The Tiran Reefs

An Underwater Paradise in the Red Sea You Must Dive

At the gates of the Gulf of Aqaba, off the coast of Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt), rise from the depths of the Red Sea some of the most spectacular and sought-after reefs by divers from all over the world: the Tiran Reefs.

This group of reefs – Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse, and Jackson – is much more than a collection of dive sites. It’s a marine sanctuary where biodiversity explodes in every corner, visibility is astonishing, and excitement is guaranteed for both seasoned divers and those still gaining their first underwater experiences.

Diving the Tiran Reefs

Located in the Strait of Tiran, about 30 minutes by boat from Sharm El Sheikh, these four reefs offer unique dives: coral walls, canyons, caves, and marine life ranging from turtles to sharks. Visibility often exceeds 30 meters, and the currents – whether gentle or strong – attract pelagic species that turn every dive into an unforgettable experience.

Here’s a description of each site, with the tone of someone who warmly invites you to discover the underwater world with us:

Jackson Reef: Adrenaline and Vibrant Corals

Jackson Reef is the northernmost and most famous of the Tiran reefs, ideal for drift, wall, and reef dives. The coral garden on the north side is a spectacle, covered in soft corals of every color, brain corals, gorgonians, and fire corals that glow in the strong currents.

The calmer southern side features a plateau between 10 and 25 meters, home to schools of anthias, parrotfish, and moray eels hiding among the coral. On top of the reef lies the wreck of the Lara, grounded in 1981, visible from the surface. With visibility often exceeding 30 meters, Jackson is the perfect mix of adrenaline and beauty – a vibrant dive that connects you to the pure energy of the Red Sea.

Thomas Reef: Compact, Colorful, and Adventurous

Thomas Reef is the smallest of the group, but also one of the most spectacular. Its vertical walls are covered in soft corals in shades of purple, yellow, and red, gorgonians, and whip corals that seem to sway with life. Its greatest attraction is an underwater canyon starting at 35 meters and descending beyond 90, featuring three natural arches – the Three Thomas Arches – forming an impressive cave accessible only to technical or advanced divers.

For recreational diving, the southeastern plateau (25 m) offers white sand and schools of fusiliers. The usually moderate currents make the dive exciting without being extreme. Turtles, lionfish, and nudibranchs are commonly seen. With visibility of 25 to 30 meters, Thomas is a compact and colorful gem that captivates from the first minute.

Woodhouse Reef: Gentle Drift and Special Encounters

Woodhouse Reef is the longest and narrowest, ideal for a south-to-north drift dive. Anchoring is not permitted, so calm seas are required. Its eastern wall, between 7 and 30 meters deep, is carpeted with soft corals, giant gorgonians, and anemones, with black coral colonies between 20 and 25 meters.

A canyon at 25 meters leads to a coral garden with sandy corridors where you might find eagle rays, turtles, and curious groupers. The currents start off gentle but can strengthen near Jackson Reef, making the final stretch more exciting. Less visited than the other sites, Woodhouse has an exclusive feel – as if the Red Sea reserved it just for you.

Gordon Reef: Versatile and Full of Life

Gordon Reef is the closest and most accessible from Sharm El Sheikh. It offers diving for all levels, from beginners to experts. Its shallow plateau, between 2 and 10 meters, contrasts with a drop on the southern side that descends from 25 to 50 meters. Hard coral gardens (like brain and lettuce coral) alternate with soft corals and white sand bottoms that reflect the light and create a brilliant atmosphere.

On the northern side lies the wreck of the Loullia, stranded since 1981 and visible from the surface. Marine life is rich: snappers, butterflyfish, eagle rays, moray eels, and in deeper zones, possibly dolphins and turtles. With gentle currents and visibility between 20 and 30 meters, Gordon is ideal for a relaxed dive. Bringing a camera here is almost a must.

A Must-Stop on Our Northern Route

At Blue Force Fleet, we consider the Tiran Reefs a true gem. That’s why they are a highlight of our Northern Route aboard the BLUE FORCE 2, our liveaboard in the Red Sea.

Every week, we set sail from Sharm El Sheikh to offer you an itinerary that combines the best of underwater history – like the wrecks of Thistlegorm and Kingston – the Ras Mohammed National Park, and the wildest, most colorful nature found in the Tiran Reefs.

All of this comes with the comfort, safety, and high-quality service that defines us: an excellent onboard atmosphere, expert-guided dives, detailed briefings, great food, time to relax between dives… and seascapes you will never forget.

Ready to Dive Tiran?

If you’re passionate about diving and looking for a complete experience in the Red Sea, the Tiran Reefs should definitely be on your list. It’s no coincidence that so many divers return to this route year after year. The combination of landscape, marine life, thrill, color, and comfort is hard to beat.

Book your spot on our Northern Route and come discover the treasures of Tiran with the BLUE FORCE 2 team.
We’ll be waiting for you on board.