Attraction Details
Overview
Blue Hole Dahab
The Blue Hole at Dahab is one of the most celebrated and most notorious dive sites in the world — a circular submarine sinkhole approximately 160 meters in diameter and at least 130 meters deep, plunging into the coral reef wall immediately off the coast 8 km north of Dahab on the Gulf of Aqaba. The site has earned both its fame and its reputation: the crystal-clear blue water, the dramatic reef wall dropping into the abyss, and the extraordinary marine biodiversity have made it a magnet for divers and snorkelers from across the world; the depth, the underwater arch known as ‘the Arch’ connecting the Blue Hole to the open sea at 55 meters, and the history of fatal accidents have made it one of the most dangerous dive sites on earth.
For snorkelers, the Blue Hole is a spectacular and entirely safe destination — the reef wall descends vertically and can be observed from the surface, with reef fish, coral formations, and the extraordinary blue color of the deep water visible from above without any diving equipment. The beauty of the site at snorkel depth is genuinely extraordinary, and the surrounding shallow reef is one of the finest in the Sinai.
For divers, the Blue Hole is a technically demanding site that should only be approached by experienced divers with proper training and, ideally, local guide knowledge. The Arch — a 26-meter-long underwater passage at 55 meters connecting the hole to the open reef — has claimed numerous lives from narcosis and running out of air at depth; many dive authorities recommend it only for technical divers with specific training.
History & Significance
The Blue Hole is a geological sinkhole formed by the dissolution of limestone bedrock — similar to the blue holes found in the Bahamas, Belize, and the Red Sea — where fresh or slightly brackish water percolating through limestone creates cavities that eventually collapse, creating circular depressions. The Red Sea’s Blue Hole is one of the most visually dramatic examples of this geological form.
Dahab developed as a diving destination in the 1980s and 1990s, initially attracting backpacker travelers drawn by the town’s relaxed Bedouin atmosphere and cheap accommodation. The Blue Hole’s reputation spread through the international diving community during this period, and it became one of the defining sites of Red Sea diving culture. It also became associated with diving fatalities — estimates of the total number of deaths at the site range from 130 to over 200, though precise figures are difficult to verify.
The Egyptian government and diving authorities have introduced increasingly strict regulations around the Blue Hole in recent years, including requirements for dive guides and restrictions on solo diving, but the site remains a destination that attracts both experienced technical divers and insufficiently prepared recreational divers — a combination that continues to produce accidents.
What to See
Surface Snorkeling
The Blue Hole's reef wall and the vivid blue of the deep water visible from the surface — safe, extraordinary, and accessible to non-divers with just a mask and fins.
Reef Wall Marine Life
The surrounding shallow reef is one of the finest in the Sinai — abundant coral, reef fish in enormous variety, rays, and the occasional turtle visible from snorkel depth.
The Bells Entry (for qualified divers)
An alternative entry point north of the Blue Hole connecting to the reef through a chimney descent — a scenic drift dive suitable for qualified divers that circumvents the more dangerous aspects of the main hole.
Coastal Setting
The site sits directly on the Gulf of Aqaba coast with the Sinai mountains visible across the water — one of the most dramatic coastal settings of any Egyptian dive site.
Photo Gallery
Visitor Information
Accessible at all hours; dive centers in Dahab organize trips from early morning
⛔ Closed: NeverNo dress restrictions
Photography is free
Partially accessible
💡 Visitor Tips
Location & Map
🚕 How to Get There
Located 8 km north of Dahab town; accessible by taxi (15 min, LE 20–30), bicycle (45 min), or on foot along the coastal path (1.5 hours). Dive centers in Dahab organize regular trips.
