Dahab 3-day itinerary

Head 8km north to the Blue Hole — a 100-metre-deep sinkhole in the reef shelf that's both the world's most famous dive site and its deadliest (the "freediver's arch" at 56 metres has claimed over 200 lives — don't attempt it). For snorkellers and divers, the rim is spectacular: vertical coral walls dropping into the abyss, reef sharks patrolling below, and crystal visibility. The Bedouin-run cafes along the rim serve tea and simple food with extraordinary views.

Book an introductory dive (E£1,500–2,500 including equipment) if you're not certified — Dahab is one of the world's best and cheapest places to try diving. Experienced divers should hit the Canyon — a narrow underwater fissure that drops to 30 metres with cathedral-like light shafts and coral-encrusted walls. Snorkellers can enjoy the Canyon's shallow sections. Dahab's shore-entry diving (no boat needed) keeps costs low.

The Dahab evening ritual: pick a waterfront restaurant, order fish, settle into the cushions, and watch the sun set over Saudi Arabia across the Gulf of Aqaba. The waterfront is Dahab's living room — everyone passes through. Ralph's German Bakery for sunset drinks, Everyday restaurant for budget meals (E£50–100), or Tota for upscale seafood (E£200–400). Shisha is E£30–50 everywhere. The stars come out over the gulf.

Take a camel (E£300–500 return, 1.5 hours) or hike (1 hour along the coast) from the Blue Hole to Ras Abu Galum — a protected coastal zone with the Blue Lagoon, a shallow turquoise bay with pristine coral and the most remote snorkelling in the Sinai. The camel trek follows the coast past rocky headlands with spectacular views. Ras Abu Galum has basic Bedouin shelters and serves fresh tea. Snorkel the reef — fewer fish than the Blue Hole but stunning coral and absolute peace.

Book a jeep excursion (E£400–600 per person) to the Coloured Canyon — a narrow sandstone gorge 30km inland with naturally striped walls in red, orange, yellow, and purple created by mineral deposits over millennia. The canyon walk involves scrambling through narrow passages and squeezing between rock faces — it's adventurous and visually stunning. The Sinai desert landscape en route — rugged mountains and wadis — is dramatic.

Many jeep tours include a Bedouin dinner in the desert — bread baked in sand, grilled meat, tea brewed over fire, and stories under the stars. The Sinai Bedouins are welcoming and proud of their culture. If your tour doesn't include dinner, arrange a Bedouin evening through your hotel (E£200–300). Alternatively, return to Dahab for waterfront dining. The Red Sea stargazing from the Sinai interior is extraordinary.

Dive or snorkel the Lighthouse reef — Dahab's signature site and one of the Red Sea's best shore dives. The gentle sandy slope drops from the shallows past coral gardens, bommies, and a wall to 30+ metres. Marine life includes Napoleon wrasse, blue-spotted stingrays, scorpionfish, morays, and occasional reef sharks. The entry point is easy — wade in from the shore. Two dives with equipment rental costs E£1,000–1,500.

Dahab is a world-class wind sports destination — consistent thermal winds blow through the Gulf of Aqaba most afternoons. Windsurfing lessons start at E£600–1,000 for 2 hours. Kitesurfing intro sessions E£1,500–2,500. Harry Nass windsurf centre is the most established. Or simply rest — Dahab's backpacker vibe encourages hammock time, reading, and doing nothing at all. The waterfront cafes welcome all-day lingerers.

Final sunset from the waterfront — the Gulf of Aqaba turns gold, then the mountains of Saudi Arabia across the water silhouette against the sky. Farewell dinner at your favourite waterfront spot. Ralph's German Bakery has excellent cakes and cocktails for a last-night treat. Dahab is the kind of place people come for 3 days and stay for 3 weeks — the combination of world-class diving, Sinai mountains, Bedouin culture, and backpacker ease is addictive.