What to do in Dahab, Egypt 

We’d like to introduce you to Dahab – a bohemian beach town in the heart of the Sinai Peninsula. Meaning gold in Arabic, Dahab is known for its ‘golden’ sandy beaches along the Red Sea. More importantly, this little slice of paradise has been named Sinai’s most treasured diving destination. Don’t worry, if you’re not a diver there’s a lot more to do and enjoy in Dahab.

This is truly a part of Egypt that is oftentimes overlooked. Although known, it typically competes with its neighboring towns. Dahab is 86 kilometers from Sharm Al Sheikh, which for quite some time was Egypt’s most favored beach destination by Europeans and other tourists. Despite its proximity, a stay in Dahab is the opposite from Sharm’s luxurious resort stays and world known nightclubs. This little utopia has no shortage of places to unwind and relax, to appreciate nature both above and under water and to enjoy all kinds of desert excursions.

Important: Before we get into anything about Dahab, you need to know that this is a cash city. ATMs exist but finding one that actually has money is a challenge. Make sure to have enough cash for your entire stay.

Here’s the nitty gritty of how to spend a weekend in Dahab, and since you’re traveling through Egypt, read through all of our favorite cities & Egypt travel guides here.

How to get to Dahab

First off, people always ask if Sinai is safe for travel. The easy answer is, yes – it’s safe! The more complicated response is it’s as safe as you make it, so stick to group activities, don’t wander far from downtown, and use common sense.

Now, how does one get to Dahab? The best way to reach this hippy beach hub is to fly directly to the Sharm El Sheikh Airport. From there, grab a taxi to downtown Dahab and the ride should be no more than an hour.

If flying isn’t an option for you, there’s always Egypt’s reliable GoBus transport. GoBus is very popular in Egypt and services many parts of the country. Most likely, travelers to Dahab will be departing from one of the several Cairo stops, the most central being the Tahrir stop. We hear that the ride is 12 hours long and drop off is directly at the Dahab Bus Station. Make sure to have your passport handy as there will be multiple checkpoints on the way. To reserve a bus ticket, follow this link.

Where to stay in Dahab

It’s important to understand the geography of Dahab before making a decision on where to stay. Like any major beach town, Dahab has a pedestrianized boardwalk that extends 3-4 kilometers. There’s also limited car access, so it’s good to know where things are on the strip. Generally, vehicles are only allowed behind the market and establishments on the coastline. There is one major “kiss & ride” or parking area where you can grab taxis for daytrips and other excursions. This parking zone is right next to Neptune Hotel (keep reading to learn more) – this area is considered the epicenter of Dahab.

Lodging options in Dahab really range from budget friendly hostels to 5-star luxury resorts and of course there are plenty of possibilities in between. Here are a few suggestions for you that vary in budget and by extension, amenities. If you’re not a stickler for luxury and don’t mind a decent motel, then Neptune Hotel is your go-to place. The location is absolutely prime, it’s right in the center of the boardwalk and a 10-second walk to the public parking area. Another great option in Mashraba is Monica Hotel. 

There are two other main neighborhoods in Dahab. The first is Lighthouse, where many restaurants and cafes fill the windy backroads, parallel to the beach. If you want to be in the center of the action, and would like more “hotel-like” options, consider: Acacia Dahab Hotel, Red Sea Relax Resort or Ladybird Hotel.

The other little hub is Asalah, another 15 minute walk down the boardwalk. It’s a bit secluded but perfect for those who don’t want to be bothered by the nightlife noise and are looking for a more serene getaway. Our first recommendation is Beit Theresa which is a stunning private villa right on the water. Second up is the beautiful apartment complex, Dar Dahab. And lastly, El Primo Hotel, a local favorite.

What to do in Dahab

The beauty of Dahab is the plethora of activities available for every type of visitor. You’ll have access to everything from water sports (wind and kite surfing), to endless relaxation, meditation and yoga classes on the beach, camel safaris and desert excursions and plenty more.

As we’ve mentioned before, diving is Dahab’s main attraction and there are many diving centers for you adventure seekers out there. Fun Fact: Almost all the dives in Dahab are shore dives. That means that all diving sites are accessible right from the shore!

The most popular diving site in town is without a doubt the Blue Hole, a submarine sinkhole that’s 100 meters deep. This site is known to be one of the deadliest diving sites in the world, yet its popularity remains. The Blue Hole is right off the shore, which is nice if you don’t plan on diving and opt to people watch instead. Just across the way is a large section of back to back rest-areas, cafes and diving centers.

From the Blue Hole, travelers can make their way to Ras Abu Galom Nature Reserve. You can opt to hike around an hour to an hour and a half from the Blue Hole to the reserve or take a fun 20-minute boat ride over. We certainly chose the boat option and loved it.

Ras Abu Galom is famous for its crystal-clear water, specifically the Blue Lagoon. The reefs in and around Dahab, and the Red Sea in general, are known to be some of the best in the world. Get ready for some fantastic snorkeling at Ras Abu Galom. If you don’t have your snorkeling gear, worry not – the reserve has several rental stations! TIP: You may be startled at first to find tens of jellyfish floating around, but thankfully they are harmless!

Next up is a little climbing excursion in the heart of Sinai. Have you noticed that stunning mountain backdrop in our photos? Now, imagine rock climbing through it with locals – at Wadi Gnai (also known as Wadi Qnai) you can, and it’s an absolute treat. There are several options for beginners, intermediate climbers and experts. The locals are incredibly talented, in fact they scale the entire mountain without shoes or gear.

Up for some underwater viewing? Check out the Seascope Submarine tours. You essentially get to enjoy a boat ride and experience its submarine-like features. The boat has a 5-meter deep viewing area that gets you front-row seats to the underwater world and beautiful marine life.

Boardwalk

Dahab’s boardwalk stretches a solid 3-4 kilometers along the sea. Enjoy the stroll up and down the boardwalk – there are tens of shops, restaurants, lounges, water activity booths and more. Honestly, every time you think you’ve reached the end of the strip, you’ll be surprised to know that it keeps going further.

TIP: If you’re facing the sea, walk towards the left on the strip. Pass the restaurants, beach clubs and a set of abandoned hotels – you’ll reach more or less a deserted beach area with a ton of beautiful murals and wall art. In fact, there’s art work all over Dahab, head over to our friend A Little Nomad’s post here to see Dahab’s best wall art.

Where to Eat in Dahab

Remember that Dahab is quite a remote town in the middle of the desert, so be realistic when it comes to food and dining expectations. We highly recommend trying everything that is seafood, it is a coastal city after all. Be aware of the waterfront restaurants, they tend to be overly touristy and the quality of the food is not superb.

One of the coolest things about the food selection in Dahab is how diverse it is. We assume that locals were influenced by the many cultures and cuisines that have passed through the town. Here’s a list of all kinds of restaurants we enjoyed in no particular order!

Coffee and Cotton is a beautiful little shop that serves up warm breakfast bowls and coffee. Athanor is a fun minimalist coffee house and pizzeria with a cozy outdoor terrace. The famous Ralph’s German Bakery is great for a classic breakfast feast. There’s the Vegan Lab, for luscious smoothie bowls and vegan bites. Or visit The Box Meal for a fresh twist on classic Asian dishes. And Eldorado Restaurant, our personal favorite for fresh seafood pasta and italian dishes.

Where to Hang

Dahab is all about chilling and relaxing. Check out favorite places to soak in the sun and ambience.

Everyday Café: One of the two most Instagram famous locations in all of Dahab. To enjoy Everyday, be sure to go early in the morning (8 a.m.). You’ll be the only one there. You can take advantage of the views alone, take photos freely, explore the rooftop and play around with the props. This cafe is also worth visiting at night where they have a live band music show.

Al Khan: The second most famous Dahab location on Instagram. And rightfully so, who wouldn’t want to swim over the sea? Feel the breeze from the ocean in this open-air café while enjoying a colorful ambience. Also delightful at nighttime with music, shisha and sweets!

Churchill’s Rooftop Bar: is the local dive spot, in this case it’s actually the local divers’ spot. With a great rooftop terrace, Churchill’s makes for a wonderful night cap overseeing the ocean. Grab your drink and bites before heading up, as there is not table service on the roof.

Shells: A hip beachfront café, where you can lay on a chaise lounge under a shaded area and just as easily jump into the sea. It’s all right there!

NuNu’s: Like Shells, NuNu’s grants you easy access to the beach area as well as nice rooftop seating.

Overall, Dahab is a beautiful destination – perfect for relaxing, safe, and it shows you an entirely new side of Egypt. Make sure to tag #Tayaramuse in your photos so we can follow your journey!