Woodhouse Reef - Underwater Tropical Corals Reef and sea fish Red Sea in Egypt
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Woodhouse Reef

4.7
·19 reviews·, Egypt

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

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime dives

Best visibility for marine life

CrowdMedium
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Woodhouse Reef - Underwater Tropical Corals Reef and sea fish Red Sea in Egypt

Woodhouse Reef

Best Time

Daytime dives

Best visibility for marine life

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.7
(19 reviews)

"Great drift dive spot! Watch out the current though, and don't forget to look down cause you might be lucky and spot sharks."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Deep Canyon

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

Vibrant Coral Gardens

Throughout the reef

Explore a kaleidoscope of colors with healthy coral formations teeming with diverse marine life.

Abundant Fish Life

Abundant Fish Life

Across the reef

Witness a spectacular array of fish species, a true highlight for any underwater enthusiast.

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Planning Your Visit

Master the Currents

Woodhouse Reef is known for its strong currents, making it a thrilling drift dive. Experienced divers (AOW certified) will find it exhilarating, but always be mindful of exit points and potential drift. Beginners should opt for calmer sites.

Spot the Giants

Keep an eye on the deep canyon beneath you; lucky divers might spot sharks and large tunas! The vibrant coral and abundant fish life make every dive a visual feast, so don't miss the chance to explore this underwater wonderland.

Best Times

When
Daytime dives
Why
Best visibility for marine life
Crowd
Medium
When
When currents are moderate
Why
Ideal for drift dives
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#woodhousereef #sharmelsheikh #underwater #scubadiving #coralreef
@cigdemcooper
6 likes • 470 views

🌊 Respect the Current

Woodhouse Reef is a drift dive; be prepared for strong currents and plan your exit carefully. Reddit

🦈 Look Down for Giants

Don't forget to look down into the canyon for a chance to see sharks and large tunas! Reddit

Whoodhouse, bellissima immersione a Sharm El Sheikh
@pierpaolopeluso
119 likes • 1.5K views
Woodhouse reef, Mar Rojo, Octubre de 2022 #woodhousereef #redsea #scubadiving #scuba #buceo #dive #diving
don_jorgito
16 likes • 180 views

🐠 Admire the Colors

The coral and fish life are stunning; enjoy the vibrant underwater scenery. TikTokInstagram

📸 Capture the Beauty

Bring your underwater camera to document the amazing marine biodiversity. Instagram

Tauch mit uns in Tiran! Klares Wasser, bunte Korallen, jede Menge Fisch – Tiran ist ein Traum für alle Taucher! Ob Einsteiger oder Profi – Gordon Reef, Woodhouse Reef, Thomas Reef, Jackson Reef, a den schönsten Spots rund um die Straße von Tiran. 🏝️ ✅ Jetzt buchen & abtauchen! #tiran #sunshinediversmaryandklaus #scubadiving #redsea #scubadiverlife #tauchen
sunshinedivers_maryklaus
57 likes • 1K views

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. Reddit

🦈 Look Down for Giants

Don't forget to look down into the canyon for a chance to see sharks and large tunas! Reddit

🐠 Admire the Colors

The coral and fish life are stunning; enjoy the vibrant underwater scenery. TikTokInstagram

📸 Capture the Beauty

Bring your underwater camera to document the amazing marine biodiversity. Instagram

🤿 Certified Divers Only

This site is best suited for Advanced Open Water divers due to currents. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(19 reviews)

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

Great drift dive
Vibrant coral
Abundant fish life

What People Dislike

Strong currents

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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! TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Yes, many dive centers allow online booking. This is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy periods. Instagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The best way is via a guided dive trip. Experienced divemasters will ensure your safety and point out the best marine life. TikTokReddit

Expect to see a wide variety of reef fish, colorful corals, and potentially larger pelagics like sharks and tunas in the deeper sections. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The vibrant corals, diverse fish, and potential for large marine life make it a fantastic spot for underwater photography. Instagram

Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 20-30 meters, allowing for clear views of the reef and its inhabitants. Reddit

It's known for drift diving due to strong currents. Depths can vary, with a notable canyon offering opportunities to see larger marine life. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTok

Expect simple, hearty meals like sandwiches, pasta, or rice dishes, along with water and sometimes juice. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, you can bring your own snacks and drinks, but it's polite to ensure you don't create excess waste on the boat. TikTok

It's best to inform your dive operator in advance if you have specific dietary requirements like vegetarian or vegan meals. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant coral formations, diverse schools of fish, and the chance to photograph larger pelagics like sharks and tunas are prime subjects. Instagram

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. Instagram

Be mindful of the currents when composing shots. Use strobes to bring out the vibrant colors of the coral and fish. Instagram

Yes, many dive centers offer underwater camera rentals. Inquire when booking your dive trip. Instagram

Daytime dives offer good natural light, but using strobes will significantly enhance the colors and details in your photographs. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Woodhouse Reef is primarily an advanced dive site due to strong currents, making it less suitable for families with young children or beginner snorkelers. However, many boat tours to the Tiran Strait that visit Woodhouse Reef also stop at calmer locations or offer snorkeling opportunities. Instagram

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. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

While Woodhouse Reef itself is a dive site, the cost is associated with the boat trip from Sharm El Sheikh. To save money, look for dive centers offering group discounts or package deals for multiple dives. TikTok

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. TikTok

💍 Couples

A dive trip to Woodhouse Reef can be a romantic and adventurous experience for couples. Imagine exploring the vibrant underwater world together, sharing the thrill of spotting marine life. TikTok

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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Currents of Woodhouse Reef

Woodhouse Reef is renowned for its dynamic currents, making it a premier destination for drift diving. These currents, often flowing strongly along the reef wall, create an exhilarating experience for certified divers, particularly those with Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification. The reef's topography, featuring a dramatic canyon, amplifies the current's effect, offering a thrilling ride for divers. It's crucial for visitors to be aware of these conditions and to plan their dives and exits accordingly, ensuring they are comfortable with drift diving techniques. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Encounters with Giants: Marine Life at Woodhouse Reef

Woodhouse Reef offers the tantalizing possibility of encountering large pelagic species, a major draw for divers. The deep canyon beneath the reef is a known hunting ground for sharks and large tunas, providing a thrilling spectacle for those fortunate enough to spot them. These encounters are often cited as a highlight by divers who have visited the site. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

The Tiran Strait: A Gateway to Underwater Wonders

Woodhouse Reef is part of the Tiran Strait, a strategically important waterway that is also a protected marine area. This strait is home to several famous dive sites, including Jackson Reef, Gordon Reef, Thomas Reef, and Woodhouse Reef itself. The concentration of exceptional dive sites in close proximity makes the Tiran Strait a must-visit for divers in Sharm El Sheikh. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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