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Shaabruhr Umm Gamar

Shaabruhr Umm Gamar, just north of Hurghada, often feels a bit like the Red Sea’s quieter sibling. It’s got that classic drop-off, a wall that plunges into the blue, but with a more intimate feel than some of the busier spots. We love starting our dive on the plateau, usually around 15 metres, where the light hits just right and illuminates the schools of dusky farmerfish zipping around the coral heads. Look for the Polkadot Cod here, they’re often tucked into crevices, almost posing for a photo. The main draw is the wall itself. It’s not about huge pelagics here, though we’ve seen bottlenose dolphins cruise by in the blue a few times. Instead, focus on the details: the inquisitive Crested Sabretooth Blennies peering out from their holes, the vibrant colours of the Crispate Venus nudibranchs clinging to the gorgonians. Our favourite part has to be the overhangs, especially on the northern side. They’re home to sleepy Grey Sweetlips and a good spot to just hang and watch the reef’s rhythm. The currents can pick up, so it's a site that suits divers comfortable with a bit of a drift, but nothing too wild. It’s a consistently rewarding dive, especially if you take your time and explore the nooks rather than rushing past.