Dahab
Dive Jobs & Work Guide
Red Sea, South Sinai, Egypt
Pay Range: USD $650–1,750 /month
Living Cost: USD $400–700 /month
High Season: March–May, September–November
Visa Info: Work Permit + Residency (sponsored)
Dive Focus: Shore Diving + Training + Freediving
Languages: English, Russian, German
What's the diving like?
Swim through canyons, archways, and coral walls just metres from shore. Dives start from the desert with 30 m drop-offs only a few kicks away. Warm, clear water (20–28 °C) year-round, 25–30 m visibility, and almost no current. Home to the infamous blue hole.
Why work here?
Dahab is for those who dive, sleep, and repeat. No resorts, no clubs. Just shisha bars, Bedouin tea, and a tight-knit dive community. Expect 50–100 dives a month, low rent, and a lot of in-water time.
When do I apply?
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Hiring peaks in March–May and September–November
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Work is year-round
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Most centres hire for the long term, and you will find people with 5-10 years in Dahab easily
What's the pay like?
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Instructors: USD 800–1750 /month (€700–1,500) cash + 10–15 % tips
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Divemasters: USD $650–1,100 /month (€550–1,000) + tips
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Most roles are full-time with some freelance.
Income depends on courses, season, languages spoken and reputation.
What Visa is needed?
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Legal work requires a Work Permit and Residency Visa (€1,000), which is usually paid by the instructor.
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Not all centres sponsor; without one, you’ll be restricted at dive sites with checkpoints. (eg. the blue hole)
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Some work on a tourist visa, but this is limiting and getting riskier every year.
Visa rules can change. Always confirm with Egyptian Immigration or your sponsoring centre.
What’s the industry like?
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Languages: English (essential), Russian and German in high demand, French, and Italian are still useful. Basic Arabic is valued by local teams.
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Dive Focus: Open Water and Advanced training, daily DSDs and refreshers.
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Main Agencies: PADI is dominant, SSI is present. TDI + GUE present for technical training.
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Freediving: Major scene with AIDA and SSI schools year-round
Dahab is a blend of scuba and freediving
Item | $USD | Local (EGP) |
|---|---|---|
🍺 Beer (bar) | $3-$5 | 150-250 |
📱 SIM Card /month | $5-8 | 250-400 |
🏠 Shared rent /month | $150-$300 | 7000-14000 |
🛵 Scooter rental /month
| $60-$100 | 3000-5000 |
🍜 Local Meal | $2-$4 | 100-200 |
☕ Coffee / Tea | $1-$2 | 50-100 |
Costs of Living (Oct 2025 avg)
What's life like at work?
Days start around 08:00. Tanks and gear go into pickups for short drives to local sites. Most dives are shore-based. Usually 3–4 dives daily, guiding or teaching in calm sandy bays, back by mid-afternoon. Night dives and afternoon DSDs are common.
How's life after work?
Simple and social. Shared flats or rooms above dive shops. Evenings mean falafel, tea, and shisha by the sea, volleyball at sunset, or rooftop chillouts. Days off bring freediving, hiking canyons, or desert walks.
Is it for me?
Dahab suits divers who want a low-cost, high-dive-count lifestyle. Not nightlife or luxury. Perfect for instructors and DMs who value freedom, routine, and community over crowds.
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