Welcome to Dahab, Egypt’s hidden coastal gem, where the golden sands of the Sinai Peninsula meet the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. Dahab, once a sleepy Bedouin fishing village, has transformed into a vibrant hub for adventurers, divers, and those seeking seaside beauty. In this guide, explore 3 days in Dahab of relaxing seas and fun adventure that will leave you mesmerized by Dahab’s natural beauty and ample opportunities for exploration.
Getting to Dahab
Your journey begins with a flight to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH), followed by a scenic hour-long drive to the enchanting shores of Dahab. While many accommodations offer transportation (which I recommend taking advantage of), taxis are also readily available upon arrival.
Accommodations
Beit Theresa stands out as the best place to stay in Dahab. Nestled within a cozy property where the hosts reside, it offers a few detached rooms for guests. The atmosphere is tranquil, the location is unbeatable, and the hosts are nothing short of amazing, ensuring your stay is perfect.
To browse other accommodations in Dahab, you can check out Booking.com.
Tips: I recommend booking tours through your accommodations but you can check out some options here.
Day 1: Exploring Dahab’s Sea
Dahab is synonymous with scuba diving, boasting world-renowned sites that cater to both beginners seeking certification and expert divers. For those who prefer to stay above the water, snorkeling in Dahab’s pristine waters is equally mesmerizing.
Start your adventure with a full-day Snorkeling/Beach tour, exploring Dahab’s most enchanting water spots. Ask your accommodation to set up this tour, or book one here.
The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is a famous dive location, while also being notorious for being one of the most deadly dive sites in the world. It is a natural sinkhole right off of shore that goes as deep as 100 meters. Many divers are interested in making it to an arch that you can swim through, leading to open water at about 56 meters down. However, do not let this scare you if you are not determined to dive down the blue hole. The snorkeling around the area has beautiful coral and sea life.
Ras Abu Galum
Next, you will hop on a boat and get transported to the secluded area of Ras Abu Galum. You can do more snorkeling here, or sit on the beach and relax, soaking up the sun and views.
Blue Lagoon
You will then get transported on open-bed trucks on land to the Blue Lagoon. It is a quick drive, but be prepared for a bumpy ride! If you have thought the water cannot get any more blue, Blue Lagoon will prove you wrong. With stunning waters, you can opt to swim, relax on the sand, or try windsurfing. There are many windsurfers here that provide great entertainment!
Lastly, you will head back the way you came, hopefully catching a beautiful sunset on the boat ride back.
Day 2: Embracing Dahab’s Adventures
Gear up for a big day today! I experienced this same day so I know it is possible but if you think this will be too much for you then you can certainly push the second activity to day 3. I chose to do it this way as staying busy allowed me to have an easier transition to heading out late as well as allowed for a relaxing day 3 to catch up on rest.
Coloured Canyon
Another well-worth tour is to Coloured Canyon. This is a great activity if you want to hike and see the amazing rock formations up close. You will be able to visit Coloured Canyon, White Canyon, Ain Khudra Oasis, and Mushroom Rock. You will hike and experience a desert jeep ride through the sand. This is a fun, adventurous activity to do while you are in Dahab!
After you get back, I recommend taking a small nap. Then, once you’re ready again, explore the town center and get food, walk around and go shopping.
After an already busy day, why not continue the fun?!
Sunrise Mount Sinai Hike
Witnessing the sunrise from the incredible Mount Sinai is an adventure that promises a breathtaking view and an unforgettable experience! Book this tour easily through your accommodation or you can look at options through online booking such as here from Get Your Guide. All logistics are taken care of for you and you can solely focus on the experience and beauty of the hike.
Your adventure starts by getting picked up around 10 p.m. (depending on your location and the time of the sunrise) and driving three hours to Mount Sinai.
Once you arrive in the very early morning, you will start hiking the mountain in the dark. You will probably be tired, but you will quickly snap out of it as you start hiking.
The hike is about 3 miles one-way, with a steady, but not too drastic, incline. It is an easy to moderate hike and there are a few places along the way you can stop for a break or have tea. The total hike usually takes about 2 hours up and 1 hour for the descent.
You will arrive at the top with plenty of time. The tours allow a significant amount of time for the hike to accommodate all hiking skill levels. Depending on the pace of your group, you could be waiting at the top for the sunrise for about an hour. However, drink some tea or hot chocolate, have a snack, find a spot to sit, and try to keep your eyes open as you wait for the sunrise. My group was one of the first ones at the top and I got an incredible place on a rock in the front to watch the sunrise with no one in front of me! Make sure your spot is comfortable and know there will be a lot of people in the area so the spaces around you will be filled!
Once the sun starts to rise, it is truly a masterpiece! The sun slowly peaks over the rugged mountains and the horizon ignites with tones of gold. The sky slowly begins to brighten with more tones of beautiful colors, allowing you to see the true beauty of the rugged mountains in front of you. You will quickly understand why you chose to go on this crazy experience! You have plenty of time to enjoy, take pictures, and soak it all in, before starting the descent.
After you make the descent you can explore St. Catherine’s Monastery, before heading back to your transportation and ultimately back to your accommodation.
Check out the complete guide to Hiking Mount Sinai at Sunrise to discover everything you need to know.
Day 3: Discover A Relaxing Dahab
After the previous day’s adventures, take a day to unwind and immerse yourself in the laid-back Dahab lifestyle. Stroll along the Promenade, dip into the Red Sea, or find a cozy café. This is a day to relax, reflect, and soak up the warm Egyptian sun.
Three days in Dahab offers a glimpse into a world where time slows down, and nature’s wonders take center stage. From the beauty of the Red Sea to the stunning rugged mountains in the backdrop, Dahab is an excellent choice to spend three wonderful days.
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