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Dive Site

Jackson Reef

  • Current: S in the morning, S at midday, N in the afternoon
  • Visibility: J, F, M, A: 40 m; M, J, J, A: 30 m; S, O, N, D: 35 m
  • Temperatures: J, F, M: 24°C; A, M, J: 26°C; J, A, S: 28°C; O, N, D: 27°C
  • Depth: 0 m to 50 m
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Dive Site

Overview

Whether it was Michael or Samuel L. who gave his name to the "Jackson Reef", we do not know. But we can say for sure that "Jackson" is the northernmost of the four reefs of Tiran and became famous because of a Cypriot cargo ship ("Lara") that hit the reef there with full force on December 04, 1981. The "Jackson Reef" is very popular among divers, especially because of the high chance to see hammerhead sharks here in the summer months. However, with current this dive is challenging. An mooring is available.

Description

The "Jackson Reef" resembles a triangle, the tip of which points towards the north. Exactly here lies the famous shipwreck "Lara", run aground and sunk in 1981. In the area of " Lara " you can always see hammerhead sharks, which are in the blue water and in pleasant depths between 10 and 30 meters.
This highly frequented dive spot is not only a treat for divers, but also snorkelers get their money's worth at "Jackson Reef", as there are two shallow plateaus. Perfect for an underwater excursion with the whole family. Besides the "Lara", the remains of the old lighthouse are also among the highlights of the reef.

Not only reef and hammerhead sharks can be seen with a little luck, but also magnificent coral gardens, red anemones, clownfish, horseeye jacks, eagle rays, napoleon wrasse, groupers or schools of tuna. See, be astonished, enjoy!

Hotspots

  • Plateau in the west: The plateau in the west hosts the wonderful coral garden, which could not be more colorful. We also find the bright red anemone here, at a depth of 28 meters.
  • Plateau in the east: In the east plateau we visit the remains of the old lighthouse and enjoy hundreds of species of fish in various shapes and colors.
  • Wreck and sharks: During the visit of the "Lara" we are well advised to also scan the blue water again and again with our glances to enjoy the sight of hammerhead sharks.

map Dive Plans

Drift form the northern tip

We start at the wreck of the "Lara" and drift with the reef to our right or left shoulder depending on the current. Especially when reaching the southern side we have to pay attention to the current.The wreck of the "Lara" lies up to 30 meters deep, here we can stay in the blue water - the probability that sharks are on the way is very high here. Then head south and look at the west and east walls.

South

From the boat in the middle of the southern area we go down along the big sandy channel to about 30 meters. Here we see the first groupers and also small sharks. Further down, at 45 meters, lives a colony of sand eels, but we also see them in the 40 meter area. With the reef on our right shoulder we continue to the home of the clownfish, the red anemone.

From the mooring to the east

From the boat, with the reef to the left shoulder, we dive up to 20 meters depth above a sandy plateau to visit the longnose hawkfish. Fire corals make their way here to a depth of 38 meters.The remains of the old lighthouse and beautiful hard coral blocks can be found in the east plateau between 8 and 15 meters. Here, too, you have to watch out for the current.