Dive Site: Gordon Reef

About Gordon Reef

Gordon Reef is the southernmost of the four prominent coral formations situated in the narrow Straits of Tiran, which separate the Gulf of Aqaba from the main Red Sea. This strategic location ensures strong currents constantly sweep through the area, bringing nutrient-rich waters that sustain vibrant coral ecosystems and attract abundant marine life, making it a premier diving destination in the northern Red Sea. The reef is easily identifiable by the prominent wreck of the Panamanian cargo ship MV Louilla, which ran aground in 1981 and marks its northern edge. An unmanned lighthouse on the southwest and a ruin to the north also serve as landmarks. Diving at Gordon Reef typically focuses on its southern section, where the reef shelf drops from sandy moorings at 2-10 meters to a vertical wall plunging to 25-30 meters before descending further to 50 meters and eventually to 300 meters on the western side. A notable feature is the "Amphitheatre," a sandy depression at approximately 23 meters depth (75 feet) where divers often encounter sharks resting. Further west, a drift along the Drop-off at a maximum depth of 35 meters (115 feet) reveals a sheer vertical wall adorned with purple sea fans, fire corals, and black corals, attracting pelagic species. Northward, large metal drums form an artificial reef known as "Barrels" between 10 and 20 meters, housing various eels and numerous reef fish. While species like scalloped hammerhead sharks and whitetip reef sharks are known to visit the Amphitheatre, the site is rich in diverse reef inhabitants year-round. Expect to see large schools of bannerfish, triggerfish, surgeonfish, and crown butterflyfish, alongside well-camouflaged scorpionfish and resident Red Sea clownfish. Giant moray eels, snowflake eels, gold-edged eels, humphead wrasse, angelfish, parrotfish, and sabre squirrelfish are also common. Green sea turtles are often seen feeding on seagrass and algae on the northern sandy plateau. Dives at Gordon Reef are typically conducted by boat, often as drift dives due to the prevailing currents. A permanent mooring near a southern light beacon offers a sheltered entry point for liveaboards. The Red Sea overall offers excellent visibility, often exceeding 20 meters (65 feet), and diving is possible year-round, with liveaboards frequently incorporating Gordon Reef into northern Red Sea itineraries.