Tawila Island (Red Sea)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Low to moderate crowding; limited by number of boat trips and resort capacity.
Rain is extremely rare; occasional sandstorms can occur in spring.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–14 m²
Flat-water conditions reported as excellent, but gear transport makes it less common than kitesurfing.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
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
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- 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
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.