Local south Sharm dive-site page describing shore access and tide-dependent entry at Ras Um Sid/El Fanar.
Shore reef flat with giant clams and drop-off
Shore reef flat with giant clams and drop-off
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El Fanar is a shore-access Ras Um Sid reef flat with giant clams, a pontoon entry, and a short swim to a drop-off that works best on calm mornings.
Conservative research baseline blended with 1 dive by 1 diver.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
0.5m - 20m
Depth Note
The reef flat begins almost at the waterline, and the drop-off starts about 20 yards from shore before continuing down the wall.
Best Season
Year-round, with calm mornings giving the most comfortable shoreline sessions.
Typical Conditions
Shallow reef flat with giant clams, a short entry to the drop-off, and current that strengthens away from the pontoon and along the outer reef.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Stay close to the pontoon or shore entry, do not push into the stronger flow on the left-hand side, and turn early if the reef edge starts to feel busy.
Access Restrictions
The easiest route is the El Fanar beach entry or a calm shore swim; the reef edge is less friendly when the current builds.
Legal Notes
Expect a day-use fee at the private beach and a simpler free-beach option nearby, but use either entry only if you have a clear plan for the reef swim.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A shore or boat dive with a shallow start, then a reef-edge route that drops to around 20m and can continue deeper on the wall.
Freediving
Freediving is possible on calm mornings over the shallow flat, but the current and drop-off make it a site for controlled sessions only.
Snorkeling
The easiest line is the El Fanar jetty or ladder, where you can enter directly on the reef and stay close to the wall in calm conditions.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
1 community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Local south Sharm dive-site page describing shore access and tide-dependent entry at Ras Um Sid/El Fanar.
Dive-site guide with the shore entry, depth, current direction, coral structure, and wildlife list.
Snorkeling guide with giant clams, pontoon entry, facilities, visitor numbers, and current notes.
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