Gordon Reef
A world-renowned dive site in the Strait of Tiran, Gordon Reef boasts vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life, including turtles and eagle rays...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better visibility
Gordon Reef
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-renowned dive site in the Strait of Tiran, Gordon Reef boasts vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life, including turtles and eagle rays.
"Gordon Reef offers breathtaking marine life and healthy corals, a must-visit for divers in Sharm El Sheikh."
Book Dive Tours in Advance
Secure your spot on popular dive trips, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment. :admission_tickets:
Respect Marine Life
Observe marine creatures from a distance and avoid touching corals to preserve the reef's delicate ecosystem. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Coral Gardens
Gordon Reef
Explore a kaleidoscope of healthy corals, teeming with diverse marine life. A true underwater paradise.
Abundant Marine Encounters
Gordon Reef
Spot turtles, eagle rays, clownfish, and even sharks in their natural habitat. An unforgettable wildlife experience.
The 'Loom' Wreck
Gordon Reef
Discover the remains of a sunken vessel, adding a historical element to your dive.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Dive
Dive Gear Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Dive Tours in Advance
Secure your spot on popular dive trips, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
Respect Marine Life
Observe marine creatures from a distance and avoid touching corals to preserve the reef's delicate ecosystem. :ocean:
Capture Underwater Memories
Bring an underwater camera or GoPro to document the stunning marine life and vibrant corals.
Consider Dive Packages
Look for dive packages that include accommodation and transfers for a hassle-free experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Dive Tours in Advance
Secure your spot on popular dive trips, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
Respect Marine Life
Observe marine creatures from a distance and avoid touching corals to preserve the reef's delicate ecosystem. :ocean:
Capture Underwater Memories
Bring an underwater camera or GoPro to document the stunning marine life and vibrant corals.
Consider Dive Packages
Look for dive packages that include accommodation and transfers for a hassle-free experience.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water, especially after diving, to stay refreshed in the warm Egyptian climate. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gordon Reef for its stunningly beautiful and healthy coral formations, teeming with diverse marine life. The chance to encounter turtles, eagle rays, and various fish makes it a highly recommended dive spot. Some divers note the presence of currents, emphasizing the need for experienced guides.
"A decent spot for recreational diving."
Artur Panch
"Nice reef, the corals are amazingly beautiful and healthy, and there is plenty of life around."
J.
"Wonderful"
Andrea Rosati
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gordon Reef is typically accessed by boat from Sharm El Sheikh. Many dive centers and tour operators offer day trips that include transportation to the reef. These trips often depart from marinas in Sharm El Sheikh. +1
Yes, numerous dive operators in Sharm El Sheikh organize direct boat trips to Gordon Reef, often as part of a multi-dive excursion. It's advisable to book these in advance. +1
Boat trips are the standard and most convenient way to reach dive sites like Gordon Reef in the Strait of Tiran. These boats are equipped for divers and offer a comfortable journey. +1
Gordon Reef is an offshore dive site and cannot be reached by land. Access is exclusively by boat.
Boat tours to Gordon Reef usually depart from the main marinas in Sharm El Sheikh, such as Naama Bay or the Old Market area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a specific 'ticket' for Gordon Reef itself, you will need to pay for a boat trip organized by a dive center. These trips often include park fees if applicable to the protected areas.
Costs vary depending on the operator and what's included, but expect prices for a day trip with multiple dives to range from around $50-$100 USD. Some packages offer better deals.
Gordon Reef is located within the Tiran Island Marine Protected Area, and there may be associated park fees included in your dive trip cost.
While possible, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred dive operator and dates.
Packages often include boat transportation, dive guide services, lunch, and sometimes Nitrox. Check with your operator for specifics.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Gordon Reef is renowned for its abundant marine life, including various species of fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, and occasionally sharks. The corals are also very healthy and colorful.
Gordon Reef offers sites suitable for various skill levels. While some areas can have currents, many operators can guide beginners to calmer sections. Always dive within your certification limits.
Visibility at Gordon Reef is generally excellent, often exceeding 20-30 meters, especially during calm conditions and good weather.
Currents can be present at Gordon Reef, especially around the northern and southern points. Experienced divers and guides are essential for managing these conditions safely.
Its reputation comes from the healthy coral formations, diverse fish populations, and the chance to see larger pelagics like eagle rays and sharks. It's a key site in the Strait of Tiran.
📸 📸 Photography
Gordon Reef offers fantastic opportunities for underwater photography with its vibrant corals, diverse fish species, and chances to capture larger marine life like turtles and rays.
An action camera like a GoPro is popular for its durability and ease of use underwater. For more advanced shots, a dedicated underwater camera setup with wide-angle lenses is ideal.
Absolutely! Look for clownfish in anemones, colorful triggerfish, majestic eagle rays, and the intricate patterns of the coral itself.
Sunlight penetrates well, providing good natural light, especially in shallower areas. Deeper dives might require strobes or video lights for optimal results.
A red filter can help restore colors lost at depth, especially for photos taken deeper than 10 meters. It's a useful accessory for improving underwater image quality.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for family-friendly dive centers that offer introductory dive courses or 'discover scuba diving' experiences for older children and teens who are keen to try scuba diving in a supervised environment. The shallow areas around the reef can be suitable for snorkeling with clear visibility.
💰 Budget Travelers
Comparing prices between different operators in Sharm El Sheikh is key. Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) when prices for flights and accommodation might be lower. Packing your own snacks and water for the boat trip can also help save money.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The clear waters offer excellent visibility, and the abundance of subjects, from tiny clownfish to majestic eagle rays, provides endless photographic opportunities. Experiment with different angles and lighting to capture the vibrant colors of the reef. Don't forget to photograph the 'Loom' wreck for a unique historical element.
Post-processing can further enhance your underwater shots, bringing out the true beauty of this Red Sea gem. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Strait of Tiran Dive Sites
+1Alongside Gordon Reef, the other key dive sites in the strait are Jackson Reef, Woodhouse Reef, and Thomas Reef. Each offers unique underwater topography and marine encounters. Divers often combine visits to multiple sites in a single day trip from Sharm El Sheikh.
The currents, while challenging for some, are what make these reefs so biodiverse. They attract larger pelagics and ensure a constant supply of food for the corals, creating a dynamic and exciting diving environment. It's crucial to dive with experienced guides who understand the local conditions.
Marine Life Encounters at Gordon Reef
+1The reef is also home to a dazzling array of fish. Keep an eye out for schools of colorful reef fish, clownfish nestled in anemones, and various species of triggerfish and moray eels.
+2 While less common, there's also a chance of encountering sharks, adding an element of thrill to the dive. Conservation efforts are ongoing, with initiatives like registering new turtle sightings, demonstrating a commitment to protecting this rich ecosystem.
Observing these creatures in their natural habitat is a truly magical experience. Diving Logistics and Safety
+1Divers should be aware of potential currents, which can vary in strength and direction. Always follow your dive guide's instructions and ensure you have adequate buoyancy control. For those new to the area or less experienced, opting for dives on the leeward side of the reef or during slack tide can offer a more relaxed experience.
When planning your trip, consider booking dive packages that often include Nitrox fills, which can extend your bottom time. Bringing your own dive computer and ensuring your gear is in good working order are also recommended for a smooth dive.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit