Diving in Dahab: How to Get There, Travel Tips and Getting Around the Red Sea's Diving Paradise
Diving in Dahab: How to Get There, Travel Tips and Getting Around the Red Sea's Diving Paradise
If you're
planning a scuba diving holiday in Egypt, few destinations can match the
relaxed atmosphere, world-class shore diving and stunning underwater landscapes
of Dahab. Located on the eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, this former
Bedouin fishing village has become one of the most popular destinations for diving in Dahab and throughout the Red Sea.
Often we are asked, “How
do I get to Dahab?”
In this travel
guide, whether you're travelling to complete your PADI Open Water Diver
certification, explore
famous sites like the Blue Hole, or embark on technical diving
adventures, knowing how
to get to Dahab and how to get around once you're there can help make your trip
seamless and stress-free.
How to Get to Dahab
Fly into Sharm El Sheikh
International Airport
The easiest and
most popular way to get to Dahab is by flying into Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH). Dahab does not have
its own airport, so visitors arrive in Sharm El Sheikh and continue by road to
Dahab. The journey covers approximately 90-100km and usually takes around 1.5
hours depending on traffic and security checkpoints.
Direct flights
operate from many European cities throughout the year, making Dahab easily
accessible for divers travelling from the UK, Germany, France, Italy and other
European destinations.
Airport Transfers from Sharm
El-Sheikh
There are
several ways to travel from Sharm Airport to Dahab:
Private Transfers
Private
transfers or a taxi from Sharm offer the most convenient option, particularly
if you're carrying dive gear or equipment. Your driver meets you at arrivals
and takes you directly to your hotel or dive centre. Most visitors find this
the quickest and most comfortable method.
Shared Transfers
Shared shuttle
services are available and provide a cost-effective alternative for solo
travellers or small groups. Travel times are similar to private transfers,
although there may be additional stops along the route
Bus Services
Budget-conscious
travellers can use bus services connecting Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab. While
this is the cheapest option, it generally involves travelling from the airport
to a bus station first, adding extra time and complexity.
Travelling from Cairo to Dahab
Visitors
already exploring Egypt can also reach Dahab by long-distance coach from Cairo.
Several operators run daily services, with journey times typically between 8
and 9 hours.
By sea from Jordan
If you are
already or planning to tour other areas in the Middle East, perhaps you are
stopping off in Jordan first, or maybe on the way from Dahab.
You can connect
to Jordan and Aqaba via the ‘slow’ ferry service from Nuweiba port (one hour by
road north of Dahab) or with the faster ferry from Taba (2 hours by road north
of Dahab), operated by AB Maritime. Local currency may not be accepted.
By land- Taba border/Nuweiba
area to Dahab
The Taba and
Nuweiba areas are best accessed by taxi. Leaving Dahab, however, it is possible
to catch a bus (We Bus/GoBus) in that direction, but it’s best to confirm at
the ticket office in person.
For the Taba
border crossing, taxis will often be waiting there, but it’s still a good idea
to pre-arrange your ride. A taxi will cost around $50 from Taba to Dahab.
Getting Around Dahab - Tips
for Visiting Dahab
One of the
things divers love most about life in Dahab is its simplicity. The town is
compact, friendly and easy to navigate.
Walking
Many hotels,
restaurants, cafés and dive centres are located along the waterfront promenade.
Most visitors find they can explore the town and walk between accommodation,
restaurants and shops with ease.
Local Taxis
Dahab doesn't
have a traditional public transport network. Instead, local taxis and pickup
trucks provide transport throughout town and to nearby dive sites. Popular
locations such as the Blue Hole, Canyon and Three Pools are easily accessible
by taxi.
Around Dahab,
to areas such as Blue Hole, Caves or Gabr el Bint, it will cost around $3-5.
Keep in mind that for Blue Hole, you also need to buy a $10 National Park
ticket, and may need a permit that costs around $7 per car.
Bicycle Rental
The flat
terrain around Dahab makes cycling another enjoyable way to get around Dahab.
Many visitors rent bicycles to travel between the Laguna, Mashraba, Lighthouse
and Assalah areas.
Diving in Dahab with Circle
Divers
When choosing a
Dahab dive centre, convenience can
make a huge difference to your holiday experience.
At Circle
Divers, we believe scuba diving in Dahab should be about relaxing and enjoying
the underwater world—not worrying about transportation logistics.
That's why Circle Divers Dahab provides complimentary
pick-up and drop-off services from hotels and accommodation throughout Dahab
town. Whether you're joining us for a Discover Scuba Diving
experience, a PADI Open
Water Diver course, guided fun dives, or technical diving training, our team
will collect you directly from your resort or accommodation and take you to the
best Dahab dive sites.
We also provide
transportation to and from the dive sites in Dahab, included in your diving
itinerary, allowing you to focus entirely on the spectacular marine life that
has made Dahab famous.
Plan Your Dahab Diving
Adventure
Whether you're
a beginner looking to learn to dive in
Dahab or an experienced diver seeking world-class technical diving,
visiting Dahab remains one of the finest diving destinations in the Red Sea.
With easy
access from Sharm El Sheikh Airport, straightforward local transportation and
complimentary diver transfers provided by Circle Divers, getting to the water
has never been easier.
Book your next diving
holiday with Circle Divers and
discover why so many divers return to the beach town of Dahab year after year.
