Tiran Island: The Four Reefs of the Strait of Tiran

Tiran Island sits at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba, north-east of Sharm El Sheikh, and the four coral reefs in the strait beside it (Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse and Jackson) are among the best-known snorkeling and diving sites in the Red Sea. Visitors see them on a full-day boat trip from Sharm El Sheikh, snorkeling at two or three reef stops with lunch on board.

Key Takeaways

• The Strait of Tiran has four main reefs: Gordon Reef (the southernmost and closest to Sharm El Sheikh), Thomas Reef (the smallest), Woodhouse Reef and Jackson Reef.
• The wreck of the Lara, a 137-meter Cypriot cargo ship, has rested on Jackson Reef since 1982, according to dive-site guides.
• Snorkeling trips stop at the reefs in the strait and leave from the Sharm El Sheikh marina.
• In 2016 Egypt and Saudi Arabia agreed a maritime border that hands Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia; Egypt's parliament approved it in June 2017.
• Currents in the strait can be strong, so the crew picks the stops on the day.

Where Tiran Is

The Strait of Tiran is the narrow passage between the Sinai Peninsula and Tiran Island, where the Gulf of Aqaba opens into the Red Sea. It is a short sail north-east of Sharm El Sheikh. The four reefs lie in the strait itself, between the Sinai coast and the island.

The Four Reefs of the Strait of Tiran

Reef	What it is known for
Gordon Reef	The southernmost reef and the closest to Sharm El Sheikh; dive guides name the Loullia as the wreck on Gordon Reef
Thomas Reef	The smallest of the four reefs
Woodhouse Reef	One of the four main reefs of the strait
Jackson Reef	The northernmost reef, with the wreck of the Lara on its northern edge

Dive-site guides agree that the Lara lies on Jackson Reef, though one guide also places a "Lara" wreck off Gordon Reef, so the names you hear on the boat may differ.

What a Tiran Snorkeling Trip Looks Like

The snorkeling trip by boat to Tiran island follows the usual pattern: hotel pickup in the morning, boarding at the Sharm yacht marina, then three snorkeling stops. The first stop is next to Tiran Island, with blue water and a view of the wreck; the second is a spot known as the Middle Garden, named for corals that look like a garden; the last is a site called the Temple, where the coral forms cave-like shapes. Lunch is served on board, and introductory dives or scuba dives can be added. There is also a separate Tiran Island snorkeling trip to compare.

Tiran or Ras Mohammed?

	Tiran	Ras Mohammed
Direction from Sharm	North-east, into the Strait of Tiran	South, to the tip of the Sinai Peninsula
What you see	Four offshore reefs and the Lara wreck on Jackson Reef	Reef walls in Egypt's oldest protected area, declared in 1983
Best for	Snorkelers who want open-water reefs and wreck views	Large schools of fish along deep reef walls

See our Ras Mohammed National Park guide for the southern trip.

The Island Itself

Snorkeling trips from Sharm El Sheikh visit the reefs around the island. The island's status has been a political question: a 2016 agreement between Cairo and Riyadh places Tiran and its neighbor Sanafir under Saudi sovereignty, Egypt's parliament voted for it on 14 June 2017 and the president ratified it later that month.

Practical Tips

• Choose a licensed operator. The UK government notes that safety standards of Red Sea boat and dive operators vary considerably.
• Use a life jacket or snorkel vest if you are not a strong swimmer: the strait is open water.
• Do not touch the coral or stand on the reef.
• Bring a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen; you spend most of the day on deck or face-down in the sun.
• Read our tips on what to ask before booking a Red Sea island day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I land on Tiran Island?

The trips sold in Sharm El Sheikh are reef trips: you snorkel from the boat at the reefs in the strait. Ask your operator before booking if you hoped to go ashore.

Is Tiran good for beginners?

Yes on calm days, when the crew chooses sheltered sides of the reefs. On windy days the open water can be choppy.

What is the water temperature?

The sea off Sharm El Sheikh averages about 22°C in February and about 29°C in August.