Ras Um Sid beach
Discover the enchanting Ras Um Sid Beach, a serene oasis nestled in the southern reaches of the vibrant resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, along the tranquil bay of Ras Umm-Sid. This idyllic spot is situated on the sun-drenched southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, boasting an exceptional climate with an abundance of sunny days and ideal daytime temperatures that create the perfect setting for an unforgettable beach vacation.
Photos
Beach description
The beach itself is known as "Golden Beach," as indicated on many maps. However, among tourists, for ease of reference and to pinpoint the location, it is commonly referred to by the name of the bay, "Ras Um Sid."
The name aptly describes the type and color of the sand. The beach is composed entirely of bright golden sand. The grains are of medium size, and in some places, they may resemble small pebbles. This is particularly true at the western and eastern edges of the beach, where it is flanked by low stone cliffs and reefs made of sandstone and coral sediments.
The beach is quite expansive; however, it is dotted with canopies and lawn chairs for the comfort of vacationers. Some of these amenities belong to nearby restaurants, which offer the convenience of delivering orders directly to guests. Others are available for hourly rental to the public.
The beach is informally divided in half by a small, rounded stone cape. To access the swimming area in the Red Sea from this point, one must descend a modest staircase. To the right and left, the sea meets the sand's edge directly. The waters are shallow, with a sandy bottom free of stones and coral debris. For about ten meters, the depth does not exceed one and a half meters. Beyond this, there is a gentle slope, descending to a depth of approximately two to two and a half meters. Here, the bottom is mostly sandy, but scattered stones and corals may be encountered. The width of this area ranges from thirty to fifty meters.
Past the bathing zone lies a coral reef with varying depths. This area is a popular spot for divers, so it is common to see either individual motorboats or groups of scuba divers. Additionally, many visitors enjoy snorkeling in these vibrant waters.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Egypt for a beach vacation is typically during the spring and fall months, specifically from March to May and from September to November. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, making it ideal for enjoying the country's stunning beaches.
- March to May: Spring in Egypt is warm but not excessively hot, with average coastal temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). This is a perfect time for swimming and sunbathing without the intense heat of the summer months.
- September to November: The fall season offers similar conditions to spring, with the added benefit of the sea remaining warm from the summer heat. This makes it an excellent time for water activities such as snorkeling and diving, especially in the Red Sea resorts.
It's important to avoid the peak summer months from June to August, as temperatures can soar above 30°C (86°F), which might be uncomfortable for some travelers. Additionally, the winter months from December to February, while mild, can be too cool for those looking to spend time in the water.
Video: Beach Ras Um Sid
Infrastructure
The beach is, in fact, the central part of the resort area. A large number of hotels are strategically placed around it. Numerous roads lead to the coast, where a continuous, wide promenade runs along the sandy shore. Adjacent to the sand, several restaurants, cafes, and bars beckon visitors with their inviting atmospheres. Set slightly apart, a pier offers the opportunity to rent a boat for leisurely trips or diving adventures.
A section of the beach is reserved for hotels and individual bungalows, which provide comfortable loungers for their guests. All establishments adhere to a standard that is recognized in Egypt and renowned among tourists worldwide. Guests have the liberty to select accommodations that suit their preferences. However, we recommend the five-star Il Mercato Hotel & Spa, which stands apart from the rest. Beyond offering a convenient passage directly to Golden Beach, it invites guests to explore the stunning coral beach and to meander among the reefs in a glass-bottomed vessel. The cost for a week's stay per person is an affordable $350.
Weather in Ras Um Sid
Best hotels of Ras Um Sid
All hotels of Ras Um SidUseful information
You can admire Ras Um Sid Bay entirely from the eastern or western cliffs. At the same time, the depths nearby are also small, but at a certain distance, a sharp bottom drift begins. Because there are not too many vacationers and sunbathers here.
Special piers are also arranged in these places where motor boats arrive. From there, lovers of contemplation of the underwater depths can dive directly, so as not to exhaust yourself with a long voyage from the beach itself to the accumulations of corals.
Getting to the beach from another part of the city to the beach is easy. It is enough to follow the Al Fanar highway to the south until the point where it practically rests on the sea.
There are many different schools on the coast where local Egyptians will be happy to tell you how to go diving. The official Diving Center, however, is located somewhat in the back of the hotel complex of continuous development on Al Ferussia Street. And for beginners or with very little diving experience divers it is better to go there.