Sachwa Abu Galawa, Soma Bay: Coral Gardens and Night Dives

Diving into Sachwa Abu Galawa in Soma Bay, you immediately notice the distinct character of this shallow site. The topography unfolds gently, allowing for a relaxed descent over an expansive reef. What truly sets it apart are the dominant purple soft corals, which create a vibrant, undulating tapestry across the reef structure, drawing your eye with their intense colouration from the moment you begin your exploration.

As you continue deeper, the soft corals give way to intricate formations of both true and false gorgonians. These elegant filter feeders stand proud from the reef, their delicate structures providing shelter and hunting grounds for a myriad of smaller reef inhabitants. The interplay of light filtering through the clear Red Sea waters on these diverse coral structures is a constant source of visual engagement, making every turn a new discovery.

Sachwa Abu Galawa holds a particular charm after the sun sets. The soft corals, which are so striking by day, truly come alive under the beam of a dive light during a night dive. Their polyps extend fully to feed, creating a fluffy, almost ethereal appearance, while the gorgonians host a different suite of nocturnal creatures. The familiar landscape transforms, offering a completely fresh perspective on the reef's inhabitants and their behaviours.

The site's relatively shallow profile, with a maximum depth of 30 metres, contributes to its accessibility and the extended bottom times possible here. This allows for thorough exploration of the various coral formations and crevices, encouraging a slower pace of diving. You'll find yourself drawn to observe the subtle movements of the reef, from the tiny creatures nestled within the corals to the larger, more cautious residents.