Dahab may not be the most popular destination in Egypt, but it has been up-and-coming for the past couple of years. Famous for its diving, snorkeling, and laid-back atmosphere, Dahab is the best place to relax and unwind in Egypt. One of the main attractions of visiting this small town on the Sinai Peninsula is seeing the gorgeous Blue Lagoon. However, there is definitely a lack of information online on visiting the Blue Lagoon, including how to get there and where to stay.
Don’t worry; we did all the hard work for you during our month in Dahab. This is the most extensive guide you’ll find on the internet on visiting the Blue Lagoon in Dahab so that you can plan your trip ahead of time.
Disclaimer: This blog post includes affiliate links, which means we receive a tiny commission – at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry; this doesn’t affect our recommendations whatsoever. It just helps us keep the lights on.
The Blue Lagoon in Dahab
One of the main things to do when in Dahab is visit the Blue Lagoon. Located approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Dahab, this small slice of paradise may be difficult to reach, but trust us when we say it is well worth the effort.
The Blue Lagoon features crystal-clear Gatorade-blue waters and is the best place in Dahab to go swimming and kitesurfing. Even if you’re not into kitesurfing, the Blue Lagoon is a dream destination for relaxation.
Just picture yourself lounging on one of the many camps dotted around the lagoon, taking in the breathtaking views, or swimming in the clear waters.
One of the main reasons people visit the Blue Lagoon is to unplug. Unlike the more popular destinations of Dahab and Sharm El-Sheikh, the Blue Lagoon is relatively untouched, with no big resorts, crowds, or beach clubs. Since the lagoon is quite far from any form of civilization, you’ll be able to experience some true peace and quiet. All you’ll find here are rustic hunts, locally run camps, and nature. It’s no wonder this is one of the best places to see the night sky!
Where Is the Dahab Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is located in Ras Abu Gulum protectorate, around 20 km (12.5 mi) from Dahab. It is just north of the infamous Blue Hole, which is one of the most famous diving sites in the region. The Blue Hole is a massive sinkhole 130 meters (463 feet) deep that’s located just off the shore. It is also one of the absolute best places to go snorkeling in Dahab, as it contains some of the most beautiful reefs in the region. We highly recommend visiting the Blue Hole as well as the Blue Lagoon.
If you are short on time, you can hit both on an organized day trip. Just enquire with one of the many tour providers in Dahab.
How to Get to the Blue Lagoon Without a Tour
Okay, so this all sounds perfect. But why don’t more people visit the Blue Lagoon if it’s really that serene? Well, the reality is that it is a bit of a local hidden gem that is pretty difficult to get to.
Getting to the Blue Lagoon requires some planning and insider knowledge, but that’s part of the adventure. Plus, that’s where we come in!
You won’t find direct roads leading here, and there’s little in the way of modern infrastructure. So, what are your options?
There are a couple of different ways to get to the Blue Lagoon from Dahab.
Option 1: Taxi > Walk/Boat > Taxi
The first option is the option we took. We decided to tick off Blue Hole and Blue Lagoon in one trip, so if that sounds great to you, this is the option for you.
First things first, you’ll take a taxi to Blue Hole. Taxis in Dahab are white pick-up trucks. You’ll generally negotiate a fee before you jump in. You can also ask your accommodation to help organize a taxi to the Blue Hole for you.
FYI… When we went, we had a couple of issues with our taxi driver asking for additional payments on top of the 200 EGP we had already agreed on and seemed to be in cahoots with a “police officer”, telling us we had to pay the National Park entry fee way before where we knew the actual office was. So, definitely keep this in mind. Because of this, we ended up just walking to the Blue Hole, which is also possible.
Check out our guide on scams in Egypt for more advice on avoiding these issues.
Then, after spending some time at the Blue Hole (you ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO snorkel here!!!), you’ll walk to Ras Abu Galum along the coast. It’s not the most well-marked, but if you stay beside the coast, you’ll be fine. Along the way, you’ll encounter some gorgeous views. This walk will take around an hour.
Alternative option: Instead of walking to Ras Abu Galum, you can take a boat. Just ask any of the cafes and restaurants dotted by the shore for help.
Then, at Ras Abu Galum, you’ll take yet another taxi in order to arrive at Blue Lagoon. We paid our taxi driver 200 EGP for reference. There are many taxi drivers waiting here, so you won’t struggle to find one. Keep in mind that this will be a bumpy ride!
After the ride, you’ve arrived at Blue Lagoon!
Option 2: Boat
The easiest option to get to Blue Lagoon is to take a boat straight from Dahab to Blue Lagoon. A boat ride will typically cost around 300 EGP per person, but since you’re taking a boat straight to the lagoon, you can avoid paying the National Park entry fee of 500 EGP. You’ll need to ask around in Dahab to find a boat that can take you. Everyone knows everyone in this small town!
Getting Back to Dahab
To get back to Dahab from the Blue Lagoon, do the entire thing backward. You can either take a taxi, then walk/boat, and take another taxi back to Dahab. Or just take a boat all the way back.
What to Do in the Blue Lagoon in Dahab
You’ve made it to the Blue Lagoon! It’s definitely not someplace you go to do activity after activity, but what CAN you do here?
Take a Kitesurfing Lesson
Have you ever wanted to try kitesurfing? Well, there’s no better place to learn than at the Blue Lagoon in Dahab. This lagoon has steady winds and calm, shallow waters—perfect for beginners and experienced kitesurfers alike. Over the course of a couple of days, you can learn to glide on the water. There are a few small kite schools in the area where you can book lessons, or you can simply rent gear if you already know the ropes.
WAIT! Don’t forget insurance!
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Go Swimming
The Blue Lagoon is called the “Blue” Lagoon for a reason. Have you seen Gatorade-blue waters on social media before? You will here! In fact, the Blue Lagoon has some of the clearest waters you’ll find in Egypt. Unlike Dahab’s main beaches, which can be pretty rough, the lagoon has very gentle waves, making it the perfect place for a relaxing swim.
Snorkeling at Ras Abu Galoum
Before you come to the Blue Lagoon, you may have a short stop at Ras Abu Galoum. If you like to snorkel, this is one of the best places in Dahab to do it. This area is known for its coral reefs and gorgeous fish. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle and eagle ray!
Snorkeling at Blue Hole
Another snorkeling spot you might pass by on your way to or from the lagoon is the Blue Hole, a world-famous dive site. But the snorkeling here is just as good. The outer edges of the hole feature dramatic drop-offs, bright corals, and SO MANY FISH. This is one of the best snorkeling spots we’ve ever been to. It was incredible, but keep in mind the waters can be choppy here.
Psst! You can easily rent snorkel gear by walking up to any one of the restaurants right by the hole.
Just Unplug and Relax!
Let’s be real… One of the best things to do at the Blue Lagoon is doing absolutely nothing. There’s no WiFi, no big resorts, and no distractions. So, take advantage of it. Lie down on a hammock, drink some tea, watch the sunset, and gaze at the stars. Don’t be afraid to slow down a little and put your phone away while in this Sinai paradise.
Tips for Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Dahab
Here are some other handy tips to know when visiting the Blue Lagoon in Dahab.
Give Yourself the Whole Day
The Blue Lagoon may not be a place awash with activities to do left and right, but between the travel time, the laid-back vibe, and the sheer beauty of the day, you’re going to want to spend at least a few hours here—even if you don’t spend the night. Try to head out early in the morning so that you can get to the lagoon before midday. You can have lunch at one of the camps around the lagoon.
Arrive Early for Gatorade-Blue Water
Yet another reason to arrive early is that if you want to see the Gatorade-blue shade of the water, you’ll only get it if you get there earlier than later due to the way the sun hits the water. We managed to catch the turquoise sheen of the water for about half an hour before the water turned to a more normal sea blue. Ideally, get here before or around lunchtime. We arrived slightly after lunch, which was a bit too late!
Chill at One of the Cafes/Restaurants
There are a handful of small, locally run cafes and restaurants (connected to camps) around the Blue Lagoon where you can grab a tea, a fresh juice, or a simple meal. These spots are the perfect place to relax after a swim, chat with other travelers, or just enjoy the view while on the cushions. Keep in mind that options are very basic, so bring snacks if you think you’ll need them.
Only Take a Boat on the Way Back If You Get Seasick
If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t take the boat to the Blue Lagoon. The way to the lagoon can be very choppy, so you’re almost guaranteed to get sick if that bothers you. However, you can absolutely take a boat back to Dahab, as on the way back, the boat will move with the currents, making for a way smoother ride.
Take a Boat to Blue Lagoon to Avoid the Entry Fee
Here’s a top tip that you didn’t hear from us: If you arrive at the Blue Lagoon by boat, you’ll be bypassing the National Park office, meaning you won’t need to pay the park fee. Yep – even if you take the long way back through Ras Abu Galoum and Blue Hole.
While the entry fee is not a huge amount, if you’re traveling on a budget, it’s a handy tip to know.
Bring Cash
As you might expect from such an off-the-grid place, you cannot pay with a credit card at the Blue Lagoon. You’ll need to bring enough cash with you to cover transport, National Park entry fees, activities, accommodation, and food.
Stay Overnight If You Want to Take Advantage
The best way to experience the magic of the Blue Lagoon is to spend the night. The accommodation you can find here is basic, but that’s part of the charm. The best part? Due to the lack of electricity, at night, you’ll see the most stunning night sky. So, try to aim to visit the Blue Lagoon during a new moon.
Where to Stay in the Blue Lagoon
Even though the Blue Lagoon may be a small area, you can easily find accommodation here. But don’t expect fancy hotels with all the amenities you may be used to. Blue Lagoon is all about camping. There are many camps dotted around the Blue Lagoon, so you’ve got your choice of the litter. Generally, there’s no need to book before you come. You can simply walk around and ask for a place to stay. All the camps are pretty similar, so if you don’t mind roughing it a bit, they all meet basic needs.
If you’d like something a bit more comfortable, however, we recommend booking Gabila.
If you don’t like camping at all, avoid spending the night here. Instead, stay in Dahab and just pop by for a day to visit.
Where to Stay in Dahab
Since you’re likely coming to the Blue Lagoon via Dahab, you’ll also want some recommendations on where to stay in this cute town. We spent around a month in Dahab as digital nomads, and the areas of Dahab we recommend staying in are Assala, Lighthouse, and Mashraba.
In these areas, here are some of the best accommodation options, divided by budget:
- Rafiki Hostels – Dahab – Budget Option
- Penguin Village Dahab – Budget Option
- Villa Boheme – Mid-Range Option
- Skyrock Dahab – Mid-Range Option
- NEOM DAHAB – High-End Option
- Nour Boutique Hotel – High-End Option
Don’t Miss the Blue Lagoon When in Dahab
The Blue Lagoon was one of the highlights of our trip to Dahab, with its stunningly blue waters and serene atmosphere. While we did not personally spend the night here, we’ve met plenty of travelers who spent a weekend or even an entire two weeks chilling here. And we don’t blame them! This is truly a haven for kitesurfers, particularly those who want some time to unplug. But even if you just come here for a day trip, like we did, you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous water.
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