Diving Ras Abu Galum: The Camel Trek Dive Adventure

Looking for the ultimate off-the-beaten-path dive experience? Discover Ras Abu Galum, where you trek by camel to reach pristine, untouched coral reefs.

Diving Ras Abu Galum: The Camel Trek Dive Adventure

In an age where everywhere seems accessible, Ras Abu Galum remains one of the few places in the Red Sea that feels truly remote. Located in a protected Protectorate north of Dahab, there are no roads leading to these reefs.

To dive here, you have two choices: a motorboat from the Blue Hole, or the traditional Bedouin way—a camel trek. If you are looking for an experience that defines the rugged spirit of diving in Dahab, this is it.

The Journey: Camels and Coastlines

The adventure usually begins at the Blue Hole. You meet your Bedouin guide and load your scuba tanks, BCDs, and weights onto the backs of camels.

You then embark on a 90-minute trek along a narrow, spectacular coastal path where the mountains of Sinai meet the turquoise water. Walking alongside these 'ships of the desert' with the sound of the waves is a meditative, old-world experience that sets the tone for the diving to come.

The Diving: Pristine and Untouched

Because of its remote location, Ras Abu Galum sees only a tiny fraction of the divers that visit the main Dahab sites. The results are clear the moment you put your head underwater.

• Coral Health: The hard and soft corals here are in near-perfect condition. There is no damage from crowds or anchors. You will see massive table corals, vibrant fan corals, and dense gardens of staghorn coral.
• Marine Life: The fish here aren't used to seeing many divers. Expect large schools of snapper, massive Napoleon wrasse, sea turtles, and a high density of reef sharks (Blacktip and Whitetip) compared to the busier sites further south.
• Total Peace: You will likely be the only group in the water. The silence of the desert above is mirrored by the pristine silence of the reef below.

The Bedouin Experience

Most trips to Ras Abu Galum are overnighters. You dive during the day and spend the night in a traditional Bedouin camp on the beach.

You'll eat fresh fish cooked over an open fire, drink sweet Bedouin tea, and sleep under a blanket of stars that are incredibly bright due to the total lack of light pollution. For many divers, the time spent on the shore is just as memorable as the time spent underwater.

Logistics: Boat vs. Camel

• The Camel Option: The classic adventure. It’s best for those who want the full cultural experience and aren't in a hurry.
• The Boat Option: You can take a 15-minute speed-boat ride from the Blue Hole to Ras Abu Galum. This is much faster and allows for a day-trip, but you miss out on the magic of the trek.

Final Thoughts

Ras Abu Galum is for the diver who wants to escape the 5-star resorts and experience the Red Sea as it was thirty years ago. It requires a bit of effort to reach, but the reward is a level of tranquility and coral beauty that you simply cannot find on the main tourist trail. If you have the time, it is the ultimate Dahab diving adventure.