Diving Sites
Jackson Reef
At Jackson Reef, you can encounter a rich tapestry of marine life, including schools of colorful fish like barracudas, jacks, and snappers. The reef's vibrant coral gardens host an array of corals, including gorgonians and soft corals, adding to the spectacle of the underwater landscape.
The highlight of this site is undoubtedly the famous shipwreck of the Lara, a cargo ship that ran aground in the early 1980s. The Lara has since become an artificial reef, providing shelter to a variety of marine species, from lionfish to moray eels.
Jackson Reef's deeper sections, reaching down to 80 meters, are reserved for experienced divers, who may encounter pelagic species like reef sharks and eagle rays. The reef's strong currents make it ideal for drift diving, offering an exhilarating experience as you glide effortlessly along the coral-covered walls.
Gordon Reef
Divers exploring Gordon Reef are treated to a vibrant and diverse underwater world. Colorful coral formations provide shelter to an array of marine species, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. The reef's thriving ecosystem also attracts larger predators such as reef sharks, making it an ideal location for shark enthusiasts.
One of the distinctive features of Gordon Reef is the famous "Shark Observatory," where divers can often observe these graceful creatures patrolling the area. The site also boasts intriguing swim-throughs and caves, adding an element of adventure to the diving experience.
With depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters, Gordon Reef offers opportunities for divers of all levels of experience. The shallower sections are perfect for beginners looking to admire the coral gardens, while advanced divers can explore deeper areas to encounter pelagic species and enjoy the breathtaking coral walls.
Ras Mohamed
Divers who explore Ras Mohammed Reef are treated to a visual feast of marine biodiversity. Vibrant coral gardens house a kaleidoscope of fish species, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and clownfish. The reef's thriving ecosystem also attracts larger pelagic creatures, such as barracudas, reef sharks, and even occasional sightings of dolphins and whale sharks, making it a dream location for underwater enthusiasts.
One of the signature features of Ras Mohammed Reef is the dramatic underwater drop-offs, with depths plummeting to over 1,000 meters. These steep walls are adorned with both hard and soft corals, creating a picturesque backdrop for divers. Additionally, the site features underwater caves and swim-throughs, adding an element of adventure to the diving experience.
With depths ranging from 5 to 1,000 meters, Ras Mohammed Reef caters to divers of various skill levels. While novice divers can explore the shallower sections and admire the coral gardens, advanced divers have the opportunity to venture deeper and encounter impressive pelagic species.
Shark & Yolanda Reef
Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef rank among the world's top ten dive sites, making them a standout destination within Ras Mohammed National Park. These two reefs offer a breathtaking and dramatic underwater terrain, rising from the abyssal depths to the surface. This remarkable dive is typically conducted as a drift dive, starting from Shark Reef and heading towards Yolanda.
To fully appreciate this dive, a swift entry is crucial to avoid drifting on the surface and missing out on the awe-inspiring wall descent, which plunges to depths exceeding 800 meters. Along the wall, you'll encounter a diverse array of marine life, including snappers, batfish, barracuda, and more, particularly during the peak season in July and August when these species gather, creating a captivating underwater spectacle that feels like diving in a bustling fish market.
The ever-changing currents throughout the dive can create a thrilling roller coaster experience. Your dive guide will navigate you around the vast pinnacles, and be sure to keep an eye on the open blue, where large pelagic fish often make appearances. The dive culminates at the remnants of the 'Yolanda' wreck. Exploring these reefs is not for the faint-hearted, but the adrenaline-pumping adventure offers a truly unforgettable experience.
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Woodhouse Reef
At Woodhouse Reef, you can expect to explore stunning coral gardens brimming with life. Vibrant hard and soft corals provide a haven for a diverse array of marine species, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and triggerfish. The reef's healthy ecosystem also attracts larger pelagic creatures such as barracudas, reef sharks, and even the occasional visiting manta ray.
One of the signature features of Woodhouse Reef is its famous "Fish City," a thriving congregation of fish species that divers often encounter. The site also offers fascinating swim-throughs and tunnels, adding an element of adventure to your underwater journey.
With depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, Woodhouse Reef caters to divers of different skill levels. For advanced divers, the deeper sections provide opportunities to spot larger marine life, while shallower areas offer a chance to admire the vibrant coral gardens up close.
Far Garden Reef
Divers who explore Far Garden Reef are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and marine species. Vibrant hard and soft corals create a picturesque underwater landscape, providing shelter to a diverse array of fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and unicornfish. The reef's vibrant ecosystem also attracts larger creatures like reef sharks and eagle rays, offering divers the chance to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Far Garden Reef is renowned for its healthy coral gardens, with spectacular formations that include towering pinnacles and intricate coral mazes. These formations, combined with the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, make it a photographer's paradise.
With depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, Far Garden Reef caters to divers of various skill levels. The shallower sections are perfect for beginners seeking a close-up look at the coral gardens, while deeper areas provide opportunities for advanced divers to explore the stunning coral walls and encounter pelagic species.
Jackfish Alley Reef
Divers exploring Jackfish Alley Reef are treated to a mesmerizing array of marine biodiversity. Colorful coral formations create a picturesque underwater landscape, providing shelter to a diverse array of fish, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. The reef's thriving ecosystem also attracts larger pelagic species, such as barracudas, tuna, and schools of jackfish, offering divers the chance to witness these impressive animals in their natural habitat.
One of the standout features of Jackfish Alley Reef is the impressive coral pinnacles that rise from the seabed, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for divers. These formations are known to attract a variety of marine life, making it an excellent site for underwater photography.
With depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, Jackfish Alley Reef caters to divers of various experience levels. The shallow coral gardens are perfect for beginners looking to appreciate the beauty of the Red Sea, while deeper areas provide opportunities for advanced divers to explore intricate coral formations and observe pelagic species.
SS Dunraven wreck
This wreck, which met its unfortunate fate in 1876, now rests on the seafloor, providing a unique habitat for marine species. The SS Dunraven's cargo, including items such as ceramic tiles and large wine jars, is scattered around the site, offering a glimpse into the past.
Divers who explore the SS Dunraven wreck are treated to a fascinating underwater journey. The site is adorned with colorful coral growth and serves as a magnet for marine life, including schools of fish, moray eels, and the occasional turtle. Exploring the nooks and crannies of the shipwreck is a thrilling adventure, where you can witness nature's reclamation of this sunken vessel.
With depths ranging from 15 to 30 meters, the SS Dunraven wreck caters to divers of various experience levels. The shallower sections allow for closer inspection of the marine life and ship remnants, while deeper areas offer opportunities for advanced divers to explore the nooks and crevices.
Thomas Reef
Divers exploring Thomas Reef are treated to a kaleidoscope of marine life, including schools of anthias, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish. The site is also home to various reef sharks, offering the chance for divers to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
What sets Thomas Reef apart is its unique underwater topography. Steep walls adorned with colorful soft and hard corals give way to stunning drop-offs, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for divers. A particular highlight is the "Thomas Canyon," a mesmerizing channel that cuts through the reef, offering divers a thrilling swim-through experience.
The depth at Thomas Reef varies, catering to divers of different experience levels. The shallow coral gardens are perfect for novice divers, while deeper sections reaching up to 40 meters provide opportunities for advanced divers to encounter pelagic species and explore intricate coral formations.
Ras Ghozlani Reef
Divers exploring Ras Ghozlani Reef are treated to a mesmerizing array of marine life. Colorful coral formations provide refuge to a diverse range of fish, including butterflyfish, parrotfish, and angelfish. The reef's vibrant ecosystem also attracts larger predators like barracudas and reef sharks, offering divers the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
One of the remarkable features of Ras Ghozlani Reef is its stunning coral gardens, characterized by intricate formations and vivid colors. The site is also known for its dramatic underwater topography, with steep walls and drop-offs creating a visually stunning backdrop for divers.
With depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters, Ras Ghozlani Reef caters to divers of various experience levels. Novice divers can explore the shallower sections, while advanced divers have the opportunity to venture deeper and encounter pelagic species.
Shark Observatory Reef
Divers exploring the Shark Observatory Reef are drawn by the allure of encountering various shark species. It's a renowned gathering point for reef sharks, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, as well as the occasional hammerhead shark. These graceful predators frequent the area, offering divers a thrilling opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat.
Beyond its reputation for shark encounters, the Shark Observatory Reef boasts vibrant coral gardens with colorful hard and soft corals. These formations provide shelter to a diverse array of marine life, including butterflyfish, parrotfish, and angelfish. The site's underwater topography includes dramatic drop-offs and coral walls, creating a stunning backdrop for divers.
With depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters, the Shark Observatory Reef caters to divers of varying experience levels. While novice divers can explore the shallower sections and marvel at the coral gardens, advanced divers have the opportunity to venture deeper and have close encounters with pelagic species.
SS Thistlegorm wreck
Sunk in 1941 during World War II, the SS Thistlegorm is a time capsule of the past. Diving this wreck allows you to explore a virtual museum of wartime relics, including motorcycles, trucks, rifles, and even a steam locomotive. These remnants provide a poignant glimpse into the vessel's cargo and its role during the war.
Beyond its historical significance, the SS Thistlegorm wreck has evolved into a thriving underwater ecosystem. Schools of fish, including barracudas and snappers, have made the shipwreck their home. You may also encounter moray eels, lionfish, and a variety of coral species, adding a vibrant touch to the sunken vessel.
With depths ranging from 16 to 30 meters, the SS Thistlegorm accommodates divers of varying experience levels. The wreck's shallow sections are perfect for those seeking a closer look at the cargo and marine life, while deeper areas offer opportunities for advanced divers to explore the ship's interior.