Dahab Diving

Dahab often referred to as the Goa of the Red sea, Dahab diving breeds on Dahab's hippie-like image, yet it is as good, if not better than people claim. The average age of Dahab's tourists are probably around 20, but far older visitors can feel just as welcome. Dahab is one of the most versatile diving locations in the world. The sites combine coral garden, arches, canyons and caves, with a huge diversity of reef fish and invertebrates, as well as turtles, rays, moray eels, octopus, and larger fish including Napoleon fish, Barracuda, small sharks and dolphins. 20% of the fauna, and 50% of the Butterfly fish, are found nowhere else in the world.

Dahab is definitely one of my favourite places in the world for total relaxation, the ultimate getaway from the daily grind. The amazing setting and the people around you; this place doesn't get boring even on days when you do absolutely nothing. Swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, drinking coffee and eating food, with only the pulse of the waves surrounding you 24 hours a day. Of course Dahab diving is second to non in my opinion and the ultimate getaway from the daily grind.

Dahab diving offers a plethora of experiences for all levels of ability. The Lagoon is a nice spot to watch, and also a great place for children to swim. The lagoon is formed by a long tongue of beach. On the outside, the ocean begins, allowing good swimming for adults. Still, the lagoon is little visited, a reflection of Dahab being well-equipped with beaches. The Blue Hole, not far north of Dahab, is probably Egypt's most infamous diving spot. The hole is a shaft that starts just a metre below the surface of the sea. It goes 80 metres straight down, and the main trip for experienced divers is to dive down to a depth of 60 metres, then pass through a tunnel to the outer edge of the reef before returning to the surface. People die here almost every year, mainly from nitrogen narcosis. It is apparently too easy to start diving all by yourself. This should only be done after years of training or with an experienced guide next to you. The Blue Hole is not only for divers, it is chillingly fascinating for snorkelers too. The corals are colourful, fish abundant, and you can tickle your nerves by swimming along the edge of this hole which has no visible bottom.

Ra's Abu Galum is a nice addition to your visit for Dahab diving, it’s a camel ride north of the Blue Hole. It is a genuine Bedouin village, with ramshackle huts on a sandy bank next to the ocean. There might be a few hundred people living here. What is perhaps most memorable in this area is that the boys and girls playing naked on the beach, swimming like dolphins, and appearing totally free. Their attitudes resemble little the strict rules of relations between men and women in the rest Egypt.

Taking into account of the experience you’re gaining when travelling in Dahab diving you should be aware that your usual home comforts are not always accessible, Dahab is a great place for eating, but hotels are often basic; the few middle class hotels have a dull touch. But the clue here is to settle for the simple standards, and enjoy everything else (the restaurants, the clubs, the large gardens and the amazing atmosphere).

Practically all restaurants here follow the same concept, they are open-air places next to the beach whereby you will be seated on large pillows right on the ground. You may pick out the fish of the night from stands at the entrance, and when you finally finish your meal, you can stay as long as you like.

Dahab diving offers a relaxed environment, the heat lightened by a constant breeze with the temperatures ranging from the mid-80's at night to the upper 90's during the day. In the shade it is very comfortable with the breeze; clearly visible from the coast is Saudi Arabia, Right across the gulf.

Dahab diving provides a stark contrast to other diving destinations, the teal water of the red sea on one site and the orange of the desert leading up to craggy mountains. Being able to walk into the water from the hotel is equally attractive, ensure diving is accessible constantly, there are dozens of dive shops and the sea is swarming with divers.

When in Dahab diving your likely to see grey moray eels, lots of lion fish, split-tail rays, crocodile fish, cleaners shrimps, wrass of all different colours, shapes and sizes, as well as unicorn fish, grouper, puffer fish, clown fish, pipe fish, angel fish, sergeant fish and scorpion fish. You’re equally likely to see octopi and giant clams. The coral visible when in and around Dahab diving is amazing, the table coral, which looks like a tree where in all the branches are horizontal and the same height, creating a “table” look provide excellent cover for interesting fish to lurk below in the shade.

Overall from each person I have met throughout my diving travels the general consensus is that the Red Sea especially when in Dahab diving rivals the Great Barrier Reef and is a “must dive” location for all SCUBA divers. The best description I can think of to describe the wonders of Dahab diving would be like swimming inside the most abundant aquarium on earth.

To find out more about Sharm el Sheik and diving across The Red Sea, Lanzarote and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk/diving_destinations_dahab.html and quote: ART
Author: Emma Parker (15/08/08)

That’s all for now on Dahab diving