Dahab: A Piece of Heaven on Earth

Dahab is one of the best destinations in Egypt, specifically in the South Sinai Governorate, in the Gulf of Aqaba, not far from Sharm El-Sheikh, about 100 km away. The city is divided into two villages: one in the north, which includes commercial markets, bazaars, and shopping centres, and another in the south, called Al-Islah, characterized by simple Bedouin life.

Dahab, which means Gold, because at sunset, the colour of the water becomes golden due to the intensity of its purity and clarity. Some say that it was named after its yellow sand, which resembles the colour of Gold. The city is known as a perfect destination in the winter, during which the weather is warm and the sun is bright, which is excellent for swimming and doing many activities.

The city has several beautiful landmarks, natural reserves, and beaches. At first, it was a small village that fishermen visited where the Bedouins lived. They still live in the city even after its development. 

There are many activities and places to visit in Dahab to spend more time with friends and family. Pack your bag, head to this beautiful place, and have a great vacation.

Things to do in Dahab

Abu Gallum Reserve:

Abu Ghallum Reserve contains wild and marine life you might not find anywhere else. This beautiful reserve is located in South Sinai, overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba on the road between Sharm El Sheikh and Taba in Wadi Al-Rasasah. It was announced as a natural reserve in 1992. The natural reserve area is about 500 km2, divided into two parts: 350 km² of land and 150 km² of water. In the reserve, the mountains are close to the beaches, and Abu Gallum Reserve is well known for its underwater cave system that extends to depths of more than 100 meters.

The reserve also has a diverse ecosystem of coral reefs, marine creatures, seaweeds, lagoons, and desert and mountain ecosystems. If you visit the reserve, you will enjoy the nature surrounding you, with many animals, birds, and about 165 species of plants. 

Nabq Reserve:

Nabq Reserve is between Sharm El-Sheikh City, Dahab, and Wadi Umm Adawi in South Sinai. It is 35 km north of Sharm El-Sheikh City. The reserve has a mixed environment, with mountains and dunes at Wadi Kidd. In this spot, you can see many animals and birds, including gazelles, foxes, and hyraxes, as well as many rodents and reptiles. Besides that, there are many birds, like eagles, waders and herons. There are also 134 species of plants, such as the mangrove plant.

You can do various activities in Nabq Reserve—for example, diving to see the beautiful fish and rare coral reefs. Also, you can enjoy relaxing on the beach and the magnificent nature around you. Don’t forget to take some lovely pictures on the beach, surrounded by landscapes you won’t forget on your journey in Dahab.

The Blue Hole:

The Blue Hole is a famous diving hole on the Red Sea coast near Dahab. Its depth is about 130 meters, and the entrance is 6 meters wide. The Blue Hole is considered one of the best diving locations in the Red Sea and the world, where you can discover the submerged world and marvel at the rare and beautiful coral reefs.

However, diving in the Blue Hole, the Divers’ Cemetery, comes with a warning. Many divers have underestimated the difficulty of diving in the area, and some have lost their lives. Many of these divers are commemorated with plaques on location there. 

Due to the massive presence of divers worldwide, part of the marine ecosystem was destroyed. A group of local divers created an underwater museum with vast statues of recycled materials, which helped create artificial reefs to attract tourists looking for underwater adventures.

Laguna Island:

Laguna Island is located in the centre of Dahab and is characterized by the merging of nature’s different colours, from the golden yellow sand to the blue water of Laguna Beach and the clear sky. 

The water is abundant with colourful fish and coral reefs, and many diving training centres train tourists to dive safely while enjoying themselves. You can also have a delicious meal at one of its excellent restaurants or cafes. 

The Canyon Area:

The Canyon resembles a natural painting that many tourists have visited over the years. Winds, rains, and winter torrents formed the canyon. Natural erosion factors carved into the solid mountain rock and formed channels in the middle of the mountains. The canyon is about 40 meters long, which gives everyone a new and distinctive experience of climbing mountains and passing through its channels and paths. The names of the canyons vary according to their different colours.

The white canyon consists of shiny sandy rocks with a sharp and deep vertical shape. The Red Canyon, or Salama Canyon, consists of stones that are coloured red with twilight, and the rocks are very smooth. Another canyon is the Chlorine Canyon, or the coloured valley, considered the most beautiful geological site among all the colours. Its sand rocks are dyed with delightful colours, such as scarlet, orange, silver, and Gold, in addition to purple and red and as a result of these gradient colours that cover its walls, the coloured valley acquired its distinctive name.

Eel Garden:

Eel Garden is considered one of the best diving places in Dahab, where many divers come from all over the world just to dive there. When you dive there, you will see vast swarms of sardines, lionfish, scorpionfish, and sand eels, which give this diving spot its name. The eels peek out of their holes up to one and a half meters to get food. It is forbidden to get closer to them, as they are timid animals. The boxfishes swim up to you at high speed if sand is whirled up, looking for little crayfish to eat.

Qeni Valley:

Qeni Valley is an excellent place for a safari trip. Its environment is a mix of desert and coastal. Activities like swimming, diving, cycling, and mountain climbing are abundant. Some camps also offer popular Bedouin food and drinks. 

Al-Masbat:

Tourism in Dahab is not limited to beaches and diving, but many areas attract tourists, such as the commercial area called the Masbat area, which is located on a street called Al Fanar. This place features many shops and bazaars where you can buy beautiful gifts, including Pharaonic statues, antiques, Bedouin clothing, and papyrus. Also, many restaurants and cafeterias offer the most delicious Egyptian food if you want a tasty meal.

Camel Safari:

One of the best activities in Dahab is going on a camel safari. This lovely trip can take about two hours to see the sunset at the Blue Lagoon or the Wadi el Bida Oasis. You can also head deeper into the Sinai Desert to the oases of Wadi Qunai or Wadi Tiwelt. You can visit many attractions along the way, such as the Ain Khudra, where you can find the Rock of Inscriptions, where ancient Nabatean, Greek, and Roman pilgrims left their mark during their travels from Jordan to Mount Sinai.

Safari in Dahab:

Going on a safari in Dahab is a great adventure you will surely enjoy, surrounded by nature in all its glory. There, you will find a beautiful mix of gold-coloured sand, majestic mountains, the crystal waters of the Red Sea, and rare animals and plants.

Most safaris start in the early morning when you ride a beach buggy or SUV and move into the desert to explore nature’s beauty. Then, you can rest and have some Bedouin tea and food while learning about Arab traditions.

Lighthouse Reef:

The Lighthouse Reef is a well-known diving site in Dahab. It is also a perfect place to learn diving, and it has one of the most accessible entries and exits, as it is always sheltered from the wind. When you dive in the Lighthouse Reef, you can observe the seahorses and Pegasus sea moths, and you will also see beautiful and colourful reefs. You’ll find a reef wall that you can follow and cruise over. You will see some scorpion and crocodile fish; at night, you will see anemone crabs, nudibranchs, octopus, and moray eels.

Sunset from the Dahab Harbor:

While you relax at your hotel beach, you can enjoy watching the amazing sunset over the colourful sky and reflected in the water. Don’t forget to take some lovely pictures with your friends and family.

Pharaoh’s Island:

It is located in Taba, and you can go there on a day trip from Dahab. It has a great history that goes back to the Middle Ages. It was used in the Byzantine, Ayyubid, and Mamluk eras. The island is surrounded by coral reefs on all sides. Standing on its shores, you can enjoy a fantastic view and explore the lighthouse at the southern fortress site on the island, which served as a guide for merchant ships passing in the Gulf of Aqaba to serve Byzantine trade.

The fortress where Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi resided is also named after him. A development project for the island was conducted and concluded in 2012. It is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Asla Area:

It is where most of Dahab’s people live—about 75% of the city’s population resides there. Dahab is divided into three parts: the city of Mubarak, al-Zarnuq, and al-Islah. Coral Island, located on the border, contains the remains of a historic castle.

Ralph’s German Bakery:

Ralph’s German Bakery is your best choice if you love baked goods. There are two stores in Assalah Square and one near Lighthouse Reef. The bakery serves German coffee and mouthwatering pastries according to the master baker’s traditional Bavarian recipes. You can have breakfast or lunch and pick up freshly baked bread for a beach picnic.

Al-Malil Area:

Al-Malil is on the coastal road and includes small hotels, cafeterias, and homes. Along with the Masbat and Al-Mashraba areas, they are the best commercial areas in Dahab. This area also starts from Al-Fanar Street and then Masbat Bay, which includes shops, diving clubs, camps, and hotels.

Dahab is a wonderful city with beautiful nature, beaches, historical sites and commercial districts, so it is perfect for your needs. Tourists come from all over the world to spend their vacation in this city, where you will find many things to do, from snorkelling, diving, swimming, safaris or relaxing by the beach at one of the many hotels, camps and hangouts around the city. You will love spending time there; It’s a guarantee that you won’t forget the town anytime soon. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start your journey to Dahab. Have a great vacation in this magnificent city.