The Eel Garden in Dahab is a calm shore reef north of the town centre, famous for its colony of garden eels on a sandy slope. It is an easy, relaxing site for snorkelling and diving.
Coming from Cairo? Our 5-day tour from Cairo to Dahab gives you time by the sea.
The Eel Garden is a shore reef at the northern end of Dahab, past the Assala area. Its name comes from the colony of garden eels that live in the sandy slope just off the reef: hundreds of thin eels that rise out of their burrows to feed and sink back into the sand when you come close. Around them are coral heads, reef fish and, often, turtles.
You enter the water from the shore and swim over a shallow reef top to the edge, where the sandy slope with the eels begins. Snorkellers can see the reef and, on clear days, the eels below; divers get closer to the eel colony on the slope. The site is sheltered and usually calm, which makes it suitable for beginners and relaxed dives.
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Yes, for a calm and easy snorkel or dive with something special to see. It is quieter than the Lighthouse and the Blue Hole. Combine it with the Lighthouse reef and the Blue Hole for a full picture of Dahab’s reefs.
Book a nearby tour: the Eel Garden is free to visit on your own. For a guided snorkelling day, see the Blue Hole and Three Pools snorkelling trip from Dahab or all our Dahab day tours.
At the northern end of Dahab, past the Assala district, a short taxi ride or walk from the Lighthouse.
Often yes, on clear days, but you see them best from closer when diving. Approach slowly, as they hide quickly.
No. You enter from the shore. Some beach cafés charge for loungers.
Yes. The site is sheltered and usually calm.
Join one of our Dahab tours or Dahab day tours with a local guide.
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