Dahab

Dahab is a small town, on the coast of the Red Sea in Sinai, Egypt. It is only approximately 5 hours flight from any of the major airports in the UK. Dahab is one hour from the nearest airport; Sharm El Sheikh, otherwise known as Ophira Airport. There are lots of charter airlines that fly to Dahab now from most major airports in the UK and flights are available nearly every day.

It is here where the Red Sea hugs the coast; you can find yourself with the spectacular contrast of multicoloured mountains acting as a backdrop to the crystal clear blue waters, teeming with some of the most amazing Corals and Fishes in the world.

Dive Urge

Dive Urge is ideally placed at the end of the beach path, which runs into the main bay of Dahab. Along this promenade are a few restaurants and bars too. In less than a 10 minute stroll you get to the main 'bay of Dahab' with all the hustle and bustle of local shops, restaurants etc. We are also very close to the Assalah shops, if you fancy some 'locals' shopping. You are also then able to enjoy the peace, quiet and stars at Dive Urge too. It really is the best of both worlds.

Dive-Urge Dive Resort is based on the shores of the famous Eel Garden. This lovely site, suitable for both diving and snorkelling is renowned as the home to literally hundreds of bottom dwelling Red Sea Garden Eels, as well as being host to a huge array of other Fishes and Corals. But even viewing it from our beach is amazing as shown in these pictures at sunset and moonrise.

Dahab means Gold in Arabic and was named after the golden sands here in Dahab. Dahab was originally a Bedouin fishing settlement and has only been developed over the last 15 years so is still developing. The Bay of Dahab forms the main hustle and bustle with a relaxed atmosphere prevailing, enhanced by the very friendly locals and easy going pace of life. Here you will find shops and restaurants with very individual themes.

Dahab has however managed to escape the over development of other Red Sea Resorts and maintain it's original charm, a place to truly 'chill out ' and see some of the best Fishes and Coral in the Red Sea as well as experiencing slices of real Bedouin life, a unique chance to see a culture which has lasted at least 5000 years. Here are some images of chill out times in Dahab.

Dive Sites

Dahab is a shore diving area, with extensive choice of dive sites, as nearly the whole coast-line is formed from coral. The only limitation is where it is safe for you and the coral, to get in and out of.

The Red Sea is one of the most interesting Seas in the world as it is closed at one end, making much of the aquatic life indigenous. For example 40% of the Butterfly Fish are unique to the Red Sea. There are also prehistoric animals such the Chignon and Red Sea Dragon to see.

It is easier for lots of people to dive from shore too as the entries are easy and not disorientating (like jumping off a boat can be) And as you can see from the picture below, Jeep travel can be lots of fun too, just getting to the dive site!!
Therefore it would be impossible to list all the dive sites and in some ways a bit of the magic taken away, below we have listed some examples to wet your appetite:

Welcome to our motto here at Dive Urge “See FISH NOT DIVERS" We aim to avoid busy times and busy dive sites so that you get to enjoy your dive even more at an un-crowded site. As we operate with small numbers, we are able to be flexible with this.

Top Dive Spots:

Eel Garden This is our House Reef here at Dive Urge and we are lucky enough to have this right on our shores. It is one of the most famous Dive Sites in Dahab. From Dive Urge Club, you can enter directly to the dive site, where you are rewarded by a field of Red Sea Garden Eels, gently swaying with the current, on a sloping bed of white sand. There are some amazing soft and hard corals and teeming with fish life to match too and the lights from the white sand create a totally 'Out of this World' experience. The Canyon This dive site features an amazing crack in the reef table which is now, after millions of years large enough to dive into. Looking up from inside the crack you are surrounded by Sweeper Fish and sense of awe about the formation of this crack. This dive is for Advanced Divers only, but can be done as part of your PADI Advanced too.

The Blue Hole This is probably the most famous dive site here in Dahab, certainly the most talked about!! It is a favourite of mine for the ultimate blueness, which is viewed whilst hovering next to a wall that drops to over 1000 meters. It is spectacular to see a Ray or Turtle coming into view from the endless blue. For obvious reasons this is a dive for an Advanced PADI Open Water or beyond, but can be done as part of your Advanced Open Water course or Adventure dive as long as you have completed a Deep Dive with a PADI Instructor. The Islands This is such a lovely shallow dive, max depth 16 meters. A sheer maze of the Largest Corals in Dahab, huge Brain Corals and large schools of Emperor or even Barracuda fish define this site as a magical experience which will leave you speechless by the end. Described by "The Sunday Times" as the best dive site in Dahab and only ten minutes drive from Dive Urge....

Lighthouse This is a dive site you are likely to see at the beginning of your holiday, as it offers both easy access and sheltered conditions, making it ideal for a first check dive of the holiday. But it is also an amazing site with lots of different fish and corals to see; including the famous Crocodile Fish, if you’re lucky! Southern Oasis This area of Dive Sites has both an amazing variety of site types as well as being a sheltered site for courses, photography or just a FAB day out. Dives here include; Golden Blocks, Om Sid, Caves and Three Pools. This is the furthest point south before you have to hop on a Camel!

Ras Abu Galum The dive sites in this National Park are very beautiful and definitely off the beaten track. They are accessed after a Camel ride (see Camel Safaris) North to Ras Abu Galum. There are several dive sites here to enjoy, depending on your dive abilities. Hebba Gardens is as close to perfection as possible, teaming with life and with white sand bouncing the light back at you, it will leave you with memories that will stay for you for a long time...

Relax

Dahab has however managed to escape the over development of other Red Sea Resorts and maintain it's original charm, a place to truly 'chill out ' and see some of the best Fishes and Coral in the Red Sea as well as experiencing slices of real Bedouin life, a unique chance to see a culture which has lasted at least 5000 years. Here are some images of chill out times in Dahab.