Shadwan IslandShadwan Island at a Glance
About Shadwan Island
Shadwan Island is a rocky island in the northern Red Sea at the mouth of the Gulf of Suez, administered from Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate.
The island is visited mainly for scuba diving, snorkeling and boat trips to nearby reef and wreck sites; the shoreline is steep and there are no tourist facilities on the island itself.
The island has served as a navigational reference in the Red Sea and has a lighthouse and other maritime installations; it has seen occasional military and naval activity in the 20th century.
Positioned at the entrance to the Gulf of Suez in the northern Red Sea, the island lies off the Egyptian Sinai/Red Sea coast and is accessed by boat from Red Sea ports.
- Diving sites: The island is known for offshore diving and snorkeling; several wrecks and reef sites are visited by dive operators based along the Egyptian Red Sea coast.
Best Time to Visit Shadwan Island
Choose calmer months for sea crossings; visibility and diving conditions matter more than air temperature.
Weather & Climate near Shadwan Island
Shadwan Island's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 34°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 12° - 20° | 16° | 0 mm | clear | 57% | 3.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.5h |
| February | Excellent | 12° - 21° | 17° | 1 mm | clear | 54% | 3.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.1h |
| March | Ideal | 15° - 24° | 19° | 1 mm | clear | 52% | 3.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 18° - 27° | 23° | 0 mm | clear | 48% | 4.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.7h |
| May | Ideal | 21° - 30° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 45% | 4.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.4h |
| June | Ideal | 24° - 33° | 29° | 0 mm | clear | 45% | 4.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.7h |
| July | Ideal | 25° - 34° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 46% | 3.8 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.6h |
| August | Ideal | 26° - 34° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 48% | 4.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.0h |
| September | Ideal | 24° - 32° | 29° | 0 mm | clear | 53% | 4.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 21° - 29° | 25° | 1 mm | clear | 56% | 3.7 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.4h |
| November | Ideal | 17° - 25° | 21° | 1 mm | clear | 56% | 3.6 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.7h |
| December | Excellent | 14° - 22° | 18° | 1 mm | clear | 56% | 3.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.3h |
How to Get to Shadwan Island
Most visitors reach Shadwan by liveaboard or day-boat trips from Red Sea ports such as Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada. Crossing times vary with sea state-plan for several hours each way on day trips and check boat operator schedules in advance.
Because the island lies in a sensitive coastal zone, visitors generally join licensed dive operators who handle permits, moorings and coordination with local authorities.
Tips for Visiting Shadwan Island
- Book a private boat from Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada rather than relying on ad-hoc day trips; schedule the crossing for early morning when the sea is calmer.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a dive guide-many of the best walls and wrecks sit on the island's leeward side and require local knowledge to reach safely.
- Expect military presence and restricted areas; ask permission before approaching any structures or campsites to avoid fines or confrontation.