Sachua Abu Galawa

Sachua Abu Galawa is a coral reef in the Hurghada reef system of the northern Egyptian Red Sea, sitting approximately 27.3°N in the cluster of shoals and reefs offshore from Hurghada. “Abu Galawa” translates roughly as “father of the reveal” in Arabic, and sites bearing this name are scattered along the Egyptian coast, each referring to a reef that reveals itself near the surface. This accessible, beginner-friendly site is part of the day-boat circuit from Hurghada.

Overview

The reef at Sachua Abu Galawa rises to within a few meters of the surface on a broad platform that supports rich table and brain coral formations. The reef edge drops to around 26 meters before meeting sandy substrate. The sheltered inner sections of the reef are suitable for newer divers, while the outer edges provide more interesting topography for intermediate divers. As with all Hurghada-area reefs, the site sees regular boat traffic and divers should expect multiple groups in the water. Water temperatures range from around 21°C in winter to 28°C in summer.

Site Information

• Location: Hurghada reef system, northern Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Maximum Depth: 26 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-25 meters (50-80 feet)
• Current: Light to moderate
• Best Time: October to May

Marine Life

The Hurghada reef system supports the characteristic northern Red Sea community. Anthias and chromis are abundant over the coral tops. Clownfish occupy anemones in the shallower sections — these are frequently sought out by snorkelers and beginner divers. Blue-spotted stingrays rest on sandy patches. humphead wrasse are resident on the reef edge. Sea turtles appear regularly on the platform, and green turtles in particular are a reliable sighting. Moray eels are present in the crevices, and lionfish pose their usual hazard along ledges.

Dive Profile

The reef is easy to navigate, with a clear profile from the shallow platform edge down to the sandy base. Beginners can spend most of the dive at 5–15 meters on the broad coral flat. More experienced divers can work the outer reef edge down to 20–26 meters where the coral transitions to sand and rubble. The safety stop can be performed on the reef flat in the final few meters.

Entry and Exit

Boat access from Hurghada day-trip operators. Giant stride or back roll entry. Mooring buoys are typically rigged on this site during the day-boat season. Ascend the reef and signal the boat with an SMB from 5 meters.

Tips and Recommendations

• An ideal first boat dive for newly certified divers building experience in open water
• The clownfish-anemone associations in the shallows are engaging for snorkelers and divers alike
• Visit early in the day to dive before multiple boats arrive
• Excellent buoyancy practice site given the varied terrain from platform to deeper wall

Safety Considerations

Beginner-level site but standard Red Sea precautions apply. Fire coral is present — contact causes a burning rash. Lionfish in ledges should not be touched. Multiple boats at this popular site mean a deployed SMB is essential. Dive within the depths suited to your certification and experience level.

Photography

The shallow platform with its table corals and resident clownfish produces excellent close-focus wide-angle images with natural overhead light. Blue-spotted ray portraits on the sandy base are a reliable subject. humphead wrasse encounters on the reef edge reward wider-angle work.

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