Umbi Sharks Bay Diving Village

Umbi Sharks Bay Diving Village has been a fixture of the Sharm El Sheikh diving scene since 1983. Situated in Sharks Bay, the centre is designed for divers who want a seamless transition from their accommodation to the water via a private jetty. This location avoids the long transfers often associated with the larger resorts, allowing you to get to the boats more efficiently.

The village offers a distinct atmosphere, blending modern comforts with a relaxed Bedouin style. Whether you are staying in the sea-view Bedouin Village Rooms or the wooden beach cabins, the focus remains on a sustainable, plastic-free experience. It serves as a base for both daily boat excursions and longer liveaboard trips to the more remote corners of the Red Sea.

The centre operates with a professional team of instructors providing both PADI and SSI certifications. To ensure a personalised experience and maintain safety standards, the diving is organised with a maximum of five divers per guide.

Instruction is available in English, German, French, and Arabic, making it accessible for an international community of divers. The team covers everything from entry-level courses to advanced professional training, such as Divemaster and Master Scuba Diver levels.

A full spectrum of training is available through PADI and SSI affiliations. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving, Bubblemaker, or Open Water Diver courses. As you progress, the centre offers Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and EFR training.

For those looking to specialise or go professional, the centre provides Nitrox, Divemaster, and Master Scuba Diver programmes. They also facilitate various specialty dives to suit specific interests, from wreck diving to deep diving.

The fleet consists of three dedicated yachts used for daily trips and excursions. The Freedom III accommodates up to 20 guests, the Freedom IV carries up to 24, and the smaller Freedom VIII has a capacity of 11 guests.

On the daily boat trips, a hot buffet lunch and water are provided on board. For those opting for liveaboard safaris, the boats are equipped with Wi-Fi to keep you connected during longer voyages.

The centre provides a full range of rental equipment for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits. For those requiring more technical kit, BCDs, regulators, dive computers, and torches are also available for hire.

Nitrox is available on-site, with 12-litre Nitrox cylinders provided at no extra charge, while 15-litre Nitrox cylinders are also available for use.

The reefs are defined by a rich architecture of hard corals (Scleractinia), soft corals (Alcyonacea), and large gorgonians. You will find diverse habitats including seagrass meadows, coral gardens, and deep walls covered in sea fans and sponges (Porifera).

In the open water and along the walls, you can encounter large pelagics and various shark species. During the summer, hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) and large pelagic fish are frequently seen, while the spring months bring sightings of Manta rays (Mobula alfredi), Eagle rays (Aetobatus), and Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus).

The reef fish population is vast, including Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), various species of Grouper (Epinephelus), and large schools of fusiliers. You will also encounter turtles, triggerfish (Balistidae), and many species of snapper and jacks (Carangidae).

For those interested in macro life, the area is home to many smaller organisms. Look for nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), octopuses (Octopus vulgaris), and various species of scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae). Garden eels (Gorgasia), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae) can be found amongst the sandy patches and coral crevices.

Diving conditions in the area vary significantly depending on the site. Some locations, such as Jackson Reef, Far Garden, and the Thistlegorm, are known for having strong currents that require experience to navigate.

Sites like the Blue Hole and the Canyon can also experience heavy currents during periods of rough weather. Conversely, many of the shallower reefs and lagoons, such as Ras Bob or the Islands, offer more sheltered environments suitable for a wider range of experience levels.