Dahab, Egypt: An Insider Guide to the Red Sea’s Coolest Beach Town

I first came to Dahab for one reason: scuba diving. It was supposed to be a quick stop before joining a liveaboard trip in Egypt, a few calm days by the Red Sea before heading back out to sea. 

But somewhere between the golden mountains, the turquoise shallows, and the effortless rhythm of this little town, Dahab worked its magic. I fell completely in love. Next time, I’m coming back for at least a month.

A few of my friends actually live here full-time, and they took me far beyond the usual tourist trail to hidden snorkeling coves, barefoot beach cafés, and Bedouin hangouts tucked between the desert and the sea. 

There’s something special about this corner of the Sinai Peninsula: a blend of wild nature, creative community, and that slow, sun-drenched lifestyle that makes you want to stay indefinitely.

Whether you’re coming for the beaches, the diving, or the energy that everyone ends up talking about, here’s your complete guide to Dahab, Egypt—where to stay, what to do, and why you might just fall for it too.

You’ll find Dahab tucked along Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, around an hour north of Sharm El Sheikh, but it feels like a completely different world. Where Sharm is all polished resorts and packed beaches, Dahab still feels wild and wonderfully free. 

The town stretches along a strip of coastline where the Sinai mountains tumble straight into the Red Sea, and life moves entirely at its own pace.

It’s the kind of place where you’ll spend your mornings diving with parrotfish and afternoons drinking Bedouin tea on woven mats by the water. Evenings melt into slow dinners under fairy lights, and before you know it, another week has passed.

Part of Dahab’s charm is its mix of people: divers, digital nomads, local Bedouins, and long-term travelers who came for a visit and just… never left. It’s safe, affordable, and full of heart—a rare corner of Egypt that still feels truly authentic.

Dahab’s beaches aren’t the endless stretches of white sand you might picture when you think of Egypt’s coast. They’re more intimate, rugged, and full of personality. What makes them special isn’t just how they look, but how they feel. Each one has its own rhythm, its own little community, and usually, a handful of friendly dogs napping in the shade.

Lighthouse Beach is the heart of it all—a lively curve of coastline lined with cafés, dive schools, and sunbeds that spill right onto the sand. It’s perfect for swimming or snorkeling just a few meters offshore, where the reef drops away into deep blue. This is where I spent most mornings with an iced coffee, watching freedivers drift below the surface.

A little further north, Eel Garden Beach is quieter and more local. The water here is glass-clear, and if you go early, you’ll have it almost to yourself. Just you, the coral, and the gentle hum of the sea.

For something softer and more open, head to Lagoon Beach. It’s one of the few sandy stretches in Dahab and a favourite for kite surfers, with mountains reflecting off the water at sunset.

And then there’s the Blue Hole—Dahab’s most famous site, and for good reason. It’s a world-class dive spot that drops over 100 metres into the sea, framed by some of the Red Sea’s most spectacular coral. Even if you don’t dive, it’s worth visiting just to take in the view and grab lunch at one of the clifftop cafés overlooking the water.

Each beach has its own magic, but the real beauty of Dahab is how easily you can wander between them—barefoot, sun-kissed, and always a little salty.

One of the things I love about Dahab is how easy it is to feel at home, no matter where you stay. 

Whether you’re after a boutique hotel with a pool, a cozy beachfront guesthouse, or a resort with diving right on your doorstep, Dahab has it all, and with a much more relaxed vibe than Egypt’s bigger resorts.

The town is roughly split into three areas. Lighthouse/Assalah is the liveliest—walkable, full of cafés and small shops, and perfect if you like to be close to the water and the local community. 

Lagoon is more serene, a hub for kitesurfers and sun-seekers, with soft sand beaches that feel almost private. 

And if you’re after nature and a quiet escape, the area near the Blue Hole (where I stayed) offers a remote, desert-backed stretch that’s ideal for diving enthusiasts or anyone craving solitude.

Some of my favorites include:

If Dahab hooked me with its beaches, it completely won me over with its activities. There’s a rhythm here that mixes adventure, calm, and community, and thanks to friends who live locally, I discovered both the obvious highlights and the hidden gems.

No visit to Dahab is complete without seeing the Blue Hole. Even if you’re not a certified diver, you can snorkel the shallow edges and marvel at the coral walls dropping into the deep blue. It’s a place that leaves you breathless (literally and figuratively).

Dahab has earned a global reputation as a freediving hub. If you’ve ever wanted to float underwater with nothing but the sea around you, this is the place. Even if you just try a single lesson, it’s unforgettable.

The Sinai Desert is astonishing. I joined a small group to explore the White Canyon and Mount Sinai—hiking trails, dramatic canyons, and sweeping desert landscapes. Sunrise at Mount Sinai is nothing short of magical.

There’s something about the desert light that makes everything glow. Riding a camel along the dunes or bouncing over the trails on a quad bike is pure joy.

Even as a beginner, watching kites soar above the turquoise water makes you want to take a lesson immediately. And if you’re experienced, the wind and waves here are world-class.

Dahab has a seriously underrated creative side. There are beachside yoga classes and meditation circles that make it easy to slow down, stretch out, and really feel the town’s laid-back energy.

Finally, just walking along the waterfront promenade is a joy: cafés, markets, friendly locals, and that golden light spilling over the mountains into the sea. I found myself wandering there multiple times a day, coffee in hand, always discovering something new.

One day you’ll be diving into the deep blue, the next sipping mint tea with the locals and feeling like you’ve been there for years.

Absolutely. Dahab feels relaxed and welcoming, with a strong expat and traveler community. I’ve wandered the beaches and town streets alone at sunset with zero issues. Of course, basic travel common sense applies, like keeping an eye on your belongings and respecting local customs.

Most people fly into Sharm El Sheikh, then take a taxi or shuttle about an hour north along the coast. If you’re coming from Cairo, you can fly or take a long bus ride, but I personally love flying into Sharm and heading straight to the sea.

I’d recommend March to June or September to November. The weather is warm but not scorching, and the sea is perfect for swimming and diving. Summer can be very hot, but if you love the sun and minimal crowds, it’s still doable.

Yes, most travelers will need a $25 single-entry visa, which can usually be arranged online or on arrival at the airport. I found it straightforward (although the visa application website needs a little patience), but always check the latest requirements for your nationality before traveling.

Definitely. I met so many solo travelers and remote workers during my stay and it’s easy to make friends at cafés, dive schools, and yoga classes. Plus, there’s a nice mix of quiet spots and community hubs, so you can choose your pace.