Sha'ab Umm Usk

Sha'ab Umm Usk is a crescent-shaped reef, with a passage on the west side through which boats enter. The reef encloses a lagoon that is protected in all weather, because isolated coral formations at the southern tip break the waves, and its shape makes it an excellent overnight anchorage, sheltered from the prevailing northerly winds. The site appears on north and wrecks safari itineraries as a night dive stop.

The lagoon is known for its resident bottlenose dolphins, and on calm days it is easy to come across a pod of them, which can be observed if they are not disturbed. Common sightings also include sharks, whales and turtles. Night dives offer the chance to meet curious cuttlefish and squid.

The reef has beautiful Acropora coral structures and walls covered with hard coral formations and reef fish, and dives are mainly on the west side, sometimes on the north and southwest. Just before the southern tip, a cave carved into the wall holds clouds of glassfish. Near the tip there are coral towers, and the largest has its walls covered with alcyonarians, gorgonians and delicate corals that shelter reef fish. The site is usually dived throughout the year, with water generally between 22 and 28 °C.