Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
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Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
In Egypt, there's a hidden gem known as the freediving mecca, and it goes by the name of Dahab, a quaint Bedouin village. What draws people to Dahab for training? Is it the allure of the Blue Hole, the tight-knit community, or the unique way of life?
Dahab stands out as the perfect destination, offering easy access to tranquil, deep, and vibrant waters. It eliminates the need for boats, providing deep waters close to the shore and fulfills every freediver's dream with excellent visibility, absence of currents, minimal boat traffic, no significant thermocline, favorable water temperature, and a breathtaking landscape both above and below the surface.
The significant advantage of Dahab goes beyond its natural features; it lies in its thriving freediving and diving community. Dahab attracts individuals seeking a place to train and evolve as freedivers, fostering a warm and welcoming tribe. The town boasts exceptional freediving schools where one can book sessions, enroll in courses, rent equipment, attend workshops, receive guidance, and even participate in world-class freediver masterclasses. Additionally, the community comprises freedivers spending varying durations in Dahab, creating an atmosphere of comfort and camaraderie among like-minded individuals who share a passion for the underwater lifestyle. Engaging in fascinating conversations becomes a common occurrence in this setting.
The lifestyle in Dahab is characterized by simplicity, offering relatively inexpensive Bedouin houses for rent, local markets brimming with fresh vegetables and fruits to support a healthy diet, and a diverse array of restaurants within the town. Life in Dahab unfolds as a delightful and serene experience, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique underwater haven.
Photo by Grosmaire/Smile Durb/Airat
Regardless of your training regimen, Dahab stands out as the optimal choice, considering both budget and dive sites suitable for depth. Dry training also plays a crucial role, and Dahab provides serene locations for your stretches, meditation, and workouts. The town hosts yoga studios, and there are picturesque balconies offering incredible views of the desert, the Red Sea, or the Jordan mountains—drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty.
For freedivers, Dahab offers a secure environment for growth under the guidance of experienced professionals. These seasoned freedivers provide a wide array of training plans and coaching sessions, employing diverse approaches and utilizing specific accessories and props to enhance techniques and body awareness.
The Blue Hole stands out as a distinctive dive site, characterized by its submarine sinkhole, just a 20-minute car ride from Dahab. Right in front of it, there are numerous restaurants and relaxing spots where you can unwind before and after your dives. The friendly staff and delectable food add to the overall experience. Accessible from land with two easy entry points to the water, the Blue Hole features a coral wall that descends to a depth of 96+ meters on the inside and 120 meters deep outside the breathtaking coral reef. This site is free from currents and boat traffic, creating a serene environment for divers, freedivers, and snorkelers. An underwater arch positioned on the left side of the outer coral wall, visible at around 45 meters deep, adds a magical element to the dive. The marine life at the Blue Hole is vibrant and active, providing a spectacular display during your dives. Moreover, the absence of a significant thermocline contributes to smoother dives compared to other locations worldwide. The sensation of freediving in this unique and wonderful location is unparalleled, making it a must-visit for any freediver seeking a marvelous and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Bells is situated just a few meters beyond the Blue Hole, within walking distance. An entrance tunnel beckons, leading you into an enigmatic underwater realm featuring a 27-meter-deep crack that invites exploration. By simply submerging yourself and swimming a short distance, you encounter a captivating break in the coral wall, forming a mystical underwater tunnel surrounded by vibrant walls teeming with life and color. This delightful dive promises to etch lasting memories. It serves as an excellent dive site for capturing breathtaking underwater photographs and videos. The juxtaposition of the deep descent of the coral wall, adorned with its colorful array of fish, against the backdrop of the sea's blues and greens creates a visual spectacle, truly a feast for your eyes and senses.
Photo by Grosmaire/Smile Durb/Airat
The Canyon dive site features an awe-inspiring crack at the seafloor, approximately 20 meters deep. However, the intrigue doesn't end there – you can navigate through it, reaching a depth of 54 meters! This underwater playground is reserved for seasoned freedivers, offering a fantastic experience with a hint of mystic vibes. It's yet another landscape that will truly leave you breathless.
The Light House, situated at the bay of Dahab city, serves as a dive site sheltered from waves and currents by a coral wall. Near the shoreline, there's a diverse area featuring sand, rocks, and corals, with the underwater platform extending and descending to create an accessible spot for freediving. Within the bay, depths ranging from 18 to 50+ meters are easily reachable with a short swim from the shore. As you explore, be captivated by the vibrant display of colorful corals, fishes, turtles, sponges, and more in the lively waters of the Red Sea. Immerse yourself in the rich marine life that characterizes this dynamic environment.
Located 12 km from Sharm El Sheikh at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed is a captivating National Park bordered by the Gulf of Suez to the west and the Gulf of Aqaba to the east. This enchanting destination is home to a diverse ecosystem, boasting over 220 species of corals, 1000+ species of fish, 40 species of starfish, 25 species of sea urchins, 100+ species of mollusk, and 150 species of crustaceans. It is also a habitat for sea turtles, including the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Exploring the depths of Ras Mohammed unveils the intriguing wreck of Yolanda, a 74-meter-long cargo ship that met its fate in 1980 while transporting bathroom supplies and a BMW to the port of Aqaba. The park offers a magical underwater experience with its rich marine life and historical sites.
Photo by Grosmaire/Smile Durb/Airat
Denis Grosmaire, a seasoned deep freediver, is a familiar figure in Dahab, drawn to its azure depths regularly for both training and the profound connection he finds with the ocean. In his own words, Dahab, nestled in the heart of Sinai, is a sanctuary where the magnetic pull of the ocean resonates with the very essence of his soul. Despite being accustomed to the soothing waves of the Pacific, Denis expresses a profound love for Dahab's expansive underwater playground, a realm that never fails to unveil unlimited wonders.
Within this Eden, Denis has cultivated a deep and intimate bond with the enigmatic blue depths that captivate him. Freediving, for him, is a delicate dance with the ocean, where the surface of the water serves as the ethereal threshold between two worlds. Training sessions with friends evolve into joyous celebrations of camaraderie, creating a unique tapestry of memories woven in the depths of the marine desert. As they collectively challenge their limits, fears dissipate, leaving behind indelible imprints that strengthen their profound connection to the ocean.
Photo by Grosmaire/Smile Durb/Airat
For Denis, each dive in Dahab is a transformative encounter with mystery, a moment where fear metamorphoses into awe and the unknown reveals itself as a wellspring of inspiration. Every descent into the azure depths brings him closer to the harmonious interplay between humanity and the ocean, between the desert and the sea. These singular moments, crafted by the unique essence of the ocean, persist like echoes in the heart of Sinai, in Dahab, forming an eternal connection that lingers within the soul.
Directed by Smile Durb
Extra Camera Work by Airat Video Art
Featuring Denis Grosmaire