The Blue Hole is simultaneously one of the world's most beautiful dive sites and its most dangerous. Most travel guides focus on the beauty and downplay the danger. This guide does both honestly, so you can make informed decisions about how to experience it.
What Is the Blue Hole?
A submarine sinkhole 300 metres wide and 130 metres deep, on the Red Sea coast 10km north of Dahab. The Blue Hole is a near-perfect cylinder of water — deep blue at the centre, shallow turquoise around the coral rim. From the surface, you can see down 15–25 metres into the abyss below you. For snorkelers, it's a visual experience unlike anything else in Egypt.
The History
The Blue Hole has been a diving destination since the 1980s, and fatalities began accumulating almost immediately. The site earned the nickname "Divers' Cemetery" — there is a memorial near the entrance listing divers who died here. The count has exceeded 130 over the decades, though exact numbers are disputed as some deaths were never officially recorded.
The Arch — Why People Die
The Arch is a 26-metre long underwater tunnel at 56–56m depth that connects the inside of the Blue Hole to the open ocean wall. It sounds straightforward. It has killed more than 130 divers. Here is why:
- Nitrogen narcosis: At 56m on air, most divers experience significant narcosis — impaired judgement similar to being drunk. Many divers underestimate how deep they are or lose track of direction.
- Depth overestimation: The Arch entry appears to be around 40m when approached. It's actually 56m. Divers often begin the passage without realising how deep they are.
- Air consumption: Deep diving on compressed air consumes gas extremely fast. Divers run out mid-passage and cannot ascend — the passage is too narrow to turn around.
- The solution: Trimix gas (replacing some nitrogen with helium), technical diving certification, proper dive planning, an experienced guide. The Arch is survivable — many technical divers do it safely every year. But it requires the right preparation.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling the Blue Hole is completely safe and visually stunning. The rim is 3–8m deep with healthy coral, abundant fish and crystal clarity. You can see down into the blue centre — the contrast between the shallow reef colours and the deep blue void is remarkable. No guide required. Gear available to rent from the cafes for ~$5.
Recreational Diving (to 30m)
With an Open Water or Advanced Open Water certification, you can dive the inside wall of the Blue Hole to 30m. This is a spectacular dive — the wall is covered in soft coral, you'll see large fish including Napoleon wrasse and grouper, and the sense of looking down into the abyss is memorable. The saddle entry is easy, and any of the Dahab dive centers run daily trips here.
Dive Conditions by Season
| Season | Water Temp | Visibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar–May | 22–25°C | 25–30m | Best conditions — clear and not too hot |
| Jun–Aug | 27–29°C | 20–25m | Warm water, slightly hazy but busy |
| Sep–Nov | 25–28°C | 25–30m | Excellent — best autumn window |
| Dec–Feb | 20–22°C | 20–25m | Cooler, less crowded, 5mm wetsuit needed |
What to Bring
- Mask, fins and snorkel (rent on site for $5 if needed)
- Reef shoes (rocky entry)
- Reef-safe sunscreen or rash guard
- Cash for cafes and gear rental (no card machines)
- Water — it's hot on the coast, stay hydrated
The Nearby Cafes
Several Bedouin-style cafes overlook the Blue Hole from rocky perches above the water. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, simple food and shisha. The atmosphere — sitting on cushions with a view over turquoise water into the abyss below — is one of the best in Egypt. Budget 50–150 EGP for drinks and food. This is where to decompress after a dive or snorkel session.