Overview
Dahab pairs a relaxed beachfront atmosphere with accessible Red Sea reefs, desert canyons, and independent-traveler energy. It works equally well for diving days, wind sports, casual walking, and inexpensive inland meals.
Diving · Beach · Budget Travel · Desert · Surfing
Did you know?
- The Red Sea stays between 21°C in winter and 28°C in summer.
- Blue Hole, Canyon, Eel Garden, and Lighthouse are named dive sites.
- Cheap meals are easier to find a block inland than along the seafront.
Why go?
Dahab was once an isolated Bedouin village and is now an alternative resort with cheap accommodation, world-class diving, windsurfing, and a relaxed atmosphere. It attracts independent travelers and backpackers who return again and again, drawn by the Red Sea reefs, desert treks, and laid-back vibe.
Getting in
Dahab is 85 km north of Sharm el-Sheikh. Buses arrive from Cairo at the East Delta bus station or the Go Bus station. A taxi from the bus station to town costs about LE35. The East Delta bus office is on Peace Road in town center.
Getting around
Dahab is compact and walkable along the beachfront. Bikes and scooters can be rented. Taxis are available for longer trips. The main tourist strip stretches from the bridge to the Lighthouse area.
When to go
The climate is sunny and very dry year-round. Summers are very hot, winters warm with mild nights. Sea temperature ranges from 21°C in winter to 28°C in summer. Great for windsurfing with about 270 windy days per year.
Where to stay
Dahab has lots of budget to mid-range accommodation. Prices are low, especially 100 m back from the beach. Dorm beds from LE50, doubles from LE150. Popular budget options include Charlie's House, Sindbad Camp, and Penguin Village.
Food and drink
Cheap eating is available a block inland—falafel, koshari, chicken, and fish. Seafront restaurants are pricier. Specialties include fresh seafood, Italian, and Indian. Bars serve beer and liquor; look for Drinkies shops for alcohol. Stella beer is local.
Things to do
Activities include scuba diving at the Blue Hole, Canyon, Eel Garden, and Lighthouse reef; windsurfing and kite-surfing at the Lagoon; desert treks to Ain Khudra and Coloured Canyon; freediving courses; and camel dive safaris. Yoga and kayaking are also available.
Safety
Drugs are illegal with severe penalties. Women should cover up in town and be cautious with local men's flirting. Snorkeling can be hazardous in windy conditions due to currents and sharp coral. Child beggars may be persistent on group tours.
Day trips
Nearby day trips include the Blue Hole, Coloured Canyon, White Canyon, Ain Khudra oasis, and Abu Galoum nature reserve. St. Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai are accessible by taxi or organized tour ($25).
Go next
South is Sharm el-Sheikh (busy, touristy). North are Nuweiba and Taba (undeveloped). Cross to Israel via Taba border (entry stamp from Egypt). Ferry from Nuweiba to Aqaba, Jordan (access to Petra). Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor are further afield.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Eat
Dai Pescatori
Good Italian food, pricey but most reviewers thought it worth the extra.
Eat
El Dorado
Serves good pasta and pizza. Also has rooms.
Eat
El Fanar
Good sea food, also chicken kebab or kofte on the menu and starter (pita and dips). Cheap drinks too.
Eat
Friends Restaurant
Beachfront restaurant offering standard Arabic fare, higher prices for the central location.
Eat
Hell's Kitchen
Blame Gordon Ramses for the name. Gets good reviews for its Mediterranean food.
Eat
Nemo Restaurant
Good sea food and other specialties.
Eat
Nirvana
Authentic, tasty Indian food: curries, snacks, vegetarian dishes and Indian tea (chai). Big portions, you won't need a starter.
Eat
Yalla Bar
Great relaxing place for a light bite and drink on the beach, but limited menu.
Before you go
Diving
Top dive sites: Blue Hole, Canyon, Eel Garden. Freediving courses available.
Money
Haggling is a must; pay max 50-60% of first price. Avoid seafront restaurants for cheap eats.
Safety
Drugs are illegal with severe penalties. Women should dress modestly in town.
Transport
Buses from Cairo arrive at East Delta or Go Bus station. Taxi to town ~LE35.
