Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt
The name Ras Umm Sid comes from the site's promontory, where a white lighthouse stands, called El Fanar in Arabic. The site lies just east of this promontory, and the corner of the reef is marked by a white post.
The dive starts at a large coral block inhabited by a colony of anthias. The fringe reef has a network of caves, nooks and crannies that makes for good photos, and colonies of glass fish live in the small caves. The site is known for a large, dense forest of gorgonians, including Subergorgia hicksoni. The gorgonian fans are home to numerous hawkfish and lionfish, and there are also alcyonarians and porous corals.
On the plateau, among the pinnacles, reef fish, lionfish and parrotfish circulate. Divers can often spot large pelagic species cruising by the plateau, and eagle rays are among the common sightings. As the site has deep water on both sides, there is a chance of pelagic life, and jackfish, barracuda and tuna appear out in the blue. On night dives, the parrotfish sleep wrapped in mucus cocoons.
Information on this page, including technical data such as depth, current, visibility, access, and recommended level, is informational and may vary. Confirm actual conditions with a local operator before the dive.
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Reviews are from other divers — personal experiences, not guarantees.
