Tawila Island (Red Sea)

Egypt4.5/5
KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat, Shallow, Ocean, Mixed
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Tawila Island is a remote, boat-only kite and wingfoil destination in the Red Sea, known for very clear, turquoise shallow lagoons and flatwater conditions. The beach/launch is described as sandy with space for staging, while the riding area is typically knee-to-waist deep inside the lagoon, with depth increasing outside reef areas. Wind is dominated by a thermal sea-breeze pattern, with a summer build that is commonly reported as stronger and steadier than nearby mainland locations. The most consistent months are May through October, with September often highlighted as the strongest. Wind is generally steady (not gusty), and the offshore alignment helps keep the water glassy-smooth—ideal for freestyle, freeride, and foil approaches. Safety is a key consideration: reefs/coral heads and shallow reef sections can become a fin-hazard at low tide. Sources specifically warn to watch lagoon depth closely and be prepared for very shallow conditions where coral can catch fins. Offshore wind on some sides of the island also means self-rescue can be difficult, and rescue availability is described as limited—so planning for boat support matters. Amenities are limited by the island’s access model, but toilets and dining/bar facilities are available via the resort and/or day-trip arrangements. Seasonal water temperatures are reported as warm in summer and mild in winter, with wetsuit guidance ranging from shorty/long sun protection in warm months to shorty/full-suit options in winter.

  • Crystal-clear, shallow flatwater lagoons
  • Reliable thermal winds with steady offshore flow
  • Uncrowded access due to boat-only logistics
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing foilKitesurfing freestyleWingfoil freerideBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Wide, shallow flatwater lagoon with crystal-clear visibility
  • Consistent thermal winds in the summer season with a reliable build into the afternoon
  • Generally uncrowded sessions due to limited boat-only access
Heads up
  • Boat-only access and organized transport are required
  • Reefs/coral at lagoon edges plus shallow low-tide hazards
  • Offshore wind conditions can reduce self-rescue options
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW
Offshore directions
N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — Thermal sea-breeze component dominates in summer; strong offshore glassy winds are commonly reported.
Reliability
high
Gust Factor
Steady — Reported as steady winds.
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–14 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Shallow, Ocean, Mixed
Beach
Sand — Sand beach and sandy lagoon edges.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Surf conditions are not the focus; water is described as flat to small-wave in the lagoon.
Chop Level
Flat — Glassy/flatwater conditions are emphasized for the lagoon rides.
Launch
Medium — Long sandy beach with slender sand finger forming a bay; some launch areas depend on tide. Launch difficulty described as easy.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
21–29 °C
Water Temperature
21–35 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suitApr–Oct: shortyJun, Jul, Aug: rash guard or bikini/boardshorts
Crowds by Season

Low to moderate crowding; limited by number of boat trips and resort capacity.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain is extremely rare; occasional sandstorms can occur in spring.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Flatwater lagoon sessions with crystal-clear, shallow water and typically glassy offshore winds. Suitable for freeride, wave, and foil riding; described as uncrowded/remote with ample space.

FreerideWaveFoilFreestyleStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Flat-water conditions reported as excellent, but gear transport makes it less common than kitesurfing.

FreestyleSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Smooth water for foiling, but shallow depth can be limiting in some sections; recommended to ride closer to deeper areas/center.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Foil-friendly is reported as limited (with some sections requiring deeper water).
Min Depth
0.3m
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tawila Island (Red Sea) in the full forecast view.

Tawila Island (Red Sea) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–18 ktsGusts 25 kts
Direction
NNW332°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2418 kts
Windy days
4/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–0.8 m3s period
Temperature
23–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Tawila Island (Red Sea) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.1–0.8 m with a period of about 3s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Reefs (coral heads at lagoon edges / shallow reef sections)
  • Swimmers
  • Sea urchins in rocky/coral areas
  • Offshore wind on some sides of the island can limit self-rescue
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestBootsGlovesHarnessKnifeLeashHoodWetsuitDrysuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue described as limited; likely reliant on boats/kite safari vessels or island-resort safety support.
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital and professional rescue are located in El Gouna and are reachable by boat.

Rules of the spot

Access is boat-only; expect organized transport rather than independent launches. Respect any designated zones near the resort and maintain distance from swimmers.

Restrictions
  • Boat-only access (no self-launch)
  • 25 USD daily island fee reported
  • Some areas may be protected for wildlife
  • Areas near the resort may have designated zones
Local Tips
  • Watch out for low tide in the lagoons: water can get very shallow and coral becomes a hazard for fins.
  • Bring polarized sunglasses to see shallow reef sections clearly.
  • Booties are recommended if you plan to walk near coral edges.
  • Offshore wind helps keep water glassy-smooth, but keep rescue/self-rescue limitations in mind.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
El Gouna
Nearest Town
El Gouna
Nearest Airport
Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
Parking
No vehicle parking; meeting at Abidos Marina in El Gouna reported; boat mooring only.
Public Transport
Public transport is not applicable for island sessions; access is via boat charters/day trips/liveaboards from El Gouna or Hurghada marinas.
Access
Only accessible by boat. 2-hour sail from El Gouna is reported (alternatively ~3 hours from Hurghada).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Arabic
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Near — Luxury accommodation on the north side of the island is reported, plus hotels in El Gouna for day-trippers/overnight trips.
Food & Drink
Food and lunch service are offered on day/overnight trips; resort provides dining and a bar; day-trip boats usually provide catering.
Equipment Rental:
Rental available via on-island resort center or via organized safari boats; details vary by operator.
Gear Storage
Storage available for guests via the resort center and/or on boats.
Gear Repair
Basic repair kits are usually available on safari boats; no major workshop on the island.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Tawila Island (Red Sea)?

The best overall months at Tawila Island (Red Sea) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Tawila Island (Red Sea)?

Tawila Island (Red Sea) works with N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Tawila Island (Red Sea)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Tawila Island (Red Sea): Kitesurfing: 7–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Tawila Island (Red Sea) suitable for?

Tawila Island (Red Sea) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.