Jackson Reef

Lara Wreck Exploration

The Cypriot freighter Lara, grounded in 1985 and partially demolished in 1996, crowns the northern edge at 45-120 meters, luring t…

Southern Coral Garden Drifts

Sheltered southern plateaus from 5-12 meters form aquarium-like gardens of soft corals, black snappers, and cornetfish, perfect fo…

Red Anemone Viewing

A vivid red anemone thrives at 27-28 meters on the western plateau, a rare deep-water spectacle glowing against the reef's corals.

Scalloped hammerheads patrol the northern blue-water walls in tight schools during summer drifts, drawn by the reef's upwellings. This signature pelagic hunt defines Jackson's reputation as a big-fish magnet. Summer (Jun-Aug)

The Cypriot freighter Lara, grounded in 1985 and partially demolished in 1996, crowns the northern edge at 45-120 meters, luring tec divers to its twisted hulls amid shark territory.

Sheltered southern plateaus from 5-12 meters form aquarium-like gardens of soft corals, black snappers, and cornetfish, perfect for relaxed boat dives.

A vivid red anemone thrives at 27-28 meters on the western plateau, a rare deep-water spectacle glowing against the reef's corals.

Medium-to-strong currents along the northern and eastern walls propel divers past whitetip and grey reef sharks in exhilarating drifts. Summer (Jun-Aug)

Shallow western and eastern plateaus at 10 meters host anemones, lighthouse ruins, and fish schools accessible to snorkelers from moorings.

Massive humphead wrasse, known locally as Napoleons, cruise the southern shallows, offering close encounters in this protected reef zone.

Eagle and stingrays glide over sandy bottoms near the reef's base, often visible during drifts from charter boats.

Redtooth triggerfish and black snapper form massive schools in the western coral gardens, creating living walls of motion.

Advanced tec divers penetrate the Lara's deeper sections, exploring cargo holds in near-vertical walls beyond recreational limits.

Southern shallows feature canyons draped in gorgonians and fans, teeming with reef fish in wave-sheltered zones.

Resting whitetip sharks hide in northern caves, emerging during current-driven dives unique to Tiran's straits. Summer (Jun-Aug)

Eastern plateau ruins from an old lighthouse swarm with diverse species, blending history and biodiversity.

Giant morays peer from reef fissures, especially active in the colorful southern gardens.

Grey reef sharks streak through northern currents, a thrilling hallmark of Jackson's pelagic profile. Summer (Jun-Aug)

Clownfish dart among the iconic red anemone and surrounding clusters, showcasing reef symbiosis up close.

Occasional manta rays glide over the northern walls, drawn by the reef's plankton-rich currents. Summer (Jun-Aug)

Lionfish invasions meet guided night hunts in shallows, protecting native species in this high-traffic site.

Green turtles munch algae on plateau edges, frequent visitors to Jackson's nutrient-rich corals.

Stonefish and scorpionfish blend into corals, challenging divers' eyes in the reef's nooks.

Practice current management from fixed moorings, essential for navigating Jackson's dynamic waters.

Vertical drops from 10 to 30+ meters reveal layered ecosystems, from gardens to abyss.

Rare calm summer mornings cluster hammerheads tightly for prolonged sightings. Summer (Jun-Aug)

Charter crews share tales of the 1985 grounding over meals, tying dive history together.

Chain Jackson with nearby Tiran reefs for full straits immersion, maximizing shark odds. Summer (Jun-Aug)

Details the southern coral gardens, red anemone, hammerhead hunts, and Lara wreck for tec divers, highlighting dive profiles. https://www.cameldive.com/dive-sites/jackson-reef/

Covers history of the Lara wreck (1981 sinking), hammerheads in summer, shallow plateaus, and mooring access amid currents. https://thescubadirectory.com/divesiteprofile/Jackson-Reef-Sharm-El-Sheikh-Egypt-Dive-Site

Profiles northern currents with sharks, rare red anemone, southern soft corals, and wreck remnants for all levels. https://www.divers-guide.com/en/jackson-reef

Notes sharks, pelagics, and the 1985 Lara freighter remains as key attractions. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/points-of-interest/jackson-reef/1429210

Describes dual profiles: southern 40m wall moorings and northern drifts in the Straits of Tiran. https://www.padi.com/dive-site/saudi-arabia/jackson-reef-straits-of-tiran/