Why Visit Blue Hole Dahab
Blue Hole is one of the Red Sea's most iconic shore-entry dive and snorkel sites — a natural underwater sinkhole roughly 25 meters in diameter that drops to over 100 meters deep, fringed by healthy coral and sitting directly on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. It is located approximately 10 km north of Dahab town, making it an easy half-day or full-day trip from the Assalah or Mashraba neighborhoods.
What makes it special: crystal-clear visibility often exceeding 30 meters, calm conditions sheltered by an outer reef wall, and shore access that requires no boat. Snorkelers float above vibrant reef at the shallow saddle (around 6–7 meters deep), while certified divers descend through the famous Bells chimney and drift along coral walls. The surrounding area — including Abu Galum Protected Area, Blue Lagoon, and Three Pools — adds variety to any Blue Hole snorkeling trip.
Whether you hold a PADI card or have never worn a mask, Blue Hole Dahab delivers a world-class underwater experience within minutes of town.
See Dahab day trips
Compare & Book Blue Hole Tours
Verified local suppliers on Red Sea Quest offer several trip formats. All include hotel pickup from central Dahab and free cancellation on most bookings. Here is how the main options compare:
| Trip Type | Typical Price (USD) | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkeling day trip (car transfer) | $20–35 per person | 3–5 hours | Non-divers, families |
| Snorkeling day trip (camel transfer) | $30–40 per person | 4–6 hours | Adventure seekers |
| Intro / Discovery Scuba Dive | $50–90 per person | 3–4 hours | First-time divers |
| Certified dive (Bells to Blue Hole) | $45–70 per person | Half day | Advanced Open Water holders |
| Blue Hole + Abu Galum combo | $35–55 per person | Full day | Snorkelers wanting two sites |
Prices vary by group size, season, and inclusions such as lunch or equipment rental. A jeep safari transfer to the site is also available through some suppliers and adds a desert element to the trip.
For Dahab diving beyond the Blue Hole, local dive centers also run trips to The Canyon, Lighthouse Reef, and Eel Garden — all within 15 minutes of town.
See Dahab day tripsBlue Hole Snorkeling vs Diving: What's Best for You?
Snorkeling is the right choice if you want a low-commitment, budget-friendly experience. The reef around the Blue Hole saddle starts at just a few meters deep, and entry is straightforward from a jetty or ladders on the north and south edges. You will see anthias, parrotfish, nudibranchs, and healthy hard corals without needing any certification. A guided Blue Hole snorkeling trip typically costs $20–35 and lasts three to five hours including transfers.
Diving is better if you want to experience the famous Bells-to-Blue-Hole drift. Certified divers (PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent, minimum 30 m rating) descend through the Bells chimney, emerge at 28 meters on the outer wall, and drift south along pristine coral before crossing the saddle into the Blue Hole. Visibility is exceptional and marine life includes turtles, octopus, and eagle rays on the outer reef.
First-time divers
A Discovery Scuba Diving (DSD) experience lets beginners dive to around 12 meters under direct instructor supervision. Expect to pay $50–90 per person depending on the operator, with all equipment included. No prior certification is needed.
For more Dahab diving options — including multi-day courses and technical profiles — browse verified suppliers on Red Sea Quest.
How to Get to the Blue Hole from Dahab
The transfer is short and simple. Blue Hole sits about 10 km north of Dahab along the coastal road toward Abu Galum Protected Area. Here are the main options:
- Taxi or private car: 15–20 minutes each way from central Dahab. Expect to pay around 400–500 EGP return. Most guided trips include this transfer.
- Local shared van: Departs from near YAM YAM Restaurant in Dahab. Cheaper but slower as it fills up and makes stops.
- Camel transfer: A popular add-on offered by local suppliers. Camels carry you along the coastal trail, taking roughly 1–1.5 hours one way. Often combined with a snorkeling stop at Blue Lagoon.
- Boat via Ras Abu Galum: Arranged from Assalah beach. Adds a second snorkel site and avoids the road entry fee.
What to Expect On the Day: Entry, Gear, Safety, Timing
Entry and fees
There is a checkpoint on the road where foreigners pay a $10 National Park fee per person (cash USD only, clean bills). Some visitors report additional military fees bringing the total to $20–25. Arriving by boat from Abu Galum bypasses this checkpoint entirely.
Gear and rentals
Snorkel masks, fins, and life jackets are available for rent at shops on-site (typically $5–10). Dive equipment is provided by your dive center. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and water shoes for the rocky entry points.
Safety
Blue Hole is safe for snorkelers and guided recreational divers who stay within their certification limits. The dangerous reputation comes from the deep Arch at 55 meters — a technical dive that requires advanced trimix training. Stick to the shallow saddle and outer reef walls, follow your guide's briefing, and you will have a relaxed experience.
Timing
The site opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM. Early morning offers the calmest water and fewest visitors. Most half-day trips depart Dahab between 8:00 and 9:00 AM and return by early afternoon.
Best Time to Visit + Conditions
March through May and September through November deliver the best combination of comfortable air temperatures, warm water (24–28 °C), excellent visibility, and manageable crowds. These shoulder seasons are ideal for both snorkeling and diving.
Summer (June–August) brings hotter air temperatures above 40 °C but water remains warm and diveable. Winter (December–February) sees fewer tourists and cooler water around 21–23 °C; a 5 mm wetsuit is recommended.
Conditions at the Blue Hole are remarkably consistent year-round thanks to the sheltering outer reef wall. Currents inside the hole are minimal, making it accessible even for inexperienced swimmers when snorkeling with a guide.
