Sharm El Sheikh
Ras Um Sid & The Temple

27° 50.950 N
34° 18.600 E

Ras Um Sid is named for the head or cape ("ras" in Arabic) which juts out to sea. It is located 7km (4.3 miles) south of Na'ama Bay and borders on Sharm El Moya which is where the local fleet of dive-boats anchors, although the neighboring Sharm El Sheikh actually serves as the port of entry here. Ras Um Sid is easily accessible from land. Consult local dive-operators for their recommendations. The classic structure of this site - a tongue of land extending out to sea - produces a fascinating environment with ideal conditions for the very rapid growth of gorgonians. Rays of sunlight filter through their great open fans spread against the direction of the current. The gorgonian garden is a splendid natural photographic studio. Begin your dive here A, then proceed along the slope B to the reef wall where many brain corals cluster C. This is a good location for snorkeling.

The Temple, one of the oldest and most famous diving sites in the area, lies in the middle of the bay. Countless divers have performed their check-out dives here before setting out on their trips. Conditions are very appropriate for this purpose: seas are calm, depths are not particularly great, and visibility is good. The Temple is a massive rock cracked along its length on one of its sides, and surrounded by other smaller coral and rock formations. The top of this boulder practically reaches sea level. The large local fish population seems undeterred by the volume of divers who throng to this site. A friendly Napoleon wrasse is often found among them.

The aerial photograph on the opposite page covers the entire stretch of coast between Ras Um Sid and The Temple. There are a number of famous diving sites here.
Fiasco - Just past the bend of Ras Um Sid, Fiasco is a moderately rich wall of coral heads and acropora descending to depths of 20m (66 feet).
Paradise - This site is famous for the unique formations observed here: towering corals, arches and passages, as well as impressive pillar corals.
Amphoras - A couple of hundred years ago, a ship bearing a cargo of two-handled clay vessels or amphoras was wrecked at this spot. Their remains may be seen at depths of 25m (82 feet). If you have patience enough to seek them out, you will also see miniature puddles of mercury in the sand underneath the coral heads.
Pinky's Wall - Another classic drop covered with colorful soft corals and schools of anthias or goldfish, Pinky's Wall may also be reached from the beach.