Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt

Woodhouse Reef

Woodhouse Reef is a long, narrow reef oriented north–south between Thomas and Jackson reefs in the Strait of Tiran. There is no shallow anchorage and the dive is always a drift, normally from north to south along the eastern wall. The wall is sheer and richly coated with soft corals, gorgonian fans and black coral; a notable feature is the 'Woodhouse Saddle', a narrow gully cutting through the reef at 30–40 metres where currents accelerate sharply and grey reef sharks, hammerheads and dogtooth tuna patrol. Schooling barracuda, batfish and large Napoleon wrasses are regular along the wall, and turtle sightings are common in summer. The dive demands experience: currents are unpredictable and can reverse, and the long shape of the reef makes a clean pickup essential. Visibility 25–35 metres. Inside the Ras Mohammed and Tiran protected area.