| Jackson Reef
- Superb wall diving around its entire perimeter. The locally named ''Aquarium'' is
Tiran's most popular. 'Jackson Drift' is Sharm's' fastest and most exhilarating drift dive
past a stunning wall bursting with prolific coral growth. In August, September and early
October, divers dive off the back of Jackson hoping to glimpse the school of scalloped
hammerheads which are often sighted there.
Jackson Reef is the most northerly reef in Tiran
and is known for the wreck, partially demolished in 1996, of the Cypriot merchant ship
Lara (a cargo boat of 4,752 tonnes), which sank here in December 1981. Diving here
usually begins on the southern side, which is sheltered from the waves and wind and
where there are some fixed moorings not far from the reef. The reef on the southern
side in the shallows is cut with sandy splits, then descends steeply to the sandy seabed
at
a depth of 45 meters where we can admire some shy Garden eels (Gorgasia sillneri).
Going westwards (dive A), you will see some gorgonians and a splendid red anemone
at a depth of 28 meters. This is followed by a plateau that connects to Woodhouse Reef
by a saddle. The southwest corner of Jackson Reef, where numerous fire corals
(Millepora dichotoma) can be seen, is subject to currents which can be extremely
Ras Za’atar
is the rocky promontory which
delimits the deep bay of Marsa Bareika to the south. The lack of a mooring
(shamandura) means you have to make a drift dive that skirts the headland. This may
be done in either direction, depending on the current; the most frequent moves
northeast with the reef on your left. Since the most interesting part of the dive is
around the headland, it is important to start your dive past the large crevice that can
be seen on the coastline. The dive starts at a coral pinnacle
with a table coral situated at a depth of 21 meters and winds along the gorgeous wall
which descends vertically. The wall is decorated by colourful Alcyonarians and lovely
gorgonians with a peculiar horizontal disposition as well as colonies of Black coral
(Antipathes dichotoma). It is a good idea to come up to a depth of 10 to 15 meters in
order not to miss the spectacular chimneys which begin at this depth and narrow
towards the surface where they open into the reef platform: from these crevices the
rays of the sun penetrate the recesses creating spectacular effects. In these chimneys,
the typical inhabitants of crevices live Lionfish, Pigmy sweepers (Parapriacanthus
ransonneti) and some big groupers (genus Epinephelus). Once past the tip of the wall,
turn into Marsa Bareika bay over a sandy slope with many coral pinnacles that create a
true coral garden. Jackfish, barracuda and some tuna cruise the blue in search of prey.
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