South Sinai Governorate dive sites

Gordon Reef is the most accessible of the four Tiran reefs and is suitable for divers with Open Water certification on calm days, though Advanced Open Water is recommended. Currents here are generally milder than at the other Tiran reefs, and much of the diving takes place on the sandy plateau at 15 to 22 metres. Dive guides assess current conditions before each dive.

The corroded wreck visible on the northern tip of the reef is the Loullia, a Panamanian-registered cargo vessel that ran aground in 1981. The wreck is too deteriorated and shallow for diving but is a prominent visual landmark. Its rusting silhouette against the turquoise water is one of the most photographed scenes in the Strait of Tiran.

March through November offers the best conditions with warm water and good visibility. Gordon Reef benefits from its southern position in the strait, which often means slightly calmer conditions than the northern reefs. Morning dives typically offer the best visibility before wind picks up.

Hammerhead sharks are most commonly sighted between November and March when water temperatures are cooler. They tend to appear at the northern tip of the reef in deeper water, typically below 25 metres. Sightings are never guaranteed but Jackson Reef has the highest frequency of hammerhead encounters among all Tiran reefs.

Advanced Open Water certification is required due to the strong and often unpredictable currents in the Strait of Tiran. Drift diving experience is essential. The reef's exposed northern position means it receives the full force of the tidal flow, and conditions can change rapidly during a dive.