Wadi El Gimal
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Shallow, Chop, Flat
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Wadi El Gimal is a remote national-park kitesurfing and wing/board spot on the western Red Sea, south of Marsa Alam. Conditions are centered on shallow, crystal-clear water with flat-to-choppy lagoon behavior, and the beach launch is described as having sufficient space for setup. Wind is strongest and most usable from the north through the north-northwest (N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW), with a typical range around 15–25 knots and a generally steady feel. The wider area also sees thermal/sea-breeze reinforcement in the afternoon during the warmer months, which supports a more consistent late-morning into afternoon window. Safety is a key consideration. The lagoon includes reefs and corals (and sources also mention stonefish and sea urchins), and you should expect restricted riding over protected coral zones. Low tide can leave parts of the riding area extremely shallow—described as not even knee-deep—so tide awareness and careful line choice are essential. The spot is described as generally uncrowded and best for riders who want a quiet, nature-focused Red Sea session with good visibility, especially during the warm prime season (commonly described as April to October).
- Crystal-clear visibility and protected marine setting
- Steady North–Northwest wind pattern for kitesurfing
- Flat-to-choppy lagoon conditions with sheltered feel for progression
- Remote, quiet experience within Wadi el Gemal National Park
- Crystal-clear water with a pristine protected-park feel.
- Steady North–Northwest trade-wind regime with reliable conditions for kitesurfing much of the year.
- Protected lagoon conditions can offer flatter water for freeride and progression.
- Generally uncrowded due to the remote national-park location.
- Very shallow water at low tide can make setup and riding difficult.
- Reefs and coral create significant on-water hazards; riding restrictions apply in protected zones.
- Limited rescue availability and no lifeguards reported.
- Access can be remote and may involve guided/organized travel and/or permits.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — North–Northwest trade winds with reinforcement from local thermal effects in warmer months
- Reliability
- high (windy all year; higher consistency in summer)
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady wind regime described for the spot
- Best Months
- January, March, May
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Shallow, Chop, Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach with lagoon access
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Wave size described as flat; water can still be flat-to-chop depending on wind/tide
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Shallow water can be flat to slightly choppy; can get choppier with stronger wind or higher tide
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach/launch zone near the lagoon entrance; shallow water impacts launch and first meters
Through the year
Generally uncrowded due to remote national-park location.
Rain is extremely rare in this desert climate.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow flat-to-chop conditions with crystal-clear water. The protected lagoon setup is described as providing flat water and steady side-shore winds, supporting freeride and freestyle, with wave/kite-riding possibilities when conditions build.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Flat water conditions inside the lagoon are described as suitable for freeride and slalom windsurfing.
Suitable particularly in deeper lagoon sections with enough clearance for the foil.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly described, with clearance in deeper parts of the lagoon
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1 meter in deeper lagoon areas.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Wadi El Gimal in the full forecast view.
Wadi El Gimal wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–15 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- NNE14°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3015 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.6 m3s period
- Temperature
- 23–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Wadi El Gimal is forecast for daytime winds of 4–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.1–0.6 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
- corals
- stonefish
- sea urchins
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Marsa Alam; Egypt emergency number 123 for ambulance services.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism issues reported
Rules of the spot
As this is part of a National Park, respect for the marine environment and coral reefs is mandatory. Do not ride over protected coral zones.
- Part of Wadi el Gemal National Park; access may require permits or guided access.
- No riding over protected coral zones.
- Low tide water can be very shallow—some areas are not even knee-deep.
- Water can get choppier with high tide or when wind exceeds around 30 knots.
- Wear booties to protect against sharp coral and sea urchins.
- Check tide levels since some areas can become too shallow at low tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Marsa Alam
- Nearest Town
- Marsa Alam
- Nearest Airport
- Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF)
- Parking
- Limited parking near the entrance to the beach area.
- Public Transport
- extremely limited; visitors typically rely on pre-arranged airport transfers, private taxis, or hotel shuttles
- Access
- Located on the western coast of the Red Sea, about 52 km south of Marsa Alam, with remote national-park access typically reached via organized trip or coastal travel as described.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Arabic
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several resorts and eco-lodges within a short driving distance along the coast.
- Food & Drink
- Limited options on-site; most visitors bring their own supplies or eat at nearby resorts.
- Equipment Rental:
- On-site centers provide equipment rental for kitesurfing and wingfoiling; availability may be tied to the wind-sports centers.
- Gear Storage
- Storage at primary sports centers, often including security and wash stations.
- Gear Repair
- Basic gear repair at major local centers; major structural repairs may require transport.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area blends desert adventure with remote coastal nature within the protected Wadi el Gemal setting, with notable marine habitats and nearby cultural and wildlife experiences.
Ancient mangrove forests and shallow turquoise lagoons.
Historic emerald mines from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods within the national park.
Offshore reef where visitors can snorkel with wild spinner dolphins.
Traditional Egyptian and international cuisine served in a beachside setting.
Guided camel treks through desert and along the coastline.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Wadi El Gimal?
The best overall months at Wadi El Gimal are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are January, March, May.
Which wind directions work at Wadi El Gimal?
Wadi El Gimal works with N, NNE, NE, NW, NNW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Wadi El Gimal?
Recommended equipment sizes at Wadi El Gimal: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Wadi El Gimal suitable for?
Wadi El Gimal suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.