Sensi Graves and Sarah Sadek tell us about Dahab – Egypt's ultimate wingfoiling destination! Tucked away on the eastern Sinai coast, this vibrant coastal village was once a hidden gem known only to some. Today, Dahab stands as a mecca for kiteboarders and wingfoilers from around the globe. Offering affordable accommodation, delicious food, breathtaking coral reefs, endless recreational activities and consistent wind conditions, Dahab calls for more than just a one-week getaway! Find out more in this mini-guide!

The Red Sea has been a popular kitesurfing destination, following in the footsteps of windsurfers flocking to the area in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Most recently, the small coastal fishing village of Dahab exploded in popularity among kiteboarders and wingfoilers alike and has become a hive for expats and those looking to live a quieter beach lifestyle. 

Dahab offers a lot of things. It is cheap, small, and offers loads of different food options!

It has some of the best diving spots and coral reefs in the world and is home to a massive freediving community; there is rock climbing and bouldering, and, of course, there is almost year-round wind for Kitesurfing, Windsurfing, and Winging. The minimum recommended stay is one week, but many people get stuck and stay for months! Never get bored with all the activities Dahab has to offer. 

The Eastern Sinai coastline, where Dahab is located, is windy due to the narrow channel that Saudi Arabia and the Sinai peninsula create, forcing a venturi effect as wind funnels down the corridor. 

The best wingfoil option is the Blue Lagoon, a stunning turquoise-blue inlet about 20 minutes by boat north of Dahab. Most visitors camp or stay in huts or “camps” offered by local Bedouin tribes along the perimeter of the Blue Lagoon. This location offers prime flat water. 

Leaving the blue lagoon, adventurous wingfoilers can ride along the coastline, playing in the rolling swell, arriving back in Dahab some 45-60 minutes later. Hire a boat to follow you back, and you’re in for some epic wingfoiling conditions. 

The third main wingfoiling location is just south of Dahab, with a small sand strip jutting into the sea. The wind is off-shore, so be sure you know what you’re doing, but here, you’ll find both flat water and small waves breaking on the outside. 

To summarise, you can find flat water lagoons or fun rolling swell downwinders in Dahab. The cool thing with wings is that you can launch right from town! 

Accessing Dahab is as straightforward as it is affordable. The closest airport to fly into is Sharm El Sheikh, just an hour from Dahab. From the airport, transfers to Dahab cost approximately 800-900 EGP ($30). Everything is close by, especially if you rent a bike. You can take a pickup truck to get to the spots with the gear (the taxis are there). They take around 25-50 EGP per ride (less than 2$)

Where to stay? Assalah is the most popular area amongst visitors, offering an Airbnb and an array of all-inclusive hotels such as the Swiss Inn, Dahab Lagoon Club & Resort, Safir Dahab Resort, Meridian. Blue Lagoon visitors have numerous camps at their disposal, including Abo Aid Surfcamp, El Omda Kitecamp, Shoky Kite Paradise, and Dahab Dream Kite.

With Dahab, you are not tied to specific seasons. Although the windy season ranges between March-June and mid-August to November, any month can be suitable. July to mid-August is less popular due to higher temperatures, making it advisable to find accommodation with air conditioning. 

Dahab boasts a bustling food scene with abundant options for local and international dishes. Expect to spend 150-300 EGP ($5-10) on a main dish, while local dishes such as Falafel will set you back even less. Don't miss out on experiencing fresh local produce at the market; just avoid salads and tap water.

Ready to taste the delights of Dahab? Popular breakfast places include Nounette, Breakfast Cafe, Tims Munch, Bayside, German Bakery, Al Ekhlas, Al Masryeen, and Yum Yum. Coffee and Cotton offer delightful beverages if you fancy a coffee break. 

Dahab's blend of coastal charm and exciting wind sports, with its ease of access and affordability, guarantees an unmatched travel experience. From world-class diving to premier kiteboarding, it’s time you flew into Dahab – Egypt’s ultimate wingfoiling destination!

 

By Sensi Graves

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