Jackson Reef

Jackson Reef is the most northerly of the reefs in the Straits of Tiran. The remains of the wreck of the Lara, which sank in 1980, sit on top of the back of the Northern side. For those techies among you, when weather conditions allow, the main wreck is accessible at +40 meters.

The topography of this reef varies from steep walls to gorgeous coral gardens. On the western corner is a shallow area known as “The Aquarium” — due to the abundance of fish and the amazing quality of light.  

As with all the dive sites in Tiran, the reef is subjected to a constant flow of nutrient-rich currents. This encourages abundant coral growth and large schools of smaller fish. In turn, larger pelagics such as tuna and giant trevally are frequently seen hunting in this area.

Your dive will usually take place on the more sheltered southern side starting in the shallower Aquarium.  As well as thousands of anthias and damselfish here you can find all the usual reef suspects. Furthermore, giant morays, huge pufferfish, cornet fish, schooling Red Sea bannerfish and emperors regularly hangout in the turquoise water.  

Descend along the steep wall always looking out to the blue for predatory hunters such as tuna — and down below you for a possible encounter with a reef shark. Finally, towards the Eastern side you shallow up over a coral garden. This is home to blue spotted stingrays, large Napoleon wrasse and very often hawksbill turtles.

Another route around this reef on very calm days during the later summer months is to jump on the famous “backside” of Jackson. If the conditions are right, you may encounter Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks which congregate in this area from July to November.