Umm Sid

Umm Sid is a coral reef dive site located along the Sinai Peninsula coast in the northern Red Sea, Egypt. Known also as “The Pillars,” it features impressive coral towers and a richly encrusted reef slope that makes it a popular choice for divers exploring the Sharm el-Sheikh area.

Overview

Umm Sid sits just south of Sharm el-Sheikh and is accessed by boat from the Na’ama Bay area. The reef is characterized by enormous coral pillars rising from the sandy seabed, some reaching from depth all the way toward the surface. Gorgonian sea fans and soft corals decorate the walls between the pillars, and the site is well-regarded for consistent marine life sightings in relatively sheltered conditions. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 25 meters, and the site is suitable for intermediate divers comfortable with mild current.

Site Information

• Location: Sharm el-Sheikh, Sinai Peninsula, Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20-30 meters (65-100 feet)
• Current: Mild to moderate
• Best Time: September to May

Marine Life

The coral pillars at Umm Sid shelter a diverse community of reef fish. humphead wrasse (humphead wrasse) are frequently encountered cruising between the towers, along with large groups of anthias, glassfish, and banner fish. Moray eels and lionfish lurk in the crevices. Sea turtles rest on the coral heads and are commonly spotted by divers. Triggerfish, surgeonfish, and butterflyfish populate the shallower reef platform. Reef sharks occasionally patrol the deeper sandy channels between the pillars.

Dive Profile

Begin the dive at the mooring line and descend to the sandy floor between the coral towers, typically around 18-20 meters. Swim through the channels between the pillars, ascending gradually to explore the upper sections of the coral formations where fish density is highest. The sandy areas between the towers offer good navigation reference points. Allow plenty of bottom time in the mid-water range of 8-15 meters where most marine life activity concentrates. Complete a three-minute safety stop on the reef top before ascending.

Entry and Exit

Access is by dive boat from Sharm el-Sheikh or Na’ama Bay operators. Entry by giant stride or back roll from the dive deck. The mooring is typically fixed; follow the descent line. Deploy an SMB during your safety stop at 5 meters for the pickup boat to locate you. Coordinate exit logistics with the dive crew before descending.

Tips and Recommendations

• Morning dives typically offer the best light through the coral pillars for photography
• Take time to explore the sandy channels between the towers where small critters hide
• Stay close to the pillars to avoid missing life in the crevices and overhangs
• Bring an underwater torch to illuminate the colors in the soft coral growths
• Check with operators for current conditions — even mild current can redirect drift through the pillars

Safety Considerations

Fire coral is present throughout the reef; maintain careful buoyancy and avoid contact with the formations. Lionfish lurk in dark overhangs and are easy to brush accidentally — watch your fins and hands. Mild to moderate current can push divers away from the reef, so keep the pillars in sight as reference. Always carry and deploy an SMB. Dive within your certification depth limits.

Photography

The coral pillars at Umm Sid are among the most photogenic structures in the Sharm el-Sheikh area. Wide-angle shots looking up through the towers toward the surface produce striking silhouettes when sun angle is favorable. humphead wrasse and turtles offer compelling portrait subjects. Macro photographers will find nudibranchs, shrimp, and small gobies along the encrusted pillar bases. Shoot during the morning for natural light filtering through the formations.

Sources: Divezone - Red Sea, Dive the World - Egypt Red Sea, Red Sea Scuba Diving, PADI - Diving in Egypt. Last updated 2026-04-04.