The coastal trail
An easy walk from the Blue Hole between mountain and sea.
Mohammed Moussa — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alexey Komarov — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Yasser.mahmoud — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alexey Komarov — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Yasser.mahmoud — CC BY-SA 4.0
Ras Abu Galum is a multi-purpose protected area on the Gulf of Aqaba in South Sinai, between Dahab and Nuweiba, where mountains drop almost into the sea. It covers about 500 sq km of land and water and is one of the quietest stretches of this coast, with coral reefs and simple Bedouin camps; no paved road reaches its main beach. It was declared a reserve in 1992 and amended in 1996, in the area known as Wadi Rasasa. Its ecosystems include reefs, seagrass, lagoons, mountains and wadis, with about 165 plant species. Bedouin families living around the reserve run the camps and lead camel trips, and divers have long come here on camel safaris from the Blue Hole. Most visitors start at the Blue Hole north of Dahab, then walk an easy 5.1 km coastal trail, ride a camel, or take a boat of 20 to 30 minutes. The main snorkelling site lies by the boat landing, next to a beach and basic Bedouin cafes. The reserve has an underwater cave system reaching more than 100 m, but it is unstable, so go in only with a specialist guide. The Blue Hole is 8 km north of Dahab, so the reserve makes a full day out from Dahab, and is far longer from Sharm el-Sheikh. Walking is best in the morning or in spring and autumn; bring water and snorkelling gear.
An easy walk from the Blue Hole between mountain and sea.
Reefs near the boat landing.
Basic cafes and huts on the beach.
Gulf of Aqaba coast between Dahab and Nuweiba, South Sinai
You can do both: walk out and take the boat back, when you travel with the waves rather than against them. It suits anyone prone to seasickness.
Yes. Bedouin camps rent simple huts with meals, but facilities are limited, so bring a torch and cash, and ask about prices in Dahab first.