Jackson Reef

Jackson Reef Diving Guide

Jackson Reef, located in the Straits of Tiran, is renowned for its strong currents, vibrant coral gardens, and frequent encounters with pelagic marine life. It's a challenging but rewarding dive site that attracts experienced divers from around the globe.

Dive Details

Depth, Visibility & Temperature

• Typical depth range: 15-40 meters (50-130 feet)
• Average visibility: 20-30+ meters (65-100+ feet)
• Water temperature (seasonal):
  • Summer (June-August): 27-30°C (81-86°F)
  • Winter (December-February): 21-24°C (70-75°F)
• Difficulty level: Advanced (due to strong currents)

Marine Life

Jackson Reef is a biodiversity hotspot. Divers can expect to see: schooling hammerhead sharks (especially during the summer months), white-tip reef sharks, grey reef sharks, barracuda, tuna, and jacks. The reef itself is covered in soft and hard corals, including impressive gorgonian fans. Napoleon wrasse, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish are also common sightings.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to dive Jackson Reef is generally during the summer months (June to August) for the best chance to see hammerhead sharks. However, this is also the hottest period. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant water temperatures and good visibility, though hammerhead sightings may be less frequent. Diving is possible year-round, but winter months can experience cooler water temperatures and stronger winds, affecting visibility.

What Makes It Special

The "Jackson Reef" is a beacon for pelagic encounters, especially sharks. The strong currents that sweep around the reef attract these larger predators. The wreck of the Lara, a cargo ship that ran aground on the north side of the reef in 1985, adds another point of interest for divers, although it is quite broken up. The dramatic drop-offs and vibrant coral formations make for a visually stunning dive experience.

Practical Tips

Due to the strong currents, a negative entry and descent are recommended. Be prepared to swim against the current, or to drift along with it. It's crucial to listen carefully to your dive briefing and follow your guide's instructions. Divers should have experience in strong currents and be comfortable with deep diving. A reef hook can be useful for observing marine life in strong currents. Consider using Nitrox to increase your bottom time. Always dive with a buddy and carry a surface marker buoy (SMB).