The Amazing Blue Hole in Dahab

The Blue Hole is one of the well-known tourist attractions for diving enthusiasts worldwide, and there are very few places around the world, one of which is in Egypt in Dahab. Dahab is an Egyptian city belonging to the Governorate of South Sinai and overlooks the Gulf of Aqaba. It is about 100 km from Sharm El-Sheikh, 87 km from Nuweiba, and 361 km from Cairo.

Dahab has beautiful natural areas. It includes many incredible places to visit, represented in tourist attractions and markets, and several beautiful nature reserves. Therefore, this place balances the charm of nature along with endless fun. 

Among the beautiful tourist places in Dahab is the Blue Hole area. It is characterised by the beautiful Bedouin life and several other distinctive regions, including ports and touristic resorts overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba.

The Blue Hole contains beautiful scenes picturing the harmonic interaction of light with plants and sea creatures and the merging of crystal blue sea water with mountains. The place might be dangerous because it includes several deadly caves, which seem less profound than they are. Legendary explorer Jacque Cousteau named it the best diving spot in the world.

Some tourists see it as the “white”, beautiful and fabulous place, so the ultimate adventure is at the risk of diving to a depth of more than 100 metres to be amused with the beauty. Others see it as the “black”, dangerous and frightening area due to its variation in the colours’ shades from baby blue to dark blue, and because, with time, it has become a vast cemetery for many adventures and beauty lovers.

The Rich Marine Ecosystem

What truly makes the Blue Hole stand out is its depth or the legendary Arch and the remarkable marine life that inhabits its waters. The coral walls of the Blue Hole are covered in vibrant, diverse species of coral that create a stunning underwater landscape. The coral reefs here are teeming with life, attracting many marine species.

Divers can expect to encounter various marine creatures, including schools of colourful tropical fish like angelfish, clownfish, and butterflyfish. There are also larger species such as barracuda, groupers, and tuna, as well as the occasional appearance of reef sharks and eagle rays. The biodiversity here is a testament to the health of the ecosystem, and the Blue Hole is regarded as one of the top places for observing the rich marine life of the Red Sea.

Even for snorkellers, the Blue Hole offers an unparalleled experience. The shallower areas of the reef are ideal for exploring without the need for diving equipment, with plenty of marine life to be seen in the clear waters. The contrast between the deep blue of the hole and the shallower reef areas makes snorkelling here a visually striking experience, often compared to swimming above a watery abyss.

How to Get to the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is located about 10 kilometres (6 miles) north of Dahab’s town centre, and getting there is relatively easy. Most visitors travel by taxi, which is inexpensive and readily available throughout Dahab. Some dive shops also offer trips to the Blue Hole as part of organised diving excursions, including equipment rental and guided dives.

For those who prefer to take in the scenery, the journey to the Blue Hole can be done by camel, a traditional and scenic way to travel through the desert landscape.

More Information about the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is a diving hole on the Red Sea coast; it is a water street extending for a length of 90 metres, a depth of 100 metres, and a diameter of 50 metres. It is similar to a narrow road, or a slight hole found among the coral reefs, characterised by its charming colours and mind-blowing natural pictures. 

It is worth mentioning that this hole is not far from Dahab Beach in the Red Sea, but a diver can swim in its water for a very short distance. The presence of a shallow opening—6 metres wide—is known as the saddle. There is an opening to exit the blue hole called the arch. It is formed of a long tunnel about 26 metres in length.

How was the Blue Hole Formed?

It is said that the reason behind the formation of the Blue Hole is the collision of a comet in this area, which caused the formation of a deep hole, a deep cave, and an underwater maze with great depth.

It was discovered in 1963 by a plane that found an extraordinary water spot. The crew was interested in exploring it for its striking beauty, but later, they discovered the extent of its depth and how dangerous it could be. Even divers could not reach its maximum depth. Since then, it has been called the destination of divers because they come to the Blue Hole from everywhere to practise free diving and challenge themselves.

Another group believes that the reason behind its formation is the erosion of the limestone layers caused by the flow of groundwater under the ice. Still, there are no confirmations of a specific reason for the formation of that deep spot of water filled with tunnels, caves, water currents, and many other factors with possible causes that led to the death of divers.

Why the Blue Hole Attracts Divers

The Blue Hole in Dahab is considered one of the top diving destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Its unique structure, natural beauty, and variety of dive experiences make it a magnet for divers of all levels.

For advanced and technical divers, the challenge of exploring the depths of the Blue Hole is a significant draw. The dive presents the opportunity to go deep, experience the thrill of the Arch, and push the limits of their diving skills. Many divers come here to test their mettle and explore the Blue Hole’s depths, hoping to experience its wonders while respecting the dangers.

Recreational divers, too, can enjoy the Blue Hole by exploring the shallower sections of the reef. While diving at depth requires special training and equipment, there are plenty of areas in and around the Blue Hole where less experienced divers can marvel at the coral walls, swim alongside vibrant fish, and take in the sheer beauty of the site without descending to the deeper, more dangerous levels.

Why is the Blue Hole a Dangerous Place

The Blue Hole is one of the most famous diving sites in the world. Still, it is also renowned for its extreme danger. More than 130 people have been lost in this hole during the last 15 years as they were trying to explore it, so it deserves to be called the cemetery of divers. 

Two of the world’s most famous deep-diving pioneers, Dave Shaw and Chick Exley, drowned in it, indicating the extreme risk of exploring this hole.

Most cases of divers’ deaths in the blue hole occurred during the divers’ trial to open the arc or tunnel connecting the hole to the Red Sea.

Many issues face the divers there, leading to their death, including lack of light and the entry of an opposing air current, which causes a significant in the divers’ speed until they run out of oxygen, leaving them unconscious during the last moments of their lives.

Blue Hole Diving Tips

• You must be careful and thoroughly plan the entire dive before starting.
• If you go to the most profound depth of the hole, it would be best to accompany a diver as a guide.
• The equipment you choose for diving must be in good condition and should be checked by a professional before the dive.
• You have to select diving goggles that suit your size to prevent water from leaking while diving.
• The diving suit must be perfect for your body structure so that you do not have any issues while diving.
• Ensure the oxygen cylinder is filled with enough oxygen for the whole trip.

Water Reserves in Dahab

You can only come to the coastal city of Dahab to enjoy nature reserves and practise water activities. The charming town of Dahab offers you many opportunities and choices among various water reserves, such as:

Abu Galum Reserve

Abu Galum Reserve is located about 20 kilometres from Dahab. It is one of the most beautiful places for swimming, diving, floating, and many other activities, such as camping, safari, and snorkelling. The area contains about 165 species of plants, and it is famous for the underwater cave system extending to depths of more than 100 metres.

The Three Balls

The Three Balls consists of three natural swimming pools in the middle of the water, formed by rocks and coral reefs, with depths ranging between 5 and 30 metres.

We cannot deny that Blue Hole could be extremely dangerous; however, you can always choose the less risky activities to have an enjoyable stay in this breathtaking area.

Conclusion: A Bucket-List Dive Destination

The Blue Hole in Dahab is more than just a dive site; it is a natural wonder that inspires awe and respect. Its sheer depth, geological significance, and vibrant marine life make it one of the most unique underwater destinations in the world. For divers, it offers a rare mix of beauty and challenge, while for snorkellers and casual tourists, it provides an unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of the Red Sea.

While the dangers of the Blue Hole should never be underestimated, with proper preparation and respect for its risks, it remains a bucket-list destination for anyone passionate about the ocean and its mysteries. Whether you are a diver looking to test your skills or simply a traveller seeking to witness one of nature’s most impressive formations, the Blue Hole in Dahab is a destination that should not be missed.