Jackson Reef

Jackson Reef is one of four coral reefs in the Straits of Tiran, in the northern Red Sea, and is known for strong currents, dramatic reef walls, and the wreck of the Lara — a cargo ship that ran aground in the early 1980s and has since become an artificial reef providing shelter to a range of marine species. The reef runs as a drift dive and reef wall site, with depths from the surface down to 30 m, though deeper sections extend well beyond that and are reserved for experienced divers.

The reef holds a diverse mix of marine life: schools of barracuda, jacks, and snappers move through the water column, while the coral gardens feature gorgonians, soft corals, and fire corals across the walls. Lionfish and moray eels shelter around the wreck and reef structure, and turtles are present at the site. Pelagic species including eagle rays, reef sharks, white-tip reef sharks, and grey reef sharks patrol the deeper sections. Hammerhead sharks are most reliably seen in summer, particularly July through September.

Conditions vary sharply depending on where on the reef you are. The southern side is sheltered and more protected, while the north and southwest sides are exposed to open water, surface swell, and strong winds. The southwest corner is known for violent currents and turbulent water at the area called the Washing Machine (also referred to as Sella). The best approach for the eastern side is an ebbing tide drift dive. Visibility is generally excellent, and water temperature ranges from 21–23 °C in winter to 22–25 °C in spring, reaching up to 27 °C seasonally.