All activities / Freediving / Dahab
Freediving in DahabEG
A former Bedouin fishing village and global diver pilgrimage. The Blue Hole is the famous site, but the real draw is cheap year-round diving with immediate deep-water shore access and a thriving divemaster training community.
Why here
The Blue Hole at Dahab is the world's most famous freediving training site — a 110m-deep shaft accessible from shore, zero current, flat surface conditions, and 25-30m visibility year-round. An entire global community of freedivers has made Dahab their extended base: two-week stays are the norm, not the exception. Multiple AIDA and Molchanovs schools operate on the Mashraba waterfront, the cost of living is extremely low by any standard, and the daily rhythm of dive, eat, rest, repeat is embedded in the town's culture. This is the destination for when serious progression is the priority. Note: the Blue Hole arch at 56m has a poor safety record — approached gradually by experienced freedivers only.
Best months
Visibility 25-30m year-round. Water temp 22-28°C (coolest November-March; 3mm wetsuit recommended for extended training). No current at Blue Hole. Surface conditions flat nearly year-round. Blue Hole anatomy: gently shelving reef to 5m, then vertical shaft to 110m, arch at 56m connecting to open sea. Training zone for courses: 0-30m on top reef, easy beach entry and exit. Lighthouse reef (5-min walk): abundant reef fish, suitable for beginners. Canyon site: 40m+ wall, more advanced.
Getting there & around
Fly to Sharm el-Sheikh — direct from UK and most European cities. Bus or shared service taxi to Dahab: 90 minutes, approximately $10-15. Schools on the Mashraba waterfront are within walking distance of each other. Long-stay packages (1-4 weeks) widely available — contact schools (Freedive Dahab, Desert Divers, Freediving Tribe) before arrival. Budget accommodation everywhere; most training stays cost $30-60/day all-in including accommodation. No car needed. Bring USD or EUR cash — ATMs can be unreliable.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (3)
Blue Ocean Freedivers
SchoolDahab-based AIDA freediving school offering courses and training sessions at the Blue Hole and Lighthouse Bay sites. Runs courses, individual training, and competes in freediving competitions.
Dahab Freedivers
SchoolOne of Dahab's most established freediving centres, run by experienced world-class freedivers. Offers AIDA 1* through instructor-level courses and training at the Blue Hole and Lighthouse, with instruction available in English, German, and Russian.
Freedive Dahab
SchoolSSI freediving school in Dahab offering courses from introductory to advanced level, with guided freedives at Dahab's iconic Red Sea dive sites.