15 Things to do in Dahab: Travel guide

Dahab, a beautiful resort town on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, is a must-visit for adventure lovers and sun seekers alike. What not to love about Dahab – from diving into the famous Blue Hole to windsurfing in the Laguna? Canyoneering through amazing canyons, crystal-clear snorkeling or desert safari while soaking in Bedouin culture are just a few of the sure-to-bring-memories adventures to engage in. Be it thrill-seeking endeavors or a hideaway on the beach, memories await every kind of traveler in Dahab.

Best things to do in Dahab

Where is Dahab located in Egypt?

Located on the eastern coast of Egypt's South Sinai Peninsula, Dahab is in a fantastic place. Dahab lies near the border with Israel and sits along the Gulf of Aqaba. An hour's drive north from Sharm El Sheikh brings one to Dahab, which rests along the lovely Gulf of Aqaba leading into the beautiful Red Sea.

Things to know before going to Dahab, Egypt

Dahab is a friendly place to go, but a few things should be considered before the trip.

• Language-wise: Most people speak English, so making oneself understood is not too difficult. Basic Arabic is an advantage, though for tourists there is practically no language barrier. 
• Cash & currency: The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is in use in Dahab, though some establishments may accept the U.S. dollar. ATMs are sometimes out of order and many businesses do not accept cards. Large hotels, dive shops and high-end restaurants all accept cards, but cash is a must.
• Cultural norms: Dahab is one of the more relaxed towns in Egypt, where modest swimwear and alcohol in tourist areas are generally accepted, though visitors should still be respectful of local customs.

Keeping these in your mind will make it easy for you to enjoy the various things to do in Dahab!

Important things to know before visiting Dahab, Egypt

TOP 15 things to do in Dahab

Dahab, basically a blissful town, situated on the coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, is a place for relaxation and excitement. From world-class diving at the Blue Hole to crack-up desert safaris,Whether you're into coral reef adventures, adrenaline-filled sports, or simply soaking in the laid-back vibe, Dahab has it all.

Dahab Boardwalk

An excellent start to your trip in Dahab Egypt is a walk down the picturesque Dahab Boardwalk. This beautiful promenade runs parallel to the sea and mixes local ambiance, great coastal views and various experiences.

The atmosphere changes according to which section of the boardwalk you happen to be in. The northern end has a peaceful setting, with quiet cafes and a relaxing beach at its end. The central section is packed with the maximum buzz - a lot of energy infused from restaurants, cafes, shops and tour companies - making it a great vantage point to soak up the spirit of the town. As you head south across the bridge, the ambiance turns tranquil again, with little jeweler shops and soap couturiers. Past Yum Yum, the boardwalk gets more local, giving you glimpses of everyday life in Dahab.

Whether you want to eat, shop or relax while perfecting your chill, the Dahab Boardwalk is an experience you cannot miss!

Handmade Jewelry

Shopping for handmade jewelry is among the very few unique things to do in Dahab. On crossing the bridge out of the south end of the boardwalk, you will immediately see quite a few jewelry shops stocking high-quality handcrafted pieces at reasonable prices.

One such jewel of a place is Abo Karem, particularly famous for its handmade jewelry. The owner and his son design beautiful silver rings and bracelets and necklaces. His son also assists with translations, making the entire shopping experience fun! Prices are reasonable, with silver rings costing around 800 EGP ($25 USD).

These handmade souvenirs will make a perfect gift, as they carry with them a piece of the spirit of Dahab and the artistry and craftsmanship of the place. Whether you want a unique ornament for yourself or simply intend to do some browsing, a visit to a local jewelry store should be on your list of things to do while in Dahab.

Handcrafted Jewelry in Dahab

Local cuisine

One of the things you should definitely do while in Dahab is sample the local flavors. Although the town has a rich diversity in international cuisine, the authentic Egyptian food is packed with flavor and won't break your budget

To really have a taste of Dahab, head over to Abo Ahmed and Yum Yum, two of the town's local food joints. Here you can get some of the popular Egyptian dishes including falafel, fuul (fava beans), shakshuka or baba ganoush. To put the price into perspective, at Abo Ahmed, a falafel sandwich costs just 50 EGP ($1.60 USD) while a complete meal for two at Yum Yum will set you back anywhere between 60-100 EGP ($2 - $3.25 USD).

Well situated in the center of town is Abo Ahmed, while Yum Yum sits right at the southern end of the main street. Both of them offer freshly cooked flavorsome meals at a very good price, thus ideal for anyone interested in tasting authentic Egyptian cuisine in Dahab.

Dahab's traditional cuisine

Wadi El Weshwash

Although Wadi El Weshwash is located closer to Nuweiba, many guided tours are organized from Dahab, making it an accessible full-day trip for adventure seekers.

To reach Wadi El Weshwash, one needs a 4X4 jeep and drive through rough terrains and that is just a short but scenic hike through desert canyons. After the bumpy, dusty journey, few can resist a refreshing dip in the cool waters.. And tours from Dahab cost around $25 USD, which usually takes most of the day - it's a good trip for people exploring the Sinai region.

Wadi El Weshwash

Mount Moses Sunrise Hike

The sunrise hike on Mount Moses remains one of Dahab's most remarkable activities. The rather strenuous hike leads the adventurer to the summits of Mount Sinai and great views of the sunrise.

The hike starts very early, as it takes several hours of steep ascent in darkness. While the trail is a bit strenuous, it is achievable for most hikers. If you want, consider hiring camels to support you on the journey. Dress in layers since, at the summit, it may be cold, while the weather could be warmer on the way down. 

After watching the beautiful sunrise, you can stop by St. Catherine's Monastery on your way back to Dahab.

While not located directly in Dahab, the Mount Moses (Mount Sinai) sunrise hike is a popular excursion from the town. It takes approximately 2.5–3 hours by car, usually as part of an overnight tour departing late in the evening.

Colored Canyon and White Canyon

While not located directly in Dahab, the Colored and White Canyons can be visited on day trips from the town. This day trip takes you through exceptional rock formations and winding slot canyons: a very long and scenic adventure.

While the hike is very beautiful, it does not compare to other natural wonders of the region. A long-distance drive plus a light trek would take one there. If you plan to visit Petra or Wadi Rum, save the canyon trips for those visits. 

The Colored and White Canyon tours involve long drives and mild trekking. While beautiful, travelers planning to visit places like Petra or Wadi Rum might find similar landscapes there and may want to prioritize other unique experiences around Dahab.

Colored Canyon and White Canyon

St Catherine’s Monastery

For history and religion lovers, a visit to St. Catherine's Monastery is one of the things to do in Dahab. St. Catherine's Monastery ranks among the oldest, if not the oldest, continually inhabited Christian monasteries in the world and as such bears great weight in both history and spirituality.

The very sacred site is found at the foot of Mount Sinai and according to the Bible, it is probably the location of that famous burning bush. If you're not much into hiking, then you can get a tour which was designed only for the monastery without hiking. History wise, stunning architecture as well as centuries-old religious traditions, that was what a visit here can prove suddenly.

St Catherine’s Monastery

Blue Hole

The very famous Blue Hole is located in Dahab, a famous diving site in the world. It is the deep underwater sinkhole that put Dahab among the leading hotspots for divers since it is also labeled as one of the hardest and most dangerous diving spots in the world.

If you aren't a diver, you can still explore the Blue Hole via bookable snorkeling tours. These tours are normally combined with other trips to Abu Galum and Blue Lagoon and will cost approximately 30 USD for the snorkeling gear. The Blue Hole is a 30-minute drive from Dahab and is a site worthy of being included in all diver expeditions.

The Blue Hole is a vertical underwater sinkhole over 100 meters deep, known for both its beauty and diving risks. It is strongly recommended that only experienced divers explore deeper sections, and beginners should stick to snorkeling or join guided dives with certified instructors.

The Blue Hole in Dahab

Beaches and Snorkeling

One of the best things one can do in Dahab is to snorkel along its beaches and reefs, just that in itself. The town has an amazing underwater view, with almost none of it requiring scuba gear.

Snorkeling is very cheap and easy to organize, rental kits available along the main beach. One of the best sites is Eel Garden, which has incredible corals and views of Dahab Canyon from above. For Lagona Beach further south of that touristy area, it could be a good hideout with crystal-clear waters and flourishing marine life, offering a quieter alternative.

Best beaches and snorkeling spots in Dahab

Kite Surfing

For adventure buffs, kite surfing is among the best things to do in Dahab. Owing to its prime location along Gulf of Aqaba, Dahab is blessed with pretty consistent winds, making this one of the popular spots for all levels of kite surfers. 

Once you arrive, the best way to discover those top spots is simply to ask around. The water sports community in Dahab is pretty much one big family and they often love to offer their advice or even personalize an invitation. There are incredible conditions in Dahab, which will definitely suit any kitesurfer, beginner or professional, in creating that perfect kitesurf experience.

Kitesurfing adventures in Dahab

Boat Trip

Boats are among the most preferred things to do in Dahab, offering breathtaking views of the underwater life of the Red Sea. Several options are available for every kind of traveler. 

For a bacchanalian short trip, the glass-bottom boat from Laguna Beach to Napoleon Reef allows guests to snorkel and marvel at the underwater world. This excursion takes around 1.5-2 hours. 

To make it worthwhile, take half- or whole-day-long excursions into deep waters. Transportation, snorkeling equipment and meals are bundled in these tours, with full-day tours averaging approximately $25 USD.

Boat tours in Dahab

A camel in the desert

Although they give you an incredible way to experience the breathtaking Sinai scenery, riding camels in the desert is something you ought to treat yourself to in Dahab. Tour operators in Dahab organize day or weekend camel rides through stunning places such as the White Canyon, Ain Hodra Oasis and Arada Village. The tours usually include transport, guides, lunch and of course, your camel! 

Before booking, you ought to remember to check about any humane tour operator that has a good policy on animal welfare. Since a well-paced camel trail lets you absorb the desert beauty, it also ensures respect for the camels' physical and mental state.

A Camel ride through Dahab's desert

Jeep Safari

Just go for a jeep safari for a great experience in Dahab. This is an adventure on wheels and for those who do not feel like riding a camel, you can see the true beauty of the Sinai desert at a very high speed.

Most two days jeep tours start at about 9 o'clock in the morning and return to Dahab the following day around 4 o'clock in the afternoon after an incredible overnight adventure beneath the stars. Famous sites include White Canyon, Ain Hodra Oasis, Colored Canyon, Nawamis, Hedoda Sand Dunes and Dragon Head Mountain.

Normally, these are transport, food and guide included in the trip, making it a really enjoyable and carefree desert experience.

A Quad Runner in the Desert

For an adventure full of adrenaline, riding a quad runner in the desert is one of the most exciting things to do in Dahab. Zooming across the rough Sinai landscape in the quad bike while drinking in beautiful views is a captivating experience.

Most quad biking expeditions last for roughly 2 hours, usually operating between 3 and 5 PM so as to watch the sunset over Twailat Mountain. The schedule may vary during different seasons. The activity costs at 25 USD, making it an affordable and memorable way to discover Dahab's desert scenery.

Things to do in Dahab at night

While the town is perhaps best known for its relaxed vibe, Dahab after sunset is alive in a different, unusual way is, there are many things to do in Dahab at night, from really experiencing the local Bedouin culture to the most private nightlife experiences or even just relaxing by the sea.

Experience Bedouin Culture:

• Join a Bedouin evening with tea, drum lessons and a campfire in the mountains.
• Prices start at 250 EGP (~$10 USD), including transportation.
• Many hostels and tour companies organize these cultural nights.

Explore Dahab’s Nightlife:

• The Furry Cup – Karaoke nights.
• Blue Beach – Techno and DJ sets.
• Laguna Beach – Bonfires and chill vibes.
• Hidden canyon parties – Ask around to find out what’s happening.

Beach Stargazing and Late-Night hangouts

• Some tourists enjoy relaxing by the sea in the evening with a drink—note that alcohol is available in certain licensed stores and restaurants catering to foreigners.
• Hostels like Rafiki Hostel are great for finding out about nightly activities.

While Dahab doesn’t have a party scene like Sharm El Sheikh, it offers a relaxed and social nightlife with beachside gatherings, live music, and Bedouin-style evenings. Think campfires under the stars rather than crowded clubs.

Things to do in Dahab at night

Best places to eat in Dahab

While the Lighthouse area is known for a vibrant restaurant scene, the quality can vary, so it’s best to ask locals or fellow travelers for recommendations. Indeed, the Lighthouse area along the promenade is so rich in restaurants and bars that it’s not easy to require some away for enjoying other sections of the Red Sea. However, food is not so universally praised-good for drinks and shishas as the quality and prices can be varied.

For drinks & shisha: Any seaside café along the boardwalk for a coffee, beer or hookah with a view.

For international cuisine:

• Lemongrass – Thai food
• The Vegan Lab – Vegan dishes
• Box Meal – Chinese food
• Ralph’s German Bakery – English breakfast
• For Egyptian Food:
• Abo Ahmed – Affordable local meals
• Roots Kushary – Classic Egyptian dishes

How to get to Dahab

Well, getting to Dahab may require some planning and it is considered a trip. Since most of Egypt's tourist destinations are along the Nile, reaching this jewel along the Red Sea requires a little extra planning. Here is how you will do it:

By Air (Fastest and easiest option)

• The closest airport is Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH), 90 km from Dahab.
• Flights from Cairo to Sharm are affordable if booked in advance.
• From Sharm, take a taxi to Dahab ($30–50 USD).

By Bus (Cheapest option)

• Cairo to Dahab bus: About $12 USD, 12+ hours (may take longer).
• Buses from other Egyptian cities usually go only to Sharm, requiring another bus or taxi to Dahab.
• Book tickets on the Go Bus website.

While public transport can be unreliable, an overnight bus is a budget-friendly way to reach Dahab.

How to reach Dahab

Where to stay in Dahab

Finding the right accommodation is key to enjoying your stay and there are plenty of great options depending on your budget and travel style. Whether you’re looking for a social hostel, a comfortable budget stay or a luxury resort, Dahab has something for everyone.

Best Hostel – Rafiki Hostel

• One of the best social hostels in Egypt.
• Offers a pool, nightly events and daily excursions.
• Dorm beds are affordable and private rooms feel like apartments.

Best Mid-Range stay – Budget Guesthouses & Beach Camps

• Many affordable guesthouses along the beach.
• Great for backpackers and long-term travelers.

Best Luxury Stay – Le Meridien Dahab Resort

• Quiet, relaxing and away from the crowds.
• Features three pools, a private beach and spacious rooms.
• Only 10 minutes from town (avoid the hotel’s overpriced taxi service).

In conclusion

Dahab is a unique travel destination that connects adventure, relaxation and culture, making it a must-have on the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea. Whether you're diving into a blue hole, exploring the desert with a jeep or camel, enjoying relaxing beaches or experiencing Bedouin culture, there's no shortage of Dahab. The unique charm and the charming atmosphere of the city make it a place where many travelers stay longer than they plan.

Don't forget to check your visa requirements before traveling. To apply for an e-Visa in Egypt, visit the Egypt Immigration Service website and receive a quick and easy application process.