7 Things to do in Dahab: The Red Sea Paradise for Adventure Travellers

Updated On: December 11, 2023 by   Marwa Alaa

Have you travelled hundreds of miles to have a peaceful mind but have not enjoyed yourself? Are you thinking of having a stress-free vacation in a quiet place? Why don’t you think of Dahab with its breathtaking views and amazing activities? Come and join us on our tour to know the best things to do in Dahab and more secrets about it as one of Egypt’s popular tourist destinations. 

Facts About Dahab

Meaning “gold,” Dahab was named Dahab because its beach sand looks like gold on a sunny day. It is a former Bedouin fishing village. Nowadays, Dahab is one of the most treasured diving destinations in Egypt. It is a relaxing city as there are no traffic jams, rubbish piles, or noise.

Food and drink are inexpensive in Dahab and accommodations are affordable. Additionally, Dahab is full of palm groves which add beauty to its coast. On its dazzling beaches, you can ride camels and horses. 

Where is Dahab? 

Dahab is located on the Gulf of Aqaba in the southeast of Sinai in Egypt. It is about 90 km north of Sharm El Sheikh and 95 km northwest of Saint Catherine. The distance from Nuweiba to Dahab is 87 km and from Cairo to Dahab is 537 km.

How to Get To Dahab? 

There are many flights to Dahab, Egypt. You can fly to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, and then take a bus from Sharm El Sheikh to Dahab for about 78 minutes. You can also catch the plane to St Catherine International Airport. Next, you can ride a taxi or a bus or drive a car for 90 minutes.

Travelling from Cairo to Dahab by car or by taxi takes around six hours and twenty minutes, depending on the driver, the road state, and the time of day.

Weather in Dahab

Dahab has a hot desert climate with hot summers and warm-mild winters. The rain is rare in Dahab, even during Winters. In Dahab, the warmest month is August with an average temperature of 31.2 °C (88.2 °F). However, the coldest month there is January with an average temperature of 16.0 °C (60.7 °F). The best time to visit Dahab is in March, April, November, and December.

What to Pack for Dahab

If you travel to Dahab in summer, pack short-sleeve shirts, shorts, swimwear, light dresses, waterproof sandals, beach towels, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, a personal cooling fan, and a waterproof bag. 

In winters, pack shorts, pants, long- and short-sleeve shirts, light footwear, swimwear, a light jacket, sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion.

Things to do in Dahab, Places to Visit

Dahab is one of the must-see destinations in Egypt’s governorate of Sinai. There are many outstanding places to visit and lots of wonderful things to do in Dahab. It is surrounded by two protected areas; Nabq Managed-Resource Protected Area in the south and Ras Abu Galum Protected Area in the north. 

1. Nabq Managed-Resource Protected Area in the South

Visiting the Nabq Protected Area is one of the best things to do in Dahab. It is a marine reserve that protects coral reefs, Mangrove Avicennia marina, and around 134 plants; some of which are medicinal plants. There are also beautiful animals, including gazelle and ibex. 

In this protected area, you can have a camel safari trip and enjoy Bedouin life. Regarding the Bedouin people, they are hospitable. They will provide tasty Bedouin dinners that you will like for sure. You can also buy amazing handmade necklaces and oriental dresses from them.

2. Ras Abu Galum Protected Area in the North

One of the best things to do in Dahab is to visit the Ras Abu Galum Protected Area. It is located in the north of Dahab where you can listen to the stories of the Bedouin people and enjoy their food. This natural reserve contains coral reefs, Mangrove trees, sea herbs, many sea creatures, plants, birds, animals, and different species of snakes. 

Starting at the Blue Hole, Ras Abu Galum Protected Area in the North is home to the Three Pools dive sites and the Blue Hole. To enjoy the splendid views of the Sinai mountains, you can go hiking or ride a camel from the Blue Hole to Ras Abu Galum.

3. The Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is considered the second-best place for diving. Diving there is one of the most exciting things to do in Dahab. It is named “The Blue Hole” because its spectacularly clear waters are blue. Over 100 m deep, the Blue Hole is a gaping sinkhole full of marine life. It looks like a pool inside a sea with a cylinder shape. Snorkelling, scuba diving, and freediving are enjoyable activities you can do there. 

4. Dahab’s Blue Lagoon

Known for its turquoise crystal clear water, the Blue Lagoon has no rocks or corals. Going there is one of the top things to do in Dahab. The place is perfect for water sports, including windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Enjoy the simple Bedouin food and beach huts. At night, enjoy stargazing and watch the shooting stars. 

5. Dahab’s Magic Lake

Also known as the Mud Lake, the Magic Lake behind the Baby Bay is also among the top things to do in Dahab. Surrounded by yellow sand, this crystal lake is famous for its dark-grey clay with a blue hue. Similar to that of the Dead Sea, this clay has healing powers when you put a thick layer of it on your skin and let it dry.

This healing clay can relieve your rheumatic pain, reduce your joint pain, relax your muscles, and refresh and nourish your skin. You will also get rid of wrinkles, acne, and other skin diseases. The breathtaking views will help you relieve your stress and pressure and have a fresh mind.

Besides the healing mud, Dahab’s Magic Lake also has many recreational activities that you will enjoy to the full. Try windsurfing, snorkelling, swimming, and many more activities. Then, experience the local Bedouin cuisine in one of the restaurants near the lake.

6. Nour Wellbeing

At Coral Coast Dahab, Nour Wellbeing is the best place where you can experience Dahab’s vibes and yoga. Having a wonderful location, it overlooks a beautiful coastline, serene desert, and mountainous landscapes. That’s why it is wonderful for yoga, meditation, and other spiritual wellness activities.

Visiting Nour Wellbeing is among the most relaxing things to do in Dahab. The place also offers holistic therapy, signature massage, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes, detox retreats, and more. 

In this fabulous place, join drop-in workshops and classes in yoga, meditation, fitness, and dance. You can also dedicate yourself to practising yoga and meditation on the hotel’s rooftop studio for a week. Under the glamorous stars, connect with nature in the Desert Yoga Retreat and enjoy a combination of yoga and meditation sessions. 

7. Liquid Adventures Dahab

Are you interested in diving? Heading to Liquid Adventures Dahab is among the top things to do in Dahab! It is a PADI five-star Instructor Development Dive Resort. Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver, there is a place for you there! Appreciate the underwater world while you enjoy free diving, scuba diving, and other exciting activities in this resort.

Offering all PADI courses, you can learn scuba diving with a professional instructor. Then, you can become a PADI instructor and teach others how to dive. Supporting PADI’s Project AWARE, the resort organises beach and underwater clean-up campaigns at different dive sites in Dahab. You can volunteer if you are interested in keeping the Red Sea clean. 

In addition, you can take a boat tour around Gabr el Bint, which means a grave of a girl, in Nabq protected area. There are around three dive sites in the area with many outstanding soft corals and different species of fish. The trip also offers dazzling views of the mountains of Sinai in the background.

To have an exceptional adventure, riding a camel to Ras Abu Galum and exploring this Bedouin village are also among the best things to do in Dahab. 

Things to do in Dahab, Activities

If you are an adventure traveller, there are many water sports and adventurous activities you can do in Dahab. Enjoy scuba diving, free diving, snorkelling, hiking, kitesurfing, windsurfing, riding camels, and more. Camping and stargazing are also among the exciting things to do in Dahab. 

Dahab is worth visiting since it is one of the most popular destinations in Egypt. It is a place where you will fall in love with. If you visited it once, you would certainly visit it again. To many people, it has become a second home. Tell us what Dahab means to you. 

See you in Dahab, soon!