Dive Site: Abu Galawa

About Abu Galawa

Abu Galawa is a prominent dive site within Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, specifically located among the Seven Sisters reefs near Yanbu. This area is renowned for its largely untouched coral formations and abundant marine life, a characteristic of the less-frequented Saudi coastline compared to its Egyptian counterpart. The site features a captivating topography of coral arches and swim-throughs, creating a maze-like environment for exploration. Depths at Abu Galawa can vary, with plateaus extending into deeper blue waters and vibrant walls adorned with hard corals and gorgonians. These conditions support a rich ecosystem, ranging from colorful reef fish to larger pelagic species. Divers can expect excellent visibility, often exceeding 20 meters, and consistently warm water temperatures throughout much of the year, contributing to comfortable diving conditions. The site is particularly known for potential encounters with various shark species, including hammerheads, silvertips, and silky sharks, especially during cooler months when pelagic activity increases. The health and density of the coral cover here reflect the lower diving pressure compared to more established Red Sea destinations, offering a pristine diving experience. Access to Abu Galawa is typically via liveaboard from Yanbu, making it part of an immersive dive safari.

Dive site facts: Abu Galawa

Depth

Variable, with plateaus and deep walls

Typical dive

20–30 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

22–32°C

Entry

Tender boat

Level

Advanced Open Water recommended

Dive type

Reef, pelagic, wall, swim-throughs

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Yanbu

Coordinates

22.55, 38.82

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Abu Galawa, like much of the Red Sea's outer reefs, can range from gentle to substantial, with stronger flows often attracting richer pelagic life. Divers typically access the site by boat, often using liveaboard operations that emphasize safety and expertise in navigating these conditions. Visibility is characteristically exceptional, frequently between 20 to 30 meters, providing clear views of the extensive reef and its inhabitants. Entry and exit are primarily boat-based, and while specific thermoclines or surge details for Abu Galawa are not outlined, divers should be prepared for varying conditions typical of open-water reef environments. The site's diverse depths and potential for stronger currents mean that an Advanced Open Water certification is recommended for divers looking to fully explore its offerings.

Marine life & sighting chances

Hammerhead Shark

October-April · common

Silvertip Shark

occasional

Silky Shark

occasional

Tuna

common

Barracuda

common

Eagle Ray

occasional

Reef Fish (various species)

common

Gorgonian Coral

common

Hard Coral (various species)

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Abu Galawa typically begin with a tender drop close to the reef structure. Divers descend to explore the coral maze, navigating through arches and swim-throughs at varying depths, often between 20-30 meters. The route might follow a wall or plateau edge, allowing for observation of both macro life within the corals and pelagic species in the blue. Depending on current direction, it may be a drift dive. The turn point is usually dictated by air consumption or bottom time, maintaining a conservative no-decompression limit. The safety stop is conducted in the shallower, current-protected areas of the reef or in the open water with a safety sausage, before ascending to meet the tender.

Underwater photography

Abu Galawa provides excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, consider capturing the extensive coral formations, dramatic walls, and the potential for schooling pelagics like hammerheads. A fisheye or rectilinear wide-angle lens would be ideal. When navigating the arches and swim-throughs, be mindful of buoyancy to avoid contact with the delicate corals. For macro subjects, the healthy reef hosts a variety of small critters; a macro lens will be beneficial for capturing details of the coral polyps and smaller reef inhabitants. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors lost at depth, especially in the deeper sections and during overcast conditions.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Seven Sisters (Jeddah)

  A series of coral pinnacles known for hammerhead aggregations.

• Marker 32

  A nearby reef plateau offering abundant marine life and potential pelagic encounters.

• Marker 42 Mansi

  An isolated madreporic column known for gorgonian walls and hammerhead sightings.

• Shib Nazar

  Another pristine reef in the Yanbu area, often part of liveaboard itineraries.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Abu Galawa is primarily via liveaboard vessels departing from Yanbu Port, located approximately 350 kilometers north of Jeddah. International travelers typically fly into Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport, KAIA) or potentially Yanbu (Prince Abdul Mohsin Bin Abdulaziz Airport, YNB), connecting to their liveaboard. Dive trips to this region usually span 7 to 8 days, combining Abu Galawa with other sites among the Seven Sisters and surrounding reefs. There are no specific park fees mentioned, but liveaboard costs generally cover all diving, accommodation, and meals. Saudi Arabia requires a tourist e-visa, which should be secured in advance.

Safety & environment

Diving at Abu Galawa requires adherence to standard Red Sea safety protocols. The nearest recompression chamber would be in Jeddah, emphasizing the importance of conservative dive planning and maintaining appropriate insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation. Liveaboard operations typically have trained dive guides and emergency oxygen on board. Site-specific hazards include potential strong currents, requiring good buoyancy control and careful navigation. Divers should be aware of boat traffic, though this is less of a concern on liveaboard dives. Always follow your dive guide's instructions and conduct safety stops as planned.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Abu Galawa FAQ