About Thomas Reef
Thomas Reef is the most compact of the reefs situated in the Straits of Tiran, a renowned diving destination in the Egyptian Red Sea. Despite its smaller size, it stands out as one of the most frequently visited sites in the area, offering a distinct topography that appeals to divers. Diving here typically involves a drift along vertical walls found at both the northern and southern extremities of the reef. On the southeastern side, a notable feature is a broad plateau extending around 25 meters deep. This plateau often hosts resting sharks within its sand patches, while a vibrant barrier of Gorgonia fans marks its edge. Beyond these fans, the reef reverts to a wall that plunges into significant depths. Thomas Reef is known for its diverse marine life, including the potential for encounters with sharks, whales, dolphins, and turtles. The currents in the Straits of Tiran contribute to a rich ecosystem that supports these sightings. Given the strong currents often present, especially at the reef's ends, dives are performed as drift dives. Weather conditions significantly influence the dive plan, as the western side can become inaccessible for diver pick-up. This site is best suited for experienced divers due to its challenging conditions and drift diving requirements.
Highlights
Straits of Tiran smallest reefVertical wallsSoutheastern plateau (25m)Sleeping sharksGorgonia fan barrierDrift divingWhale, dolphin, turtle sightings
Best Season
The Red Sea is diveable year-round. Optimal conditions with fewer crowds are generally found between March and May, and again from September to November, offering excellent visibility and comfortable water temperatures.
Dive site facts: Thomas Reef
- Current
- Strong
- Entry
- Liveaboard only
- Level
- Advanced
- Dive type
- Reef, Cave & cavern, Drift, Wall
- Region / port
- Egypt
- Coordinates
- 27.9622° N, 34.6024° E
Conditions & Currents
Thomas Reef is characterized by potentially strong currents, particularly at its northern and southern ends, necessitating drift diving techniques. Divers should anticipate significant water movement, making careful current management crucial. Weather conditions dictate the accessibility of the site, with diver pick-up on the western side often being impossible in adverse weather. Visibility is generally excellent across the Red Sea, ranging from 16 to 131 feet (5 to 40 meters), but can be affected by stronger currents. This site is therefore best suited for advanced divers comfortable with dynamic conditions and drift diving, requiring good buoyancy control and gas planning for sustained effort against currents.
Why dive Thomas Reef from a liveaboard?
Thomas 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 Thomas Reef on their Egypt itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Thomas Reef
These liveaboards may visit Thomas 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
$173/day
Blue Liveaboard
Egypt
24 guests43 m
$173/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 Thomas Reef
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
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Big Brother
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- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 8–85 m
- Theme
- Drift / Wreck
© 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
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- Liveaboard or dayboat
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- 12–70 m
- Theme
- Drift / Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Gota Soraya
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Gota Soraya stands out as one of the Red Sea's premier wall dives, located in the southern region near the Sudanese border.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
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- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- ≤ 20 m
- Theme
- Wall
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Moray Garden
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Moray Garden is a highly accessible shore dive located south of Dahab, distinguished by its unique blend of ease of access and diverse underwater topography.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Shore / dayboat
- Depth
- 5–40 m
- Theme
- Reef / Drift