Dahab – Travel Guide
Dahab, a laid-back town on Egypt`s Sinai Peninsula, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and world-class diving spots like the Blue Hole. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, windsurfing, or relaxing on the golden beaches along the Red Sea. The town`s bohemian vibe, waterfront cafes, and Bedouin hospitality create a unique and peaceful atmosphere. With its mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation, Dahab is a perfect escape.
All about Dahab
Getting around Dahab
By Taxi
Taxis are easily available, but they can be expensive. They are not necessary unless you plan to go outside of town. In this case, be ready to negotiate and also be clear on where you would like to be dropped off.
Shared taxis, essentially mini-buses, are a cheap option if you are traveling locally. Shared taxis tend to conform to a timetable, so they become useful if you have missed the day’s bus to local spots outside the city, or if you need to get into Dahab when arriving from the Aqaba ferry.
By Walking
The city is compact and getting around on foot is quite simple, especially if you stay in the old Masbat area. The promenade runs right along the seafront and all the usual amenities are located along it.
By Bicycle
Bicycles are an excellent way to get around the city, but most rentals are poorly maintained and as such are in terrible shape. The long brick walkway along the edge of the water links all three sections of old Dahab as well as the newer portion of Dahab City, and it is fairly bicycle-friendly. Many of the bike rental shops are overpriced, however you can always try to bargain them down.
Dahab FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
You’ll most likely be making your way to Dahab via Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. From the airport, you can either take a taxi straight to Dahab, or take a taxi to the bus station and then hop on a bus to go the rest of the way. The bus is your cheaper option, and haggling over a price to go straight to Dahab can be a fine art not all can master, so we suggest just getting the taxi to the bus (agree on a price before you go anywhere and aim to spend around EGP 60). The buses depart almost every hour with travel time to Dahab being 90 minutes. The ride will cost about EGP 20.
What are my transportation options in Dahab?
Dahab is compact enough that you can mostly get around by walking or by bicycle. There are several places around town to rent a bike, or you can often rent one from many hotels in town.
It is helpful to know that Dahab is divided into two main parts: new and old. The new part is known as Dahab City and the older part is generally known as Masbat, although it’s comprised of three sections itself: Assala in the north, Masbat in the middle, and Mashraba in the south. The old and new are connected by both a road and a seaside promenade.
If you’re going a bit further, there are plenty of local taxis that operate around town, basically old pick-ups. If you do plan on taking one, always agree on a price before you get in, as well as on a drop-off point. Some drivers will try to take you for a longer ride, in not a helpful way.
What are the districts of Dahab?
Dahab is divided into two main parts, the new part known as Dahab City, and the older part, known as Masbat. The old part is comprised of three sections, Assala in the north, Masbat in the middle, and Mashraba in the south. The old and the new parts of Dahab are connected by a road and a seaside promenade. Assalah hugs the Ghazala Bay and has a long stretch of cafes, campsites, restaurants, and hotels. The main market of Dahab, Ghazala Market, runs parallel to the corniche. Dahab main city lies in the west and the bus station is also there.
How do I call/hail a taxi?
Taxis are available, but they tend to be pricey. You really only need transportation for getting outside of town, to the Blue Hole for a day of snorkeling, for example. If this is the scenario, we recommend hiring one of the jeeps you see cruising around town looking for passengers. Drivers of these vehicles, however, be sure to nail down all the specifics of the ride before leaving (price, drop-off point, etc).
Read More
Is Dahab a walking city?
Yes, it is a small town that’s walkable from top to bottom in about 90 minutes. It’s divided into two main parts, the old and new, and the promenade runs along the seafront, connecting both areas.
Is Dahab a dangerous city?
Dahab is generally safe. However, there can be occasional instances of petty crimes such as purse snatching or pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas or markets. We recommend exercising basic caution and keeping an eye on your belongings at all times.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The Egyptian pound’s symbol is E£. The currency can also be noted by the symbol LE, which stands for livre égyptienne; French for Egyptian pound.
All major currencies can be exchanged easily in banks and exchange offices. You can also find several ATM machines to withdraw cash on all major credit cards. Money can also be exchanged on arrival at the airport.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Dahab is typically during the spring (February – April) and Fall (October – November). During these months, the weather offers warm days and cool nights, which is ideal for both desert excursions and underwater adventures. In the winter, temperatures can drop to 50°F at night, but daytime temperatures are usually around 75°F. The summer temperatures can reach over 100°F during the day and rarely drop below 80°F at night.
I don’t speak Arabic. Will many people speak English?
The official language is Arabi, and most Egyptians speak one of several dialects of this language. English is widely spoken. We suggest you get a good English-Arabic guidebook or app on your phone and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What is the food like?
Dahab has delicious food (and cheap). There are several restaurants in town, all serving up delicious Egyptian fare and various other cuisines. From buying a falafel sandwich to eating a big steak, prices are all very affordable. Many restaurants are serving up seafood, meats, hummus,falafels, kebabs, lamb fattah, etc.
Is Wi-Fi access available in Dahab?
An increasing number of businesses offer Wi-Fi access, but Dahab hotels and restaurants on a whole remain a bit behind when it comes to internet access. Fortunately, there are several Internet cafes right on the promenade.
Is alcohol available in Dahab?
Yes. There are liquor stores and most restaurants at the promenade also offer alcohol. Some do not but allow guests to bring their own alcohol.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Emergency number: 123
Dahab Medical Center: One of the primary healthcare facilities in Dahab. It’s equipped for basic medical care, and they often have English-speaking staff.
Dahab Hospital: Another option for more serious medical issues. It’s a government hospital and may have limited resources, but it’s worth considering for urgent care.
Top Attractions
Octopus World Dahab Dive Center
Located in the friendly atmosphere of the Lighthouse area, only steps away from amazing coral reefs.
SlyDive Dahab
Aims at sharing this passion for diving, learning and keeping our planet sustainable for generations to come.
Scuba Zone Dahab
Offers a wide range of scuba diving services, from recreational diving for qualified and certified divers to try dives and all PADI courses.
Red Sea Tribe – Dahab
Offers warm waters, superb climate, breathtaking marine life, corals and a wide range of dive sites to explore.
Unique Experiences
.
Horse Riding in Dahab: Spend between one and three hours trotting across the sands with a guide to any of three destinations. Choose between the turquoise waters and golden sands of Blue Laguna, the desert canyons around Wadi el Bida, or a snorkeling trip to the Blue Hole.
.
.
Day Trip to Luxor Valley of The Kings by Flight: You`ll fly to Luxor early in the morning, where your guide will take you to the most important sites in town, including the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of Kings, and the Karnak Temple.
.
What to expect while traveling
