Egypt

Dive Site: Omu Sukan

10–40 mIntermediate Reef
© Esri — Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri — HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive Omu Sukan?

About Omu Sukan

Omu Sukan is a vibrant reef dive site situated off the Egyptian Red Sea coast, easily accessible via a short boat ride from El Quseir or as a day trip from Alexandria for those seeking colorful corals. This site is particularly noteworthy for its rich marine life and diverse reef structure, offering an experience that contrasts with the more historical, less biodiverse underwater landscapes closer to Alexandria. It serves as a prime example of the Red Sea's celebrated underwater ecosystems, which host over 1,200 fish species and more than 200 coral types, many of which are endemic. The dive begins at a wall that drops to approximately 18 meters, where the typical north-to-south current allows for a gentle drift. Divers can explore deeper sections, descending to 30-40 meters, to discover a significant overhang, often frequented by white-tip reef sharks. As the drift continues south, the reef's topography gradually transforms from a steep wall into expansive, undulating coral gardens punctuated by pinnacles. These shallower areas, ranging from 10 to 15 meters, are ideal for spending extended time observing macro life. Marine encounters at Omu Sukan are varied and consistent, with resident populations enhancing the dive experience. You can expect to see triggerfish, turtles, and white-tip reef sharks. A family of curious eagle rays also inhabits the area, often approaching divers. The coral gardens are home to moray eels, blue-spotted rays, and numerous gobies and blennies, especially where sandy patches intersperse the corals. Given the potential for currents and the optional deeper sections, this site is well-suited for advanced divers looking to explore the deeper overhangs, while intermediate divers can enjoy the wall and extensive coral gardens. The usual procedure involves a boat drop, allowing divers to drift with the current along the reef, typically making it a single, memorable dive.

Highlights

Resident eagle ray familyWhite-tip reef sharksUndulating coral gardensDeep wall overhangMoray eels and gobiesBlue-spotted rays

Season calendar

Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good

Mar – May & Sep – Nov (Peak)

Best conditions with 30m+ visibility, comfortable water temps 24–28°C. Hammerhead sharks at Brothers, thresher sharks at Elphinstone.

Jun – Aug & Dec – Feb (Shoulder)

Jun–Aug: hot topside but warm water, good for southern routes. Dec–Feb: cooler water (21–23°C) attracts oceanic whitetips at Elphinstone. Still excellent visibility.

Dive site facts: Omu Sukan

Depth
10–40 m
Current
Moderate
Entry
Liveaboard or dayboat
Level
Intermediate
Dive type
Reef, Reef
Region / port
Egypt
Coordinates
31.2156° N, 29.8970° E

Conditions & Currents

The current at Omu Sukan typically flows from north to south, facilitating a drift dive along the reef. Divers usually begin with a boat drop and allow the current to carry them, keeping the reef on their right shoulder. This consistent current makes for a relaxed drift experience once underwater. While specific details on entry/exit techniques are not provided, the nature of a drift dive implies a live boat pick-up. Visibility is generally excellent, typical of Red Sea conditions, and no thermoclines or significant surge are mentioned. This current profile makes the site enjoyable for intermediate divers comfortable with drift diving, while advanced divers can safely explore deeper sections knowing the current direction.

Why dive Omu Sukan from a liveaboard?

Omu Sukan is one of Egypt's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Omu Sukan on their Egypt itineraries.

Liveaboards diving Omu Sukan

These liveaboards may visit Omu Sukan on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

DUNE Longara liveaboard at Omu Sukan

DUNE Longara

Egypt

30 guests
JP Marine liveaboard at Omu Sukan

JP Marine

Egypt

28 guests
Snefro Pearl liveaboard at Omu Sukan

Snefro Pearl

Egypt

12 guests
Snefro Love liveaboard at Omu Sukan

Snefro Love

Egypt

20 guests
Sindalahs liveaboard at Omu Sukan

Sindalahs

Egypt

26 guests38 m
Hammerhead II liveaboard at Omu Sukan

Hammerhead II

Egypt

20 guests
Blue Liveaboard liveaboard at Omu Sukan

Blue Liveaboard

Egypt

24 guests43 m
Odyssey liveaboard at Omu Sukan

Odyssey

Egypt

26 guests40 m
Discovery I liveaboard at Omu Sukan

Discovery I

Egypt

20 guests
Star Jet liveaboard at Omu Sukan

Star Jet

Egypt

28 guests35 m
SS Serena Dreams liveaboard at Omu Sukan

SS Serena Dreams

Egypt

18 guests33 m
Amelie liveaboard at Omu Sukan

Amelie

Egypt

12 guests23 m

Dive sites similar to Omu Sukan

Same character, same waters — six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes — then pick the site that fits your trip best.
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Abu Dabbab stands out as one of the Red Sea's most celebrated dive destinations, particularly notable for being a rare location where divers can encounter the endangered dugong.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Strong
Access
Shore / dayboat
Depth
3–20 m
Theme
Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Abu Galawa

Saudi Arabia

Abu Galawa is a prominent dive site within Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, specifically located among the Seven Sisters reefs near Yanbu.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
5–40 m
Theme
Reef / Wall
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Abu Galawa Kebir is a premier dive site located in the southern Red Sea, situated on the northwestern edge of the extensive Fury Shoal reef system.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
3–18 m
Theme
Wreck
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Abu Nuhas, often called the "ship's graveyard" of the Red Sea, is a triangular coral reef situated at the northern edge of the Strait of Gubal.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
4–24 m
Theme
Wreck
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Aida

Egypt

The Aida is a prominent wreck dive site located in the Egyptian Red Sea, frequently visited on liveaboard itineraries that traverse the central region between the northern and southern dive sites.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
25–65 m
Theme
Wreck / Drift
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS

Al Lith Mangrove Reef, located approximately 210 km south of Jeddah, serves as the primary launch point for exploring the renowned Farasan Banks.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Strong
Access
Shore / dayboat
Depth
3–15 m
Theme
Reef / Wall

12 liveaboards run the Omu Sukan route.

Three to four guided dives a day on Omu Sukan and the other signature sites in Egypt, sleeping right above the reef.