The Strait of Tiran is defined by four major reef systems: Jackson Reef, Thomas Reef, Woodhouse Reef and Gordon Reef. All are reached by boat and deliver wall and drift diving shaped by strong, shifting currents. Shore dives along the Sharm el-Sheikh coast offer a gentler counterpoint, suitable for beginners. Signature encounters include the Napoleon Wrasse, Bluespotted Fantail Ray and Emperor Angelfish. Gordon Reef also holds the wreck of the Loullia, grounded on its northern end.
Monthly water temperature across Strait of Tiran's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature stays warm throughout the year, dipping slightly in late winter and peaking in late summer, meaning a thin wetsuit serves most divers year-round. The peak of logged dives falls in the warmer months from late spring through autumn, when conditions on the exposed reef systems are generally most settled. Currents at the four main reefs can be strong at any season, so conditions vary dive to dive.
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Water temperature around Strait of Tiran ranges from about 23°C in February to 28°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 28°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Strait of Tiran; in the coldest months (about 23°C) step up to a 3mm full suit.
Fin maps 38 sites in Strait of Tiran (37 scuba diving sites and 6 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
Across Strait of Tiran's dive sites, April, June, September and October are most often reported as the best months to visit.
The Strait of Tiran has a well-documented list of observed species across its reefs. Napoleon Wrasse and Bluespotted Fantail Ray are among the most reliably sighted. Indian Lionfish, Regal Angelfish, Emperor Angelfish and Coral Grouper are also regularly recorded. Giant Moray, Titan Triggerfish and Twoband Clownfish round out many dives.
A good proportion of sites are rated beginner level, including several shore dives along the Sharm el-Sheikh coast such as Four Seasons, Domina Coral Bay and Ras Ghamila. The four main strait reefs, however, are intermediate to advanced, as strong currents and deep walls demand solid buoyancy and drift-diving experience. Beginners are best served starting on the sheltered shore sites before progressing to the open reef systems.
Jackson Reef combines a steep wall with drift conditions and also features an artificial reef section. Woodhouse Reef is the longest of the four and is noted for a distinctive split in its structure. Thomas Reef is the most demanding, with vertical walls, canyons and significant depth range suited to advanced divers. Gordon Reef adds variety through the wreck of the Loullia on its northern end, alongside the usual wall and drift topography.
The majority of sites in the Strait of Tiran require boat access, particularly the four main reef systems and most drift sites. Shore entry is available at a handful of sites along the Sharm el-Sheikh coast, including Four Seasons, Domina Coral Bay, Ras Ghamila and Sinai Grand Resort. A large number of dive operators are based in the area, so arranging boat trips to the main reefs is straightforward.
