Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt

Jackson Reef

Jackson Reef is the northernmost of the four reefs in the Strait of Tiran, the narrow channel between the Sinai and the Saudi Arabian island of Tiran. A near-circular ring reef topped by the wreck of the Lara (a Cypriot cargo lost in 1981, now broken into the surface), Jackson is famous for the strong tidal currents that funnel through the strait and bring large pelagics. Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) gather in schools on the reef's northern point in summer (June–September), and grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks and silky sharks are regular. The walls are dressed with gorgonians, black coral and large table corals; barracuda walls, snapper schools and giant Napoleon wrasses populate the upper reef. The dive is normally run as a drift along the eastern wall, finishing on the southern plateau. Visibility 25–35 metres. Currents demand experience and a surface marker buoy.