Um El Sheikh - Marsa Alam

Um El Sheikh in Marsa Alam gives you a decent shallow dive, a nice break from some of the deeper sites. We’ve found the seagrass beds here pretty interesting, not just a filler, especially with those clump seagrass and cymodocea patches. Keep an eye out for bluestripe pipefish, they blend in well. It’s also a site where we've seen various dolphins pass through, particularly the bridled and Indian Ocean bottlenose. We'd suggest it for an easy second dive, or if you're looking for something calm.

Location
Marsa Alam, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
24.312729, 35.399070

Marine Protected Area: Tourism Development Area II

Best Time to Dive in Marsa Alam

The warmest water temperatures in Marsa Alam occur in August, averaging 31.1°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 22.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.6°C
  • February: 22.7°C
  • March: 22.9°C
  • April: 23.8°C
  • May: 26.0°C
  • June: 28.1°C
  • July: 29.9°C
  • August: 31.1°C
  • September: 30.4°C
  • October: 28.8°C
  • November: 27.1°C
  • December: 25.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Marsa Alam

Nearest Dive Centres to Um El Sheikh

Marine Life in Marsa Alam

Home to 39 recorded species including 10 seagrass & algae, 8 whales & dolphins, 8 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 sharks & rays, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Um El Sheikh

Based on average water temperature of 26.7°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for scuba diving at Um El Sheikh?
Information regarding the typical depths for scuba diving at Um El Sheikh is not available in our current data. Divers should always consult with local dive operators for the most up-to-date site specifics before planning their dive.
What marine life and coral formations are commonly found when diving Um El Sheikh?
While Um El Sheikh is identified as a reef dive, specific details about the marine life and coral formations commonly found there are not provided in our current database. Reefs typically host a diverse array of species, but for detailed information on what to expect, we recommend checking our wildlife database or consulting local dive centers in Marsa Alam.
Is Um El Sheikh considered a difficult dive site, and what skill level is recommended?
Um El Sheikh is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This suggests that divers should possess a good level of experience and comfort in various diving conditions. We recommend that divers ensure their skills align with intermediate requirements before planning a dive here.
When is the best time of year to dive Um El Sheikh for good conditions and marine encounters?
Our current data does not specify the best time of year to dive Um El Sheikh for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might find helpful information on our When to Dive page. Always check with local dive operators in Marsa Alam for current conditions.
What diving certifications are needed to dive at Um El Sheikh?
Specific diving certifications needed to dive at Um El Sheikh are not provided in our current data. As it is an intermediate dive site, we recommend consulting with local dive centers in Marsa Alam to understand their specific requirements and ensure your certification level is appropriate.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at Um El Sheikh?
Our current data does not include information regarding the usual current conditions or visibility at Um El Sheikh. For the most accurate and up-to-date details on these environmental factors, it is always best to contact local dive operators in Marsa Alam directly before your dive.