---
title: Um El Sid
type: Reef dive site
location: Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt
coordinates: 28.420917510986328, 34.457366943359375
max_depth_m: 35
published: 2026-09-03T13:14:02.666Z
updated: 2026-09-05T06:50:01.459Z
tags: Um El Sid, Reef, Red Sea, Dive site, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/diving/dive-sites/um-el-sid
---

# Um El Sid

## Quick facts

- **Type:** Reef
- **Location:** Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt
- **Coordinates:** 28.420917510986328, 34.457366943359375
- **Max depth:** 35 m
- **Depth notes:** 15m average over the plateau; the large gorgonian stands at about 35m
- **Level:** Advanced

## Good to know

- Suitable for beginners
- Best for advanced divers
- Great for macro photography

## Overview

Um El Sid runs a sandy slope out to a coral plateau, and its one landmark is deep: a large gorgonian standing at about 35 m, far enough down that it needs a guide who knows where it is and a plan that accounts for the depth. The shallower ground is a garden eel colony on the sand and a coral garden above it, both of which are the dive for anyone not going after the gorgonian.

## Location

South Dahab, reached from shore or by boat.

## Conditions

Shore or boat entry, good visibility, and open to any level as long as the deep gorgonian is left out of the plan.

## Dive plan

The slope leads down across the eel colony to the coral garden and then out onto the plateau. The gorgonian at 35 m sets the deep limit and is best taken first, with the shallow ground worked on the way back.

Approaching the eel colony is the same problem as at Eel Garden: a level, unhurried approach or nothing to look at.

## What to see

Garden eels stand out of the sand on the slope. Blue-spotted rays lie on the flats, eagle rays cross the plateau edge, and anthias work above the coral. Nudibranchs on the plateau are what most of the photographers here are after.

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/diving/dive-sites/um-el-sid)*
*Updated: September 5, 2026*