Blue Hole

Snorkel gear can be rented from nearby eateries if required. A guide is required when scuba diving and you'll need an Advanced Open Water diving certification (preferred Advanced diver) at the very least. 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.

• 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.

The 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.

There 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.

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.

The Blue Hole in Dahab is a submarine sinkhole in the Red Sea that’s often labeled as one of the world’s most dangerous diving locations. Its conditions are extremely challenging, particularly in an area called the Arch. However, snorkelers can enjoy more accessible areas nearby with diverse marine life.

When you arrive at the Blue Hole, you'll need to pay a charge of E£310 (roughly US$10) per person for tourists. There's a lower rate for locals. This payment goes to the Egyptian authorities. Extra charges apply if you want to rent life jackets or book a guided tour.

You can only dive in the Blue Hole if you have diving qualifications, as it is forbidden by law for unqualified divers to enter it. The safest way to experience diving in the Blue Hole is to book an organized tour so you can have a qualified instructor help you navigate safely.

The Blue is estimated to have a maximum depth of around 100 meters (328 feet). However, the different parts of the dive site leading to the Blue Hole have different depths. For example, the Arch, a 26-meter (85-foot) long tunnel is around 120 meters (394 feet) deep.

Sharks are rarely seen in the Blue Hole in Dahab, but whale sharks and hammerheads have been spotted outside it. The area mostly hosts marine species such as sea turtles and eagle rays, plus lots of reef fish including parrotfish, angelfish, groupers, and clownfish among the multi-colored coral reefs.

Yes, technically you can swim inside the Blue Hole, but this would have to be as part of an organized scuba diving trip for divers with specialized training and equipment. It’s not a place for casual swimmers. Snorkeling trips typically explore the coral walls that border the Blue Hole.