Diving in Dahab

Dahab offers some of the best diving you will find in the Red Sea or, indeed, anywhere in the world.

Dahab bay is shallow and sheltered, with its abundant life and some fantastic reefs at either end (Lighthouse and Mashraba), it is perfect for students and experienced divers alike.

Just a short drive from the center of Dahab sites such as Eel Garden and Islands are suitable for all levels while The Canyon and Bells/Blue Hole are astounding sites to even the most experienced diver.

One of the many things that makes Dahab unique is the easy shore access to its “fringing reefs”, making long boat journeys unnecessary, another factor is the incredible depths the water plunges to direct from the shore at many sites. This easy access, creates safety and environmental concerns which have to be addressed

Since 1999 all recreational diving has been regulated so that all divers must be accompanied by a professional, experienced guide. These rules were introduced for two reasons;

First, Dahab was experiencing an unacceptable number of diver accidents. This is not to say diving in Dahab is dangerous but rather what people were doing was dangerous. The Blue Hole alone is reputed to have claimed around 200 lives. The reason?, the reef wall here plunges down to 800 meters tempting divers well below the Red Sea recreational limit of 30 meters. For obvious reasons the Blue Hole is now a Mecca for extended range and technical divers.

The second, and often overlooked reason for a guide being compulsory, is the preservation of the reef. Unrestricted would result in divers entering and exiting at any point they choose, causing an unacceptable amount of damage to that area. At sites such as the Islands and the Eel Garden we have to enter by crossing the reef shelf and some damage is unavoidable. Your guide will show you the correct entry and exit points to ensure that both you and the reef are safe.

Have Fun and Dive Safe!