On the shores of the Red Sea and at the foot of the imposing Sinai, Dahab is one of those places that captivates every traveler looking for something more than beautiful beaches. A former Bedouin village turned bohemian retreat, Dahab blends a free spirit, local culture, and stunning nature. Famous for its coral reefs, world-renowned diving spots like the Blue Hole, and its relaxed atmosphere, this small coastal town is ideal for unwinding, exploring the sea, and letting the tranquil rhythm of the desert take over.
Dahab was the last city we visited on our trip to Egypt, and it represented a complete change from everything we had experienced up until then. The city seems to inhabit a completely different reality than the one we experienced in Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor.
In this region, the protagonist is not the temples and tombs of the ancient Egyptian civilization, but the Red Sea that borders the coasts and mountains of Mount Sinai.
This article is part of a series of posts about our Trip through Egypt, Jordan and IsraelIf you'd like, you can go to our itinerary to see all the related entries.
Table of Contents
How to get to Dahab
Go to Dahab by plane from Cairo
La opción más rápida para llegar a Dahab desde El Cairo, es sin dudas en avión. Desde el aeropuerto de El Cairo, la Egypt Air airline, operates flights to the airport of Sharm el-SheikhFrom there, you can hire a taxi or a private car to take you to Dahab. The flight is short, and the car ride will take an extra hour. It's the fastest, most comfortable, and most expensive option.
From the Egypt Air official website You can search for flights, see their prices and book them.
Go to Dahab from Cairo by bus
The cheapest and longest option is by bus.
There are a couple of companies that make the trip to that region. One of them is Go Bus. En su página oficial pueden cotizar el costo del viaje. Es un viaje largo (8 hs aprox desde El Cairo hasta Sharm-el-sheik), por lo que deben armarse de paciencia.
If you want to know more information about the land of the pharaohs in general, I recommend consulting the guide to traveling through Egypt, ideal for planning your adventure.
Where to stay in Dahab
Most accommodations are located near the Red Sea shore. You can find many resorts with private pools and spas to stay at.
But there are also nice, cheap hotels a few blocks further into the city. We stayed at the 4S Hotel DahabIt's not right on the beach, but it has a good location (just a few blocks from the beach and downtown) and a better price compared to the resorts.
What to do in Dahab and the Red Sea
Dahab is an ideal destination for relaxing, above all. Its bohemian, chilled-out atmosphere makes it perfect for cooling off after exploring so many temples and ruins.
Diving and snorkeling
Many come here to take a diving course, as it's much more affordable compared to other parts of the world. The waters of the Red Sea are calm, temperate, and rich in coral. The place where many divers like to go is called the “Blue Hole”It's a legendary spot, both for its spectacular nature, depth, and technical difficulty, as well as its ease of access, located just a few meters from the coast.
There are also Lighthouse Reef and Eel Garden, which are quieter spots ideal for snorkeling. Or Three Pools, perfect for beginners or for snorkeling among corals.
Windsurf and kitesurf
Dahab has ideal wind conditions, especially at Beach Lagoon. Many centers rent equipment or offer lessons for all levels.
Tour to the desert and Mount Sinai
Another typical excursion from Dahab is a visit to Mount Sinai—yes, the same one where Moses supposedly received the tablets of the commandments. They usually drive you to the base of the mount in the early morning, to begin a night hike and reach the summit just in time to see the sunrise. I didn't do it, but several people I met did. The views are good, judging by the photos I saw, and it remains a very important place for believers.
Some of the excursions you can book online in the area are:
Climbing and bouldering
Dahab is also known for its natural climbing areas, especially around the Sinai Mountains. Guided tours are offered for all levels.
Boat or felucca rides
Sunset boat trips on the Red Sea. Some include snorkeling stops at more remote reefs.
Camping under the stars
Many tours offer overnight stays in the Sinai Desert, sleeping in traditional Bedouin tents.
Markets and local life
Dahab's Corniche is lined with small shops selling handicrafts, bohemian clothing, Bedouin jewelry, and local cafes.
Enjoy the beach
Dahab's beaches are ideal for relaxing: cafes, hammocks, and incredible sea views.
How to get from Dahab to Israel (via Eilat) and Jordan (Aqaba)
Not far from Dahab is the border with Israel. I don't know what the situation will be in 2025, but a few years ago you could cross without any problems on a bus that leaves from the Dahab terminal every morning and drops you off right in the town of Taba, where the border is located. You could walk across, and then from the Israeli side, you could take a bus or taxi to the city of Eilat. From here, you can choose to go to Jordan, crossing the border nearby and going to the city of Aqaba, or you can go deeper into Israel.
Another way to cross directly into Jordan and reach the city of Aqaba is by boat, which departs from a town near Dahab (I believe it was called Nuweiba). However, this has the disadvantage of very irregular service, and it's often unknown whether it's leaving or not.
We opted to play it safe, taking the bus, and everything turned out perfectly. Again, this was several years ago, back in 2020, so I can't guarantee that everything will still work as described here.
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