World-Class Reef Diving in the Northern Red Sea
The reef system of the Straits of Tiran is a true paradise for divers seeking dramatic drop-offs and vibrant shallow reefs teeming with marine life. Shark lovers in particular are drawn here by the chance to see hammerheads – and with a bit of luck, even tiger sharks. The four main reefs that make up this area are Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon, and Jackson Reef.
The Straits of Tiran are among the absolute highlights for reef diving in the northern Red Sea. The reefs are home to groupers, turtles, snappers, surgeonfish, and unicornfish. Strong currents and lush coral growth attract predators such as barracudas, tuna, jacks, and various shark species – including hammerheads, whitetip and grey reef sharks, leopard sharks, and occasionally even tiger sharks. Experienced divers love this region because every dive is a new adventure.
The Straits of Tiran lie at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba, between Tiran Island and the Sinai Peninsula. The four reefs – Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse, and Jackson – are named after British cartographers who first mapped the area. They divide the strait into two shipping passages: the Enterprise Passage (maximum depth 250 m) to the west, used for southbound traffic, and the Grafton Passage (maximum depth 70 m) to the east, used for northbound traffic. These relatively shallow channels contribute to the often unpredictable strong currents that make diving here so exciting.
The Straits of Tiran are also geopolitically significant, as they separate the Gulf of Aqaba from the main Red Sea. The Gulf is home to the only seaports of Jordan (Aqaba) and Israel (Eilat). Tiran and neighboring Sanafir Island now belong to Saudi Arabia – entry is prohibited. The closure of the strait in 1967 led directly to military tensions and the outbreak of the Six-Day War, during which Israel occupied the Sinai Peninsula. It is believed that unexploded landmines still remain on Tiran Island.
Jackson Reef is the northernmost of the four reefs and boasts some of the healthiest coral growth in all of Sinai. Strong currents bring nutrient-rich waters that fuel dense coral, gorgonian, and sea fan growth – making it a hotspot for barracudas and trevallies.
The most dived area is the sheltered southern side, where boats can anchor. From there, a steep wall drops to about 40 meters and leads to a sandy seabed with a garden eel colony. To the west, a saddle connects Jackson to Woodhouse Reef. The southwestern corner is known for very strong currents, but when conditions are good, you can drift along the eastern wall, where turtles and large pelagic fish such as tuna, whitetip and grey reef sharks are often seen. From July to September, scalloped hammerhead sharks are frequently spotted here – especially along the northern edge. The shallower southern section has a sandy bottom covered in soft corals – a perfect place for a safety stop. The fish diversity is astounding snappers, triggerfish, and trumpetfish are common sightings.
The north side of Jackson Reef is only dived in calm conditions – typically in summer – and is known for its “blue water dives” aimed at spotting hammerheads. This area is also home to the wreck of the Lara, lying beyond 48 meters – a dive only suitable for technical divers. The 137-meter-long Cypriot freighter sank in 1982. It was partially salvaged in 1996, but parts of the wreck remain on top of the reef.
Woodhouse Reef is long and narrow, stretching from northeast to southwest – following the main current direction in the Straits of Tiran. There are no permanent moorings, so this site is only accessible as a drift dive from south to north.
The most interesting area is the northeastern wall, as the western side is often affected by rougher surface conditions. At 30 meters, you’ll find a canyon running parallel to the reef, ending in a sandy ledge – a favorite resting spot for reef sharks. Jacks, turtles, sharks, many anemones, and both hard and soft corals – including black corals at around 20–25 meters – can all be found here.
The sand terrace widens to the north at about 14 meters and leads to a saddle that connects to Jackson Reef. This area is known for its high fish density: fusiliers, snappers, surgeonfish, unicorn fish, and passing tuna and trevallies. Locally, the saddle is referred to as the “Washing Machine” – it’s strongly recommended to end the dive before reaching it, especially in rough seas or strong currents.
Thomas Reef is the smallest of the four reefs, but it’s a favorite thanks to its stunning colors and abundance of marine life. As there are no moorings here, it’s also exclusively dived as a drift dive.
The usual entry point is in the southeast. A wall covered in gorgonians, whipped and black corals drops to a large terrace at 25 meters, where whitetip and leopard sharks often rest. To the east, a spectacular canyon opens at 35 meters and runs for 80 meters parallel to the reef. It’s pierced by three natural arches – known as the “Thomas Arches.” This site is suitable for technical divers only, as the canyon reaches depths of up to 90 meters. Anthias, longnose hawk fish, boxfish, and pipefish can be spotted here, along with massive schools of bannerfish.
The north wall occasionally offers protection from strong currents. The west side of the reef features crevices, caves, and abundant marine life – including turtles, lionfish, groupers, schooling fish, and even pelagics. Due to strong currents, diver pickup is often not possible here. In ideal conditions, the entire reef can be circled in a single dive – provided there is no counter-current in the north.
Gordon Reef is the southernmost of the Tiran reefs and the closest to Sharm El Sheikh. It consists of a shallow plateau with mooring lines and sloping reef edges. It’s the most beginner-friendly reef in the area, although currents sometimes sweep across the plateau. On the surface to the north lies the rusted wreck of the Loullia, a Panamanian freighter that ran aground in 1981.
A typical dive plan leads from the plateau toward the east and then north – passing scattered metal drums and an eel garden. The barrels provide shelter for octopuses and moray eels, especially peppered and yellow-edged morays. Eagle rays and whitetip sharks are also spotted here. Alternatively, the plateau can be explored for nudibranchs. Along the edges, divers often encounter Napoleon wrasses and triggerfish.
Laguna Reef lies on the western side of Tiran Island and features a shallow hard coral lagoon (10–12 m deep), divided into northern and southern sections by a coral wall. The area boasts spectacular coral formations. Due to its location within the strait and its shallow depth, the site is heavily influenced by tidal currents – the best conditions are usually in the afternoon. On the outer wall lies the wreck of the Zingara (also known as the Kormoran), a German freighter that sank here in 1984.
In good conditions, this site offers an unforgettable diving experience.