Dahab

Dahab, meaning 'gold' in Arabic, has an enviable location at the foot of the Sinai mountains about 100 km north of Sharm el Sheikh. A Bedouin settlement for many years, Dahab is well known for its unique, laid back atmosphere and some of the most spectacular diving in the Red Sea.

Legendary sites like the Blue Hole and the Canyon attract adrenaline seekers year after year, but easy access to sites from the shore, plus jeep and camel dive safaris, mean that Dahab is a great choice for divers of all levels of experience. Its deep waters also mean the chance to see not only large numbers of reef species but also the occasional pelagic and even the odd shark.

Learning to Dive

Most of the diving in Dahab is conducted from the shore, which makes it a good option for novice divers. Confined water training is often undertaken in the sea at sites such as the Lighthouse, with its large sandy slopes and gentle drop off. The wall and sprawling coral gardens offer a range of depths to suit all divers, as well as a spectacular variety of marine life and coral. The Islands is another well-known site that offers an underwater magical maze of vivid coral boulders, passages, amphitheatres and bowls in less than 18 m, and is home to barracuda and turtles.

Qualified Divers

The amazing topography of this underwater world is the main attraction of Dahab. Experienced divers and photography fans are really spoilt for choice, with a number of spectacular sites situated near the shore.

Deep and technical divers are particularly well catered for, and special trips are organised to take in the Bells, the Blue Hole and the Canyon. The depths of the Blue Hole are best left to technical divers as it drops to below 130 m, but the entry point is home to the Bells and an amazing ‘pool’ formed in the reef plate. The open water here is some of the clearest, deepest blue you have ever seen. The drop-off is magnificent and absolutely vertical, with overhangs and cavelets and an incredible diversity of marine life. Towards the end of the dive, it is possible to enter the Blue Hole at around 7 m and finish your dive inside the Blue Hole.

The Canyon is also a popular site and the result of ancient volcanic activity. Here the subterranean underwater tunnel has split along the top, allowing access from several points, and an amazing topography of grottos, caves and a beautiful ‘fishbowl’ at 20 m with a chamber packed full of billowing glassfish and anthias.

Twin Centre Diving

Diving in Dahab can also be combined with the spectacular diving available in Sharm, including the Ras Mohammed Marine Park. Please enquire with our friendly Regaldive team to discuss an itinerary.

Circle Divers Dahab

With its prime location in the enviable Jaz Dahabeya Resort in Dahab, Circle Divers offers a wide range of diving packages, courses, and unforgettable dive sites to explore. 

The professional team provides diverse diving packages tailored to suit different interests and skill levels, offering fantastic opportunities to discover the vibrant marine life and captivating underwater landscapes of this region of the Red Sea. Highlights include the iconic Blue Hole, renowned for its underwater arches and abundant marine life, and the captivating Canyon, characterised by its narrow passages and stunning rock formations.  

Other notable sites include the vibrant reefs of Eel Garden, Lighthouse, and Islands, where divers can encounter an array of colourful coral formations, tropical fish species, and even the occasional sea turtle or dolphin. 

For those looking to enhance their diving skills, the dive centre offers a comprehensive range of SSI and PADI courses. From entry-level certifications such as the Open Water Diver course to more advanced certifications like the Rescue Diver course, divers of all levels can expand their knowledge and expertise under the guidance of qualified instructors. Specialty courses, including underwater photography and wreck diving, are also available for those seeking to explore specific interests. 

The resort also benefits from a house reef, providing an ideal option for courses and refreshers. 

A typical 5 day, 10 dive package at Circle Divers starts from £250 per person, while an Open Water course begins from £300. 

The dive centre is located in the Jaz Dahabeya Hotel and is a short walk from the Swiss Inn Dahab. 

Dahab is located on the Sinai Peninsula, 100 km north of Sharm el Sheikh. There is a strong ethnic atmosphere due to the Bedouin community who have lived in the area for many years.

GETTING AROUND

Your journey through the barren desert from Sharm to Dahab takes in some fabulous scenery that is typical of the Sinai region. 

Climate

The hottest time of the year is July and August with air temperature well over 30 ºC. The coolest time is January with the temperature at around 20 ºC. Rainfall is negligable, and it is invariably sunny but breezes can be cool.

Time

Egypt is 1 or 2 hours ahead of GMT depending on the season as Egypt does not operate Daylight Saving Time.

Currency

Egyptian pounds or LE. Approximately £1 = 20LE

We recommend that you take some money in cash to Egypt. There is a currency exchange desk available at the hotel.  Please note that Scottish notes are not accepted in Egypt.

Tipping

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to travellers for personal recognition of the services offered. We would advise that you allow approx. £10 for gratuities for local staff for the duration of your stay.

Rough Price Guide

• Local beer: 65LE
• Snack meal (pizza/sandwich): 130LE
• Bottle of mineral water: 25LE
• Soft drink: 35LE

Flight Information

Flights are available to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) from a number of UK airports. Please refer to the tables below for typical flight schedules, or speak to our friendly travel consultants for the latest information.

Typical Annual Schedule

SSH = Sharm El Sheikh Airport

Key: * = Winter only (November to April), ** = Summer only (May to October), *** = Irregular schedule ask for more information

Flight duration: Approx 5 - 5½ hours

Transfer: Varies according to hotel. Minimum transfer time approx. 10 minutes, maximum transfer time approximately 30 minutes.

Departure tax:  N/A

Passports

Passengers travelling to Egypt must have six months valid on their passport from the date of departure from Egypt.

Visas

A single entry tourist visa for Egypt is required for all nationalities. For British passport holders with British citizenship, Egyptian visas can be obtained conveniently and inexpensively on arrival at Hurghada airport, or in advance via the new e-visa portal - Visa2Egypt. If you’re travelling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts for up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of these areas or stay longer than 15 days, you must get a visa. The Thistlegorm wreck is considered to be out of this area however, so if you plan to dive there, it is advisable to obtain a visa.

Other nationalities should check with consular office.

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Egypt, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio. Although malaria does exist in Egypt, it is generally not present in the Sinai.

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.  For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

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Dahab

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Dahab

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Dahab Resort

Dahab

Dahab

Dahab Resort

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Nesima Hotel

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