Overview
Whoever wants to see grey reef sharks in Hurghada should strike out to Shaabruhr Umm Gamar, especially in the afternoon. A great reef but rather challenging dive, due to the strong current on the east side. Shaabruhr Umm Gamar is the summit of an underwater mountain and, as is not hard to guess, it is located not far away from Umm Gamar, only one kilometre south.
Description
Those of us who know a little Arabic know that Shaabruhr basically means 'narrow reef'. The narrow reef of Umm Gamar certainly has a lot to offer: many caves, overhangs and a sandy plateau at approx. 15 to 30 metres. There's even the remains of an ancient Egyptian patrol boat at the southernmost point.
Two other ships have also met their surmise here, a safari boat and the Colona IV – one of the first diving charter boats from Hurghada – which ran aground here at the end of April 1995 due to bad weather and which now rests at a depth of 66 metres.
The reef's sandy plateau is much wider on the west side as it is on the east side and the current in the east is also much stronger – that's why we're spot on here when it comes to drift diving and seeing large fish.
On the west plateau, we come into contact with moray eels, Napoleon wrasse, large groupers and bluespotted rays. The east is the right place for fans of whitetip reef sharks, mackerel and large tuna – and maybe even for grey reef sharks in the afternoon during snack time.
Hotspots
- Patrol boat: Shipwrecks are always a highlight, although only half of the ancient boat, which the Egyptian army used to cross over to Shadwan Island, remains.