Diving at Ras Umm Sid

Ras Umm Sid is a coral shelf which starts near the shore and slopes down quietly with many sandy patches, pinnacles and coral heads in between. It is famous for its large gorgonian forest in the south starting at 17 meters and going deeper than one can see. The most common dive plan starts along this wall of gorgonians, which is also the mooring place for boats, and ends at the shallower plateau. Be careful for the current as most dives are not drift dives and currents tend to be high near the wall.

The plateau is teeming with marine life, corals and even whale sharks and mantas have been reported near the south side. Here, at the corner, plankton is trapped by the current which provides for such an excellent feast. Also pelagic such as tuna, trevally, caranx and grunts hang around this vertical drop off. Wrasses, crocodile fish and all kinds of morays and surgeon fish are swimming around the plateau. There are also some small caves and gorges especially when you return to shore.