With an abundance of sea life quite like no other place, the Red Sea offers many diving sites to divers who visit Egypt from all over the world. One of these sites in Dahab is the Blue Hole. Located a few miles north of Dahab proper, Dahab’s Blue Hole is a must-do site for Snorkelers and divers of all skill levels. The Blue Hole is an incredibly popular Red Sea dive site located on the southeastern side of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, just a short distance from the small town of Dahab.
Blue Hole seen from above
While the Blue Hole is a place of spectacular beauty, it also has the distinctive reputation of being the most dangerous dive site in the world. Before diving at this site, you should understand why it is called the “Divers Cemetery” and judge for yourself how you should explore this “deadly” dive site.
What is the Blue Hole?
Blue Holes are interesting geological sites. They are the same as many sinkholes on land. In simplest terms at one time, they were limestone caves above the water’s surface. Erosion caused the roof of the cave to collapse, creating an opening above it. Later sea levels rose causing the cave to flood.
Considered a submarine sinkhole, with a maximum depth reaching over 100 meters, the Blue Hole is not a beginners diving experience and requires the highest levels of confidence and diving skills. It’s located a few kilometers from the North of Dahab on the Red Sea coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Famous for freediving for its easy access directly from the shore and the lack of current, the Blue Hole is known to have the highest diving fatalities in the world with an estimated death of 130 to 200 divers in recent years.
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The Dahab Blue Hole is located very close to shore as well as close to very deep waters. The reef around the Blue Hole is shallow, with the section opening to the sea being about 20 feet (ca 6 meters) deep, called the Saddle. At first sight, the blue hole has a depth of 6 meters, and this first part is called “The Saddle,” followed by a tunnel 26 meters long which is known as the “Arch” whose roof reaches 55 meters tall and its bottom reaches the seaward side reaching about 120 meters. Once you travel past the saddle, you will reach a wall that drops to over 3,300 feet (ca 1,000 meters). The hole itself is about 500 feet wide (ca 150 meters) and the depth is given between 400 feet (ca 120 meters) to 500 feet (ca 150 meters). Inside the Blue Hole, there is a tunnel that connects to the wall, called “The Arch”. The tunnel is impressive, often called cathedralesque.
Within the hole, the top of the Arch is at 180 feet (ca 55 meters)depth with the floor another 210 feet down (ca 65 meters), and averages 78 feet (ca 24 meters) wide and is 85 feet (ca 26 meters) long before exiting the tunnel at a deeper depth.
The Dangers of Diving the Arch
In contrast to its allure, Dahab’s Blue Hole is considered the deadliest dive site in the world with over 130 recorded deaths with a number of 200 being a generally acceptable number of deaths. The site has earned the moniker of the “Diver’s Cemetery”.
Divers entering this realm take on training as technical divers. The Arch is beyond the depth limits of recreational divers. The 140-foot limit is significant because at this depth nitrogen narcosis can cause serious consequences. Under increased pressure, nitrogen starts to have a narcotic impact on people. This is often likened to drinking, and in the past, before the effect was well studied, nitrogen narcosis was often referred to as Martini’s law.
The effect varies by individual and even with the same person on different dives. However, it is generally held that most people will have an impact at 140 feet that will affect their judgment. Technical divers using breathing gas that has added helium to it reduces the amount of nitrogen, therefore, delaying the impact. Another issue that surfaces while diving at depth is the impact oxygen has on the body. Oxygen is a poison to our bodies under certain circumstances. Divers that train to use Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) learn of the dangers of oxygen content and pressure. Oxygen toxicity can cause the central nervous system to shut down and rapidly lead to death. Hospitals generally limit giving a patient 100% pure oxygen to 24 hours to reduce the risk of oxygen toxicity. Breathing pure oxygen underwater as shallow as 18 feet (ca 6 meters) for just a few minutes can bring on this condition.
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While breathing compressed air, the depth limit that is considered safe is 180 feet (ca 55 meters), Which is the depth of the top portion of the entry of the Arch. So a recreational diver diving just to the top of the Arch and not entering is already well past the safe zone for nitrogen narcosis and at the limit of the safe zone for oxygen toxicity.
It is estimated that in the last 15 years from 1997 to 2012 at an average of 8 deaths per year around 130 people have lost their lives in the Blue Hole. The divers who have lost their lives at the blue hole were considered high trained technical divers and many were diving instructors.
The Tragic Death of Yuri Lipski
Fatal diving accident caught on tape: Yuri Lipski
One of the most notable deaths at the Dahab’s Blue Hole is that of Yuri Lipski in 2000. He was a dive instructor who against the advice of local professional divers attempted to dive the arch as a recreational diver using a single div cylinder. One of the most notorious death at the Blue Hole was the death of 22 years old Russian-Israeli diver Yuri Lipski on April 28, 2000. His dive, and his death, were captured on camera on his helmet. The video shows Yuri on an involuntary and uncontrolled descent reaching the bottom at 115 meters deep.
The video shows Yuri removing his regulator while trying to fill his buoyancy but he failed to rise. His body was recovered on the next day by Tarek Omar, one of the world’s best deep-water diver’s as a request from Lipski’s mother. Tarek Omar states of his failed attempts to warn Yuri Lipski about the dangers of this dive. While many people have pointed out where he was wrong, there is one overriding point. Yuri had a simple equipment malfunction that he did not properly react to. The cause of him not reacting properly is due to nitrogen narcosis.
Family and friends of the divers who have lost their lives at the blue hole have left plaques in the rocks nearby the site to honor the death of their loved ones.
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Memorials at Dahab's Blue Hole, Photograph by Tim Sheerman-Chase
How to Safely Dive and Snorkel the Blue Hole
With a reputation for being so deadly, why do so many people visit the site each year? Because it is a wonderful site that thousands of divers and snorkelers safely visit each year. If you stay within recreational dive limits and within the limits of your training, the Blue Hole is the same dive site. One that offers a variety of options to explore along with amazing corals and marine life.
The Egyptian Chamber For Diving & Watersports (CDWS) has increased regulations for diving at the Blue Hole. For example, anyone wishing to SCUBA dive at the site can only do so in the company of a certified diver guide. Divers are required to have a certified local guide who will ensure that the dive being accomplished is within the divers skill and training levels. Additionally, CDWS has personnel on-site to monitor compliance.
Diving and Snorkeling Experiences
The Blue Hole is a world-renowned destination for both scuba divers and freedivers, attracting enthusiasts from across the globe. The sheer depth of the sinkhole, reaching over 100 meters, presents a unique challenge and allure for experienced divers seeking to explore its depths. Sites like 'The Bells' are popular for freediving training and exploration, offering incredible underwater vistas. For those with the right certifications, technical diving and exploring the famous Blue Hole Arch are possible, though extremely hazardous.
For visitors who prefer a less intense experience, snorkeling in the shallower areas of the Blue Hole offers a spectacular glimpse into the Red Sea's vibrant marine ecosystem. You can witness colorful coral formations and a diverse array of fish species without the risks associated with deep diving. Many visitors combine their trip to the Blue Hole with visits to nearby Abu Galum National Park and the tranquil Blue Lagoon, which are also excellent for snorkeling and offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Snorkelers and Open Water Divers generally start at the Blue Hole itself. The reef provides a great deal to explore with wonderful formations and abundant marine life. They can venture out over the Blue Hole and appear down into the depths or spend time in the saddle exploring the marine life there.
Advance divers can start at the Bell Dive Site and transition to the Blue Hole. The Bell site contains a chimney that they can dive down and exit by a mini arch to a deep wall at 90 feet (ca 26 meters). Supposedly, the name for the site comes from the sound that the tanks make when contacting the walls of the chimney. If a diver does not feel comfortable entering the chimney, they can go directly to the wall. Once at the wall, they can drift dive towards the saddle at the Blue Hole decreasing their depth till they match the depth of the saddle. Once they reach the saddle they can head in towards shore and reach the Blue Hole.
Planning Your Visit to the Blue Hole
When to Go
Dahab is a year-round destination. Early summer (May and June) and early fall (September and October) seem to have the best combination of weather and sea conditions.
The months of May, June September, and October may have a slight edge as the air temperature are comfortable in the 70s f (ca 23c) to low 80s(ca 26c) range. Summers will find a daily high averaging 82 f (ca 27.5) Some may find the air temperature a little cool for swimming in November and March with average daily highs around 61 F (ca 17 c)
- Average Water Temperature: In January the water temperature may drop to around 71 f (ca 22c) and soar as high as 81.5 f (ca 21.7c) in August.
- What to Wear: Scuba divers may be comfortable in a shorty or even swimwear from May until November. However, wearing a rash suit is always a good choice to avoid scrapes from corals as well as some sun protection.
Getting There
The Blue Hole is located north of Dahab town. You can reach it by taxi or by joining an organized tour from Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab. Many visitors opt for a boat trip from Dahab town, which can also take you to Abu Galum and the Blue Lagoon.
- Taxis are readily available in Dahab.
- Organized tours are also a popular and convenient option, often including transport and sometimes lunch.
- While you can drive to the vicinity, parking and access might be managed. Organized tours or local transport are generally recommended for a smoother experience.
Most travelers fly into Sharm El Sheikh and then head directly to Dahab. You can arrange a taxi or a pre-booked transfer to Dahab, and then organize your trip to the Blue Hole from there.
Tickets & Entry
There is an entry fee to access the Blue Hole, which is part of a protected national park. The exact cost can vary, but it's generally a modest fee. Tickets are typically purchased on-site. It's advisable to check with local tour operators if you're booking an organized excursion, as they may include entry fees.
The Blue Hole is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the underwater scenery. The Blue Hole is part of a protected national park, emphasizing the need for conservation and responsible tourism.
Onsite Experience
The Blue Hole is famous for snorkeling and scuba diving. Experienced divers can explore its depths, while snorkelers can enjoy the vibrant coral reefs and marine life near the surface.
Snorkeling is generally considered safe, but always be aware of currents and your surroundings. Avoid going too deep. Divers should be certified and experienced due to the inherent risks. The Blue Hole reaches depths of over 100 meters, with some sources citing up to 130 meters. This extreme depth contributes to its reputation as a dangerous dive site.
You can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, coral formations, and other Red Sea marine life. It's a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Facilities at the Blue Hole are basic and shared, including toilets and changing rooms. They are functional but not luxurious.
Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants along the coast near the Blue Hole. Some offer lunch as part of snorkeling packages, but quality can be average. Reviews suggest the food quality can be below average. It's advisable to manage expectations or consider dining in Dahab town for better options.
Some cafes may have a minimum spend requirement to use their amenities, such as renting snorkeling gear or using restrooms. Bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea, especially if you have dietary preferences or want to save money.
Photography
An underwater camera or a waterproof phone case is highly recommended to capture the vibrant marine life and underwater scenery.
The entire coastline offers stunning views. Underwater, the coral reefs and fish provide excellent photographic opportunities. Drone usage regulations can be strict in protected areas. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
Morning light often provides clear, beautiful underwater visibility. Midday sun can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities. While generally permitted, be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Avoid disturbing marine life for photos.
Tips for Divers and Snorkelers
- Understand the Risks: The Blue Hole is known as one of the world's most dangerous dive sites. Experienced divers can explore its depths, but casual snorkelers should stay aware of their surroundings and avoid venturing too deep. Safety first!
- Plan Wisely: Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. While entry is charged, facilities like toilets and changing rooms are basic. Pack essentials and be prepared for a unique, yet potentially challenging, natural wonder.
- Snorkel, Don't Dive Unprepared: Snorkeling is amazing! For diving, ensure you're certified and experienced. The Blue Hole is dangerous for the untrained.
- Beware of Scams: Some visitors report scams related to excursions. Be cautious and confirm details beforehand.
- Consider Abu Galum & Blue Lagoon: Take a boat trip to Abu Galum and the Blue Lagoon for a more relaxed and beautiful experience.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Dahab, Red Sea coast of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt |
| Depth | Over 100 meters (328 feet), Arch bottom reaches 120 meters (394 feet) |
| "The Arch" | 26 m (85 feet) long tunnel, whose ceiling is at a depth of 55 m (181 feet) |
| Reputation | One of the most dangerous dive sites in the world |
| Deaths | Estimated 130-200 divers in recent years |
| Activities | Snorkeling, freediving, technical diving |
| Entry Fee | Yes, to access the Blue Hole |
| Facilities | Basic and shared, including toilets and changing rooms |
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