Why Egypt’s Dahab is the perfect Red Sea resort town

Set in the shadow of Egypt’s Sinai mountains, Dahab is a destination so alluring that some have opted to make it their home soon after visiting.

Once a small Bedouin fishing town, it’s now one of the Red Sea’s top diving resorts, attracting thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and more recently, domestic tourists waiting out Covid-19.

Located an hour’s drive from Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab is bursting with activity, yet it also provides a stress-free seaside atmosphere where visitors can just sit back and enjoy the many shades of blue of its waters.

The year-round paradise is built around a colorful boardwalk full of affordable accommodations, tour operators, handicraft shops, multicultural restaurants and cafes, each with its own very distinct vibe.

Its vibrant, multicultural community is made up of local Bedouins, along with Egyptians from mainland Egypt and international expats who were won over by Dahab’s beauty, and its accessibility to all of Sinai’s attractions.

“You feel yourself here,” explains Julia Limonova, a Russian expat who moved to Dahab three years ago. “You can find your circle because there are so many different people like free divers, divers, kite surfers, windsurfers and yogis.

Situated on the edge of the Red Sea, the Blue Hole is one of the world's most notorious diving sites

One of Dahab’s most famous sites, the Blue Hole is considered the world’s deadliest diving spot.

But its infamous reputation has only boosted the impressive sinkhole’s appeal to brave divers looking for an underwater Everest.

Descending to a maximum depth of 328 feet and easily accessible from the shore, the Blue Hole, is shielded from the currents, so its waters are relatively calm.

The conditions here are perfect for free divers keen to learn, as well as advanced divers looking to push their limits in a race against depth and lung capacity.

While it’s entirely possible to scuba dive safely in the Blue Hole, its notoriety is due to an infamous archway known as the Arch, which connects the site with the open sea.

Scuba divers who seek out the Arch, located 184 feet below the surface, may succumb to narcosis, become disoriented, and ultimately run out of air.

The diving spot’s popularity has ultimately increased the destruction of its delicate marine ecosystem over the years.

To quell the traffic here, a local group of divers have created an underwater museum filled with mammoth statues made of recycled materials, creating an artificial reef.

The most impressive statue is a life-sized elephant weighing 700 kilograms that’s gained the attention of countless tourists searching for a surreal underwater adventure.

Attempting to dive all of Dahab’s submerged sites in a week would be nearly impossible as there are so many stand out spots, ranging from reefs to the incredibly well-preserved S.S. Thistlegorm.

Hit by a German bomber ship during World War II, this British Merchant Navy ship provides a rare underwater glimpse into history.

There are also limitless options in shallower waters for snorkelers who may want to avoid crowded diving spots.

Travelers can hike or trek by camel to Ras Abu Galum National Protectorate, which covers 400 square kilometers of coastline and offers a better glance of pristine coral and marine life.

The Three Pools dive site in nearby Akaba is also a safe bet for those keen to get lost in a kaleidoscope of colorful fish.

Sources: CNN