Dahab — picturesque resort town in Egypt that offers tourists numerous options of what to do. It has a hot climate, friendly local people, and excellent accommodation for holidaymakers. Additionally, the area’s unique attractions, such as Blue Hole and surrounding desert, are popular with tourists from around the world.
Dahab is a city with a long history, established by Egyptians in the east of Sinai Peninsula in the 4th century BC. It was a port village situated on a major caravan route. Sandy mountains surrounding the city have a distinctive yellow color, which inspired the name “Dahab,” meaning gold in translation. Nowadays, it is a thriving holiday resort, offering tourists many options of what to do.
Here is what to do in Dahab
- Visit attractions and sites;
- Book camel rides through the sandy expanse of local deserts;
- Engage water sports such as scuba diving, windsurfing or kitesurfing;
- Enjoy a highly developed tourist infrastructure at affordable prices;
- Relax on well-maintained beaches.
Below we examine tourist attractions in Dahab. We will discover what Blue Hole is and what to do in the Sinai Desert.
Blue Hole
Blue Hole — underwater cave surrounded by coral reefs inside, located in the Red Sea near Dahab. It is 130 meters deep and a very popular site for experienced and amateur divers. There are no tidal movements inside the cave and a comfortable entry point, making Blue Hole a place to get a comfortable diving experience. Although, it has mysteries and people consider it dangerous.
A memorial near Blue Hole bears plaques with the names of divers who failed to emerge from this coral abyss. People’s short-sightedness and unprofessionalism causes troubles, as many consider it a beginner’s spot and take inadequate equipment. This attracts people to Dahab and is of interest to divers and tourists wishing to see the sight and buy souvenirs.
Blue Hole in Dahab is renowned for its freediving opportunities. Here, individuals have demonstrated the ability to swim inside the cave walls and return to the surface in one breath. Such a swim typically lasts between five and six minutes. The cave has been visited by several renowned free divers, including:
- Herbert Nitzsch;
- Bivin;
- Natalia Molchanova;
- William Trubridge.
- Here is what to do in Blue Hole:
- Mingle with local Bedouins who own the infrastructure;
- Buy souvenirs or visit a café overlooking the Red Sea;
- Book a tour inside the cave without diving below 30 meters;
- Go scuba diving and try to reach the bottom of Blue Hole.
Desert in Dahab
Sinai Desert near Dahab offers many possibilities of what to do. Hidden within vast expanses of sand are religious and cultural legacies of Egypt. The biblical events of Moses and Mount Sinai took place here. There are mountains, canyons, historical sites. Tourists visiting Dahab come to discover what to do in deserts and discover its mysteries.
Here is what to do in the Sinai Desert
- Book excursions to the canyons.
Area near Dahab is home to stretches of rocky outcrops, offering visitors the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature. Local canyons are renowned for their tranquil atmosphere and the beauty of their rock formations and relief. Access to these locations is possible by jeep and guided tours are available to showcase their grandeur. There are oases, where arid environment provides water and a variety of flora.
- Travel to historical sites.
In the sands near Dahab lie ancient cultural monuments. These include Jordanian Treasury, Mount Moses, St Catherine’s Monastery and Sinai Monastery. You can enjoy their beauty, take photographs, buy souvenirs from local Bedouins, learn places’ history from guides and discover what to do.
- Take a safari ride.
This is a popular option for tourists seeking what to do in Dahab. Visitors ride camels, take overnight trips in jeeps, meditate at cliffs with groups, observe plants and animals surviving in the sand and lack of water sources. There are opportunities to enjoy the beauty of dunes. There is something for everyone to do in Sinai Desert, as there are exciting places and adventures at every turn.
Conclusions
Dahab is a place for both relaxing, peaceful holidays by the Red Sea and active vacations with dives into Blue Hole depths and trips through mysterious Sinai Desert. There are options for what to do inside and outside the city, for a unique getaway full of good personal experience and pleasant memories.
Tourist infrastructure is well-developed and provides quality holiday services at reasonable prices. Coming to Dahab, you won’t seek what to do, as having seen the beauty of the desert, landmark scenery and waters of the Red Sea, the mind is set for adventures.