools of fresh water, lush palm palms, and a little spring that supplies water to the nearby wildlife and vegetation. Sand dunes encircle the oasis, which is one of its distinctive characteristics. These dunes, which are constantly shifting, produce a stunning scene that varies with the wind and offers sweeping vistas of the oasis and adjacent mountains.

Go Kite Surfing along the Gulf of Aqaba. The area around Dahab is a paradise for kite surfers of all levels. On the far left side of the lagoon, there is a unique area that particularly appeals to kitesurfers, especially beginners. Referred to as the “puddle” by locals, this small lake is separated from the sea by a stretch of land. It stands out for its absence of corals, shallow depth, strong wind, and isolation from hotels and vegetation, making it an ideal spot for learning kitesurf.

Take a Boat Trip to explore the wonders of the Red Sea. There are several versions of this, from glass-bottom boats, boat, boats that include water activities, and tours of the waters on a half-day or full-day excursion, there are several different ways you can explore the Red Sea.

Ride a camel or go on a jeep safari in the desert. From coastal roads to the red mountains, taking in the surrounding landscapes of Dahab is a must-do. Riding a camel in the desert is a quintessential experience to explore the desert. Quad biking is another great option. There are several jeep tours offered in Dahab.