Ras Umm Sid Dive Site
Dive into a vibrant underwater world at Ras Umm Sid, Sharm El Sheikh's gem for coral reefs and diverse marine life. Perfect for all levels!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm seas, best visibility
Ras Umm Sid Dive Site
Best Time
Calm seas, best visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into a vibrant underwater world at Ras Umm Sid, Sharm El Sheikh's gem for coral reefs and diverse marine life. Perfect for all levels!
"An unforgettable journey through Sharm El Sheikh's best spots, from epic dives to delicious bites!"
🐠 Marine Life Spotting
Look for butterflyfish and triggerfish! Visibility is usually great for spotting them.
🤿 Dive with Small Groups
Dive centers often keep groups small for a better experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Coral Gardens
Shallow reefs
Explore a kaleidoscope of colorful corals teeming with diverse fish species. A true underwater paradise.
Abundant Marine Life
Throughout the site
Encounter schools of butterflyfish, triggerfish, and other fascinating Red Sea inhabitants. Keep an eye out for larger pelagics.
Easy Shore Access
Main entry point
Conveniently accessible for shore dives, making it a great option for independent divers and beginners.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive Site Accessibility
Best for Beginners & Marine Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐠 Marine Life Spotting
Look for butterflyfish and triggerfish! Visibility is usually great for spotting them. 
🤿 Dive with Small Groups
Dive centers often keep groups small for a better experience.
☀️ Easy Shore Entry
This site is great for shore dives, making it accessible for many.
📸 Underwater Photography
Excellent visibility makes it a prime spot for underwater photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐠 Marine Life Spotting
Look for butterflyfish and triggerfish! Visibility is usually great for spotting them.
🤿 Dive with Small Groups
Dive centers often keep groups small for a better experience.
☀️ Easy Shore Entry
This site is great for shore dives, making it accessible for many.
📸 Underwater Photography
Excellent visibility makes it a prime spot for underwater photos.
✅ Book in Advance
Popular dive sites can get busy; booking with a reputable dive center is recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ras Umm Sid for its stunning marine life and vibrant coral gardens, making it ideal for divers of all levels. The ease of shore access and excellent visibility are frequently highlighted as major advantages. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, some minor issues can arise with crowded dive sites if not managed well by dive operators.
"I had a great week on my course with Andy Auckland, but all of the centre staff, guides,& boat crew were friendly, welcoming and helpful. The centre is well set up and the Deco beers were a nice cold end to a days diving. My favourite part though were the resident dogs who were normally the first to welcome us in the morning."
Steve Thorogood
"I had heard of circle divers from some friends who visited multiple times and were very happy with them. I can only second that. The whole experience from start to finish was easy and smooth. Fast replies to my emails, detailed breakdowns to my hundreds of questions, clear communication all the way, very nice staff and guides and drivers in both locations (Sharm el sheikh and Dahab) and overall the whole team made me feel very safe in my first diving trip especially since I was there solo. An extra big THANK YOU to Simon for letting me use his hood and literally saving my trip. Must recommend circle divers and their amazing team."
Ari3Kw K
"I dived with Circle for 5 days in August 2025. My 12 year old daughter (open water) and I enjoyed everything - starting with the booking process (all prices being very transparent), through the communication and pickup process, then getting on the dive boat and then the actual diving.
Amazing dive guides, small groups - we had a maximum of 4-5 people per dive guide and never felt crowded at the dive sites (once there were 3 dive centres at a dive site but we were briefed beforehand that if this happens, to wait a bit with our dive guide so we do not all bump into each other). The briefings were detailed, the marine life always respected. Dive guides were hot on gas consumption and shallowed the dives when necessary (dives lasted an hour and didn’t have to be cut short due to someone’s gas consumption)
Fabulous experience with a mix of Tiran, Ras Mohammed and local sites, with an opportunity to visit Thistlegorm (which we didn’t do as my daughter isn’t AOW yet)."
Anna Lambourne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ras Umm Sid is easily accessible by shore from Sharm El Sheikh. Many dive centers also offer boat trips to the site. If you're staying nearby, a short taxi ride or even a walk might be possible.
Yes, Ras Umm Sid is a popular shore dive site, making it convenient for divers who prefer not to take a boat.
Taxis are readily available in Sharm El Sheikh and can take you directly to the dive site. Some dive centers also include pick-up and drop-off services as part of their packages.
Entry fees can vary depending on whether you are accessing the site independently or as part of a dive center's excursion. It's best to confirm with your chosen dive operator.
While shore access is possible, it's highly recommended to dive with a certified dive center for safety and to ensure you have the best experience. They can provide necessary equipment and guidance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't typically need to book 'tickets' in the traditional sense for Ras Umm Sid. However, if you plan to dive with a center, booking your dive package or course in advance is essential.
Dive centers generally operate during daylight hours, with morning and afternoon dive slots. It's best to check the specific schedule of your chosen dive operator.
While the main entry is for divers, snorkelers can also enjoy the shallower areas. Some dive centers may have designated areas for both activities.
Costs vary greatly depending on the dive center, whether it's a single dive, a package, or part of a course. Expect prices to be transparent with reputable centers.
Yes, most dive centers operating at Ras Umm Sid offer equipment rental. It's advisable to confirm availability and pricing when booking your dives.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Ras Umm Sid is known for its rich marine biodiversity, including vibrant coral gardens, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and various other reef fish.
Absolutely! Its shallow reefs, excellent visibility, and abundant, easily visible marine life make it an ideal spot for Open Water certification and beginner divers.
The dive site has varying depths, with shallow reefs starting around 5-10 meters and dropping off to around 18-20 meters in some areas.
Water temperatures are generally pleasant, around 26°C (79°F) in summer. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 25 meters, offering clear views of the underwater world.
Always follow your dive guide's instructions, monitor your air consumption, and be aware of your surroundings. Dive centers emphasize safety briefings and small group sizes.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the excellent visibility and abundant, colorful marine life make Ras Umm Sid a fantastic location for underwater photography.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the coral reefs and marine life, as well as close-ups of individual fish species like butterflyfish and triggerfish.
Utilize the good visibility to your advantage. Consider using strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and fish.
A good underwater camera setup, whether a dedicated camera or a high-quality action camera like a GoPro, will serve you well.
Some dive centers may offer services for underwater photography or videography. It's worth inquiring when you book your dives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The shallow, clear waters and abundant, easily visible marine life make it an engaging environment for kids. The shore access also means less travel time on a boat, which can be a significant advantage with children. Ensuring your chosen dive center has experience with children is key to a positive family experience.
🎓 Beginners & Certification Divers
Reputable dive centers offer comprehensive courses with experienced instructors who prioritize safety and skill development. The abundance of marine life provides immediate rewards and motivation for new divers. Many travelers recommend Egypt, and specifically Sharm El Sheikh, for its quality dive training at competitive prices.
📸 Underwater Photographers
+1Bring your best underwater camera setup to capture the beauty of this Red Sea gem. The consistent conditions mean you can focus on composition and capturing stunning shots of the underwater world. Don't forget to experiment with different angles and lighting to bring out the best in your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Marine Ecosystem
+2Key inhabitants include various species of butterflyfish and triggerfish, often seen gracefully navigating the coral gardens. The clear waters offer excellent opportunities for spotting these and other reef dwellers. The health of the coral is a testament to the site's protected status and the efforts of local dive operators to promote responsible tourism. Witnessing this underwater world is a truly immersive experience.
+1For those interested in conservation, understanding the delicate balance of this marine environment is crucial. Responsible diving practices, such as avoiding touching corals and maintaining a safe distance from marine life, help preserve this natural wonder for future generations.
Diving with Reputable Centers
These centers often emphasize small group sizes for dives, ensuring personalized attention and a less crowded experience at the dive sites. Detailed briefings, attentive dive guides, and well-maintained equipment are consistently mentioned as key factors contributing to a positive diving trip. Whether you're doing your Open Water certification or simply enjoying recreational dives, these aspects significantly enhance the overall experience.
Many reviews praise the transparency in pricing and the seamless organization from booking to the actual dive. Some centers even offer additional services like pick-up and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free. Choosing a center that prioritizes both safety and customer satisfaction will undoubtedly make your Ras Umm Sid dive unforgettable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit