Sha ab Umm Usk

Sha’ab Umm Usk is a horseshoe-shaped reef in the southern Strait of Gubal, between Gubal Island and Shadwan Island in the northern Egyptian Red Sea.

Overview

Sha’ab Umm Usk forms a semi-circular lagoon with the open ends pointing south. The western entrance to the lagoon is partly blocked by a large egg-shaped patch reef, creating a sheltered interior that contrasts with the more exposed outer walls. The reef features a diverse mix of terrain: large coral heads (bommies), steep reef walls, and the distinctive mushroom-shaped pinnacles characteristic of this section of the Red Sea. Acropora table corals feature prominently in the shallower sections.

The dive is primarily conducted on the western side of the reef, with the northern and southwestern sections also used. The site is noted as ideal for night diving due to its sheltered lagoon and the variety of nocturnal species active there. It also offers confined-water-like conditions inside the lagoon useful for training dives.

Dive Profile

• Average depth: ~18 m
• Maximum depth: 40 m
• Visibility: Good (10–30 m)
• Current: Variable; can be significant on outer walls
• Entry: Boat (advanced divers recommended for deeper sections)

Marine Life

The reef supports the typical Gubal Strait community. Night dives reveal lobsters, moray eels, cuttlefish, and various invertebrates. Dolphins have been observed in the area. The sheltered lagoon provides calm conditions for observing smaller reef species.

Sources: ScubaDiverz — Sha’ab Umm Usk, Wannadive — Sha’ab Umm Usk, PADI — Umm Usk. Last updated 2026-05-17.