Ras Umm Heswia is a dive site situated near Soma Bay, facing the coast of Safaga, Egypt . It’s known for its wide coral plateau that slopes down into the depths.
Getting to Ras Umm Heswia typically involves a boat ride from a dive center in Safaga. Zodiacs may also be used for short trips from the shore entry point.
Depth: The depth varies depending on the area you explore:
The reef plateau starts at around 15 meters (50 feet) and slopes down to 30 meters (100 feet) before experiencing a dramatic drop-off.
The deeper areas can reach well beyond 40 meters (130 feet).
Currents: Conditions can vary, but currents at Ras Umm Heswia can be strong, especially in deeper areas. This makes it a more suitable dive for experienced divers comfortable navigating currents.
Type: Primarily a drift dive along the sloping reef wall.
Marine life: Ras Umm Heswia boasts a rich marine life population:
Large expanses of healthy hard coral formations teeming with fish life.
Schools of colorful fish like anthias, fusiliers, and butterflyfish.
Pelagic fish like tuna and jacks (often seen in deeper areas with currents).
With some luck, divers might encounter sharks like grey reef sharks or even oceanic whitetip sharks (especially for experienced divers in deeper areas).
Other interesting creatures like moray eels, turtles, and crustaceans.
Additional Considerations:
Due to the depths and currents, Ras Umm Heswia is best suited for experienced divers comfortable with drift dives and potentially strong currents.
Nitrox may be beneficial for deeper dives.
Guided dives are highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors to the reef. Many dive centers in Safaga offer trips to Ras Umm Heswia.
Visibility is generally good due to the offshore location.
Overall, Ras Umm Heswia offers a thrilling dive experience for experienced divers with its extensive coral formations, diverse marine life, and dramatic drop-off. However, the currents and depth make it a challenging dive requiring proper skills and awareness