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If the Blue Hole is the most popular snorkeling spot in Dahab region, the Canyon, 3km further south, is also worth a visit. Snorkelers can’t explore the canyon itself, which is too deep, but a small lagoon and a reef drop-off, accessible from the shore. After looking for the scorpionfish hiding on the edges of the lagoon, discover the abundant underwater life of the drop-off, home to parrotfish, clownfish and pufferfish.

Coral bommie at Dahab's Canyon
Sea goldies gather around the coral heads found on the outer reef.

How to go snorkeling Dahab’s Canyon?

The Canyon is a diving and snorkeling spot located about 5km north of Dahab. It is on the road to the Blue Hole, a legendary diving and snorkeling spot located about 3km further north.

You can reach the site on a full-day jeep tour, combining a visit to the Canyon and the Blue Hole. It is sold at around 30 euros per person, lunch included. Alternatively, you can also get to this spot on your own, by rental car or by taxi.

Dahab's Canyon snorkeling map, Red Sea

Water entrance for snorkeling Dahab’s Canyon

The water entrance is from the shore, from an opening in the reef flat, roughly in front of the restaurant.

The Canyon snorkeling exploration tips

Snorkelers can’t explore the famous canyon that gave its name to the spot, as it sits about 45ft/14m deep. On the other hand, they can snorkel the “lagoon”, a natural pool dug in the reef flat, as well as the reef drop-off (see map).

Lionfish and squirrelfish
Radial firefish (left) and Sammara squirrelfish (right) are frequently seen hiding below the outcrops of the lagoon.

Once in the water, start by exploring the lagoon. Quiet and shallow, the water height does not exceed 6ft/2m in this area. The bed of the lagoon is quite poor and the underwater life is concentrated on its edges, colonized by coral. Many lionfish and radial firefish hide in these areas, as do several species of squirrelfish.

After having explored the lagoon, take the passage in the flat to reach the drop-off to the open sea. Here, the seabed is more spectacular, with a great diversity of hard and soft corals found on the reef.

Bluetail trunkfish
Close-up of a bluetail trunkfish, endemic to the Red Sea.

Many reef fish live on the drop-off, including parrotfish, Red Sea clownfish in their anemone, several species of puffers and boxfish, as well as wrasses.

Blacktip groupers, black-sided hawkfish and leopard blennies are often posted on the corals, hiding between their branches in case of danger.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

There are a few restaurants right on the spot, and many more at the Blue Hole, 3km further north. Full-day jeep tours usually include lunch, taken at one of these restaurants (to be confirmed when booking).

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth6ft/2m on the flat, 25ft/8m on the drop off
  • Water entranceFrom the shore
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersMedium
  • Access costsFree access from the shore, or cost of a snorkeling tour (approx. €30pp.)
  • Restaurants nearbyYes

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.