Looking for the full list? We compare our top picks in detail below — or see the complete directory of every dive centre in Dahab (69 centres ranked by Google rating), plus the freediving schools if you'd rather hold your breath.
Dive Center Comparison
| Dive Center | Google Rating | Reviews | Open Water Course | Fun Dive (2 tanks) | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedouin Divers Dahab | ⭐ 5.0 | 737 | ~$250 | ~$60 | 09:00–18:00 |
| Scuba Zone Dahab | ⭐ 5.0 | 747 | ~$240 | ~$58 | 09:00–17:00 |
| Red Sea Tribe | ⭐ 5.0 | 274 | ~$240 | ~$58 | 08:00–18:00 |
| Reef 2000 Diving Center | ⭐ 5.0 | 112 | ~$240 | ~$58 | 08:00–18:00 |
| SlyDive Dahab | ⭐ 5.0 | 490 | ~$250 | ~$60 | 08:00–18:00 |
| Octopus Divers | ⭐ 5.0 | 392 | ~$240 | ~$58 | varies |
| Octopus World Dahab | ⭐ 4.9 | 1,772 | ~$250 | ~$62 | 08:00–19:00 |
| Big Blue Dahab | ⭐ 4.9 | 359 | ~$260 | ~$65 | 08:00–18:00 |
| AQUA Divers | ⭐ 4.9 | 274 | ~$240 | ~$60 | 07:00–21:00 |
| Dahab Divers | ⭐ 4.6 | 437 | ~$230 | ~$58 | varies |
Ratings from Google Maps April 2026. Prices approximate — always contact centers directly for current packages.
Dive Centers Detail
Diving Center · PADI
Perfect 5-star rating from 737 divers — among the most trusted in Dahab. Small groups, expert local instructors, and a relaxed Bedouin atmosphere. Great for first-timers and repeat divers alike.
SCUBA Tour Agency · PADI
The most-reviewed 5-star dive operation in Dahab. Rated perfect by nearly 750 divers. Highly organised, safety-focused, with multilingual guides and all levels catered for.
Diving Center · Technical
Inside Star of Dahab Hotel, this is one of Dahab's best-established centres. Specialises in technical and deep diving courses including Blue Hole The Arch training.
Diving Center · PADI
Dahab's most-reviewed dive center with nearly 1,800 reviews. Extremely consistent quality across all levels. Wide availability of courses from Discover Scuba to Divemaster.
Diving Center · PADI
Perfect 5.0 from 490 reviews. Based at Oricana Hotel on Mashraba Street. Known for attentive instructors and excellent equipment. Good choice for both beginners and advanced divers.
Diving Center · Budget
One of Dahab's most established dive centres on El Fanar Street. Competitive pricing, solid instructors. Popular with backpackers and budget-conscious divers.
$$
Diving Center · PADI
Open the earliest in Dahab — from 7am. Great for getting in morning dives before the crowds. Mashraba Street location with easy access to the best Dahab reef sites.
Diving Center · PADI
Highly rated centre on El Malel Street with a strong reputation for night dives and technical sites. Good packages for multi-day diving and certified diver groups.
Diving Center · Technical
Technical diving specialists at Lighthouse Camp. Perfect rating from 274 reviews. Best known for Freediving instruction alongside scuba — a rare combination in Dahab.
Diving Center · PADI
Located in Masbat Bay with direct sea access. 4.9 stars from 281 reviews. Friendly and professional — popular with repeat visitors who come back to Dahab each year.
Top Dive Sites
⚠️ Advanced
Reef · Wall · Deep
Dahab's most famous dive site — and the world's most dangerous. A submarine sinkhole about 100–130m deep. Snorkeling on the rim is safe and stunning. Diving requires experience.
Intermediate
Canyon · Swim-through
A dramatic underwater canyon with swim-through passages. Max depth 52m. One of the most atmospheric dives in Dahab — dark, narrow, and spectacular.
All Levels
Reef · Shore Dive
The house reef of Dahab. Perfect for beginners and night dives. Shore entry, max depth 12m, incredible coral and fish life. You can walk in from the promenade.
Beginner
Sandy Bottom · Garden
Named for the hundreds of garden eels that sway from the sandy bottom. Very shallow and calm — perfect for new divers and underwater photographers.
All Levels
Reef · Pinnacles
Three coral pinnacles with excellent fish life. Good chance of seeing turtles, rays and reef sharks. One of the most diverse dive sites around Dahab.
Advanced
Wall · Deep
Entry through a narrow chimney, then a dramatic drop down a coral wall. Often dived in combination with the Blue Hole — a classic Dahab circuit for advanced divers.
Water Temperature Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Air Temp | Visibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | 20–22°C | 18–22°C | 20–25m | Experienced divers (wetsuit needed) |
| Mar–Apr | 22–24°C | 24–28°C | 25–30m | All levels, less crowded |
| May–Jun | 24–27°C | 30–35°C | 25–30m | Best value, warm water |
| Jul–Aug | 27–29°C | 35–40°C | 20–25m | Hot air, great water |
| Sep–Oct | 26–28°C | 28–33°C | 25–30m | Peak season, book ahead |
| Nov–Dec | 22–24°C | 20–26°C | 20–25m | Quieter, good conditions |
What Diving in Dahab Costs (2026)
Prices are close across Dahab's top centres, so the sensible way to choose is on reviews, instructor fit and dive-site access — not on a few dollars. Typical 2026 rates:
| What | Typical price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| PADI Open Water course | $230–260 | 3–4 days, all gear, certification, usually 4 training dives |
| Guided fun dive (2 tanks) | $58–65 | Two dives, gear, guide and shore transport |
| Multi-dive / weekly package | Lower per dive | The more you dive, the cheaper each dive gets |
| Blue Hole guided dive | From ~$35 | Single guided dive incl. gear and transport |
Exchange rate April 2026: 1 USD ≈ 50 EGP. Prices approximate — confirm current packages with the centre. See the full directory of 69 dive centres, the Dahab dive sites, freediving schools or the Blue Hole guide.
Diving in Dahab — FAQ
Is Dahab good for diving?
Yes — Dahab is one of the best-value shore-diving destinations in the world. Most of its 20+ dive sites are reachable on foot from a parked jeep (no boat needed), the Red Sea reef walls are healthy and fish-rich, water stays warm (22–29°C year-round), and courses cost 30–50% less than Sharm El Sheikh or Europe. It suits everyone from first-time Open Water students to technical divers heading for the Blue Hole's Arch.
How much does diving in Dahab cost?
As of 2026, a PADI Open Water course in Dahab runs about $230–260 (3–4 days, all gear and certification included) and a guided 2-tank fun dive is about $58–65 with gear and shore transport. Single dives and multi-dive packages bring the per-dive price down. Prices are close across the top centres, so choose on reviews and instructor fit rather than price alone.
What are the best dive sites in Dahab?
The Blue Hole (its famous wall and the technical 'Arch'), The Canyon (a dramatic coral-lined crevice), The Bells, El Aquarium, the Islands, Eel Garden, Lighthouse (the easy in-town training site) and the Three Pools. Almost all are shore-accessible. Beginners usually start at Lighthouse and Eel Garden; the Blue Hole rim and Canyon come on Advanced trips.
Is Dahab better than Sharm El Sheikh for diving?
For shore diving, learning to dive, and value — yes. Dahab is cheaper, more relaxed, and most sites are entered straight from the beach rather than by boat. Sharm El Sheikh wins for boat diving to Ras Mohammed and the Tiran wrecks. Many divers base themselves in Dahab and take one or two boat days over to the Sharm and Tiran sites.
Related Guides
Dive Site
The Blue Hole — Complete Visitor Guide
Depth, safety, how to get there, snorkeling vs diving, nearby cafes.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Dahab — Best Spots
You don't need to dive to see Dahab's reefs. Best snorkeling locations.
Planning
Best Time to Visit for Diving
Water temps, visibility and wind — month by month.
