Hurghada Dive Site

Umm Gamar - Hurghada Dive Site

Umm Gamar is one of the better-known northern island routes from Hurghada. It is usually chosen when weather and current allow a stronger open-sea profile for experienced fun-diving groups.

Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Depth range: 8m - 30m
Travel time: Around 90 mins from central Hurghada

Umm Gamar dive site in Hurghada, Red Sea

Dive profile at a glance

Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Depth range

8m - 30m

Travel time

Around 90 mins from central Hurghada

Reef profile

Island reef with plateau and wall sections

What divers usually notice

Plateau entries
Wall sections
Open-sea feel
Good visibility days

Who this dive site suits

Works for mixed-level groups - the route can usually be adapted to include a shallower zone for beginners and a deeper plan for experienced divers.

Dive route profile

Umm Gamar is a long, narrow island about 90 minutes north of Hurghada marina. The classic route starts on the south plateau at around 12 to 18 metres, works along the eastern wall where depths drop sharply into the blue, and returns via a coral-dense shoulder. The wall has small caves and overhangs in the 20 to 28 metre range, while the plateau is covered with table corals and anthias clouds.

Marine life you may encounter

Umm Gamar is a strong site for pelagic encounters - tuna, jacks and occasional reef sharks patrol the blue side. Hawksbill turtles are resident on the plateau, and keen-eyed divers spot nudibranchs and crocodile fish tucked among the coral. Napoleon wrasse sometimes follow the group on the south side.

Best season to dive this site

Late spring and early autumn give the cleanest visibility and the most comfortable surface run. The site is open year-round, but the exposed northern position means it is the first route we cancel when wind or swell rises.

Typical conditions

Visibility usually 20 to 35 metres. Current can be moderate to strong depending on tide, and often runs parallel to the wall. The open-sea exposure means surface chop can be real even when inshore sites are calm. We plan the dive direction on the boat after checking conditions on arrival.

Planning and practical notes

Diving Star confirms the dive plan on the morning of departure based on wind direction, current and the certification level of divers on board. Two dives per day is standard for daily diving, with a lunch break on board between dives. Equipment rental is EUR 20 per day for certified divers who are not travelling with their own set.

Practical diving tips

Watch your gas - the wall invites depth and distance. Stay within 5 metres of the reef face so that any current push keeps you on structure rather than in the blue. Safety stops are usually done on the shallow plateau where the anthias clouds thicken near the surface.