The Lighthouse is the easiest reef in Dahab to reach. It sits at the north end of the main bay, right where the seafront promenade of cafés and dive centres ends, so you can walk from your hotel, gear up and step into the water. The reef is sheltered from the wind most of the year, which is why so many first dives and training dives in Dahab happen here.
| Where | North end of Dahab Bay, at the end of the Masbat seafront promenade |
| Entry | From the shore, over a short sandy and rocky entry; reef shoes help |
| Depth | Shallow near shore; the slope drops quickly, and most recreational dives stay above about 25 m |
| Level | Easy for snorkelling and for beginner divers with a guide |
| Best for | First dives, training, night dives, a quick snorkel between cafés |
| What you see | Coral slope, lionfish, moray eels, reef fish, sometimes turtles |
| Cost | Free to swim from the shore; dive centres charge for dives and gear |
Coming from Cairo? Our 5-day tour from Cairo to Dahab leaves free time for a snorkel here.
The site takes its name from the small lighthouse on the point at the north end of the bay. Behind it is the busiest part of town: the Masbat promenade, with restaurants, cafés, shops and many of Dahab’s dive centres. That makes the Lighthouse very convenient. You can snorkel for an hour and be back at a café table in five minutes.
Snorkelling: the reef starts close to the shore. Swim out along the edge and you will see corals, small reef fish and often a lionfish or two hiding under overhangs. The water is usually calm and clear, but the slope drops quickly, so weaker swimmers should wear a vest.
Diving: divers usually head out along the sandy slope and return along the coral wall closer to shore. Most dives here stay in the 10 to 25 metre range. The site goes much deeper further out, so follow your guide and your dive plan. Because the entry is so easy, it is a common choice for a first dive of the trip or a check dive.
The Lighthouse is one of the most popular night-dive sites in Dahab. After dark you may see moray eels out hunting, octopus, crabs and sleeping parrotfish. Many dive centres also run open-water courses and try dives here, because students can walk in and practise skills in shallow, sheltered water.
Walk to the north end of the seafront promenade in Masbat, or take a short taxi ride and ask for the Lighthouse (El Fanar). The Eel Garden is a little further north, so you can visit both on the same morning.
| Site | Best for |
|---|---|
| Lighthouse | Closest to cafés and hotels; first dives and night dives |
| Eel Garden | Garden eels on a sandy slope; calm snorkelling |
| Blue Hole | The famous reef wall; snorkel the rim, dive with a guide |
| Blue Lagoon | Shallow lagoon and kitesurfing |
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Yes. It is the easiest place in Dahab to see a real coral reef, without a boat or a long drive, and the cafés make it a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. For more snorkelling, visit the Blue Hole and the Eel Garden.
Book a nearby tour: the Lighthouse 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 north end of Dahab’s bay, at the end of the seafront promenade in the Masbat area.
No. You can enter the water from the promenade. Dive centres and some cafés charge for gear, dives or loungers.
Yes. The entry is easy and the water is usually calm, which is why many dive courses start here.
Corals, reef fish, moray eels and sometimes turtles.
Yes. It is one of the most popular night-dive sites in Dahab. Book with a licensed dive centre, which will provide torches and a guide.
The entry is easy and the water is usually calm, but the reef drops quickly. Children should wear a life vest and stay close to an adult.
Join one of our Dahab tours or Dahab day tours with a local guide.
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