The Blue Hole, Dahab: a first-timer's guide

A few kilometres north of Dahab, the reef suddenly drops away into a deep, dark-blue circle. This is the Blue Hole, and for many travellers it is the reason they come to Dahab in the first place.

What makes it special

The Blue Hole is a sinkhole in the reef, well over 100 metres deep, with a ring of coral around the top. That coral rim is where the magic happens: clear water, fish everywhere, and the strange feeling of floating above deep blue nothing.

• Snorkellers stay on the rim and in the shallow reef. You don't need to dive to enjoy it.
• Divers usually enter from "the Bells", a narrow chimney just south of the hole, and drift along the wall back to the Blue Hole.

Is it safe?

For snorkellers and recreational divers who stay within their training, yes. The danger people talk about is the Arch, a tunnel at around 55 metres. It is far beyond recreational limits, and we never go there. Stay shallow, stay with your guide, and the Blue Hole is simply beautiful.

When to go

Mornings are calmer and quieter, before the day-trip buses arrive. The water is warmest from July to October, but the Blue Hole is good all year: bring a wetsuit in winter.

Tips from Ahmed

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, or better, a rash guard.
• Don't stand on or touch the coral. It takes decades to grow.
• Combine it with a walk or camel ride to Ras Abu Galum, just up the coast.

Ready to go? See our Blue Hole trip, or pair it with Ras Abu Galum for a full day.