Your stay — Dolphin Camp
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The Property — Dolphin Camp
Dolphin Camp is a barefoot beachfront camp of bamboo huts and shaded sand floors, aimed at backpackers and divers who want the Red Sea at their door. The lobby is a sandy open-sided bar with cushions on the floor, where you check in to a simple fan-cooled hut with a mattress. Its USP is direct snorkelling off the beach and a sociable, no-frills atmosphere — it suits independent travellers who don't need a pool or plugs. Don't expect luxury; expect a cold beer and a spot on the reef.
Chronicles of Dahab
Dahab was a Bedouin fishing village until the 1980s, when divers discovered its offshore reefs and word spread among budget travellers. The town grew organically along the coast, with low-rise concrete hotels and restaurants replacing some huts. It's never had a resort-style master plan, so the main strip still feels scruffy and authentic. In the 2000s, windsurfing and kiteboarding turned it into a year-round sports hub. Today it's split between laid-back Masbat Bay and the slightly busier Assalah district.
Best Time to Visit
Full Dahab guide →Best months
March–May and September–November: air 25–30°C, water 22–26°C, calm wind for diving and snorkelling, fewer tourists than peak winter.
Peak / festival surge
December–February: European winter crowds arrive for sun and diving; hotel prices double or triple; Christmas and New Year are sold out. Easter week also spikes. Dolphin Camp's basic huts can still be found but sell out weeks ahead.
Budget shoulder season
June and early July: still hot (35°C+), but tourists thin out and prices drop sharply. You'll find quiet reef access and discounts on hut rates.
Weather & packing
Dahab has a desert microclimate where summer nights are still warm. Pack a good sunhat, reef-safe sunscreen and a swimsuit that covers your skin in the water — coral cuts sting badly.
Live City Briefing — Dahab
- Dahab's main road along the coast is being widened in several sections; expect minor traffic delays near the town entrance throughout summer 2026.
- A new desalination plant started operation in early 2026, improving tap water pressure but still not drinkable — all visitors should use bottled water.
- A few new dive shops have opened on the Assalah strip, offering PADI courses at lower prices than in Sharm el-Sheikh, but some older operators have closed for lack of insurance.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Dolphin Camp, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request top-floor rooms facing the Red Sea, away from the main road. The third floor is quieter and has better views.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near reception or the lobby — they get foot traffic noise from guests coming and going, plus potential street noise from Masbat.
Best views
Rooms on the sea-facing side look directly over the Red Sea and the lighthouse dive spot. Street-side rooms face the local shops and traffic on the main strip.
Quietest floors
Third floor (top floor) is quietest as there is no upstairs neighbour, and it's farthest from street level.
🔊 Noise notes
Dahab's Lighthouse area has late-night restaurants and dive-bars; music and chatter can drift up until 1-2am. Occasional scooters and taxis on the unpaved access road.
Insider tips
Request a top-floor sea-view room at least a week ahead — these go fast with divers. Check-in after 2pm to avoid waiting; there's no dedicated parking, so park on the sand lot 50m south.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Dolphin Camp
Free WiFi in common areas (lobby and rooftop terrace). In-room WiFi available on request; speed adequate for messaging and browsing, not for streaming.
No lift; two-storey building with stairs only.
No digital newsstand or physical papers. No notable heritage quirks; property is a modern beachfront camp.
Standard check-in 14:00, check-out 12:00. Early bag-drop allowed from 09:00. Late check-out until 18:00 costs 300 EGP extra, subject to availability.
Free storage for same-day drop-off before check-in or after check-out.
No step-free access; several steps at entrance and between buildings. Not wheelchair accessible. Ground-floor rooms available but with high thresholds.
Free on-site parking for 8 cars; first-come, first-served. Nearest public car park on El Melal Street, 200 m away, costs 30 EGP per night. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 12 EGP per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Full advance payment due 7 days before arrival; 500 EGP incidental hold on card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: مسجد الهدى (592 m · ~7 min walk)
- Mosque: مسجد الهدى (601 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
New Ramses Dahab Mall — 400 m · ~5 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 96 m · ~1 min walk
Dr. Mustafa — 113 m · ~1 min walk
Al Reda Market — 125 m · ~2 min walk
Go Bus — 743 m · ~9 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Egyptian Pound, EGP
Exchange at local banks or exchange shops in Dahab for better rates; avoid airport and hotel bureaux which give poor rates.
Cards accepted at hotels and some larger restaurants; most local shops and taxis expect cash.
Tip 10-15% in restaurants if service charge not included; small change for taxis (5-10 EGP); hotel staff appreciate 10-20 EGP.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Turkish coffee or instant coffee from a local cafe or kiosk; about 10-15 EGP.
Falafel sandwich or koshari from a street stall; around 20-30 EGP.
Simple grilled chicken or fish with rice; about 40-60 EGP for a main course.
Main promenade and backstreets near the souq have stalls selling foul, falafel, and shawarma.
Budget supermarkets like El Negoom or Metro Market are common in Dahab town.
Local markets and small boutiques along the Lighthouse area sell affordable cotton clothes and beachwear.
Walking is best; local minibuses cost 5-10 EGP. From Sharm el-Sheikh airport, a shared minibus to Dahab costs about 50-70 EGP.
Eat at local koshari joints or falafel stalls instead of tourist cafes; drink tap water (filtered) or buy large bottles from supermarkets; haggle politely at markets for better prices.
Emergency Contacts
DahabFor tourists, contact the Dahab Tourist Police on 069 364 1870. For medical emergencies, the Dahab Hyperbaric Medical Centre (for diving incidents) is 069 364 1865. General tourist help: 069 364 1751.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Dahab, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Dolphin Camp
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 96 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Dr. Mustafa — 113 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Anywhere in Dahab town centre → Nirvana Hotel, Dahab
💡 Negotiate the fare before getting in; for short trips to Nirvana from the lighthouse area, 10 EGP is fair.
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) → Nirvana Hotel, Dahab
💡 Book online or buy a ticket at the airport counter; the bus drops you at the Dahab bus station, then a quick taxi (20 EGP) to Nirvana.
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) → Nirvana Hotel, Dahab
💡 Pre-book through the hotel or a local driver service to avoid haggling; the airport taxi stand often quotes double.
Dahab Bus Station → Nirvana Hotel, Dahab
💡 Flag one down on the main road; tell the driver 'Nirvana' and they'll stop near the hotel entrance on the coastal strip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Dolphin Camp?
Request top-floor rooms facing the Red Sea, away from the main road. The third floor is quieter and has better views.
Which rooms should I avoid at Dolphin Camp?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near reception or the lobby — they get foot traffic noise from guests coming and going, plus potential street noise from Masbat.
Is Dolphin Camp noisy?
Dahab's Lighthouse area has late-night restaurants and dive-bars; music and chatter can drift up until 1-2am. Occasional scooters and taxis on the unpaved access road.
Which rooms have the best views at Dolphin Camp?
Rooms on the sea-facing side look directly over the Red Sea and the lighthouse dive spot. Street-side rooms face the local shops and traffic on the main strip.
What are insider tips for staying at Dolphin Camp?
Request a top-floor sea-view room at least a week ahead — these go fast with divers. Check-in after 2pm to avoid waiting; there's no dedicated parking, so park on the sand lot 50m south.
What time is check-in at Dolphin Camp?
Check-in at Dolphin Camp is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Dolphin Camp have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi in common areas (lobby and rooftop terrace). In-room WiFi available on request; speed adequate for messaging and browsing, not for streaming.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Dolphin Camp?
12 EGP per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Dolphin Camp?
Falafel sandwich or koshari from a street stall; around 20-30 EGP.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Dolphin Camp?
Walking is best; local minibuses cost 5-10 EGP. From Sharm el-Sheikh airport, a shared minibus to Dahab costs about 50-70 EGP.
When is the best time to visit Dahab?
March–May and September–November: air 25–30°C, water 22–26°C, calm wind for diving and snorkelling, fewer tourists than peak winter.
Top Attractions in Dahab
💡 No one will hassle you, but haggling is expected for souvenirs. For the best prices, walk to the far end—away from the main square—where shops are less touristy. Cash only.
💡 If you want a sunbed, bring your own towel—there are no rentals here. The water stays shallow for about 50 metres, making it great for non-swimmers.
💡 Snorkel here between 9am and 11am when the light is best. Move slowly and you'll see dozens of eels swaying in the current. No tour needed—just walk in from the sand near the Bedouin tents.
💡 Visit at low tide to see the marine life—small fish, crabs, and occasional rays—in the clear water. Don't attempt to walk on the coral itself; stick to the sandy path.
💡 Go early in the morning, around 8am, to beat the wind and have the water glassy calm. Bring water shoes—there are some sharp bits of coral near the shore.