The Red Sea
Dahab
The name of this small Bedouin town means “gold.” City of gold it is, if you
consider the vast richness of marine life right off the coast. No boats are necessary here as all the diving is done straight off the shore. Dahab is located about midway on the eastern side of the Sinai Peninsula, equidistant from Taba to the north and Sharm el-Sheikh to the south. Many dive sites are a very short jeep ride from Dahab, but for the 
more adventurous divers camel treks are taken to the north at Ras-abu-Galum and to the south at Gabr-el-Bint. Both camel treks include a Bedouin guide, BBQ lunch, and of course- absolutely spectacular diving. All scuba gear must be loaded onto
the camels, so for multiple dives more camels are necessary. Camels can carry approximately 200 kgs of weight for 40 miles, which is convenient since those tanks sure are heavy. Lodging is available in Ras-abu-Galum for a very small price ($2 per night) as well as 
excellent seafood meals. You stay in three sided wooden structures that face the sea. Paranoid travelers can find some of the “cabins” with mesh wire caging (think metal fence) on the open side. Personally, I think this is completely unecessary and who really wants to feel like they are sleeping in a jail cell? Overnight trips to the south in Gabr-el-Bint, however, would require additional planning with your guide. There are no air compressors available at either location, so you must bring 
a tank for each dive. Some people say that Ras-abu-Galum is like 
Dahab was before the tourism set in and hotels and resorts were developed. It is very mellow and so incredibly beautiful, one would think the waters are an impossible shade of blue. For the non-diver, it is also a spectacular place to snorkel, and if no dive gear is needed it is possible to walk here in 1 ½ hours. Brenda and Kelly have both spent time in this location so email any questions you may have!
Sharm el-Sheikh