Dahab is located on the Gulf of Aqaba in Egypt. The local language is Arabic and the currency is Egyptian Pounds. The nearest airport is Sharm el Sheikh which is 1 hour 15 minutes away. Egypt's neighbouring countries are Israel, Libya and Sudan. Dahab was the location of one of the first bedouin villages. It has developed over time to become one of the world's most renowned windsurfing destinations due to its outstanding wind statistics and the variety of sailing areas catering for every level. It is also world-renowned for its diving due to the variety of tropical fish and abundance of dive sites.
WINDSURFING
The Bay of Dahab sported its first centre in 1975 and was replaced in 1995 with what is now the well-established Harry Nass Centre 1. In 2004 Harry Nass Centre 2 was built. Combined they create the largest JP centre with Neil Pryde in the world. Both centres are considered to be in ideal locations - their positions allow for a very easy launch and return point for beginners and advanced sailors alike.
The windsurfing in Dahab can be divided into 4 distinct areas:
Area 1 - Sheltered lagoon
The vast, sheltered, flat water lagoon provides a safe learning environment for absolute beginners to intermediates. The off-shore wind conditions are of no concern as there is a large sand spit stretching over 500m which separates the lagoon from the open sea. It is an easy 100m walk in knee to hip deep water from the sand spit back to the main meeting point of the lagoon (namely the video towers) should you find yourself there after an unsuccessful water start or jibe attempt - you would not be the only one!
Area 2 - Speedy
For more competent sailors seeking stronger winds, 'Speedy' which can be found on the other side of the sand spit parallel to the lagoon offers a reach of almost 2km allowing sailors to test speed, endurance and skills. There is a large rescue island approximately 150m from the shore for resting.
Area 2 - Baby Bay
Upwind of Speedy is the area known as 'Baby Bay'. This ultra flat water bay is a haven for those who wish to perfect manouvers or to witness some of the world's best sailors practising their freestyle moves. The bay also offers a beach on which to rest and a large shady cover.
Area 3 - Waves
For advanced sailors the open sea in the Gulf of Aqaba provides some challenging conditions with large, rolling swell. However it also provides a perfect learning environment for wave sailing without the risk of breaking waves.
KITESURFING
Harry Nass offers the only comprehensive kite centres in Dahab. For safety the kitesurfers and windsurfers are kept completely separate with strict rules governing where and when kiters can sail.
Area 1 - Kitesurf lagoon
The kitesurfing lagoon (measuring 300 x 500m and located next to the sheltered windsurf lagoon) provides ideal conditions for beginner/intermediate courses. The water is tidal and good for kiting during high tide when the water is knee to waist deep. No centres apart from Harry Nass offers comprehensive kitesurfing courses and therefore the kitesurf lagoon is usually free from congestion apart from very high season when some independent sailors take advantage of the conditions. Advanced kitesurfing courses are also available at the Harry Nass Centres although these take place in the open sea.
Area 2 - Open Sea: NEW FOR 2009!
Harry Nass will open his fourth Dahab based centre in 2009 primarily for advanced kiting in side-shore conditions with small chop and perfect landing beach. No other windsurf or kite centre operates in this location so you will have the sea to yourself! Please contact us for further details.
DIVING
Diving in Dahab and its surrounding areas is extensive as are the courses available at the Black Rock dive centre. For a full information pack via email please contact us.
DAHAB VILLAGE
The village (known as Masbat) is located approximately 2km from the bay of Dahab where all the windsurf centres and hotels are based. Although Masbat offers a vast array of traditional and modern shops, restaurants and bars (some serving alcohol) it has still retained its Egyptian charm and is definitely worth a visit while you are in Dahab. Crime is almost non-existant thanks to a very strict policing policy and therefore the village is as safe as any other. Masbat is easily reached by one of the many taxis outside every hotel.
Depending on how you prefer to spend your evenings, there is the more traditional venues which offer a menu of sweet potatoes and goat, a game of backgammon and a smoke of Shisha. Alternatively there is a very popular English pub which is frequented by european workers and ex-pats, a very good restaurant run by a family from Northern Italy and many fantastic fish bars with catches of the day which range from baracuda and shark to lobster and snapper.
We would be happy to make recommendations for good restaurants and bars.
EXCURSIONS
Each hotel in Dahab offers a range of excursions. These are all bookable independently at your hotel's reception with local guides. Below is an outline of some excursions on offer:
Cairo
The Pyramids of Cario are located 8 hours by bus from Dahab or can be reached in 45 minutes from Sharm el Sheikh airport. The pyramids are one of the most admired feats of engineering while the museum offers a comprehensive historical insight.
St. Kathrine's Monastery and Mount Moses
Rich in history the monastery and Mount Moses offer an interesting day trip with a talkative guide. You can visit the inside of the monastery, witness the site of the burning bush and trek Mount Moses where it is believed the 10 commandments were created (also by night to see sunrise).
Jordan
The ruins of Petra, where one of the Indiana Jones' movies was filmed, is again a spectacular sight with great historical interest.
Diving
The diving in Egypt is world class with an array of excellent dive and snorkel sites in and around Dahab. Snorkel and fins can be bought in Dahab while there are many registered diving schools to choose from.
Canyons
If you have an afternoon to spare the rock formations at both the white and coloured cayons offer a pleasent desert trip and nice photo opportunities.
Quad bikes, horse rides and camel treks
Take advantage of either the flat or mountanous terrain and enjoy an afternoon's sightseeing on a different mode of transport!
Please remember that local trips are organised by local guides and may not reflect the same level of health and safety as you would experience in the UK.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Egypt is a wonderful country to visit. It is rich in history and culture and offers an interesting alternative. The local community in Dahab are very welcoming to visitors and the area is generally very safe. The weather from May until November can be exceptionally hot and you should drink several litres of water a day especially if you are windsurfing. Some people do experience slight illness but that is often due to lack of water and too much sun. If you do feel unwell or injure yourself windsurfing there is an excellent doctor who is available 24 hours a day on call. Like any holiday outside of the UK you are responsible for organising medical insurance (including 3rd person liability if you are windsurfing).
email: info@dahabsurf.com