Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Umm Sid Dive Site – Egypt
Site Overview
Ras Umm Sid is a intermediate-level reef, wall dive site located off the Sharm El Sheikh coastline in Egypt's Red Sea, offering an extraordinary combination of vibrant coral reef ecosystems and rich marine biodiversity in one of the world's most celebrated diving destinations. The site is accessible directly from shore, making it one of the most convenient sites in the region. Ras Umm Sid reaches a maximum depth of 18 meters with the most productive diving occurring between five and 15 meters where the coral walls and reef structures provide shelter and feeding grounds for an incredible diversity of marine species. The underwater topography features dramatic coral formations including vertical walls encrusted with soft corals, massive coral pinnacles, and sandy channels that create a mosaic of distinct ecological zones. Marine life encounters commonly include Whale Shark, Clown Triggerfish, Napoleon Wrasse, Lionfish, along with numerous Red Sea endemic species that inhabit the coral substrate. The Red Sea's uniquely stable conditions, with water temperatures ranging from 21 degrees in winter to 29 degrees in late summer and visibility typically between 20 and 40 meters, create an underwater environment of extraordinary clarity and biodiversity. Seasonal visitors including oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays add an extraordinary dimension to dives in this region. The Red Sea is home to over twelve hundred species of fish with approximately twenty percent endemic, and more than two hundred species of hard and soft coral that create some of the most vibrant underwater landscapes on Earth. Sharm El Sheikh is increasingly recognized as one of Egypt's finest diving destinations, offering the perfect combination of world-class marine life, excellent infrastructure, and reliable year-round diving conditions. The moderate currents and varied depth profile provide engaging diving for certified divers looking to experience the Red Sea's diverse ecosystems.
Dive Briefing
"The entry is made from the shoreline or jetty with a short surface swim to the descent point marked by the reef edge. The dive profile typically begins with a gradual descent along the reef wall to approximately 10 meters where the current-facing side offers the best marine life encounters in the nutrient-rich Red Sea waters. Whale Shark are frequently observed patrolling the wall at 7 to 15 meters, while Clown Triggerfish inhabit the coral gardens and overhangs throughout the mid-section of the dive. The coral substrate between 5 and 18 meters is encrusted with colorful soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, and Red Sea endemic hard corals that provide excellent macro photography opportunities between the larger species encounters. Napoleon Wrasse can be found in crevices and ledges throughout the site. Your guide leads you progressively shallower along the reef contour, ensuring adequate bottom time for the safety stop at five meters. The final portion of the dive is spent exploring the shallow reef flat at three to eight meters where coral diversity is highest and sunlight creates ideal conditions for wide-angle photography. The safety stop is conducted along the upper reef before surfacing and swimming back to the shore entry point for a total dive time of approximately 45 to 55 minutes."
Signature Marine Life
Whale Shark
Rhincodon typus
Clown Triggerfish
Balistoides conspicillum
Best: March, April, May
Napoleon Wrasse
Cheilinus undulatus
Best: March, April, May
Lionfish
Pterois miles
Best: March, April, May
Silky Shark
Carcharhinus falciformis
Thresher Shark
Alopias pelagicus
Safety & Hazards
- Red Sea current variability requiring constant awareness and SMB deployment capability
- Fire coral and sharp coral formations requiring careful fin and hand placement
- Venomous lionfish and scorpionfish on ledges requiring careful hand placement during wall dives
- Boat traffic on the surface near popular dive sites requiring safety stop vigilance
- Sea urchins on rocky substrate and rubble patches throughout the dive site
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Ras Umm Sid is designed for Advanced Open Water certified divers with at least twenty logged dives who are comfortable with moderate currents and varied depth profiles typical of Red Sea diving. The site rewards intermediate divers with encounters with larger pelagic species and the opportunity to explore deeper coral formations including walls and overhangs that are inaccessible to beginners. Divers should be proficient in SMB deployment, comfortable navigating in moderate surge, and capable of managing their air consumption on profiles that reach 18 meters. The site appeals to naturalist divers interested in identifying Red Sea endemic species and understanding the unique ecology of one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments. Wide-angle and macro photographers will find compelling subjects throughout the depth range, from colorful soft coral gardens to patelling sharks and schooling pelagic fish.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Camel Dive Club
- Red Sea Diving Safari
- Sinai Divers
- Oonas Dive Club
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh • 5km away
Hilton Sharks Bay Resort
Sharks Bay • 8km away