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- My Experience
- Kite Spot Info
- Other Activities
- Logistics
- Accommodation
- Working Remotely
- Hang Outs & Food
- Recommendations
Feel free to contact me for additional tips and recommendations.
MY EXPERIENCE
Where do I even begin! Having stayed just a month in this small Bedouin town, it’s gem amongst the Sinai mountains left me craving for more.
Kitesurfing and digital nomad life in Dahab was simply dreamy. I left London to fulfill an active and fulfilled lifestyle, and this place ticked all my boxes.
Most days I’d naturally wake up early, watching the sunrise from my balcony creeping out behind the clouds hovering above Saudi Arabia, just opposite the view of the Red Sea.
My remote work began in the early hours to make time for a morning kitesurf session, deciding to jump on my little blue bike making my way just a few minutes to Assalah Beach.
Once fulfilled on the water, it was time to get back to working online. Although, snorkeling was another perfect opportunity to take a break from my screen, with endless underwater eye candy.
Roof top yoga was my evening ritual! And as I wasn’t working with a kiteschool this time around, my focus was on recharging my batteries, immersing myself into that digital nomad lifestyle and preparing for the next wind seasons ahead.
I have to say this place felt like it had it all. I instantly connected with like-minded people who shared a similar love for the water. I discovered a new passion for freediving, ate the best mangoes ever, and discovered Egypt’s breathtaking Sinai region.
Personal Pros:
- Several kite spots for all levels
- Digital nomad friendly
- Incredible underwater world of the Red Sea
- Several activities in and out of the water
- Alternative town with like-minded people
- Chilled-out vibe and compassion towards stray animals
- Stunning views to the Sinai mountains
Personal Cons:
- Visa length only 1 month
Yep, that’s pretty much it!
KITE SPOT INFO
Located in the Gulf of Aqaba, Dahab often tends to be windier than other kite spots in Egypt since the wind is funnelled down through its Gulf.
It has a summer (March until November) and winter season (December until February). I arrived for the month of October, looking for a suitable kiteboarding destination that wasn’t not too far from Europe.
For the first few weeks, I was blessed with daily morning kite sessions in Dahab before the wind weakened towards the afternoons.
Thereafter the wind started to blow 3 days on and 3 days off, yet this allowed divers to truly appreciate the still water conditions. Although, during the summer months it’s windy pretty much every day.
Water temperature in summer lies between 23 to 28 °C, during Winter between 19 to 23 °C. You can appreciate kiteboarding in a bikini and board shorts for the summer season, which I still enjoyed well throughout October, although don’t forget your sun protection. A wetsuit (i.e. 4/3 mm) is recommended for the additional months.
Assalah Beach
Advanced
This was my favourite local kitesurf spot in Dahab. It was conveniently just a few minutes cycle from my apartment near Lighthouse. Uncrowded, with constant wind and beautiful shades of blue.
But be advised this is a spot for advanced kitesurfers only because of the following:
- Coral seabed and surrounded by reef, so check the tides before going
- On-shore wind
- Small landing and launching area close to footpath, light-posts and buildings
- Fishing boats and rocks nearby
- No kiteschools or rescue boats on site
I have to admit it wasn’t everyone’s ideal spot, but this might also have been what drew some of us to it. Please do make sure you’re a confident and safe rider before attempting to ride here.
Here is a very handy live wind reader for Assalah beach. You can check out how the wind is over there right now!
Dahab Lagoon
Beginners
This is an ideal safe beginner kite spot, but very gusty for intermediate riders who might be practicing their tricks. This is caused by the developing infrastructure in the area.
There are a few decent kiteschools at the entrance, most of them Russian owned. For a daily fee, you can arrange to use their facilities whilst you’re there. The lagoon is strictly split between kiters and windsurfers.
There is another spot known as Baby Bay (off shore wind, no rescue) just outside of the lagoon, much nicer for the more experienced riders. Yet, avoid obstructing the windsurfers here as they are not big fans of kitesurfers getting in their way.
Dahab lagoon is located near the tourism police station, so if you’re staying around the popular area of Lighthouse (3km away) you can easily jump into a taxi for around 50-70 EGP.
Blue Lagoon
All levels
My jaw dropped as my eyes met this florescent blue lagoon. Dotted along the edge you’ll find native Bedouin owned camps, with simple huts to sleep in. I chose to stay here over weekends, where I was entirely disconnected from WiFi and mobile network.
The Blue Lagoon is a kitesurfing paradise for all levels.
It’s an ideal spot (flat, shallow) to learn kitesurfing and progress from, enjoying the Sinai scenery around you. Although just be mindful to leave enough space for launching and landing your kite with the huts situated around you. I recommend trying to organise a course in advance to secure an experienced instructor (see recommendation list).
Simply perfect for those in search of a unique remote place.
The sea is also accessible on the other side, plus I hear there is the odd turtle too. From the Blue Hole you’ll arrive via boat to Abu Gallum, which is another stunning snorkel location with small hippy chill-out camps nearby.
How to get to Blue Lagoon:
- Taxi: Dahab to Blue Hole = 200 EGP / 50 EGP each
- Boat: Return Blue Hole / Abu Galum = 100 EGP each
- Taxi: Abu Galum to Blue lagoon = 50 EGP each
- Accommodation example: El Omda Camp for 1 night with breakfast = 200 EGP per person
OTHER ACTIVITIES
- Yoga & Muay Thai classes with me, Gen Morris
- Scuba & hiking with Sinai Gate
- Rockclimbing with Timo, Amira and I at Red Sea Rock
- Meditation, women’s circles, sauna in the mountains (Malakot)
- Snokerling
- Freediving with Cath4Dive
LOGISTICS
Flights
The closest airport is Sharm El Sheik (80 km away) which takes around 2.5 hours by bus or take a taxi. Along the way you’ll go through several check-points, so have your passport at hand.
Bus company recommendations: Go Bus or Blue Bus.
Visa
Single-entry, 30-day tourist visa for US$25 which can be purchased at the airport on arrival but are also available online.
A visa extension is possible once in the country in Sharm El Sheik.
Transport
I rented a bicycle to get around, although you can more or less walk to places in town within less than 20 minutes. Otherwise taxis are everywhere, usually a pickup truck with a Bedouin driver. They are pretty cheap, I suggest to agree on the price as soon as you hop in.
ACCOMMODATION
The most popular area to stay in or close to is called Lighthouse. This is where most of the action happens but I personally enjoy the stillness of Assala!
My first few nights were spent at Dahab’s only genuine hostel, Sinai Gate, which now calls itself My Hostel.
I couldn’t have wished for a warmer welcome, with delicious Egyptian breakfast (falafel!) and an exceptionally cool rooftop terrace to work remotely from, whilst watching the sunset dusk.
Not to mention a really really lovely team, who I look forward to seeing again.
Thereafter, I moved into my own spacious apartment close to Lighthouse through a personal contact.
You can quite easily find apartments over Facebook groups such as this one.
Dahab has lots of B&B’s, camps, hotels and AirBnB options as well.
WORKING REMOTELY
Internet Connection
My apartment rental had WiFi, which worked well enough throughout my months stay. Although, apartments with a decent internet connection are not easy to find.
Complimentary WiFi is offered in most places, however I found working from the comfort of my own place much more ideal and reliable.
SIM Card
As ever, mobile data was my plan b and this time it was Vodafone with the best coverage.
You can buy your SIM and have it registered on your arrival at Sharm El Sheik airport. There is also a Vodafone shop located in Dahab.
I went for the 1-month internet / flex package with 20 GB for 250 EGP (20 GBP). From there, if you download the Ana Vodafone app it’s easy to check your balance and make the top-ups you need (can also be done in store).
HANG OUTS & FOOD
In Dahab I took the advantage of cooking for myself, cycling over to the local market in Assalah Square for fresh fruit and veg.
Yet, the town is lined up with restaurants and café options, plus the additional unique chill-out. The main restaurants are located along the seafront Masbat, the main bay.
They do not serve alcohol, but instead you can enjoy the traditional Egyptian tea from cozy cushions outdoors overlooking the Red Sea and vast mountains.
Personal favourites:
- Coffee Wheel: tasty coffee (some say best in town)
- Red Cat: a favourite in town with a big selection.
- Namaste & Nirvana: yummy Indian curries
- Why Not: rich in up-cycled art definitely Instagram worthy
- Every Day: live music from an artsy creative space
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Kitesurfing: contact me (certified IKO instructor)
- Scuba diving: Bob and Medhat at Sinai Gate
- Freediving course: Cath aka Cath4Dive
Mention Gen Morris when booking!
