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Dive or snorkel the Blue Hole, Dahab

  • Dahab, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Last updated: 15 July, 2024

This 100m-deep submarine sinkhole, formed by the collapse of a limestone cavern, is one of the world’s most striking natural phenomena – and a world-renowned dive site. It’s approximately 130 meters deep, with crystal-clear water, rich marine life, and unique geological formations – the highlight being a stunning archway that leads to the open sea at 56m depth.  It’s also highly accessible, being close to shore.

Despite its beauty, the Blue Hole is also known for its challenging conditions and is one of the world’s most lethal sites in terms of scuba diving fatalities. It’s for advanced divers only, but anyone can snorkel in it.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

Dahab is a 1.5-hour taxi or minibus ride from Sharm el-Sheik, around 80kms along a scenic coastal road. Many local tour operators and hotels offer organised trips, often including transportation, equipment rental, and guided diving or snorkelling tours. Upon arrival at the Blue Hole, you’ll find several dive centres and kiosks where you can arrange your activities.

For diving, reputable dive centres like Divers’ Lodge, Sinai Divers, or Red Sea Relax offer guided dives, ensuring a safe and controlled dive experience. These centres provide you with all the necessary gear, briefings, and experienced guides familiar with the site’s challenging conditions. Snorkellers can also rent equipment and receive guidance from the same centres. It’s essential to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and equipment.

Whether diving or snorkelling, you’ll be escorted to entry points and receive instructions to safely enjoy this natural wonder.

When to do it

The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These periods offer mild temperatures, calm seas, and excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling. Summer months can be extremely hot, while winter might bring cooler water temperatures and windier conditions.

Spring and autumn provide optimal conditions for enjoying the Blue Hole’s stunning underwater landscapes and diverse marine life.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Sharm el Sheikh

Take a day tour from Sharm El Sheikh to the famous Colored Canyon, Blue Hole, and Dahab. Visit two wonders of the Sinai Peninsula in one day on a jeep tour to the Colored Canyon and the Blue Hole dive site. Encounter astounding rock formations and coral reefs, ride a camel and enjoy a buffet lunch in the Abu Galum Reserve, and explore the coastal town of Dahab. After pickup, travel by jeep to the famous Colored Canyon. Explore a vibrant labyrinth of sandstone cliffs in shades of yellow, purple, red, and gold as you walk through the 800-meter gorge. Continue to the Abu Galum Reserve. Here you’ll have time to snorkel at the Blue Hole, a world-famous dive site where you can explore the Red Sea’s rich underwater ecosystem. Later, sit down for a buffet lunch on the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba and ride a camel along the waterfront. Before drop-off in Sharm El Sheikh, visit Dahab for shopping and city tour.

Price $20

Min age 0

Rating 4.57 / 5 [363 ratings]

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  • Sharm el Sheikh

Experience the wonders of Dahab, a breathtaking golden paradise on earth, on this full-day adventure featuring snorkeling, camel riding, and canyon exploration. Discover the world-renowned Blue Hole, the third-best snorkeling and diving location in the world, with its vast coral reef and abundant marine life. Savor a delicious barbecue lunch by the sea and escape the stresses of daily life. In addition to a shopping experience, take a leisurely walking tour of Dahab and immerse yourself in the local culture, meeting with Bedouin people who have made the region their home. This will be an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime

Price $32

Min age 0

Rating 4.44 / 5 [9 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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