Local Wildlife

CREATURES ON LAND

Camel

There are a variety of animals in Dahab, mostly friendly! You will see dogs hanging out on the beach, they may bark at each other but they are used to being around humans and love a bit of attention. Always exercise caution when approaching, the beach dogs are not domestic animals. Cats favour restaurants hoping that they can persuade you to relinquish your food if they make enough noise. Watch your plate, some have been known to take a crafty swipe at your food if not guarded! On the streets you may see goats, camels and sheep – all a part of Dahab life.

As for creepy crawlies, you may see the odd cockroach or scarab beetle (don’t mistake them and squish a scarab – they are supposed to be lucky). Mosquitoes are a pest only at certain times… on windy days you tend not to notice them but watch out for the still days especially around dawn and dusk… repellent needed.

CREATURES OF THE SEA

Coral reef

Dahab really has some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, the Red Sea reefs are teeming with brightly coloured fish and if you are a little nervous of what lies beneath then don't worry, Dahab is more ‘Finding Nemo’ than ‘Sharks Tale’. All the reefs are accessible from the shore and, if it is not windy, there is very little surface current, so even if you are not a strong swimmer the beauty of the reefs are accessible to you. On windy days go to the Lighthouse bay or to the Southern Oasis for snorkelling. Whale sharks (the gentle giants) and turtles have been seen at the surface, so you don’t need to be a diver to enjoy the underwater realm.

Be aware if you swim, that there are creatures that lie on the bottom sometimes in shallow water that can be harmful to you, or that you could harm by stepping on them, this includes the coral reef. Make sure that you enter ONLY at recognised entry points (there are usually signs, but ask anyone who looks like they are guiding a dive) and try not to touch anything. There are pontoons at the Lighthouse and at the Blue Hole which means you can enter the water without walking on the bottom.