Umm Gammar
Unverified Last verified: 2026-07-22
Explore Umm Gamar near Hurghada, a Red Sea dive site known for coral towers, glassfish caves, deep walls, drift dives and rich marine life.
Overview
Umm Gamar is a crescent-shaped offshore island northeast of Hurghada, surrounded by coral reefs, shallow plateaus and dramatic walls. Its name is commonly translated as “Mother of the Moon,” probably referring to the island’s curved shape. A lighthouse on the northern side makes the island easy to recognise from the surface.
Most dives begin above the sheltered southern plateau. From the moorings, divers cross the plateau eastward toward a deep wall, passing large coral blocks covered with hard and soft corals. Schools of reef fish gather around these formations, while moray eels, Napoleon wrasse, sweetlips and bannerfish are frequently found around the plateau.
Three coral towers rise beside the eastern wall near the beginning of the southern plateau. Their cracks and hollow sections shelter large schools of glassfish and smaller groupers. One formation contains a deeper sandy cavern at approximately 27–29 metres, making it a distinctive feature for experienced divers and underwater photographers.
The eastern wall offers the site’s more adventurous profile. Depending on the current, divers may encounter tuna, jackfish, barracuda, turtles, eagle rays and occasional whitetip reef sharks or manta rays in the blue. These encounters remain possible rather than guaranteed.
Umm Gamar can accommodate different experience levels when the route is selected carefully. Beginners can remain on the shallower southern plateau under appropriate supervision, while experienced divers can explore the deeper wall, coral towers and drift routes. Strong currents, deep drop-offs and open-sea conditions mean that every dive must be planned according to the day’s weather, current and boat-pickup arrangements.
Main Attractions
The three coral towers near the beginning of the southern plateau are the site’s most distinctive underwater features. Two contain hollow sections populated by glassfish, while another has a large sandy cavern at approximately 27–29 metres.
Crescent-shaped offshore island
Deep eastern wall and drop-off
Shallow southern plateau
Three prominent coral towers
Cavities filled with glassfish
Sandy cave at approximately 27–29 metres
Hard and soft coral formations
Drift diving along the eastern wall
Northern pick-up drift for experienced divers
Possible encounters with turtles, eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks and manta rays
Marine Life
Glassfish, anthias, silversides, red-tooth groupers, giant moray eels, Napoleon wrasse, sweetlips, bannerfish, batfish, cornetfish, fusiliers, jackfish, tuna and barracuda.
Divers may also find lionfish, crocodilefish, scorpionfish, stonefish, turtles and eagle rays. Whitetip reef sharks and manta rays are possible but occasional sightings and should never be presented as guaranteed.
Coral & Habitat
Umm Gamar is a narrow, crescent-shaped island surrounded by a substantial coral reef system. The southern end has a shallow plateau where most boats moor, while the eastern side drops into a dramatic wall extending into deep water.
Large coral blocks rise from the plateau and wall, including three prominent towers near the southeastern section. The towers contain cracks, cavities and small cave-like spaces occupied by schools of glassfish and groupers.
The reef supports a mixture of hard and soft corals. Purple soft corals are particularly prominent around the towers, while the shallower areas include coral gardens, smaller reef blocks and sandy patches.
Suggested Route
Southern plateau and coral towers
Begin from the boat moorings over the southern plateau. Descend onto the reef and travel east across the plateau toward the drop-off.
Along the way, pass the large coral blocks covered with hard and soft corals before reaching the three coral towers. Explore the cracks and glassfish-filled cavities while remaining within certification and planned depth limits.
The deeper cavern lies at approximately 27–29 metres. After visiting the towers, follow the light current back toward the southern corner and finish among the shallower coral heads on the plateau.
Eastern wall drift
Experienced divers can enter from a Zodiac farther north along the eastern wall. Descend beside the wall and drift south, watching the open water for tuna, jackfish, barracuda, eagle rays and possible sharks.
Continue toward the three coral towers, then finish on the shallow southern plateau where the boat can collect the group. The drop location and route must be selected according to the actual current and surface conditions.
North Umm Gamar pick-up drift
A separate pick-up drift can be conducted around North Umm Gamar when weather and current conditions allow. This route is more exposed and may involve strong or splitting currents, so it is more appropriate for experienced divers under the direction of a knowledgeable local guide.
Photography Notes
Umm Gamar is well suited to wide-angle photography. The eastern wall, coral towers, purple soft corals and large schools of glassfish provide the strongest compositions.
The cracks and openings in the first two towers can create attractive images using divers, glassfish and blue water as background elements. The deeper sandy cavern also provides a dramatic subject, but photographers should remain outside any overhead environment beyond their training and equipment.
Macro photographers can search the coral blocks and crevices for lionfish, scorpionfish, crocodilefish, groupers and other smaller reef species. Current along the wall may make stopping and repositioning difficult, so camera settings should be prepared before entering the drift.
Best Season
Year-round diving
Site Diagram
