The Red Sea is the closest world-class coral to Europe, and laid-back Dahab is its friendliest classroom — a Bedouin-turned-backpacker town where dive schools outnumber pharmacies and courses cost a fraction of Caribbean prices. Shore entries at Lighthouse Reef are mirror-calm; the famous Blue Hole is fine for snorkellers hugging the rim. Come in spring or autumn to dodge both the summer furnace and winter's chilly water.
Featured in Ten tropical snorkel and dive spots perfect for first-timers · Tropical