Diving the Straits of Tiran: Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon Reefs
While Ras Mohammed is famous for its vertical walls and schooling fish, the Straits of Tiran are sought after for their power, their pristine hard corals, and their reputation as the best place in Sharm El-Sheikh to spot pelagic species.
Connected to the Sharm El-Sheikh mainland by a narrow passage, these four reefs sit in the middle of the Gulf of Aqaba. The narrowing of the gulf creates strong currents that bring clear, nutrient-rich water to the reefs, supporting a level of coral health and fish density that is truly breathtaking.
Here is your guide to diving the four legendary reefs of Tiran.
1. Jackson Reef: The Pelagic Magnet
Jackson Reef is the northernmost of the four and arguably the most beautiful. It is easily identifiable from the surface by the rusted wreck of the Lara, a merchant ship that hit the reef in 1981.
- The Dive: Typically dived on its sheltered southern side, featuring a spectacular coral garden. However, when the weather is calm, advanced divers can dive the 'back' (the northern side), which is a sheer wall drop-off.
- Marine Life: This is the best spot in Sharm to see Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks in the summer months (July to September). You will also see large Napoleon wrasse and sea turtles.
2. Woodhouse Reef: The Longest Drift
Woodhouse is the longest of the four reefs, stretching over a kilometer from north to south. It is almost exclusively dived as a drift.
- The Dive: Divers drop in at the southern end and drift along the western wall. The wall is covered in black corals and giant gorgonian fans.
- The 'Canyon': In the middle of the reef, there is a small canyon-like formation at 30 meters where you can often spot whitetip reef sharks resting.
- Conditions: Because the reef is narrow, the currents can be very strong. The northern tip of the reef, known as 'the wash,' can be extremely turbulent and is usually avoided unless conditions are perfect.
3. Thomas Reef: The Narrow Gem
Thomas is the smallest of the four reefs but packed with interest. It is famous for its deep 'canyon' and its varied topography.
- The Dive: A classic wall dive featuring an incredible variety of soft and hard corals. It is particularly known for its abundance of colorful nudibranchs and flatworms.
- Thomas Canyon: For those with deep diving or technical training, the Thomas Canyon is a series of three deep arches starting at 35 meters and dropping to 60+ meters. It is a stunning, atmospheric site but requires careful planning and air management.
4. Gordon Reef: The Wreck and the Plateau
Gordon is the southernmost reef and is famous for the huge, hulking wreck of the Louilla, which has sat high and dry on the reef top since 1981.
- The Dive: Unlike the other three reefs which are primarily walls, Gordon features a vast, shallow sandy plateau at around 10-15 meters. This makes it a popular spot for lunch breaks and a fantastic second or third dive of the day.
- Marine Life: The plateau is home to several resident sea turtles, giant moray eels, and blue-spotted rays. It is also an excellent spot for macro photography.
Logistics: How to Dive Tiran
- Boat Trip: All trips to the Straits of Tiran are boat-based. The ride from Naama Bay or Sharks Bay takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
- Certification Level: While beginners can dive the sheltered sides of Jackson and Gordon, the Straits are famous for their current. We recommend being an Advanced Open Water Diver to fully enjoy the drift dives and deeper walls.
- Weather Dependency: Tiran is more exposed to the prevailing northerly winds than the local Sharm sites. On very windy days, boats may be unable to reach the straits, and dive centers will divert to the more sheltered local reefs or Ras Mohammed.
Final Thoughts
Diving the Straits of Tiran is a must-do for any diver visiting Sharm El-Sheikh. The sheer health of the hard corals at Jackson and the thrill of drifting along the massive wall of Woodhouse provide an experience that is both beautiful and exhilarating. If you're looking for the Red Sea at its most wild and vibrant, this is it.