Jotao Abu Galawa

Jotao Abu Galawa is a shallow reef dive site in the Marsa Alam area of the Egyptian Red Sea, associated with the Abu Galawa bay system. The name “Abu Galawa” translates roughly to “father of the open” in Arabic, and the area encompasses a collection of lagoon-sheltered coral formations particularly suited to introductory and novice diving.

Overview

The site features a protected, shallow reef environment with maximum depths around 11 meters, making it a natural fit for divers completing their first open-water dives, refresher dives, or snorkel excursions. The coral formations here benefit from the sheltered lagoon conditions, with hard coral coverage and a gentle seabed topography that allows divers to move slowly and observe reef life in detail. Visibility is typically good in calm weather, ranging from 15-25 meters. The site sits along the southern Red Sea coast, a region known for intact reef ecosystems and relatively low diver pressure compared to the northern Sinai resorts.

Site Information

• Location: Abu Galawa area, Marsa Alam, southern Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Maximum Depth: 11 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-25 meters (50-80 feet)
• Current: Generally mild in the sheltered lagoon
• Best Time: October to May; summer is hot but diveable

Marine Life

The shallow reef at Jotao Abu Galawa supports a community of colorful reef fish typical of the southern Red Sea. Anthias swarm above coral heads in vivid orange and yellow schools, and butterflyfish patrol the hard coral formations in pairs. Sea turtles are a regular highlight in this part of the coast — the area around Abu Galawa and nearby Marsa Mubarak is well known for green turtle and hawksbill turtle encounters, particularly near seagrass patches. Moray eels, lionfish in resting positions, and small octopus are commonly found under ledges and in reef crevices. The shallow depth keeps divers in the productive photic zone throughout the dive.

Dive Profile

A gentle descent from the boat leads directly to the reef top, which sits at a few meters depth. Explore the coral formations by following the reef contours at a relaxed pace, staying primarily in the 4-11 meter range. The limited depth ensures long, no-decompression dives with minimal air management pressure — ideal for newer divers building comfort underwater. Ascend from wherever you are on the reef and deploy an SMB for boat pickup.

Entry and Exit

Day boats and liveaboards mooring in the Abu Galawa area provide access. Entry via giant stride from the dive deck. The sheltered lagoon conditions typically mean minimal surge at the surface. Coordinate exit with the boat crew and deploy an SMB during ascent.

Tips and Recommendations

• An ideal second dive of the day when tired after a deeper morning dive
• Take time to look closely at the coral heads — small critters like nudibranchs and shrimp are abundant
• Sea turtles may be encountered in seagrass areas adjacent to the reef — approach slowly without chasing
• The site works well for an extended snorkel if dive conditions prevent entry
• Morning dives benefit from better light angle for reef photography

Safety Considerations

Conditions at Jotao Abu Galawa are generally benign, but fire coral is present on reef structures — ensure full exposure protection even in warm months. Spines from sea urchins concentrated near the reef base are a hazard for divers with poor buoyancy. Always dive with a buddy and signal the boat before ascending. Even at shallow depths, maintain a safety stop habit.

Photography

The shallow, light-filled environment makes Jotao Abu Galawa excellent for natural-light reef photography. The anthias clouds and coral heads photograph beautifully with ambient light in the morning. Turtle encounters provide memorable wide-angle subjects, and the macro life on the coral surface rewards patient close-up work.

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