We meet at our hotel in Dahab where we will carry out our trip briefing and you will have a chance to relax over a welcome drink, a chance to discuss the week in more detail.

This morning we head out for an acclimatisation swim, from near our hotel, the perfect way to start the day. The first main swim of the day starts in Eel Gardens and swim along this enchanting reef finishing within Assalah Bay. We take full advantage of our fantastic location and return to the hotel for lunch and a relax before our afternoon swim.

We then embark on a coastal swim to The Islands, a coastal dive site with beautiful coral formations. During your swim we will video you above and below the water. This will then allow us to analyse your stroke and offer constructive advice back at the hotel over drinks.

We start the morning after breakfast with a Jeep transfer to the Blue Hole. We spend the day around this amazing location and with the hole plunging to an incredible 80 metres, it is a swimming location not to be missed.

After a great morning in the water, we take lunch at a local restaurant and relax before moving onto our afternoon swim. We start from the Blue Hole and continue along the reefed coastline towards The Canyon dive site where we finish for the day.

After breakfast, we start our half day with a short transfer back to The Islands where we begin our swim out to Napoleon Reef. Accessible by boat only, it is the perfect location to swim to. With it’s variety of different corals and marine life, it will offer spectacular underwater sights.

After the morning’s swim, we return to land for you to explore the local area, choose somewhere for lunch or just relax during your afternoon off.

Today we journey back to the Blue Hole but this time we take a short Bedouin boat ride North and begin our swims along the coastline to Ras Abu Galum. We stop for lunch and time to relax at Dolphin Kamp. After relaxing from the morning’s activities, we start our swim from Ras Abu Galum and make our way back south We exit just before Blue Hole so you can enjoy a coastal walk back, before catching our transfer to the hotel. These two great coastal swims allow us to explore this protected marine environment, which has an abundance of marine life.

We will now venture south to a southern oasis of outstanding natural beauty known as Happy Life Village. We have the chance to explore this area with 2 swims towards the unforgettable reef of Umm Elsid. We start north of Happy Village and make our way through Moray Gardens, to Three Pools before lunch. After lunch we finish the day heading from Three Pools to Umm Elsid where we finish the day before a boat ride back to Happy Village.

Your Red Sea Safari will finish with a morning swim in front of the hotel, to end an enthralling week of coast, reef and bay swimming.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, plankton, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims and may cause some discomfort. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Conditions

There is limited walking on this trip but we may take a short walk to and from our swim locations along beaches or coastline.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat support on this trip includes three Bedouin support boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and local guides. These boats will also be used for the short transfer to some of the swims, Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Extra Activities

Dahab offers a range of wonderful tourist and local attractions. If you are staying additional days either side of your SwimTrek trip, take a trip up to St Catherine’s Monastery, the oldest continuously inhabited Christian Monastery in the world. But note, it is only open in the mornings. Or if you are feeling more adventurous, explore Mount Sanai and its beautiful surroundings. Of course, there are plenty of snorkel and scuba opportunities for you to explore the waters in more detail and the centre of Dahab for those who want to stay on land.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website. For additional, location specific items, please see the information below.

SwimTrek will provide water and electrolytes at every location and refill your bottles.

A number of our swims are around coral or start from a beach entry, we strongly recommend bringing aqua shoes so you have the option of wearing them. We also advise you bring a rash vest along with you for protection from sun and marine life.

SwimTrek will also provide water and electrolytes at every location and refill your bottles.

The nearest international airport to Dahab is Sharm el-Sheikh. A large number of international airlines service this airport but you also have the option to fly into Cairo or Hurghada.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

Sharm el-Sheikh to Dahab

Shared Transfer – a shared transfer is included with your SwimTrek package and will leave from SSH (Sharm el-Sheikh) at 1500 on Day 1. The transfer from the airport to Coral Coast Hotel takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. If you would like to join this transfer, please contact the SwimTrek office with your flight details prior to your trip.

If you want an alternative transfer at a more convenient time for you, please contact the hotel at info@coralcoasthotel.com . Transfers cost €55 (£45 GBP) one way for up to 8 people with luggage. You may be grouped with other guests.

Private Transfers – if you do not want to travel as part of the shared transfer, you will be able to book a private transfer by emailing info@coralcoasthotel.com and confirm you would like a private transfer otherwise you might be grouped with others. This will also be at your own cost.

Public transport – East Delta Bus runs a service from Sharm El Sheikh city centre to Dahab. The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and tickets cost around €5 (65EGP). The bus timetable can be found here ask-aladdin.com/all-destinations/bus-timetables. There is no bus from the airport to the city centre, so you will have to use alternative transport such as a taxi.

Airport taxi – this is often the most convenient option as you will be picked up right outside arrivals and the ride takes approximately 1 hour. You can book online at a cost of around €55 (900 EGP) or find one outside the airport, but it may be more expensive.

Return Transfer

Shared Transfer – The shared group transfer will leave Coral Coast Hotel at 1130. We recommend booking your return flight no earlier than 1530. If you would like an alternative transfer or private transfer at your own cost, please contact info@coralcoasthotel.com.

The accommodation for the trip is Coral Coast, Eel Garden, Dahab. Coral Coast is well located on the edge of the main waterfront resort area of Dahab. The rooms are simple but the Swimtrek rooms have views across the beach out to the Red Sea. It provides the perfect location to host us for the week and easy access to the open water. Room choices include beds for twin share, double occupancy and a limited number of single occupancy rooms are also possible, subject to availability.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require additional nights’ accommodation before or after the SwimTrek tour, this can be arranged directly through info@coralcoasthotel.com

Food and Drink

Hotel breakfasts are included and served at the hotel and lunches (apart from day 4) are included on this trip but will be taken at various restaurants. Egypt offers a range of vegan and vegetarian foods but please add special dietary requirements to your profile on booking.

The average cost of dinner in a local restaurant is €15-20 (650 EGP).

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound - however, Euros and US dollars are also widely accepted. Please note that additional charges may apply for credit card transactions.

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Citizens of all European Union countries (including UK), the United States and Israel do not need to obtain a visa in advance. They may instead obtain a visa on arrival for Egypt valid for Sinai and a Sinai entry permission stamp at select border points at no cost.

This Special Sinai Resort Permission Stamp is only valid for use within the resort areas Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba. Israelis may only obtain this stamp at Taba Border Crossing and will need a visa to enter Sanai at any other point of entry.

The majority of other foreign nationals must have an Egypt visa to enter Sinai. This may be obtained from an embassy in advance or through the simplified online visa application.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

Should you need access to the internet during your trip, please ensure that you get your phone unlocked before your trip (or bring your own personal dongle). You can then purchase a SIM card from a phone company booth in the airport on your arrival. If you purchase an Egyptian SIM card with a data plan, you should then be able to access the internet during the trip, subject to data coverage and data allowance limits. Please note that phone service can be limited whilst on the trip and cannot always be guaranteed.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.