Tobias Island (Safaga Coast)
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Ocean
- Spot Type
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tobias Island (Safaga Coast) is a sandbar-style launch area reached from Safaga by boat, known for crystal-clear Red Sea water and generally easy launch conditions. Water is typically shallow and flat inside the lagoon, with protected riding zones behind the sandbar; beyond the lagoon, deeper water can support foiling. Wind is consistently from the north sector (N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW) and is driven by thermal effects. The main wind season is May through September, with activity described from around late morning and peaking through the afternoon (often cited between about 11:00 and 17:00). One source notes steady wind behavior and improved windy-day frequency in summer. For kitesurfing, the lagoon setup is presented as ideal for freestyle progression and freeride/foil sessions, with riders benefiting from flat water behind the sandbar. Windsurfing is also commonly described as accessible and suitable for freeride and freestyle, and one account highlights slalom capability as well. Wingfoiling is feasible when conditions provide sufficient lagoon depth (high tide), with additional space outside the reef. Safety is a key consideration: reefs, corals/coral heads, and sea urchins are cited hazards, and submerged sandbars at high tide can also be a factor. Riders are advised to avoid coral areas offshore/near the lagoon edges, wear booties/protective footwear due to shell litter, and coordinate any rescue support with the boat captain before launching—since rescue availability is described as limited.
- Crystal-clear lagoon water with excellent visibility.
- Steady north-sector thermal winds strongest from May to September.
- Flat-water conditions behind a sandbar for freestyle and progression.
- Boat-access offshore sandy island experience.
- Crystal-clear water with good visibility.
- Very strong fit for flat-water progression due to shallow, protected lagoon conditions and steady thermal winds in the season.
- Typical northern wind directions make it a consistent destination during late spring through early autumn.
- Hazards include reefs/corals and coral heads near the edges of the lagoon.
- Access requires boat arrivals; rescue can be limited and should be coordinated.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal-reinforced North sector winds on the Red Sea coast.
- Reliability
- +80% windy days in summer (May–Oct)
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Sources describe winds as steady.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Small wind shadow directly behind the highest points of the sandbar
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Water described as flat; one source also mentions choppy/flat-water with chop depending on conditions.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — One source lists chop; another emphasizes generally flat/low-chop lagoon riding.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy sandbar launch with limited space at high tide; described as sand/low-risk launch.
Through the year
Can get busy mid-day when multiple boats from Safaga arrive.
Rain is extremely rare; occasional sandstorms in spring.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat, shallow-water riding on clear lagoons with a steady northern thermal wind profile in the main season; described as suitable for freestyle and progression with butter-flat water behind the sandbar.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Freeride and freestyle are highlighted; one source also describes it as excellent for slalom and a popular long-distance run from the mainland, with wind becoming side-shore and steady from late morning.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–7.5 m²
Suitable for foiling, with shallow lagoon conditions at high tide and deeper water outside the reef for longer sessions.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.0m in the lagoon, unlimited outside
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tobias Island (Safaga Coast) in the full forecast view.
Tobias Island (Safaga Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–16 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- N359°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2416 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.9 m4s period
- Temperature
- 22–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tobias Island (Safaga Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.2–0.9 m with a period of about 4s. 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
- Corals
- Coral heads
- Sea urchins
- Shell litter
- Submerged sandbars at high tide
- Offshore wind on the leeward side
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited in one source, and as available in another; dedicated rescue boats are operated by major centers along the coast.
- Emergency Info
- Hospitals and coastguard are located in Safaga, 15–30 minutes away by boat. Emergency services can be reached via 123.
Rules of the spot
Respect designated snorkeling zones where boats anchor.
- Access limited to boat arrivals.
- Protected marine area rules apply.
- Avoid reefs and corals offshore.
- Wear boots or protective footwear due to shell litter on the beach and around coral edges.
- Coordinate rescue boat service with your boat captain before launching.
- Boat access is required for the island; confirm the plan with your captain.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Safaga
- Nearest Town
- Hurghada
- Nearest Airport
- Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
- Parking
- Parking available in Safaga near the sports centers/boat departure points.
- Access
- From Hurghada airport about 60 km to Safaga, then 20–30 minutes by boat; windsurfers can reach the island from Safaga in roughly 10–15 minutes depending on conditions.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Arabic
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and resorts are located on the Safaga mainland.
- Food & Drink
- Lunch and drinks are typically provided on the transport boats; no facilities on the island.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available at mainland centers in Safaga.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is available at mainland centers in Safaga, including security/storage options for a daily fee.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs can be handled by centers in Safaga; basic sail and kite bladder repairs are available at main sports centers.
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 Tobias Island (Safaga Coast)?
The best overall months at Tobias Island (Safaga Coast) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Tobias Island (Safaga Coast)?
Tobias Island (Safaga Coast) works with N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Tobias Island (Safaga Coast)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Tobias Island (Safaga Coast): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Tobias Island (Safaga Coast) suitable for?
Tobias Island (Safaga Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.