Safety · Destination Guide
Blue Hole walls, canyon swim-throughs, and Bedouin desert horizons
Updated Oct 30, 2025 • 16 sources
Dive and snorkel with CDWS-registered operators, follow ranger guidance at protected sites, and keep Dahab’s shallow reef alive by never standing on coral.
Respect CDWS depth and guide policies. Use SMBs for shore exits. Do not attempt the Blue Hole Arch without technical training and support. Leave generous no-fly buffers and hydrate in desert conditions.
The nearest hyperbaric chamber is in Sharm El Sheikh. In an emergency call 123 for ambulance and coordinate with your dive center and the chamber. Carry DAN coverage and the DAN Europe emergency number.
Blue Hole Arch is technical-only
The arch ceiling is near 55 m. Do not attempt on recreational gas.
Wind, surge, and ladder exits
Northerlies create surface chop at exposed entries. Use ladders and time exits to lulls.
Urchins and scorpionfish
Wear booties and maintain buoyancy over shallow coral heads.
Ras Abu Galum is part of South Sinai’s protected network; comply with instructions at gates and avoid anchoring or touching coral. Pack out all waste and minimize single-use plastics.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when blue hole arch is technical-only. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharm Hyperbaric Medical Centre | Decompression treatment | +20 12 2124 292 / +20 69 366 0922 | 24/7 on-call |
| Ambulance | Medical emergency | 123 | 24/7 |
| Tourist Police | Tourist assistance | 126 | 24/7 |
| DAN Europe Emergency | Diving emergency hotline | +39 06 4211 5685 | 24/7 |