Shab Umm Gamar

Shab Umm Gamar is a small coral island reef with vibrant coral gardens, a flat mid-depth plateau and a dramatic wall that plunges beyond 50 m. The site includes scattered wreck remnants and is known for regular sightings of reef sharks, moray eels and a diversity of reef fish. The site is reached by boat, typically anchoring or mooring on the sheltered south-east side; typical dives start over the shallow plateau (about 10 m) and follow the wall northwards, often as a drift along the slope. Visibility is often 20–30 m and the water is warm; recreational dive depths range from around 10 m to 40–45 m at the deepest points, with moderate to strong currents (especially on the east side), so divers should be comfortable with drift diving. Remnants of a sunken vessel—reportedly a barge or patrol boat—are scattered on the slope, with engine parts visible near 45 m and other wreck debris around 27 m; fully penetrating the wreck would require technical diving beyond recreational limits.