Jackson Reef
Overview
Jackson Reef is the northernmost of the four reefs in the Strait of Tiran, marking the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba. It is widely regarded as the best of the Tiran reefs for big-animal encounters. The reef is marked by the rusting wreck of the MV Lara on its shallow reef flat, visible from the surface. Beneath the waterline, the reef's walls drop steeply on all sides, covered in spectacular soft corals and sea fans. The north face bears the brunt of the current flowing through the strait, and this current-swept wall is where the action happens: whitetip reef sharks patrol the drop-off, hammerhead sharks appear in the blue during cooler months, and enormous schools of barracuda and trevally swirl in the water column. Napoleon wrasse and groupers are common along the wall, and eagle rays are frequently spotted. On the sheltered southern side, the reef plateau offers a gentler dive with pristine table corals and gardens of staghorn coral. Anemones with clownfish dot the shallows. Jackson Reef is accessed by boat from Sharm el-Sheikh, a 60-to-90-minute ride depending on conditions. Currents can be extremely strong and unpredictable, and dive boats will assess conditions before allowing entry. Drift dives along the current-facing wall with zodiac pickup are standard. On peak current days, the diving is exhilarating but demanding, suitable only for experienced divers comfortable in strong flow.
Marine life
Dive profile
DEPTH PROFILE
DEPTH PROGRESSION & WAYPOINTS: Jackson Reef
Location
Frequently asked questions
What certification level is needed for Jackson Reef?
Advanced Open Water certification is required. Strong currents are common at the Strait of Tiran reefs, and dives typically involve drift diving at 15–35 meters. Divers should have experience with current and blue-water conditions.
When is the best time to dive Jackson Reef?
March to November offers the best conditions. Strong currents are a feature of the site, and while they bring the pelagics, they also demand experience. Early mornings often have the best shark sightings.
What marine life highlights does Jackson Reef offer?
Jackson Reef is one of the best sites in the northern Red Sea for pelagic encounters. Hammerhead sharks are sighted during cooler months, whitetip reef sharks patrol the walls year-round, and massive schools of barracuda and trevally are almost guaranteed.
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Data Provenance
This profile is compiled from 3 operator submissions and 142 community logs. Key facts (depth, entry) are verified against official hydrographic charts.