The most dangerous and... fascinating diving spot.

Nestled at the foot of Egypt's Sinai Mountains, Dahab is emerging as a major tourist hotspot in the North African country.

Dahab là một trong những khu nghỉ dưỡng lặn biển hàng đầu ở vùng Biển Đỏ. (Nguồn: CNN)

Dahab is one of the top diving resorts in the Red Sea region. (Source: CNN)

Originally a small fishing town inhabited by the Bedouin tribe, Dahab has now become one of the leading diving resorts in the Red Sea region, attracting nature lovers and thrill-seekers.

The mysterious Blue Hole

Considered one of the most famous spots in Dahab, the Blue Hole is the world's most dangerous diving spot.

The sinkhole's notoriously dangerous appearance only increases its allure for brave divers eager to explore its underwater mysteries.

With a depth of approximately 100m, the Blue Hole is sheltered from ocean currents, so the waters here are relatively calm.

Although it is perfectly safe to dive in the Blue Hole, the inherent danger posed by the natural arch (connecting the hole to the ocean) creates an exhilarating challenge for free divers (without scuba gear) who want to push their limits in a race against depth and lung capacity.

The danger lies in the fact that divers searching for the Arch, located 56 meters below the surface, can become disoriented and eventually run out of oxygen. Attempting to explore all of Dahab's underwater sites in a week is almost impossible, given the sheer number of diving locations, ranging from coral reefs to shipwrecks. These sites are surprisingly well-preserved. For example, the wreck of a British Navy ship struck by a German torpedo boat during World War II offers a rare glimpse into history.

For those who prefer not to seek out adventure, visitors can opt for the safe diving spot called Three Pools in nearby Akaba to admire the colorful marine life.

Islam Ali Radwane, a scuba diving instructor in Dahab, said that tourists come from all over the world because it is one of the best places to experience this fascinating sport . “When you dive underwater, you can see caves and beautiful coral reefs that are rarely found anywhere else in the world. It is also one of the most peaceful and safest areas, as there are no sharks.”

In an effort to reduce the amount of waste washed into the sea, Ihab Tomounm, President of the Sud-Sinai Diving Development Association, said his association is working to help collect waste on the beaches and streets of Dahab.

"Our association alone is not enough; we need everyone's cooperation," he said. "The government needs to pay more attention to Dahab, as it has done with Sharm el-Sheikh."

Peace conquers the heart.

Located an hour's drive from Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab is a bustling city, but also a relaxing seaside destination where visitors can enjoy the clear blue waters and fresh air.

This resort town boasts colorful boardwalks, craft shops, and multicultural restaurants and cafes, each with its own unique character.

The multicultural community here includes indigenous Bedouin, Egyptians, and a number of foreigners who are captivated by the beauty of Dahab.

Julia Limonova, a Russian woman who moved to Dahab in 2020, explained: “I feel like this is the place for me. There are so many people who do sports like freediving, scuba diving, surfing, and practice yoga… They are of many different nationalities, including Russian, Ukrainian, German, and Italian.”

Dahab has internet access, making it convenient for remote workers looking for a quiet "office" by the sea.

According to tourist Rahma Zein, many exciting activities are available in Dahab, such as scuba diving, hiking, and sunbathing, making the town an ideal destination for many visitors.

"On a typical day, I wake up, have breakfast, go freediving, stroll on the beach, go hiking, eat, and rest," she shared, "between those activities, I work remotely."

A beautiful, simple place

With its calm, turquoise waters and gentle breezes, Blue Lagoon is the ideal spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts.

With only a few bamboo huts and very few people around, it feels like you're stepping onto an exclusive beach. There's no internet and virtually no electricity, making it an ideal place to escape the modern world.

Tourists are drawn to its beautiful simplicity, and the local Bedouin people are happy to catch and prepare the freshest seafood to serve visitors.

Many people choose to camp here overnight to watch the spectacular sunrise and sunset. Although visitors can rent or bring tents, it's not mandatory, as a simple sleeping bag on the sandy beach is enough to gaze at the twinkling starry sky…

Tourism development in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula is primarily concentrated along the eastern coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Both Dahab and Nuweiba are bustling resorts, ideal for scuba diving, surfing, and other water sports. Further north in the Sinai Peninsula lies the Taba resort area, with several large hotels near the Egyptian-Israeli border.

Climbing Wadi Qnai mountain

Although Dahab is known as a global tourist "hotspot" for scuba diving and surfing, rock climbing has recently become increasingly popular.

The most popular spot here is Wadi Qnai, catering to all climbing levels, with a variety of single-track and multi-stage routes.

During the day, the temperature isn't suitable for climbing, so some people choose to camp overnight and start climbing at sunrise before returning to town for a cool swim in the sea.

Additionally, there are several attractions just outside Dahab, such as the town of St. Catherine, home to the world's oldest Christian monastery, and nearby Mount Sinai, where the prophet Moses was given the Ten Commandments.

With plenty of affordable accommodation and many interesting places to explore, the popularity of this ancient fishing town is expected to increase after the Covid-19 pandemic subsides and tourism activities resume.

Source