Dahab has a reputation among backpackers and independent travellers as a surprisingly affordable destination. For those going to dive or freedive, the equation gets slightly more complex — courses have a cost — but the general conclusion remains: Dahab offers value for money that few diving destinations in the world can match. Here we break down the real costs so you can plan without surprises.
Flights
The biggest budget variable. Sharm el-Sheikh airport (SHA) has direct connections from many European cities, especially in high season.
From the UK and Europe: direct charter and scheduled flights typically range from €150–500 return depending on origin, airline and how far ahead you book. Ryanair, easyJet, TUI and charter operators usually have the best options. Outside peak season prices drop but sometimes require a connection through Cairo or Istanbul.
Tip: book 6–8 weeks ahead for the best price-availability ratio. If you have date flexibility, search on Wednesdays or Thursdays — prices are often lower mid-week.
Accommodation
Dahab has options for every budget. The most common for divers and freedivers:
- Guesthouses and hotels: simple or double rooms with private bathroom and air conditioning. Price: **€30–55€/night for a double room.
- Apartments for longer stays: If you’re staying more than two weeks, renting an apartment works out significantly cheaper. Price: €300–600/month for something basic but functional. Many freedivers who come to train for a season go this route.
Our recommendation: for a one-week course stay, hotels or hostels are perfectly comfortable and the social atmosphere they offer is part of what makes Dahab special. We have some specific recommendations that you can check here.
Food
One of the big surprises for European visitors: eating well and plentifully is very cheap.
- Local breakfast (ful, eggs, bread, mint tea): €1–2
- Koshary (Egypt’s national dish — rice, lentils, pasta, spiced tomato sauce): €1–2
- Fresh fish restaurant on the promenade: €10–15 per person
- International cuisine restaurant: €10–15 per person
- Supermarket for self-catering: very affordable
Realistic food budget: **€15–25/day** eating well and varied. You can get by on €10/day if you eat local every meal.
Courses
Here is where the budget will be very different depending on what you are looking for:
- PADI Open Water Diver y Advanced Open Water Diver: course prices in Dahab are competitive compared to Europe — and the value you get (dives in the Red Sea rather than a cold lake or quarry) is incomparably greater. Contact us or check our website for current pricing.
- AIDA 2 and AIDA3: similar price range to the Open Water and Advanced Open water. Includes all certification dives, equipment and digital certification.
- un dives (already certified): for divers who just want to explore without doing a course, guided dive prices per immersion are very reasonable. Several operators in Dahab compete on price.
Other costs
- Taxis in Dahab: very cheap, around 1€ in local currency (50 EGP).
- Transport to Dahab from Sharm airport: 40€, journey time around 90 minutes.
- Visa:** 30 USD on arrival at the airport. Have the cash ready before you join the immigration queue. In some airports its possible to pay by card.
- Dive insurance: from around €45/year. Don’t skip it
- Equipment hire: Included in course prices at Makara.
- Excursions: mount Sinai sunrise hike (€15–25), Wadi Gnai canyon (€10–15), Blue Hole snorkel (€15–20).
Estimated total budget for one week
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return flight | 250 € | 350 € | 500 € |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | 100 € | 280 € | 500 € |
| Food (7 days) | 80 € | 150 € | 220 € |
| Extras and excursions | 50 € | 100 € | 150 € |
| Total without course | ~480 € | ~880 € | ~1.370 € |
How Dahab compares to other diving destinations
| Destination | Return flight from Europe | Daily life costs | Overall value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dahab (Egypt) | 200–400 € | Very budget-friendly | ★★★★★ |
| Tailandia (Koh Tao) | 600–900 € | Budget-friendly | ★★★★☆ |
| Maldivas | 800–1.200 € | Expensive | ★★★☆☆ |
| Canarias | 80–200 € | Mid-range | ★★★☆☆ |
| Caribe (México) | 500–900 € | Mid-range to expensive | ★★★☆☆ |
| Mar Rojo (Hurghada) | 150–400 € | Very budget-friendly | ★★★☆☆ |
Dahab wins on value for money in almost every category — and it’s the only destination on this list where you can do serious freediving and scuba diving courses in Spanish or English with a small, specialist school.
The hidden cost nobody mentions: what you lose by not going
Every week in Dahab means dives in one of the world’s great reefs, water between 20 and 28°C, visibility that regularly reaches 30 metres, and the kind of diving community that only exists in a handful of places on earth. Compare that with doing your Open Water in a quarry in October.
The math on Dahab is actually straightforward.
Want a personalized budget estimate? Tell us when you’re thinking of coming, how many days you have and what you want to do — we’ll put together a full breakdown.
FAQs
Can I pay by card in Dahab?
At larger establishments yes. But many smaller places — local restaurants, street food, small shops — only take cash. Always carry Egyptian pounds for daily life. Withdraw at the airport or an ATM in Dahab when you arrive.
How much cash should I bring?
For a week, €200–300 changed into Egyptian pounds is more than enough for daily expenses.
Does the course price include equipment hire?
At Makara, yes. Course prices include all necessary equipment.
How much does it cost to get from Sharm el-Sheikh airport to Dahab?
Private transfers between Sharm el-Sheikh airport and Dahab cost around €40 per vehicle. This is one of the main transportation expenses of the trip, but getting around Dahab is much cheaper.
Is Dahab a cheap destination for scuba diving and freediving?
Yes. While courses and dives represent a significant portion of the budget, accommodation, food, and daily transportation are inexpensive. Therefore, the total cost of a diving or freediving trip is usually competitive compared to other international destinations.
Is it better to stay in Dahab or at a resort outside the center?
For us, the best option is to stay in Dahab, especially if it’s your first visit. You’ll be close to restaurants, cafes, shops, dive centers, and everything you need for daily life, and you’ll be able to get around easily without relying on public transport.
We always recommend the Lighthouse, Eel Garden, and Mashraba areas, as they are well-located and allow you to explore Dahab on foot.
Do I need to rent a car in Dahab?
No. Dahab is quite small and most places are close together, so you don’t need a car to get around town.
At most, you can rent a bicycle if you want to get around a bit faster. There are also motorbikes, but they’re usually not worth it: between the short distances and the local traffic rules, they can end up being more of a hassle than a help.