Octopus World Dahab Dive Center
Google 5/5 (2,361 reviews)
11 km away as the crow flies
Dahab · Egypt · Red Sea
Max. depth · 24 mUmm Sid (Dahab): Shore Entry Wall Diving in Sinai
Begin your dive from the shore at Umm Sid, where a sloping reef transitions into a vibrant wall descending to garden eels on a sandy bottom.
What makes this site special
- Shore entry dive directly onto the reef
- Reef wall extending to 24 metres
- Sandy bottom with garden eel colonies
- Abundant pinnacles and coral heads
- Encounters with giant morays
- Sightings of giant pufferfish
- Opportunity to spot octopuses
- Presence of scorpionfish
For subtitles in English: start the video firstthen click the gearat the top right of the video, select “Subtitles/CC”, then “Auto-translate” and choose “English”.
Umm Sid about the site
Your dive at Umm Sid begins directly from the shore, an inviting start that immediately immerses you into the vibrant Red Sea ecosystem. The reef here slopes gently at first, providing a comfortable entry point before it begins its more dramatic descent. As you follow the contours of the seabed, keeping the reef on your right, you'll feel the familiar shift in topography from a gradual incline to a true wall.
The reef wall at Umm Sid plunges effectively to a depth of approximately 24 metres, where it then flattens out onto a sandy bottom. This transition zone is a highlight, offering a change in scenery and marine life. You'll find this sandy expanse populated by a colony of garden eels, swaying in unison as you approach, a mesmerizing sight against the otherwise bare sand.
Beyond the garden eels, the site boasts an impressive variety of coral formations. You'll navigate through numerous pinnacles and large coral heads that rise from the reef, each a micro-habitat supporting a rich tapestry of life. These structures create intricate pathways and hiding spots, making the exploration feel dynamic and full of discovery.
The resident fauna at Umm Sid is notably diverse, providing consistent encounters with fascinating species. Keep an eye out for giant morays (Gymnothorax javanicus), often peeking from their crevices, and giant pufferfish (Arothron stellatus) cruising the reef. You might also spot scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) perfectly camouflaged against the corals, and octopuses (Octopoda) expertly blending into their surroundings.
Umm Sid is a site that caters to a broad range of diving experience, from the relatively inexperienced to seasoned divers. The consistent beauty of its reef and the accessible depth ensure a rewarding dive for all. While generally accessible in most weather, it's worth noting that strong currents can develop, posing a challenge for exit in less favorable conditions.
Diving Umm Sid: the marine life you’ll meet
Oceanic whitetip sharkCarcharhinus longimanusPufferfishArothron hispidusLionfishPterois volitansGarden eelGorgasiaEelAnguilliformesWrasseLabridaeAnthiasAnthiasSea fanGorgoniidaeSoft coralAlcyonaceaButterflyfishChaetodonParrotfishCalotomusScorpionfishScorpaenidae
See 7 more species
Diving conditions
This site is currently accessible for DIVER LEVEL 1 certified divers, with a maximum depth of 24 metres. While generally accommodating, strong currents can occasionally occur. Divers should be aware that adverse weather conditions can make the exit from the water challenging.
Three dives not to miss
Map of hotels, dive sites and dive centres in Dahab
Dive centres in Dahab
Hotels in Dahab
Frequently asked questions about Umm Sid
What conditions should you expect when diving Umm Sid?
Umm Sid is generally accommodating, but strong currents can occasionally occur. Adverse weather may make exiting the water challenging, so you should consider the conditions before entering. The dive begins from shore, with a gently sloping reef that provides an inviting entry before the seabed descends toward the reef wall.
What diver level is suitable for Umm Sid?
Umm Sid is currently accessible to DIVER LEVEL 1 certified divers and can suit both relatively inexperienced and seasoned divers. The shore entry and accessible reef make the site approachable, while occasional strong currents and potentially challenging exits in adverse weather require you to assess your comfort and ability.
How deep does Umm Sid get?
Umm Sid reaches a maximum depth of 24 metres. The reef slopes gently at first, then descends into a wall that extends to this depth before flattening onto a sandy bottom. This transition lets you explore changing terrain, including the sandy area where garden eels form a colony.
What marine life and features can you see at Umm Sid?
At Umm Sid, you can explore a reef wall, sandy bottom, numerous pinnacles, and large coral heads. Garden eel colonies occupy the sand, while giant morays, giant pufferfish, octopuses, and scorpionfish may be seen around the reef and its hiding places. The site offers varied Red Sea scenery and marine life.
