Local south Sharm dive-site page describing shore access and tide-dependent entry at Ras Um Sid/El Fanar.
El Fanar
Shore reef flat with giant clams and drop-off
About El Fanar
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.
Research + Early Community Signal At El Fanar
Conservative research baseline blended with 1 logged dive by 1 diver.
Where Is El Fanar?
El Fanar Planning Details
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.
Safety & Access At El Fanar
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.
Local Intel For El Fanar
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
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.
Freedive
Freediving is possible on calm mornings over the shallow flat, but the current and drop-off make it a site for controlled sessions only.
Snorkel
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.
El Fanar Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at El Fanar.
Exposure Profile at El Fanar
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Wildlife at El Fanar
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At El Fanar
1 community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Hidden Hermit Crab
4/18/2025 at 06:32 PM (Africa/Cairo)
Conditions
Detailed Ratings
Dive Spot Log Averages At El Fanar
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
El Fanar Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
El Fanar Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
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.
Dive listing with year-round timing, visibility, access, scuba type, difficulty, and max depth.
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