There has never been a better time to visit Dahab. The water is already 24 degrees and the air temperature is 28. There is plenty of space on the water and the summer wind has been blowing consistently for a month. So why not treat yourself to a lovely warm and windy holiday in windsurfing paradise?
We catch up with Toby and Fi (British couple) who offer tailor made holidays to Dahab. They are based in resort to offer advice and assistance before and during your holiday. Check out their website www.DahabHolidays.com to see the largest selection of accommodation options starting from £5 per person per night (based on two sharing).
Their holidays are fully flexible so you can arrive on any day and stay for any duration.
Dahab Holidays offers the following:
- Hand picked apartments and hotels to suit all budgets.
- Transfers from the airport in high quality minibuses with roof racks if you wish to bring your own kit.
- A selection of windsurf rental from three different launch sites to suit all abilities.
- Windsurfing lessons for all levels.
- Dive packages and snorkel trips.
- Kitesurfing rental and storage.
- Excursions and magical desert evenings in the Oasis, dining under the stars.
The Windsurfing
Dahab really is one of the best windsurfing spots in the world. With 300 days of wind above a force 4 and some of the flattest water you could ever imagine. Daytime temperatures average above 23 degrees all year, it rains on average three times a year and is one of the closest year round spots from the UK.
On the water it is perfect for everyone with different areas to choose from.
- There is a shallow area for beginners to learn and a sand spit to make the area as safe as a lake.
- There is an amazing flat-water speed strip (Speedy), where you will find the stronger constant winds so great for blasting and practicing those moves and Baby Bay, which is perfect for freestyle.
- Plus an area with bump and jump conditions (called Kamikaze).
Family friendly:
Dahab Holidays have a great selection of one to three bedroom apartments or hotel rooms so these are perfect for family holidays. Many of the hotels also run children’s clubs 6 days a week for 4-12 year olds. The cross-off shore winds mean your children can happily play on the sheltered beach while you are out blasting in speedy!
Other activities:
- Horse riding
- Glass bottom boat trips
- Quad bike safari’s
- Waterskiing / wake boarding
- Ringo / inflatable fun
- Camel safari’s
- Yoga / relaxation
- Snorkeling
- Luxor, Petra, St Catherine’s Monastery, or hiking up Moses Mountain to watch the sunrise.
Dining and shopping:
The local town of Masbat is only 3kms away from the windsurfing Lagoon (£1 in a taxi) and offers a variety of nightlife. There are many colourful restaurants offering local and international dishes. Local delights include kofta (spiced meatballs), seafood, and oriental mezzes. Plus fantastic Thai, Indian and Italian restaurants.
You can eat out from 50p for local koshary or falafels up to £5 for a really authentic Thai meal. Dine on fish or steak for £10. A bottle of beer is 90p and the local rum can be bought for as little as £2 (beware of the hangover though!).
| Windy Season | April to November. Great all year round destination. |
| Water Temp In Summer | 24-28 C |
| Air Temp In Summer | 30-38 C (it is dry heat so very pleasant even in July & August) |
| Air Temp In Winter | 18 – 30 C |
| Wet Suit | Shortie (October to May). Otherwise rash vests & shorts are fine. |
| Average Wind Speed | 15-25 knots (Force 4-6) |
| Flight Time (From UK) | 5 hours |
How to get there:
Getting to Egypt has become easier and cheaper due to the arrival of low cost airlines. You can fly to Sharm El Sheikh from Gatwick, Luton, Heathrow, Stanstead, Bournemouth, Manchester, East Midlands, Doncaster, Newcastle, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter.
Check out www.skyscanner.net or www.kayak.com which are great flight search engines. Simply put in your dates and preferred airport or simply write UK to SSH for all flight options. www.easyjet.com fly from LTN, LGW, STN and MAN from £140* each way (*Stansted 2nd – 12th Feb).
www.thomsonfly.com operates many regional flights to Sharm El Sheik or Taba.
www.monarch.co.uk fly from MAN, LGW, LTN and BHX.
You can also check out Toby and Fi’s sister company www.TarifaHolidays.com. Tarifa is known as the ‘Wind Capital of Europe’ and is famous for its chilled vibe, beautiful 7-mile sandy beach and great nightlife.
You can stay in stylish apartments with communal swimming pools and gardens, plus storeroom for your kit.
It is also much warmer than the UK throughout the winter, and gets wavier so a great spot all year round. Sip cocktails on the beach or enjoy the café tapas culture in the old town.
