Perhaps Egypt’s best-known diving and snorkeling site, the Blue Hole is a coral-fringed submarine sinkhole just north of Dahab in the Sinai. Dropping vertiginously to depths reaching 426 feet (130 meters), with a dramatic tunnel at 183 feet (56 meters), it’s popular with submarine enthusiasts, from technical divers to snorkelers.
The BasicsThere is no charge to visit the Blue Hole, and snorkel gear can be rented from nearby eateries if required. A guide is required when scuba diving, and to travel the full depth, you must be PADI Advanced Open Water certified. Many travelers choose to join Blue Hole tours that make the most of its adventurous location, pairing a camel ride, horse ride, or ATV trip along the beach with a guided snorkeling adventure through its clear Red Sea waters.
Things to Know Before You Go- A stop at Blue Hole is a must for scuba divers, free divers, and snorkelers.
- The Dahab Blue Hole should not be confused with the Belize Blue Hole.
- The Blue Hole is reached by a rough, rocky track that leads over a headland and a descent through a narrow channel: It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues.
How to Get ThereThe Blue Hole sits around six miles (10 kilometers) north of Dahab. There is no public transport, and the road is only suitable for 4WD or ATV, so most travelers visit on Blue Hole tours or with a private driver. A camel ride along the Red Sea shore from Dahab is another way to travel.
When to Get ThereThere are no restrictions on when you can snorkel the Blue Hole. As it’s a popular attraction for divers and snorkelers based in both Dahab and Sharm el Sheikh, it’s worth arriving early in the morning to beat the crowds. The Blue Hole is at its busiest during Islamic holidays.
Is the Blue Hole Dangerous?Much has been made of the number of deaths at the Blue Hole, with plaques in the rock commemorating some who've died. Often those killed are scuba divers attempting the deep reef tunnel known as the Arch without sufficient gas. With its good visibility and limited current, the Blue Hole is a safe site for snorkelers and scuba divers who follow instructions and don't go too deep.