Liveaboard Diving in Jackson Reef

What To Expect On A Jackson Reef Liveaboard

Liveaboards to Jackson Reef will normally be visiting here as part of a Straits Of Tiran itinerary in the Northern Red Sea, Egypt.

The dive site was made famous by the Cypriot merchant freighter, Lara, which ran aground on the reef's northern edge in 1981, Jackson Reef is a spectacular dive site located in the Straits of Tiran (the narrow channel of the sea that separates the Gulf of Aqaba from the Red Sea). Jackson Reef is the northernmost reef and is accompanied by three other world-class diving sites also visited by liveaboards, Woodhouse Reef, Thomas Reef, and Gordon Reef. These sites were all part of a vast, single ridge that has slowly been eroded away to leave mountainous peaks which lay just beneath the surface. These peaks, which were the cause of Lara's demise, are what remains of the ridge, while the underwater saddles (low points between mountains) that join these peaks have created the exquisite reefs we now dive.

To the south of Jackson Reef is where you will find a permanent mooring for liveaboards diving this area. This is ideal as the location is sheltered from both the wind and waves, making for tranquil descents. From here, divers can take different routes either to the east or west, following the steep walls of the submerged mountain. Both routes will be with the current, which usually flows from the south and heads north to the Gulf of Aqaba. Visibility is normally 65 feet (20 m) but can be in excess of 100 feet (30 m). The average depth is 65 feet (20 m), while the maximum depth is 130 feet (40 m).

Note that if heading east, dives tend to be turned just before the easternmost point of Jackson Reef, where the current is strongest. More experienced divers with good air consumption may be able to pass the point, into steadier water, to dive the northern edge of the reef.

What you can see

Your liveaboard guide will start the dive and initially, you will be confronted by the remains of the Cypriot ship, Lara, whose hull has been salvaged for scrap. Although not suitable for diving, it is a sight to behold. Just in front of the ship, to the north, is the observation area for scalloped hammerhead sharks that make an appearance in large numbers during the summer months from June until the end of September. Whalesharks have been known to make an appearance here as well.

Following the descent, if heading west, you will be diving upon the slightly shallower faced slopes of the saddle. At the base of your descent, you will be warmly greeted by inquisitive garden eels, ushering you on to the densely populated coral reefs.

Diving to the east begins on a shallow plateau at, 50 feet (15 m) at its deepest. Beyond the plateau are the steep walls of the mountain which disappear down to the abyss. Dives are usually conducted on this edge, capturing the awe-inspiring views while avoiding the brunt of the currents.

It is thanks to the nutrient-carrying capabilities of the currents that species diversity here is so high. Enormous, waving soft corals like the gorgonian fans are scattered in amongst impressive sea whips, electric red anemones and black corals. The spaces in between are filled with hard coral structures such as bright orange fire corals that fade white towards their tips. The highly decorated reef attracts many shoal species, such as cornetfish, red tooth triggerfish and black snappers, which use the coral for protection. In turn, larger species, including some pelagic species, are drawn to the area looking for an easy meal. Barracuda, oceanic whitetip and grey reef sharks are frequent visitors, and even tiger sharks like to make an occasional appearance.

Getting there

Egyptian liveaboard cruises provide a more leisurely voyage to the Straits of Tiran. Boats typically leave from the seaports at Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada, and both ports have international airports in very close vicinity, Sharm el Sheikh International Airport and Hurghada International Airport.


Jackson Reef Diving Reviews

  • 9.1 Superb
  • 41 Verified Reviews
  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Sabrina H
  • Germany Germany

Beautiful place and not so busy

Diving Jackson Reef in November on the Snefro Love

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Edward S
  • Ireland Ireland

Beautiful, saw two hammerheads

Diving Jackson Reef in June on the South Moon

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • David H
  • Switzerland Switzerland

A very nice dive site with a lot of fish, beautiful corals and also a good place to see turtles.

Diving Jackson Reef in June on the Snefro Spirit

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Luca M
  • Italy Italy

As always, teeming with life.

Diving Jackson Reef in June on the South Moon

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Thomas Gregory B
  • Denmark Denmark

We into the deeper water to try and see a Hammerhead shark ( which carried the risk of seeing nothing) and we saw 2 Hammerheads 5 minutes into the dive, it was awesome

Diving Jackson Reef in November on the South Moon

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Coen E
  • Netherlands Netherlands

Beautiful stuff to see, doing drift dives with rather strong currents. Seas can get choppy here!

Diving Jackson Reef in October on the Snefro Target

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Tatiana K
  • Russia Russia

several dives on the Jackson reef, strong current and we spotted several sharks, nice and colourful reef

Diving Jackson Reef in October on the Snefro Target

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Benjamin B
  • France France

Great spot for drift diving; nicely preserved corals

Diving Jackson Reef in November on the South Moon

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Alex D
  • Italy Italy

They were ok and interesting dives. Nice to see them once but not sure if I would do them again.

Diving Jackson Reef in December on the Snefro Target

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Ingemar H
  • Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia

Clear water, healthy corals

Diving Jackson Reef in March on the South Moon

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Helle V
  • Denmark Denmark

flot. Flotte koraller Mange fisk

Diving Jackson Reef in April on the Snefro Love

  • 7.6 Good
  • Christian R
  • France France

amazing, a multitude of coral and fish

Diving Jackson Reef in June on the Snefro Spirit

  • 7.6 Good
  • Michael K
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Nice coral and friendly fish

Diving Jackson Reef in July on the Snefro Target

  • 7.6 Good
  • Sebastian S
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

This was a drop off which I don’t think make the best dives. We also did too many of these drop offs. Saw a sea turtle though which was incredible

Diving Jackson Reef in September on the South Moon

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Peter L
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Brilliant, especially the turtles.

Diving Jackson Reef in October on the Snefro Love

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Shaun H
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Very nice dive with a small current

Diving Jackson Reef in March on the Snefro Love

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • George D
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Great, two dives here both fantastic. Some strong currents

Diving Jackson Reef in March on the Snefro Pearl

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Oscar V
  • Netherlands Netherlands

Coral was in great health, amazing marine life

Diving Jackson Reef in May on the Snefro Love

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Marc V
  • Canada Canada

Saw a Hammerhead, turtle, tuna, lots of fish and beautiful corals. .

Diving Jackson Reef in May on the Snefro Love

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Marleen B
  • Netherlands Netherlands

Nice wall dive with healthy corals

Diving Jackson Reef in May on the Snefro Pearl