Dive Site: Thomas Reef

Dive site facts: Thomas Reef

Depth

0.5–92 m

Current

Strong

Visibility

30 m

Entry

Boat / drift

Level

Advanced

Dive type

Wall, reef, drift, deep

Night dive

Not permitted

Region / port

Straits of Tiran, North Red Sea

Coordinates

27.9622, 34.602409

Conditions & Currents

Thomas Reef is characterized by strong currents, particularly at its northern and southern ends, and divers should be prepared for a drift dive. The current generally runs eastwards, influencing dive plans significantly and necessitating careful entry and exit techniques. While the eastern side of the wall may offer calmer conditions, sections of the reef, especially around the ends, can experience downcurrents that require divers to stay alert. The intensity of the current attracts abundant pelagic life, but also demands experience in drift diving and precise buoyancy control. Boat drift pickup is the standard procedure for this site, and divers must adhere to local Tiran Strait diving plans regarding canyon and arch sections.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Eagle Ray

occasional

Green Turtle

occasional

Hawksbill Turtle

occasional

Nudibranch

common

Pipefish

common

Tuna

common

Whitetip Reef Shark

occasional

Gorgonian fans

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Thomas Reef typically begins with a boat-accessed drift entry, carefully timed for the prevailing currents. You will descend along one of the reef's vibrant walls, either the dramatic eastern drop-off or the western side with its caves and overhangs. The route often involves drifting with the current along the reef, allowing you to observe the colorful coral formations and schooling fish. For experienced divers, the deeper sections may include an exploration of the impressive canyon, which starts at 35 meters and continues to depths beyond 90 meters. Your dive guide will lead the progression, ensuring a safe route while maximizing marine life encounters. The turn point is determined by gas consumption and no-decompression limits, after which you will begin a gradual ascent. Safety stops are conducted in the shallower, current-swept areas of the reef, with the boat positioned for a drift pickup.

Underwater photography

Thomas Reef offers excellent wide-angle photography opportunities due to its vast coral formations, deep canyon, and frequent pelagic sightings. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the expansive wallscapes, schools of barracuda, and potentially larger species like sharks or eagle rays in the blue. Strong currents can make stable shooting challenging, so good buoyancy control is paramount. For macro subjects like nudibranchs and pipefish found nestled in the corals, a macro lens can be rewarding, but be mindful of the current. Strobes are essential to bring out the vibrant colors of the Red Sea corals and marine life, especially in deeper sections or within the canyon. Use appropriate strobe positioning to minimize backscatter, particularly in areas with plankton blooms, which can occasionally reduce visibility.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• 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…

• 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…

• Woodhouse Reef
• Anemone City

  Part of Ras Mohammed National Park

• Shark Observatory

  Part of Ras Mohammed National Park

• SS Thistlegorm

  Famous nearby wreck

Getting there & logistics

Thomas Reef is primarily accessed by day boats or liveaboards departing from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, which are the main international airports for the Red Sea. Liveaboards provide the most comprehensive way to explore the Straits of Tiran, often combining Thomas Reef with other famous Tiran sites like Gordon, Jackson, and Woodhouse Reefs. Day trips from Sharm El Sheikh are also common, making it an accessible site for resort-based divers. Transfers from airports to liveaboard departure points or resorts are typically arranged by tour operators. There are no specific permits beyond standard national park fees, which are usually included in dive trip packages. A typical Northern Red Sea liveaboard itinerary is 7 nights, allowing ample time to dive multiple sites in the region.

Safety & environment

Diving Thomas Reef requires a high level of situational awareness due to potentially strong currents and the deep canyon environment. Divers should always follow their guide's instructions, especially regarding drift procedures and entry/exit points. Awareness of downcurrents, particularly at the reef ends, is critical. The nearest recompression chamber facilities are located in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, which can be reached by speedboat in an emergency; however, evacuation times can vary. Comprehensive dive insurance covering hyperbaric treatment and evacuation is strongly recommended for all divers. For those venturing into the canyon or overhang sections, specialized training and adherence to operator limits are mandatory. It is not recommended for freediving or snorkeling due to its depth, currents, and profile.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

Thomas Reef FAQ

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

JP Marine

Egypt

28 guests

Snefro Pearl

Egypt

12 guests

Snefro Love

Egypt

20 guests

Sindalahs

Egypt

26 guests38 m

Hammerhead II

Egypt

20 guests

Blue Liveaboard

Egypt

24 guests43 m

Odyssey

Egypt

26 guests40 m

Discovery I

Egypt

20 guests

SS Serena Dreams

Egypt

18 guests33 m

Blue Pearl

Egypt

20 guests36 m

Alsuraya

Egypt

24 guests37 m