Swiss Inn Dahab

Dahab, meaning 'gold' in Arabic, has an enviable location at the foot of the Sinai mountains about 100 km north of Sharm el Sheikh. A Bedouin settlement for many years, Dahab is well known for its unique, laid back atmosphere and some of the most spectacular diving in the Red Sea.

Legendary sites like the Blue Hole and the Canyon attract adrenaline seekers year after year, but easy access to sites from the shore, plus jeep and camel dive safaris, mean that Dahab is a great choice for divers of all levels of experience. Its deep waters also mean the chance to see not only large numbers of reef species but also the occasional pelagic and even the odd shark.

Learning to Dive

Most of the diving in Dahab is conducted from the shore, which makes it a good option for novice divers. Confined water training is often undertaken in the sea at sites such as the Lighthouse, with its large sandy slopes and gentle drop off. The wall and sprawling coral gardens offer a range of depths to suit all divers, as well as a spectacular variety of marine life and coral. The Islands is another well-known site that offers an underwater magical maze of vivid coral boulders, passages, amphitheatres and bowls in less than 18m, and is home to barracuda and turtles.

Qualified Divers

The amazing topography of this underwater world is the main attraction of Dahab. Experienced divers and photography fans are really spoilt for choice, with a number of spectacular sites situated near the shore.

Deep and technical divers are particularly well catered for, and special trips are organised to take in the Bells, the Blue Hole and the Canyon. The depths of the Blue Hole are best left to technical divers as it drops to below 130 m, but the entry point is home to the Bells and an amazing ‘pool’ formed in the reef plate. The open water here is some of the clearest, deepest blue you have ever seen. The drop-off is magnificent and absolutely vertical, with overhangs and cavelets and an incredible diversity of marine life. Towards the end of the dive, it is possible to enter the Blue Hole at around 7 m and finish your dive inside the Blue Hole.

The Canyon is also a popular site and the result of ancient volcanic activity. Here the subterranean underwater tunnel has split along the top, allowing access from several points, and an amazing topography of grottos, caves and a beautiful ‘fishbowl’ at 20 m with a chamber packed full of billowing glassfish and anthias.

Twin Centre Diving

Diving in Dahab can also be combined with the spectacular diving available in Sharm, including the Ras Mohammed Marine Park. Please enquire with our friendly Regaldive team to discuss an itinerary.

Dahab is located on the Sinai Peninsula, 100 km north of Sharm el Sheikh. There is a strong ethnic atmosphere due to the Bedouin community who have lived in the area for many years.

Getting Around

Your journey through the barren desert from Sharm to Dahab takes in some fabulous scenery that is typical of the Sinai region. 

Climate

The hottest time of the year is July and August with air temperature well over 30ºC. The coolest time is January with the temperature at around 20ºC. Rainfall is negligible, and it is invariably sunny but breezes can be cool.

Time

Egypt is 1 or 2 hours ahead of GMT depending on the season as Egypt does not operate Daylight Saving Time.

Currency

Egyptian pounds or LE.

We recommend that you take some money in cash to Egypt. There is a currency exchange desk available at the hotel.  Please note that Scottish notes are not accepted in Egypt.

Tipping

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to travellers for personal recognition of the services offered. We would advise that you allow approx. £10 for gratuities for local staff for the duration of your stay.

Flight Information

Flights are available to Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) from a number of UK airports.

Flight duration: Approx 5–5½ hours

Transfer: Varies according to hotel. Minimum transfer time approx. 10 minutes, maximum transfer time approximately 30 minutes.

Departure tax: N/A

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.