Straits of Tiran: A Complete Guide to 4 Stunning Reefs
The Straits of Tiran lie between the Sinai Peninsula and Tiran Island, where a narrow channel forces water — and marine life — through a chain of four spectacular reefs. Together with Ras Mohammed, Tiran is one of the two must-dive areas out of Sharm El Sheikh, famous for healthy hard corals, walls dropping into deep blue, and the chance of sharks and big pelagic fish. This guide covers the four reefs, conditions and how to dive them.
The four reefs of Tiran
The straits are defined by four reefs named after 19th-century British cartographers who charted them:
- Jackson Reef — the northernmost and most famous, known for pristine coral, strong currents and frequent shark sightings. The wreck of the Lara lies on its northern edge.
- Woodhouse Reef — a long, narrow reef usually dived as a drift, with a dramatic wall and canyons.
- Thomas Reef — the smallest but arguably the most beautiful, with a deep plateau, overhangs and superb soft corals.
- Gordon Reef — the southernmost, with a sandy plateau, resident sharks and the rusting wreck of the Loullia marking its edge.
Marine life and scenery
Tiran’s currents keep the corals healthy and attract life: expect large schools of anthias, snapper and fusiliers, plus trevally, tuna and barracuda hunting along the walls. Turtles, napoleon wrasse and moray eels are common, and the deeper plateaus offer chances of grey reef and whitetip sharks — with the occasional hammerhead in summer.
Conditions and experience level
Tiran is best known for its drift diving. Currents can be strong and change direction, which is exactly what makes the diving so rich — but it means the straits suit divers who are comfortable being carried along a wall. Many sites are accessible to Open Water divers in calm conditions, while Advanced certification and drift experience unlock the full range.
| Detail | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Depth range | 5–30 m |
| Dive type | Drift & wall |
| Level | Open Water to Advanced |
| Highlights | Hard coral, sharks, pelagics |
How to dive the Straits of Tiran
The reefs are reached by day boat from Sharm El Sheikh, usually as a two- or three-dive day. Tiran pairs naturally with Ras Mohammed and the Thistlegorm to form a classic northern Red Sea diving week. Plan your trip via diving in Sharm El Sheikh, and read our guides to Ras Mohammed and the SS Thistlegorm wreck.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Straits of Tiran suitable for beginners?
Some Tiran sites can be dived by Open Water divers in calm conditions, but the area is best known for drift diving in current, so a little experience makes a big difference. Operators choose sites to match conditions and your level.
What are the four reefs of Tiran?
Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon — named after British cartographers. Jackson and Thomas are the most celebrated for coral and marine life.
Can you see sharks in the Straits of Tiran?
Yes. Grey reef and whitetip sharks are seen on the deeper plateaus, particularly at Jackson and Gordon, with a chance of hammerheads in the summer months.
How do you dive Tiran from Sharm El Sheikh?
By day boat, typically a two- or three-dive day. The crossing is short, making Tiran one of the most convenient world-class dive areas from Sharm.
Want to drift the reefs of Tiran? Build your custom Sharm El Sheikh diving trip with Repack Travel.
