Tiran Strait - Sharm el-Sheikh

The Tiran Strait, guarding the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba, is where we head when we’re looking for a bit of a kick. It’s four distinct reefs – Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon – each offering something different. The currents here can be a bit of a lottery, sometimes gentle, sometimes ripping, which makes it exciting and best for divers comfortable with a drift. We’ve seen big schools of fusiliers, snapper, and often the resident whitetips patrolling the reef edges. Keep an eye on the blue, especially around Jackson; hammerheads are a real possibility, and we’ve even had a few tiger shark encounters over the years. The coral plateaus are alive with color, even if the deeper walls are where the big stuff often hangs out. It’s a rewarding dive for those ready for some dynamic conditions.

Location
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
28.000000, 34.500000

Marine Protected Area: محمية رأس محمد

Best Time to Dive in Sharm el-Sheikh

The warmest water temperatures in Sharm el-Sheikh occur in August, averaging 29.9°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 22.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.6°C
  • February: 22.8°C
  • March: 22.5°C
  • April: 23.3°C
  • May: 25.6°C
  • June: 26.9°C
  • July: 28.4°C
  • August: 29.9°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 27.8°C
  • November: 27.1°C
  • December: 25.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Sharm el-Sheikh

Nearest Dive Centres to Tiran Strait

Marine Life in Sharm el-Sheikh

Home to 13 recorded species including 6 whales & dolphins, 5 reef fish, 1 sharks & rays, 1 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Tiran Strait

Based on average water temperature of 26.0°C, currents 10 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at the Tiran Strait dive sites?
The Tiran Strait dive sites, encompassing Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon reefs, are renowned for their deep wall drop offs. While specific typical diving depths are not provided in our current data, these sites are popular among experienced divers for their extensive vertical profiles. You can find more information about diving in the Tiran Strait on DivePlnr.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see in the Tiran Strait?
Divers visiting the Tiran Strait can expect to explore four distinct reef systems- Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon reefs- featuring vibrant coral reef plateaus. These sites are loaded with diverse fish life, and offer opportunities to encounter impressive marine species such as hammerhead sharks, various pelagic fish, and even occasional tiger sharks. The coral reef health and fish densities here are among the best.
How challenging are the dive sites in the Tiran Strait for different experience levels?
The dive sites in the Tiran Strait are rated as intermediate difficulty. They are particularly popular with experienced and adventurous divers from Sharm El Sheikh due to the presence of unpredictable currents. Divers should be comfortable with varying conditions to fully enjoy these dynamic reef systems.
When is the best time of year to dive the Tiran Strait for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Our current data context for the Tiran Strait does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are recommended or required for diving in the Tiran Strait?
Given the intermediate difficulty and the popularity among experienced and adventurous divers, it is highly recommended that divers visiting the Tiran Strait possess an advanced certification or significant experience. This will ensure comfort and safety when navigating the deep wall drop offs and unpredictable currents.
What are the typical current strengths and visibility conditions like when diving in the Tiran Strait?
Divers at the Tiran Strait can expect to encounter unpredictable currents, which adds to the adventurous nature of these sites. Despite the currents, the deep wall drop offs consistently offer excellent visibility. This combination provides a thrilling and visually stunning diving experience.