Abu Galawa Kebir

Abu Galawa Kebir is a wreck dive site in the Fury Shoal area of the southern Red Sea, Egypt.

Overview

Abu Galawa Kebir (“Big Abu Galawa”) is a Fury Shoal lagoon site containing a historic wreck set within a stunning coral landscape. The wreck at Abu Galawa Kebir rests in a shallow, sheltered lagoon formed by the encircling reef, making this an unusual combination of wreck diving and pristine coral garden in one location. The Fury Shoal lagoons are iconic Red Sea dive sites — the enclosing reefs create glass-calm conditions even when seas outside are rough, and the coral quality inside the lagoon is exceptional. The wreck itself has become heavily colonised by corals and provides a fascinating habitat structure on top of the natural reef appeal.

Site Information

• Location: Fury Shoal (Abu Galawa Kebir lagoon), south of Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Wreck dive
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 25–40 meters inside lagoon
• Current: Minimal within lagoon; stronger on outer reef
• Best Time: October to April

Marine Life

The lagoon’s calm conditions and the wreck structure create a wildlife-rich environment. Large humphead wrasse frequently shelter near the wreck. Turtles are common lagoon residents. Dense schools of glassfish engulf the wreck superstructure. Grouper, snapper, and moray eels have established territories in the wreck’s holds and cavities. The coral garden surrounding the wreck hosts clouds of anthias and butterflyfish.

Dive Profile

Enter the lagoon from the liveaboard anchored inside or at the lagoon entrance. Explore the coral garden (5–10 m) before approaching the wreck. Work systematically around and through the wreck structure to 15–20 m. Return through the coral garden and conduct a safety stop in the shallow lagoon — one of the most pleasant safety stops in the Red Sea.

Entry and Exit

Exclusively by liveaboard from Port Ghalib, Hamata, or Marsa Alam. Liveaboards typically spend a night or day anchored in the Abu Galawa Kebir lagoon. Entry is by inflatable from the mothership. The lagoon is calm enough for comfortable entries and exits in most conditions.

Tips and Recommendations

• Allow time to explore both the wreck and the surrounding coral garden — both deserve attention
• The lagoon is a superb night dive location — the calm water and wreck structure offer an intimate experience
• Bring a dive torch to illuminate the wreck interior and the corals growing on it
• The lagoon is a perfect backdrop for underwater portrait photography with a model or buddy
• Abu Galawa Kebir is typically paired with Abu Galawa Soraya on Fury Shoal liveaboard itineraries

Safety Considerations

Penetrating the wreck interior is not recommended without wreck diving certification and appropriate equipment (torch, line reel). The outer reef of the lagoon carries stronger currents — stay inside the lagoon perimeter unless briefed otherwise. Always carry an SMB for the ascent.

Photography

One of the most photogenic wreck locations in the Red Sea — coral-encrusted wreck in a turquoise lagoon provides extraordinary wide-angle compositions. Glassfish swarming the wreck in sunbeams are an iconic shot. The surrounding coral garden complements the wreck perfectly for a full portfolio. Macro opportunities on the wreck’s coral encrustation are also excellent.

Sources: Divezone - Red Sea, Dive the World - Egypt Red Sea, Red Sea Scuba Diving, PADI - Diving in Egypt. Last updated 2026-04-04.