Dahab, Egypt

One of the most popular diving destinations in the world, a true paradise for divers. People from all over the world come here to enjoy the calm, the turquoise waters of the Red Sea, the warm breeze, and the peaceful atmosphere. Dahab is located about 80 kilometers from Sharm El Sheikh, on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba.

The word Dahab means “gold” in the local Bedouin language. The name was inspired by the golden desert sands that surround the town. The old part of Dahab stretches along the coast — on one side there is a beach with beautiful coral reefs starting right from the shore, and on the other side are rows of hotels, restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops. The word “peace” perfectly describes the soul of this small town, where life flows slowly and calmly. In Dahab, you will quickly adapt to everything: the view of Saudi Arabia across the gulf, camels walking down the streets, and the endless sunshine that never takes a break. Dahab has a mysterious charm that captures the heart of everyone who visits.

Ras Abu Galum

This dive site lies 8.5 kilometers north of the Blue Hole. It can be reached in a very special way — by camel. The ride takes about two hours and follows a rocky coastal path that makes it almost impossible to reach by car.

Ras Abu Galum offers one of the most colorful and fascinating underwater landscapes in the area. The reef is home to a wide variety of coral species, which are the pride of this site. The dive starts from a sandy slope between the corals, leading into magical coral gardens. It feels like swimming through a multi-level underwater world, with fire corals, white coral towers, and many species of fish. The average depth is about 20 meters. The site offers two main dive routes: South Ras Abu Galum and North Ras Abu Galum.

El Bells – Blue Hole

The most famous and beloved dive site in Dahab and perhaps in the entire Red Sea. Along the shore you’ll find small Bedouin cafés where divers relax between dives, hiding from the desert sun. The entry at El Bells is a bit technical. Divers descend through a narrow vertical tunnel called “the chimney,” which leads down to 26 meters. One side of the wall is open, revealing a magnificent view of the open sea. At 26 meters, you pass through a 7-meter-wide arch known as “the bell dome,” and then continue a drift dive along the coral wall toward the Blue Hole.

The Blue Hole reef begins at a depth of 2 meters and stretches outward into the sea like a plateau. In the middle is a huge circular sinkhole about 150 meters across and 110 meters deep — a true magnet for deep divers. Several underwater passages connect the hole with the open sea. Along the outer edge, the depth increases gradually from 2 to 7 meters. Only a small section of reef separates the Blue Hole from the open water, with the first exit into the open sea at about 52 meters. Swimming over this legendary site takes your breath away. The reef walls are covered with corals and teeming with colorful reef fish, octopuses, trumpetfish, and sometimes turtles. The Blue Hole is a beautiful but demanding dive site that has claimed many lives, as memorial plaques along the cliffs remind us.

Canyon

The entry is simple. The dive begins in a beautiful lagoon about three meters deep, opening into the sea. In the lagoon, you can find crabs, sea urchins, and many species of fish. Beyond it lies a coral garden with gorgonians. The sandy canyon starts at 12 meters and descends down to 54 meters.

The canyon is partially covered by reefs, making the underwater landscape even more impressive. Turtles, octopuses, lionfish, and moray eels are common companions here. During night dives, you can often see Spanish dancers, and during full moons, the glow of plankton creates a truly magical scene.

Ras Abu Helal – The Cape Where the Moon Rises

This dive site is full of diversity, with colorful coral gardens and rich marine life. The dive route starts in one sandy lagoon and ends in another. At a depth of 30 meters, there is a small canyon. Groupers, turtles, lionfish, and trumpetfish accompany divers along the route. You may experience some light currents here. The sandy lagoon descends to 25 meters and leads to a stunning coral garden, where gorgonians and anemones bring to mind scenes from “Finding Nemo.”