About Jackson Reef
Jackson Reef is a premier dive destination nestled in the Straits of Tiran, a narrow channel connecting the Gulf of Aqaba to the Red Sea, located northeast of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. As the northernmost of four significant reefs in this strait, it stands as a testament to the region’s geological history, being a remnant of an ancient, eroded ridge. Its iconic status is further cemented by the visible remains of the Cypriot freighter *Lara*, which ran aground on its northern edge in 1981, serving as a reminder of the treacherous currents here and adding a historical element to the site. The dive site offers diverse topography, including steep coral walls that plunge deep, sheltered slopes, and vibrant coral gardens. Dives typically begin from a permanent mooring on the southern side, which is protected from wind and waves, allowing for tranquil descents. From here, divers can explore either the western route, characterized by slightly shallower slopes and inquisitive garden eels, or the eastern route, which starts on a shallow plateau around 15 meters before dropping to steep walls. The walls are covered in dense soft and hard corals, including impressive sea whips, gorgonian fans, and bright orange fire corals. Jackson Reef is teeming with marine life, supported by nutrient-rich currents. You can encounter numerous reef fish species like cornetfish, red tooth triggerfish, and black snappers. Pelagic species such as barracuda, tuna, and trevally are frequently sighted. The reef is also known for larger inhabitants including turtles, stingrays, moray eels, and various sharks, with scalloped hammerheads making significant appearances in the summer months. Whale sharks have also been known to visit occasionally. Dive profiles often involve drift diving, taking advantage of the prevalent current that flows north towards the Gulf of Aqaba. While suitable for various experience levels depending on the specific route and current conditions, areas with strong currents may require more advanced skills. Typical depths range from 5 meters on the reef top to around 40 meters, with walls extending beyond 100 meters, allowing for multi-level exploration.
Highlights
Lara wreck remains on reef topSchooling hammerhead sharksVibrant coral walls and gardensPelagic fish encountersGarden eelsGorgonian fans and red anemonesDrift dives with strong currents
Best Season
The best time to dive Jackson Reef is generally from August to October, primarily for the higher likelihood of encountering schooling hammerhead sharks. However, the site offers excellent coral and reef life year-round. Water temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C, ensuring comfortable diving throughout the seasons.
Dive site facts: Jackson Reef
- Depth
- 5–40 m
- Current
- Strong
- Entry
- Liveaboard only
- Level
- Advanced
- Dive type
- Reef, Reef
- Region / port
- Egypt
- Coordinates
- 27.9744° N, 34.4611° E
Conditions & Currents
Jackson Reef is renowned for its currents, which can range from moderate to strong, often flowing from the south towards the Gulf of Aqaba at speeds of 1 to 4 knots. These currents are a defining feature of the Tiran Strait and facilitate thrilling drift dives, but they necessitate careful planning and can be challenging, particularly around the easternmost point of the reef where they are strongest. Liveaboards typically use a permanent mooring on the sheltered south side, providing a calm entry point before divers embark on a drift either east or west with the prevailing current. Negative entries are often employed to quickly get below the surface. Visibility is consistently excellent, usually between 25 to 35 meters, allowing clear views despite the current. There are no significant thermoclines mentioned. Due to the potential for strong currents and vertical drop-offs, divers should possess an intermediate to advanced certification level, and good air consumption is beneficial for extending bottom time in dynamic conditions. Local dive masters are essential to navigate high-current areas and ensure safety.
Why dive Jackson Reef from a liveaboard?
Jackson Reef is one of Egypt's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Jackson Reef on their Egypt itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Jackson Reef
These liveaboards may visit Jackson Reef on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
DUNE Longara
Egypt
30 guests
$150/day
JP Marine
Egypt
28 guests
$109/day
Snefro Pearl
Egypt
12 guests
$150/day
Snefro Love
Egypt
20 guests
$154/day
Sindalahs
Egypt
26 guests38 m
$155/day
Hammerhead II
Egypt
20 guests
$172/day
Blue Liveaboard
Egypt
24 guests43 m
$172/day
Odyssey
Egypt
26 guests40 m
$185/day
Discovery I
Egypt
20 guests
$104/day
Star Jet
Egypt
28 guests35 m
$145/day
SS Serena Dreams
Egypt
18 guests33 m
$159/day
Amelie
Egypt
12 guests23 m
$115/day
Dive sites similar to Jackson Reef
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
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Far Garden
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- Moderate
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- Shore / dayboat
- Depth
- 1–45 m
- Theme
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Tobia Arbaa
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Tobia Arbaa, also widely recognized as the "Seven Pillars," is a highly regarded dive site situated in Egypt, easily accessible via a short speedboat ride from Safaga or Soma Bay.
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- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 10–16 m
- Theme
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Alexandria
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Alexandria offers a truly unique diving experience in Egypt, differing significantly from the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
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- Liveaboard or dayboat
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- 5–8 m
- Theme
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
El Fanadir North
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El Fanadir North is a prominent reef system in the Red Sea, situated roughly 4 kilometers offshore from Hurghada.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 12–70 m
- Theme
- Drift / Reef