Dive Site: Abu Galawa Kebir

About Abu Galawa Kebir

Abu Galawa Kebir is a premier dive site located in the southern Red Sea, situated on the northwestern edge of the extensive Fury Shoal reef system. This site is renowned for its strikingly clear waters, abundant coral formations, and diverse marine ecosystem, making it a compelling destination for divers of all experience levels. Its name, meaning "Father of the Big Lagoon," aptly describes the sheltered, shallow lagoon that defines much of the site. The topography here features a series of vibrant coral pinnacles and expansive shallow reef formations, providing a home to numerous hard and soft coral species like staghorn, brain, and table corals, as well as colorful sea fans and sponges. Divers can explore various canyons and crevices, encountering schools of tropical fish. The site also boasts the wreck of the Tien Hsing, a Chinese steam tug that ran aground in 1943, now heavily encrusted with corals, blurring the lines between reef and wreck. Marine life at Abu Galawa Kebir is rich and varied, including common sightings of butterflyfish, angelfish, snappers, barracudas, and trevallies. Larger species such as groupers, moray eels, and even occasional reef sharks also inhabit the area. The excellent visibility and shallow depths contribute to its appeal for underwater photography. As a favorite overnight mooring for southern Red Sea liveaboards, the calm lagoon also provides an ideal setting for relaxed evening and night dives. Whether you are a novice or an experienced diver, Abu Galawa Kebir provides a rare combination of safety, beauty, and genuine underwater exploration. The site's pristine condition, with healthy coral communities showing no signs of bleaching, confirms its status as a reliable choice for experiencing authentic Red Sea reef diving.

Dive site facts: Abu Galawa Kebir

Depth

5–25 m

Typical dive

12–20 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to occasional moderate

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

21–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard tender / day boat

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef, wreck, macro, coral gardens

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Fury Shoals / Southern Red Sea

Coordinates

24.15, 35.6167

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Abu Galawa Kebir are generally mild within the protected lagoon areas, making it suitable for divers of various experience levels. However, outside the immediate shelter of the reef, particularly at the northern edge where it meets the open Red Sea, currents can become noticeable. Divers should be aware that conditions are influenced by the tidal cycle, with the most favorable diving conditions typically occurring during slack tide, the period between high and low tide when currents are minimal. Visibility generally ranges from 20 to 30 meters, often exceeding 25 meters, providing clear views of the extensive reef and the Tien Hsing wreck. Surface conditions are usually calm within the lagoon, offering easy entry and exit from liveaboards or day boats, which often moor overnight here for protected stays. While strong winds can occasionally create choppier surface conditions i

Marine life & sighting chances

Angelfish

common

Butterflyfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Triggerfish

common

Barracuda

occasional

Trevallies

occasional

Groupers

occasional

Moray eels

common

Reef shark

occasional

Sea turtles

occasional

Octopuses

occasional

Cuttlefish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Abu Galawa Kebir typically begin from a tender or zodiac, transporting divers from the liveaboard to a sheltered entry point within the lagoon. The primary focus is often the wreck of the Tien Hsing, which lies between 5 and 18 meters, making it accessible even for open-water divers. You'll descend onto the coral-encrusted bow, exploring its structure and observing the abundant marine life that has made it home. From the wreck, you can navigate towards the surrounding coral gardens and pinnacles within the shallow lagoon, generally staying between 5 and 20 meters. This area features a vibrant display of hard and soft corals, with numerous crevices and small canyons to explore. The dive often follows a relaxed, meandering route, allowing ample time for observation and photography. Due to the site's sheltered nature and relatively shallow profile, it's common to complete the entire dive, including the safety stop, within the reef's protection, making for a comfortable and extended bottom time. Exit is typically back to the tender for return to the main vessel.

Underwater photography

Abu Galawa Kebir is an excellent site for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle and macro shots. The clear, shallow waters and ample natural light provide ideal conditions for capturing the vibrant coral formations and the heavily encrusted Tien Hsing wreck. For wide-angle, a rectilinear wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm or 10-17mm fisheye) will be effective for showcasing the wreck in its entirety and the expansive coral gardens. The colorful hard and soft corals, including staghorn and brain corals, make for spectacular reefscapes. For macro photography, focus on the intricate details of the corals, small reef fish, and the elusive octopuses or cuttlefish often found hiding within the reef. Utilizing strobes is highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, especially when shooting wide-angle on the wreck. Pay attention to your buoyancy, as maintaining good trim helps protect the fragile corals and keeps stirred-up sediment to a minimum, ensuring clear shots. The site's protected lagoon also offers great opportunities for ambient light photography, particularly on sunny days.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Abu Galawa Soghayar

  Known as the "small" lagoon, featuring its own sailboat wreck and clouds of glassfish.

• Sataya Reef (Dolphin Reef)

  Famous for resident spinner dolphins, offering encounters in their natural habitat.

• Daedalus Reef

  An offshore reef known for pelagic encounters, including hammerhead sharks and healthy corals.

• Zabargad Island

  One of the Red Sea's largest islands, offering diverse diving with healthy corals and potential turtle sightings.

• Elphinstone Reef

  A legendary reef known for its dramatic drop-offs and encounters with oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Abu Galawa Kebir is predominantly via liveaboard safaris operating in the southern Red Sea. These trips typically depart from ports like Marsa Alam or Hamata. Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) serves as the most convenient arrival point, with transfers to the departure ports often included in liveaboard packages. Day trips are also available from Marsa Alam, involving a two-hour road transfer to Hamata port, followed by an 80-minute boat journey to the reef. Liveaboards offer the advantage of overnight mooring in the sheltered lagoon, allowing for relaxed evening and night dives. Most itineraries combine Abu Galawa Kebir with other world-class reefs within the Fury Shoals system, such as Sataya Reef and Sha'ab Claude, ensuring a comprehensive dive experience of the Deep South. Trip lengths for liveaboards can range from 7 to 10 days, providing ample opportunity to explore multiple sites.

Safety & environment

Diving at Abu Galawa Kebir is generally considered safe due to its protected lagoon and moderate depths. However, standard Red Sea diving safety protocols apply. It is essential to carry valid dive insurance, including coverage for emergency medical evacuation, as the nearest recompression chamber is in Marsa Alam, approximately 80 minutes sailing time away from Hamata. While the lagoon currents are mild, divers should remain vigilant for stronger currents on the northern outer edges of the reef and plan dives accordingly with an experienced guide. Always dive within your certified limits and maintain good buoyancy control to avoid damaging the pristine corals. Never attempt wreck penetration unless specifically trained and accompanied by a qualified guide. Proper hydration is crucial, especially during warmer months. Always adhere to your dive computer's limits and perform safety stops. Liveaboard crews are typically well-versed in emergency procedures, but understanding your own responsibilities is paramount.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Abu Galawa Kebir FAQ

Liveaboards diving Abu Galawa Kebir

These liveaboards may visit Abu Galawa Kebir on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

DUNE Longara

Egypt

30 guests

$150/day

JP Marine

Egypt

28 guests

$109/day

Snefro Pearl

Egypt

12 guests

$150/day

Snefro Love

Egypt

20 guests

$154/day

Sindalahs

Egypt

26 guests38 m

$155/day

Hammerhead II

Egypt

20 guests

$173/day

Blue Liveaboard

Egypt

24 guests43 m

$173/day

Odyssey

Egypt

26 guests40 m

$186/day

Discovery I

Egypt

20 guests

$104/day

Star Jet

Egypt

28 guests35 m

$145/day

SS Serena Dreams

Egypt

18 guests33 m

$160/day

Amelie

Egypt

12 guests23 m

$115/day