Dahab, Egypt is a hidden gem nestled in the Sinai Peninsula, known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and laid-back vibe. Honestly there was so much to do and the vibe was so chilled. I did not want to leave! I definitely overstayed a couple more days in Dahab, but it was totally worth it.
If you’re planning a trip to Dahab, here’s a perfect 2-day itinerary to make the most of your visit. If you plan on spending more time in Dahab, which many people do, check out this guide on things to do in Dahab.
Day 1: Blue Hole, Abu Galum, Blue Lagoon
- Start your day early and head to the Blue Hole, a world-renowned diving site with a depth of over 130 meters. A natural sinkhole located just a few kilometres north of Dahab. The Blue Hole is amazing for diving and snorkelling because of its deep, circular hole, clear blue waters and abundant marine life. Note: I only snorkelled there because the Blue Hole is also infamous for the high rate of diver’s fatality. If you are an experienced diver by all means… take the dive of your life!
- Take a break and enjoy a cup of Bedouin tea at one of the many cafes overlooking the sea.
- Next, make your way to Abu Galum, a protected area and nature reserve that can be accessed by foot, boat or 4×4 from the Blue Hole. I got from Abu Galum by boat and I highly recommend this as it is so easy and the view of the ancient rock formation was amazing to see from the sea. You can arrange the boat trip to Abu Galum and the Blue lagnoon with the hosts of the café/coffee shops.
- I also heard the hike through the mountains and valleys and discover hidden beaches and freshwater springs. You’ll feel like you’re on a journey back in time, surrounded by nature’s beauty.
- Lastly, the Blue Lagoon. A cove with calm, turquoise waters. The stunning views of the Red Sea mountains in the background make it a perfect spot to capture unforgettable photos and catch the most amazing sunset. We got here by 4×4. It is an experience if you have not been transported at the back of a truck before.
- If you have an extra day I would highly recommend staying a day at the Blue Lagoon. The Island is isolated so there is no light pollution at night making it perfect for stargazing. The sheltered cove with calm, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The lagoon is also a popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent some gear and hit the water.
Day 2: Climb Mount Sinai and explore the old town
- The best way to climb Mount Sinai is doing it with a tour. You will get picked up at 11pm and the hike will start around 1am. You will arrive to the top around 3am-4am ready of the sunrise at 5am-6am.
- The climb itself it not that bad. There are a lot of pit stops along the way up. You can also hire a camel up the mountain if you’re not feeling the hike.
- On the way down Mount Sinai, appreciate the lovely view of the rock mountains
- When you reach the bottom, visit the cathedral of St. Catherine’s Monastery.
- The tour ends around 10am. I slept all the way back to town and went straight to a coffee shop by the coast of Dahab old town for a refreshing swim and food.
- It is an all nightery journey so I went back to my hotel for a shower and a quick nap.
Extra tip: One thing you must do is to order seafood when you are in Dahab. The restaurants I have tried is Alibaba and Friends. They are more or less the same. I recommend you can try to pick out the fish you want at the front of the shop. They will weigh the fish and give you a quote. The best thing to do when negotiating is to tell them your budget and see what seafood mix they can offer you. Tell them to add all the little things like prawns and calamari (if you are up for it), chips, salad, etc on to the side. If they don’t want to no worries, there are 10 others of the same restaurants on the same street. We had a feast when we were there.
COSTS:
- Blue hole, Abu Galum and Blue Lagoon
- Transport: 200 egp for the whole car from the city to the blue hole and back and the hiring of the snorkel gear.
- Blue hole tax: 300 egp
- Foreigner entry fee: 10 USD
- Mount Sinai
- Tour 400 egp
- Seafood dinner: 200 egp
GETTING AROUND:
- Walking: Some areas such as the city center are compact and walkable making it a convenient option for getting around. However, in areas with hot weather and long distances, walking may not be ideal.
- Taxi: the public transport system is next to non-existence in Dahab. The taxi’s look like pick up trucks. There are no meters so remember to agree on a price before hopping on one. Usually for a short 10 mins trip it should be around 10 egp.
TIPS:
- Language: Learn some basic Arabic phrases: While many people in Egypt speak English, learning some basic Arabic phrases can go a long way in helping you navigate and connect with locals. The most common way to say “thank you” in Arabic is “Shukran”.
- Dress appropriately: Unlike many other places in Egypt where it is more conservative in Dahab nobody cares as it is a coastal holiday area even for Egyptians themselves. So, dress as you like if you were to go to the beach!
- Stay hydrated: Keep yourself hydrated because Dahab may get rather hot. Bring a reusable water bottle, and sip on lots of it all day long.
Haggling culture: Dahab or Egypt in general definitely would try to charge a foreign more money. So put your game face on and pretend that you know the price is a lot cheaper than they quoted you. Remember business is quite saturated in Dahab so use this to your advantage and walk away if you are unsatisfied with the price.