Dive Buddies in Dahab: Scuba, Sunshine, and Rock Climbing in the Sinai

Written by Lupita

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Uncategorized

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October 13, 2025

From Cairo to the Coast: Landing in Dahab

After an early morning flight from Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh, Katie and I caught a taxi through the desert mountains to the laid-back seaside town of Dahab—a place that would become the starting point of our Dahab scuba diving Blue Hole itinerary, filled with sunshine, sea breezes, and adventure.

We settled into our hotel, a cozy spot just steps from the water, and headed straight to lunch with fresh-squeezed juice and views of the sea. A post-travel massage melted the airport stiffness away, and we ended the day with dinner under the stars, the warm Red Sea breeze reminding us we were officially in paradise.

Hannah and a friend smiling at a seaside cafe in Dahab — Katie and me, officially in paradise.

Hannah in a wetsuit on a boardwalk by the Red Sea in Dahab — Suited up for a shore dive.

Two scuba divers wading into the Red Sea from the shore in Dahab — Katie’s intro dive inspired her to start her PADI Open Water course.

Hannah making a peace sign underwater while scuba diving in Dahab — Peace from the bottom of the Red Sea.

Legs stretched out on cushions facing the Red Sea in Dahab — Quiet days in Dahab after Katie left.

Coral reef underwater in the Red Sea off Dahab

Hannah taking a selfie on the rocky shore of the Red Sea in Dahab — Windy day on the Dahab shoreline.

Graduation Dives and Celebrations

After several days of hard work and deep breaths, Katie completed her PADI certification—and we celebrated with a proper night out. She’d officially joined the world of scuba divers, and I was so proud to be there for the journey.

To mark the occasion, we spent the next day diving together for fun at the Blue Hole. Watching her glide through the water, confident and joyful, was one of the highlights of the whole trip.

A Climber’s Finale in Wadi Gnai

On our final full day together—since you can’t dive 12–24 hours before flying—we swapped wetsuits for climbing shoes and headed into the desert.

Wadi Gnai, a canyon just outside Dahab, is a Bedouin-run climbing paradise. We tackled beautiful sandstone routes, reconnecting with our climbing muscles and laughing through the challenge. Our Bedouin guide, casually climbing barefoot, humbled and inspired us in equal measure.

Climber scaling a tall rock face in the Sinai desert near Dahab — Climbing in Wadi Gnai. You can’t dive 12 to 24 hours before flying.

Hannah and a friend in climbing helmets in a desert canyon near Dahab — Our Bedouin guide climbed barefoot.

After Katie Left: Quiet Days in Dahab

Once Katie flew out, I stayed a few more days. They passed in a familiar, peaceful rhythm:

Morning dives with friends.
Massage sessions to soothe sore muscles.
Long meals by the sea with the company of lazy cats.
Time to rest, reflect, and soak in the slow magic of Dahab.

Soon I’d be off to Alexandria, but for now, Dahab gave me everything I needed—adventure, friendship, and a deep exhale.

Planning Your Own Dahab Adventure?

Here are a few tips:

Best time to visit: March to May and September to November for perfect dive conditions.
Where to dive: Blue Hole, Canyon, Lighthouse Reef, and south sites like Um Sid.
Other activities: Rock climbing in Wadi Gnai, freediving, windsurfing, or simply relaxing by the water.
Where to eat: Try local koshary, grilled fish, and fresh mango or sugarcane juice at seaside cafés.

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Don´t miss the hole adventure in Cairo on this blog: From Paragliding in Pokhara to a Pyramid Sunrise: My Accidental Detour to Cairo.