Umm Gammar

Overview

Umm Gamar is a small, crescent-shaped island north-east of Hurghada. The name means mother of the moon, probably due to the shape of the island. It is easily recognizable by its light house located on the north side.

Description

The island is surrounded by a wide coral reef reaching up to 2 km to the north, half rising out of the water. The way to Umm Gamar can sometimes be a bit rough due to the weather, but over the south plateau you will find enough shelter to moor.

The typical dive of Umm Gamar takes place on the eastern side of the island. The zodiac drops you off at the desired spot and you drift south along the eastern wall until you reach 3 coral towers that mark the beginning of the south plateau. Two of the coral towers are hollow and filled with glassfish. The third has a large sandy cave at 27m. All three are covered with purple soft corals and a cloud of glassfish bustle in the hollows.

Hotspots

• It is always worth to have a look at some smaller coral blocks or crevices - there you can find lionfish, crocodile fish and a lot of small stuff. You can also see many scorpion fish and the very poisonous stone fish. If you look into the blue, you can also see an eagle ray or a manta ray passing by.
• Once on the plateau, you are sure to find napoleon wrasse, moray eels, trompet fish, bat fish and schools of banner fish.