Woodhouse Reef
A thrilling drift dive in the Tiran Strait, Woodhouse Reef boasts vibrant corals, abundant fish, and the chance to spot sharks in its deep canyon.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Best visibility for marine life
Woodhouse Reef
Best Time
Best visibility for marine life

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A thrilling drift dive in the Tiran Strait, Woodhouse Reef boasts vibrant corals, abundant fish, and the chance to spot sharks in its deep canyon.
"Great drift dive spot! Watch out the current though, and don't forget to look down cause you might be lucky and spot sharks."
🌊 Respect the Current
Woodhouse Reef is a drift dive; be prepared for strong currents and plan your exit carefully.
🦈 Look Down for Giants
Don't forget to look down into the canyon for a chance to see sharks and large tunas!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Deep Canyon
Beneath the reef
Descend into the depths to potentially spot sharks and large tunas in this thrilling underwater canyon.

Vibrant Coral Gardens
Throughout the reef
Explore a kaleidoscope of colors with healthy coral formations teeming with diverse marine life.

Abundant Fish Life
Across the reef
Witness a spectacular array of fish species, a true highlight for any underwater enthusiast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Master the Currents
Spot the Giants
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Respect the Current
Woodhouse Reef is a drift dive; be prepared for strong currents and plan your exit carefully.
🦈 Look Down for Giants
Don't forget to look down into the canyon for a chance to see sharks and large tunas!
🐠 Admire the Colors
The coral and fish life are stunning; enjoy the vibrant underwater scenery.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your underwater camera to document the amazing marine biodiversity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Respect the Current
Woodhouse Reef is a drift dive; be prepared for strong currents and plan your exit carefully.
🦈 Look Down for Giants
Don't forget to look down into the canyon for a chance to see sharks and large tunas!
🐠 Admire the Colors
The coral and fish life are stunning; enjoy the vibrant underwater scenery.
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your underwater camera to document the amazing marine biodiversity.
🤿 Certified Divers Only
This site is best suited for Advanced Open Water divers due to currents.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Woodhouse Reef is celebrated as a fantastic drift dive spot with excellent visibility and vibrant coral. Divers love the chance to see sharks and large tunas in the deep canyon. However, the strong currents require caution, especially during exit.
"Great drift dive spot (AOW). Watch out the current though especially while exiting and don't forget to look down cause you might be lucky and spot sharks and large tunas in the deep canyon beneath you."
Ionut Pampu
"Nice coral en super for a drift dive!"
Richard Hoedeman
"Great reef. Great visibility. Awesome colors."
Alex Ma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Woodhouse Reef is typically accessed by boat from Sharm El Sheikh. Dive centers in Sharm offer daily trips to the Tiran Strait, where Woodhouse Reef is located.
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is well-connected to many international destinations. From the airport, taxis or pre-booked transfers can take you to your accommodation and dive centers.
Yes, most dive operators in Sharm El Sheikh include Woodhouse Reef as part of their Tiran Strait dive tours. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket for the boat ride. Don't forget your dive gear if you're bringing your own!
While primarily a dive site, some boat tours may offer snorkeling opportunities. However, the strong currents make it less ideal for casual snorkelers compared to dedicated snorkeling spots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No special permit is required for Woodhouse Reef itself, but you will need to pay park entrance fees if your dive trip includes protected areas within the Tiran Marine Protected Area.
Costs vary depending on the dive center and the number of dives. Expect to pay between $50-$100 USD for a two-dive trip to the Tiran Strait, including boat, guide, and lunch.
Dive centers typically operate from early morning until late afternoon. It's best to check with your chosen operator for their specific schedule and booking times.
Yes, many dive centers allow online booking. This is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy periods.
Standard diving age restrictions apply, usually 10 years old for Junior Open Water Diver and 15 for Open Water Diver. Advanced dives may have higher age requirements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way is via a guided dive trip. Experienced divemasters will ensure your safety and point out the best marine life.
Expect to see a wide variety of reef fish, colorful corals, and potentially larger pelagics like sharks and tunas in the deeper sections.
Absolutely! The vibrant corals, diverse fish, and potential for large marine life make it a fantastic spot for underwater photography.
Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 20-30 meters, allowing for clear views of the reef and its inhabitants.
It's known for drift diving due to strong currents. Depths can vary, with a notable canyon offering opportunities to see larger marine life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Most dive boat tours include lunch and refreshments as part of the package. It's always a good idea to confirm this when booking.
Expect simple, hearty meals like sandwiches, pasta, or rice dishes, along with water and sometimes juice.
Sharm El Sheikh has a wide array of restaurants, from local Egyptian cuisine to international options. You can find many near the Naama Bay area.
Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks, but it's polite to ensure you don't create excess waste on the boat.
It's best to inform your dive operator in advance if you have specific dietary requirements like vegetarian or vegan meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant coral formations, diverse schools of fish, and the chance to photograph larger pelagics like sharks and tunas are prime subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the reef and large animals, while a macro lens is useful for smaller critters. A good underwater housing is essential.
Be mindful of the currents when composing shots. Use strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the coral and fish.
Yes, many dive centers offer underwater camera rentals. Inquire when booking your dive trip.
Daytime dives offer good natural light, but using strobes will significantly enhance the colors and details in your photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you're traveling with family, consider booking a boat trip that explicitly caters to mixed abilities, ensuring there are safe areas for snorkeling and less challenging dive sites for less experienced members. Always confirm with the dive operator about the suitability of their itinerary for children and non-divers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider booking your dive trips in advance online, as this can sometimes secure better rates. Packing your own snacks and water can also help reduce onboard expenses.
💍 Couples
Many dive centers offer private or semi-private boat charters, which can provide a more intimate and personalized experience. Enjoying a sunset cruise back to Sharm after a day of diving can also be a perfect end to a romantic day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Currents of Woodhouse Reef
Experienced divers often describe the drift as a highlight, allowing them to cover significant distances along the reef with minimal effort. However, this also means paying close attention to the dive plan and the divemaster's instructions. The exit point can sometimes be challenging due to the current, so divers should be prepared and follow their guide’s lead. For those new to drift diving, it's advisable to gain some experience at less current-prone sites before tackling Woodhouse Reef.
While the currents are a defining feature, they also contribute to the reef's health and the abundance of marine life. The constant flow of nutrient-rich water supports the vibrant coral ecosystems and attracts a variety of fish species. Understanding and respecting these currents is key to a safe and enjoyable dive at Woodhouse Reef.
Encounters with Giants: Marine Life at Woodhouse Reef
Beyond the potential for large marine life, the reef itself is a thriving ecosystem teeming with a diverse array of fish. Visitors can expect to see vibrant schools of reef fish darting amongst the healthy coral formations. The sheer abundance and variety of marine life contribute to the reef's reputation as a top dive destination in the Red Sea.
For underwater photographers, Woodhouse Reef presents a fantastic opportunity. The combination of clear visibility, colorful corals, abundant fish, and the chance to photograph larger animals makes it a photographer's paradise. Capturing these moments requires good equipment and an understanding of the underwater environment, but the results can be spectacular.
The Tiran Strait: A Gateway to Underwater Wonders
The marine protected status of the Tiran Strait contributes to the health and biodiversity of its reefs. Divers can expect pristine coral gardens and a rich variety of marine life, thanks to conservation efforts. Boat trips to this area are a popular choice for divers looking to experience multiple world-class dive sites in a single day.
Access to the Tiran Strait is exclusively by boat from Sharm El Sheikh. Dive operators offer various packages, often including multiple dives at different reefs within the strait. The journey itself offers scenic views of the Red Sea and the surrounding islands, adding to the overall experience.
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