Ras Umm Sid

Ras Umm Sid is a dramatic reef site with a steep coral wall dropping from the surface to about 18 m and an extensive plateau punctuated by coral pinnacles and shallow gardens. The reef supports abundant life, with anthias on large coral blocks, shoals of snapper and barracuda around the pinnacles, large gorgonian sea fans, and numerous small reef fishes in cavern-like swim-throughs. Dives typically follow the wall onto the plateau (roughly 14-25 m on the plateau) and are often conducted as drift dives because currents can be moderate to strong around the outer corner of the cape. Entry is possible from a nearby shore pier or by boat; visibility is generally good (often 20-30 m) and water temperatures are typically in the mid-20s °C. Divers should be mindful of currents and exercise normal reef-diving caution to avoid damaging the corals.