Tiran Island Snorkeling Guide: Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon Reefs

North-east of Sharm El Sheikh, where the Gulf of Aqaba narrows into the Strait of Tiran, four coral reefs rise from deep water in a line between the Sinai coast and Tiran Island. Strong currents carry nutrients through the strait, and the result is some of the clearest water and healthiest coral in the northern Red Sea. A day on the water here is one of the classic trips from Sharm.

The four reefs of the Strait of Tiran

The reefs are named after the British cartographers who charted the strait. From south to north:

Gordon Reef

The closest to Sharm and the most recognisable, thanks to the rusting wreck of the cargo ship Loullia, which ran aground on top of the reef in 1981 and still sits above the waterline. The reef's sheltered south side has sandy patches and shallow coral gardens that suit snorkelers.

Thomas Reef

The smallest of the four, but with some of the richest coral growth. Its walls drop steeply, so it is better known among divers, though the reef top is beautiful in calm conditions.

Woodhouse Reef

A long, narrow reef connecting Thomas and Jackson. Its walls are often swept by current, so boats usually treat it as a drift site rather than a snorkeling stop.

Jackson Reef

The northernmost reef, marked by the remains of the freighter Lara on its top. Jackson has spectacular walls of soft and hard coral and attracts big fish; divers come in summer hoping to see hammerhead sharks in deep water. Snorkelers stay in the shallows on the protected side.

What you will see

Even on the reef tops, the variety is remarkable:

• •Clouds of orange anthias and blue-green chromis over the coral heads.
• •Red Sea anemonefish guarding their anemones.
• •Parrotfish, butterflyfish and the endemic masked butterflyfish.
• •Napoleon wrasse, which can be over a metre long and are often curious about snorkelers.
• •Hawksbill turtles, seen regularly around the strait.
• •Lionfish and moray eels among the coral; look, but never touch.

Our Red Sea fish guide helps you identify what you find.

How a Tiran Island snorkeling trip works

Our Tiran Island snorkeling trip is a full day (about 8 hours) from €28 per adult:

1. Pickup from your hotel around 8:00 and transfer to the marina.
2. About two hours of sailing north-east up the Gulf of Aqaba.
3. Three snorkeling stops, starting in a shallow, sheltered lagoon and moving on to the reefs.
4. Lunch with soft drinks served on board.
5. Back at the marina around 16:00 and transfer to your hotel.

A snorkeling guide is included. If you would like to try diving, you can add one introductory dive (€38 total) or two (€45 total) with an instructor; no certification is needed.

The crew chooses the reefs and moorings each morning based on wind and current, so the exact stops vary. That is a good thing: it means you snorkel where conditions are calm.

Tips for the best day

• •Bring your own mask if you have one. A mask that fits is the single biggest improvement to a snorkeling day.
• •Use a life jacket or a snorkel vest if you are not a confident swimmer; the water over the reefs is deep.
• •Don't stand on the coral. Float, and keep your fins up when you're over shallow reef.
• •Take a seasickness tablet before the crossing if you are prone to it; the strait can be choppy.
• •Bring a copy of your passport, which is required for boat trips.

Tiran Island or Ras Mohammed?

Both are full-day boat trips with lunch and similar prices. Tiran is known for its reef walls and wrecks; Ras Mohammed (from €27) is a national park at the southern tip of Sinai with the famous White Island sandbar. If you have time, do both: they are very different days. Our snorkeling guide to Sharm El Sheikh compares all the options.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tiran Island good for snorkeling?

Yes. The reefs of the Strait of Tiran have clear water, healthy coral and plenty of fish, and the boats choose sheltered moorings so snorkelers can enjoy them. Turtles and Napoleon wrasse are seen regularly.

How long does it take to get to Tiran Island from Sharm El Sheikh?

On our trip the boat sails for about two hours from the marina to the first stop. The whole day lasts about 8 hours including hotel transfers.

Can beginners snorkel at Tiran Island?

Yes. The first stop is a shallow, sheltered lagoon and a snorkeling guide is included. Less confident swimmers should wear a life jacket or snorkel vest; confident swimmers get the most out of the deeper reef stops.

How much is the Tiran Island trip?

Our Tiran Island snorkeling trip costs €28 per adult, including hotel transfers, lunch and soft drinks, three snorkeling stops and a snorkeling guide. Adding one or two introductory dives costs €38 or €45 in total.