Day Trips
Dahab and Blue Hole Day Trip Guide: Diving Paradise
Dahab and Blue Hole day trip from Sharm El Sheikh: geology, diving, safety, costs. Complete guide to Egypt's most famous dive site.
Located 90 minutes north of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab is a laid-back Bedouin town famous for the Blue Hole—one of the world's most challenging and deadly dive sites.
Overview
Why Dahab?
Dahab translates to "gold" in Arabic, and offers:
- Authentic Bedouin atmosphere
- Beach relaxation
- Unique geology
- Diving opportunities for all levels
- Budget-friendly accommodations
Geography
- Located on Gulf of Aqaba coast
- 85 km north of Sharm El Sheikh
- 140 km south of Eilat, Israel
- Sits on the Egyptian-Israeli border
The Blue Hole
What Is It?
The Blue Hole is a massive underwater sinkhole:
- Circular opening in shallow reef
- 130+ meters deep
- 60+ meters diameter
- Connected to open sea via underwater tunnel ("The Arch")
Geology
The Blue Hole formed during Ice Age when ocean levels were lower:
- Limestone dissolution created cavity
- Rising seas partially filled the sink
- Fresh water layer overlays saltwater
- Unique freshwater/saltwater interface
Difficulty & Danger
WARNING: The Blue Hole is extremely dangerous.
- 200+ diver deaths recorded
- Extreme nitrogen narcosis at depth
- Disorientation in darkness
- The Arch tunnel (18-52m deep, 26m long) claimed many divers
- Requires advanced certification and experience
- Only for experienced, well-trained divers
Who Should NOT Dive
- Beginners or recreational divers
- Anyone without 100+ logged dives
- Divers without deep specialization
- Anyone with health concerns
- Claustrophobic individuals
Visiting Dahab
Day Trip from Sharm (Without Diving)
Duration: 8-10 hours
Cost: 60-100 USD including transport and lunch
Activities:
- Drive to Dahab (90 minutes)
- Explore Dahab town
- Lunch at beachfront restaurant
- Snorkeling at Blue Hole entrance
- Relax at beach
- Return to Sharm
This is safe and suitable for all visitors.
