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.
Blue Hole Snorkeling
You can safely view the Blue Hole from above:
- Snorkel at the entrance (5-15m depth)
- View colorful coral ecosystem
- See the deep blue hole below
- Safe for intermediate swimmers
Cost: 70-90 USD
Duration: Full day
Blue Hole Diving (Advanced Only)
For experienced deep divers:
- Requires Divemaster certification minimum
- Technical diving training highly recommended
- Careful dive planning with professionals
- Multiple dives per trip
- $150-250 USD per dive
CRITICAL: Only use highly qualified instructors with perfect safety records.
Canyon Diving
Near Blue Hole, the Canyon is a safer alternative:
- 40-60 meter max depth
- Dramatic underwater topography
- Suitable for advanced divers
- Beautiful scenery and marine life
- Safer than Blue Hole
Cost: 80-120 USD per person
Difficulty: Advanced (50+ logged dives)
Dahab Town Experience
What to Do
- Relax on Dahab beaches
- Browse local shops and markets
- Try seafood restaurants (excellent value)
- Camel rides
- Sunset watching
- Meet other travelers (international backpacker hub)
Accommodations
Budget-friendly compared to Sharm:
- Budget hotels: 20-40 USD/night
- Mid-range: 40-80 USD/night
- Resorts: 80-150 USD/night
- Bedouin camps: 15-30 USD/night
Dining
Very affordable:
- Fresh grilled fish: 5-10 USD
- Local mezze: 2-4 USD
- International restaurants: 10-20 USD
Full Day Itinerary
06:00 AM: Hotel pickup from Sharm
07:30 AM: Arrive Dahab
08:00-12:00 PM: Snorkeling at Blue Hole or beach time
12:30-14:00 PM: Lunch at beachfront restaurant
14:00-17:00 PM: Explore Dahab town, relax, shops
17:00 PM: Sunset viewing
18:00 PM: Depart for Sharm
19:30 PM: Return to hotel
Getting There
- Drive from Sharm: 90 minutes (85 km)
- Organized tour: Recommended (includes guide)
- Self-drive: Possible with rental car and directions
Weather
- Best: October-April
- Water temp: 22-26°C
- Wind: Can be strong in summer
Safety Notes
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen
- Stay hydrated (heat + sun intense)
- Don't attempt deep dives without proper training
- Respect military checkpoint en route (possible ID check)
- Respect local culture and dress modestly
What to Bring
- Snorkeling gear or rental
- Sunscreen and hat
- Camera
- Water and snacks
- Light jacket (car air conditioning)
- Modest clothing for Dahab town
Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
- Tour transport: 30-40 USD
- Lunch: 10-15 USD
- Snorkeling: 20-30 USD
- Optional activities: 10-20 USD
- Total: 70-100 USD
Is Dahab Worth It?
Yes, if you:
- Want to see the famous Blue Hole safely (from above)
- Enjoy authentic Egyptian beach towns
- Like snorkeling and swimming
- Want budget-friendly day trip
- Appreciate laid-back atmosphere
Maybe, if you:
- Are a beginning diver (Canyon is better than Blue Hole)
- Have limited time (long drive for short visit)
- Prefer luxury resort atmosphere (Dahab is more basic)
No, if you:
- Only want world-class luxury resorts
- Can't handle rugged, bohemian environments
- Are uncomfortable with basic infrastructure
Explore Sharm El Sheikh Tours
Ready to book your Dahab adventure? Browse our complete selection of Sharm El Sheikh tours and activities to find the perfect day trips and diving experiences for your vacation.
