Dahab, located on the Red Sea in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, is the perfect spot to relax on the beach, snorkel or scuba dive at places like the Blue Hole, or take a hike up Mt. Sinai (Mt. Moses) and see UNESCO World Heritage site St. Catherine’s Monastery. Dahab is a city unlike any other in Egypt, and is the perfect compliment to a trip heavy in sightseeing at pyramids, tombs, and temples, since most of Dahab’s wonders are of the natural variety.

In the heart of the Sinai Peninsula, travelers can spend days snorkeling or diving among tropical fish and coral reefs, exploring the desert, or can even visit a Christian monastery and climb up the same mountain where Moses is said to have received the 10 Commandments. Even better than the experiences Dahab has to offer is the relaxed, bohemian nature of this city-by-the-sea, where one can truly forget it all and unplug, letting the backdrop of the Red Sea and the Sinai Mountains take over. Let’s explore the must-see spots in Dahab, and share some of our favorite places to stay, eat, and hangout.

Note: This blog post was originally published on June 4, 2021, and last updated October 13, 2022.

Where to scuba dive and snorkel in Dahab

The main draw of Dahab is all the life that exists just below the surface of the water right off the shoreline. Snorkelers and divers have been coming to Dahab for years to take in the beauty of its coral reefs and sea-life, and the city has some of the best dive shops in the country.

For diving, we recommend working with Sinai Divers Backpackers, who can arrange experiences as basic as a snorkeling day trip to as complex as diving certification courses and multi-day scuba packages. They are conveniently located in the heart of Dahab and are close to several important dive spots right in the city.

There are many different spots to explore Dahab’s underwater treasures, but the best place by far is the Blue Hole, located just north of Dahab in the Nabq Protectorate. Even for those who are not a huge fan of the water, the Blue Hole is a must-see for the sheer length of live rock and the amount of tropical fish that inhabit the area. The Blue Hole is not for novice divers, however, and even experienced divers should go with a dive company like Sinai Divers and Backpackers to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Aside from diving or snorkeling in the Blue Hole with a dive company, DIY travelers can arrange for their own transportation to and from the site and can rent snorkel gear from one of the several restaurants/equipment centers that surround the bay. Expect to bargain with a driver and pay between 300-500 Egyptian Pounds for a ride out to the Blue Hole and back, including having the driver wait for a few hours while travelers explore the treasures under the water.

Be sure to bring cash, sunscreen, swimming gear, tissues (for use as toilet paper after using the restroom), towels, snorkeling gear (if you have your own), sunglasses, and any implements needed to take underwater photos (believe me, you’ll want to take pictures of what you’ll see underwater!). Staying at Bedouin Star Restaurant is a great option because it is close to the snorkeling entrance of the Blue Hole, and you can leave all of your belongings at the lounge area of the restaurant without needing to worry about someone stealing anything.

Also note that foreigners need to pay a USD $5 entry fee in order to enter the protectorate where the Blue Hole is located. This fee is akin to paying to enter a national park in the United States, and goes toward the upkeep it takes to ensure the protectorate will be around for years to come.

How to get to and visit St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mt. Moses (Mt. Sinai)

Dahab is close to the St. Catherine Protectorate, which includes the monastery of St. Catherine, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. The monastery is a UNESCO world heritage site and is a serene settlements in the Sinai Mountains. Visitors can take in the gorgeous church, grounds, and the site of the burning bush, where Moses supposedly witnessed a miracle of God and then ventured up the nearby Mount Moses (Mount Sinai) to receive the 10 Commandments.

It’s best to visit the protectorate with an organized tour that includes transportation, a hiking guide (required for those who want to climb up to the top of Mt. Sinai), and a guide for the monastery. The costs can vary depending on time of year and group size, but travelers can expect to pay a minimum of 300 LE each for the trip. Buses usually pick travelers up in the evening from their hotel in Dahab, and then after hiking up Mt. Moses for several hours through the night, travelers will take in the spectacular sunrise at the top before descending and tour the monastery below.

When visiting St. Catherine, be sure to bring warm clothes (it can get very cold at night out in the Sinai desert and at the top of Mt. Moses), cash, sturdy shoes, water, passports, power banks to keep phones charged for taking pictures, and snacks.

Hiking in Dahab and other Outdoor Adventures

Just a few photos of the amazing white canyon/colored canyon hike in Dahab.

Dahab has tons of other options for outdoor recreation. Here are a few quick options for outdoor fun:

1. White canyon and colored canyon hike: these canyons are somewhat treacherous to ascend and descend (requires lots of climbing up and down steep rock faces), but offer gorgeous views of the Sinai mountains and desert. The trip is usually paired with a stop in a local Bedouin village where explorers can enjoy a quick lunch before continuing on. Expect to pay between 200-400 LE including guide, lunch, and transport. Bring plenty of water and plenty of sunscreen!

2. Lagouna: this beach is a must for those who want a sandy, lazy, beach day. It also is the spot for watersports like banana boats and jet skis, and even has a few volleyball nets.

3. Boat rides: Dahab has a number of glass-bottom boats, yachts, or submarines that travelers can take to explore the water further away from the shore.

4. Four-wheeling in the desert: fairly straightforward—rent an ATV and head out into the desert and mountains with a guide

5. Desert camping: like the Black and White Desert, Dahab has plenty of Bedouin guides who take campers out into the desert for a night of sleeping under the stars. Expect to pay a premium to use an experienced guide and 4x4 vehicle, and be sure the trip includes food and all the necessary supplies

Where to stay in Dahab, eat, and go out

Hotels in Dahab

Dahab has tons of boutique hotels, dive-focused properties, budget camps, and even a few luxury resorts. Here are some of our favorites:

-Skyrock Dahab: Skyrock was built by a passionate artist from Cairo who has a flair for interior decorating and hospitality. Since Skyrock is set off of the main drag of Dahab, it is a much quieter and more relaxing option. It even has kitchenettes in most units so guests can save money preparing their own food. They also arrange lots of excursions like the ones listed above, so it’s easy to book everything in one spot.

-Nesima Resort: the Nesima Resort is a dependable, central, and well-run property. The rooms are clean and have good A/C, and it’s convenient to be close to lots of affordable restaurants, bakeries, and cafes on the north side of Dahab’s downtown.

-Red Sea Relax: this hotel is focused on divers, and includes an in-house dive center and good packages for those who want to spend lots of time scuba diving.

-Alaksa Camp: a more budget-friendly option that is located in the heart of Dahab’s downtown.

The Best Restaurants in Dahab

-Eldorado: Eldorado is the name of a hotel and restaurant. The restaurant is one of Dahab’s staples, with delicious pizzas, good drinks, and amazing desserts. Even better, the restaurant is just off the main part of Dahab’s downtown, making it much more cozy and quiet than the restaurants in the center.

-Ralph’s German Bakery: Ralph’s has two locations in Dahab, and both offer good coffee, baked goods, and breakfast. Expect the place to be busy and crowded though!

-Chicken, falafel, fiteer, and more: For authentic and affordable options, head just north of downtown to the part of Dahab that is frequented mostly by Egyptians. There you’ll find restaurants serving up grilled meats, homemade pizzas, and Egyptian breakfast staples like falafel and fuul for cheap. King Chicken is in the center of this area, so go there and look around for authentic, affordable Egyptian food!

-Flat White: This coffeeshop has a great iced latte on the menu, which after ordering, can be enjoyed on their seaside patio. Perfection.

Best bars, clubs, and nightlife in Dahab

-Blue Beach Club: This club gets busy around 9/10pm each night (literally any night of the week), and the bartenders have been known to drink with patrons and have a good time, while a DJ spins house music until about midnight or 1am. Nothing is better than enjoying a drink, some good company, and dancing right on the sea.

-Coral Coast Hotel (bar is across the hotel on the beach): This spot is a great restaurant and bar all in one, and even though it does not have a dance floor, it can get pretty lively later in the evening, especially on the weekends, and is a great spot to meet other travelers and enjoy a beer, wine, or cocktail (buyer beware—cocktails in Egypt are usually nothing to write home about).

There you have it—plenty of reasons to visit Dahab, Egypt’s best-kept-secret on the Red Sea. Be careful though, because travelers who visit Dahab planning on staying a few days sometimes end up extending their trips for much, much longer. Will that be you?