Which dive center in Dahab is the best? Where to buy scuba diving equipment? And which hotel should you stay at? Our Dahab Divers’ Guide answers all of your questions.
In this article, we will give you a quick and easy rundown of the most important things you need to know for your scuba diving trip to Dahab that you can easily skim in just 5 minutes. Let’s get on with it.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a certified dive center in Dahab like Dahab Divers, Desert Divers, or H2O Divers for quality courses and equipment.
- Plan dives at top sites including Lighthouse Reef for beginners, and Blue Hole and Canyon for advanced divers.
- Book accommodations close to the dive centers or beach for easy access, with options from dive center hotels to hostels.
- Take the bus to Dahab from Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh. Arrange transport to Dahab from Nuweiba, or Taba in advance to avoid delays and high costs.
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The 3 Best Hotels in Dahab for Divers
From dive centres to affordable hostels, these are the 3 best hotels in Dahab for scuba divers:
| Dive Center | Desert Divers Dahab | Click here for rates & availability. |
| Hotel | Nour Boutique Hotel | Click here for rates & availability. |
| Hostel | Rafiki Hostels | Click here for rates & availability. |
How to Get to Dahab
Touched down in Egypt? This is how to get to Dahab from Cairo, Sharm El-Sheikh, Nuweiba and Taba:
- From Cairo: Either book a domestic flight from Cairo to Sharm El-Sheikh and then transfer from Sharm El-Sheikh to Dahab or get on a direct overnight bus from Downtown Cairo to Dahab. Book the overnight bus with GoBus. Prices start from 605 EGP and the journey takes around 8 hours on average.
- From Sharm El-Sheikh: Avoid taking a take from the main entrance of the airport. We recommend either hailing a ride on InDrive to the local GoBus station and taking a bus to Dahab from there, or booking a transfer in advance. Mini bus transfers are organised in Dahab Facebook groups. The direct transfer usually takes less than an hour and costs around 800 EGP.
- From Nuweiba: If you are arriving to Egypt via the Aqaba-Nuweiba ferry, there is a high chance of your arrival being delayed. Therefore, we recommend booking a private taxi in advance and letting them know about the possible delay. The ride from Nuweiba to Dahab takes one hour, costing around 500 EGP.
- From Taba: Similarly to Nuweiba, Taba is prone to delay because of long border checks, meaning there is a high chance of you missing one of the few daily bus connections. To avoid stressing over your bus, book a private transfer in advance that will pick you up at the border crossing. The ride takes a bit less than two hours and costs around 1,000 EGP.
First time coming to Dahab? Get some additional intel on our guide for Dahab first-timers.
The Best Dive Centers in Dahab for Padi Courses
The first thing to secure for your diving trip to Dahab is your dive center. Make sure to book your courses and dive safaris with certified dive centers with good facilities and trained, experienced instructors.
These are three popular PADI-certified dive centres in Dahab:
- Desert Divers Dahab: Locally owned and seasoned, Desert Divers Dahab is located right in front of Assalah Beach. This dive center w/ hotel counts on high-quality equipment, well-trained staff and meets international standards such as PADI and AIDA. At Desert Divers Dahab you can do: intro dives, PADI courses, camel diving safaris, free diving and simply rent equipment for the day. Desert Divers Dahab is where we did our intro dives and PADI Open Water.
- Dahab Divers: Located in Dahab’s central Lighthouse area, Dahab Divers is just a stone’s throw away from Dahab beginner dive sites such as the Lighthouse reef. At Dahab Divers, you can expect world-class diving course such as PADI , SDI, CMAS, plenty of instructor courses and well-maintained equipment. A downside: Some divers complained about the ‘rustic’ rooms in the past.
- H20 Divers Dahab: Well-liked within the Dahab diving community, H20 Divers Dahab is another dive center in the Lighthouse area. From fun dives to technical diving and free diving, H20 Divers Dahab offers the full range of diving experiences and safe equipment. But more than anything, the instructors over at H20 Divers deserve the most praise for their professional, yet fun approach.
The Best Dive Shops in Dahab for Equipment & Co.
Missing a piece of equipment? You can either rent it from your dive center or head over to one of Dahab’s many dive shops.
These are 3 dive shops in Dahab we have made good experiences with:
- Scuba Too: Located at the corner of El Fanar Street right behind the seaside promenade, Scuba Too is just a short walk away from most Dahab dive centers. Here, you will find one of the wider selections in Dahab, expert advice and fair prices. Scuba Too is where we have gotten most of our equipment in Dahab.
- Scuba One: Scuba One is yet another specialised dive shop that offers just about anything you may be looking for on your scuba diving trip. Customers praise their high-quality equipment, competent consultations and fair prices. Located in Mashraba, Scuba One is closest to you, if you a staying in the southern half of Dahab.
- Scuba Life: Scuba Life is the sort-of no-brainer for renting and buying snorkeling and scuba diving equipment in Dahab. It is located right at the tip of the Lighthouse area where the Lighthouse reef lies, so you really don’t have to go out of your way to get there. Keep in mind though, that some customers have complained about wear and tear on rental equipment and elevated prices.
The Best Dive Sites from Gabr El Bint to the Blue Hole
As the guys over a Dahab Divers like to say, Dahab has some of the “finest tec diving sites” of the world. However long you may be planning to stay in Dahab, you are guaranteed not to run out of dive sites.
These are 5 dive sites in Dahab you cannot miss:
- Gabr El-Bint: Located some 20 kilometers south of Dahab, Gabr El-Bint is about as much south as you can go, when it comes to Dahab dive sites. At Gabr El-Bint, you will find pristine corals and plentiful marine life, all while avoiding the main flow of snorkelers and divers in Dahab.
- Islands Dive Site: Our favourite, the Islands dive site is located about half-way between Dahab and Laguna Beach. With an easy beach entrance, this dive site stands out with it underwater ‘islands’ of coral stretching out along the coastline. If you are lucky, you may spot turtles here.
- Lighthouse Reef: This is where most scuba diving courses in Dahab start. Located in the center of Dahab, this dive site is among the most frequented in Dahab, but that is not to say it’s not worth it. At the Lighthouse Reef, you can explore a beautiful coral wall and even spot dolphins (we did!).
- Eel Garden: Heading up north along Assalah Beach, you will reach Eel Garden that is – you may have guessed it – famous for its garden eels that burrow into the sea ground at a depth of around 10 meters. Great dive, if you ask us.
- Blue Hole: Of course, one cannot miss the world-famous Blue Hole, when visiting Dahab for scuba diving. Much has been said about it, but you will only truly understand it, once you dive there. So, plan your scuba diving trip out to the Blue Hole – with our guide on how to visit the Blue Hole solo.
Great stuff, but there is even better stuff. Check out Dahab’s 10 best dive and snorkelling sites in our extensive Dahab snorkelers’ guide.
Where to Stay in Dahab as a Diver
Now that we have gotten courses, equipment and activities out of the way, let’s think about where a diver wants to stay in Dahab. Generally, there are four options, depending on your budget and length of stay.
This is where to stay in Dahab as a scuba diver:
- Dive Centers: If you are headed to Dahab purely for scuba diving, stay in a dive center. Many dive centers in Dahab run hotels, offering savings on packages and short walks to your dive center. Just a minute from the beach, Desert Divers Dahab has the best dive center hotel, in our opinion.
- Hotels: Staying in a dive center might not be everyone’s cup of tea. In Dahab, you can also find plenty of beachfront hotels with lovingly furnished rooms and great service. Those who value sea views and calmness will have the best experience and Nour Boutique Hotel or Neom Hotel.
- Hostels: For the budget-conscious, staying in a hostel in Dahab is a great option. Rafiki Hostels is the best hostel in the northern half of Dahab, while My Hostel in Dahab takes the crown in the southern half of Dahab. For more inspiration, check out our Dahab Hostel guide.
- Long-Term Rentals: For stay of two weeks and longer, you may want to consider opting for a long-term rental in Dahab. To book long-term rentals in Dahab, either book an apartment on AirBnb and later extend it directly with the host. For more advice, read our guide to Dahab long-term rentals.
Off-Day? What Else to Do in Dahab
Dahab may have risen to fame because of scuba diving, but it’s not all about diving anymore. In and around Dahab there are many things to see and do other than scuba diving:
- Explore the Sinai Peninsula: Instead of scuba diving, go hiking in the nearby Sinai mountains, go on a desert safari, visit Saint Catherine’s Monastery, explore Egypt’s only mangroves or head out on a day trip to Sharm El-Sheikh.
- Have a Go at Windsurfing: Mind a switch of discipline for a day? At the Blue Lagoon, you can enroll in a windsurfing school and learn the basics of Dahab’s second-biggest sport after diving. You can get to the Blue Lagoon by boat and spend the night there in a beach camp.
- Work Remotely from a Cafe: Have got some remote work to tick off? Don’t waste away in your apartment and head to one of Dahab’s many cafes. Digital nomads will find plenty of great cafes for work, equipped with fats internet, plug outlets and air conditioning. What more can you ask for?
- Escape to Jordan: Not far from Dahab, the Aqaba Nuweiba ferry provides an uncomplicated direct link to the country of Jordan. In Jordan, you can explore the Wadi Rum desert, the Lost City of Petra and the Roman ruins of Jerash, all while getting a renewed Egypt visa when returning.
The Bottom Line
This was everything you need to know before heading out to Dahab for your scuba diving trip. We told you, we would keep it short. Now, prep your trip, join some Dahab Facebook groups and get connected for the moment you reach the shores of the Sinai coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s so special about Dahab?
Dahab is known best for its world class scuba diving and free diving. In Dahab, divers can find numerous dive center, dive shops, and some of the best dive sites in the world, among them the world-famous Blue Hole.
What is the 1/3 rule in scuba diving?
The 1/3 rule, or rule of thirds, is one of the basic rules of scuba diving. It means that one third of your gas supply is used to explore, one third is used to return and one third is saved for emergencies.
Is diving in Dahab good?
Yes, diving in Dahab is good. Dahab is renowned for its technical diving. Additionally, it’s a great starting point for beginners with its many shore diving opportunities. In Dahab, you can find plenty of dive center and dive shops to get started.
Is Egypt safe for scuba diving?
Yes, generally Egypt is safe for scuba diving. It is important, however, that you ensure you are diving with an experienced, certified operator and well-maintained equipment.
Hey! We are glad you are curious about travelling the Middle East.
We are Nancy & Elias.
Over four years of backpacking and digital nomading made us fall in love with the Middle East. We have lived on the Red Sea coast in Egypt, lived in a Bedouin Camp in Jordan and travelled 6+ Middle Eastern countries overland.
As we continue to travel, we share our battle-tested travels advice on this blog, from travel reports and transfer guides to accommodation recs and saving hacks.
