The Strait of Tiran is a narrow channel of deep water between the Sinai mainland and Tiran Island, only about 5 km wide. Through this gap pours a constant current that feeds the four big reefs — Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon — that rise from the seabed in a line down the middle of the strait. The combination of clear water, current, and steep wall produces some of the most reliable drift diving in the Red Sea, with regular sightings of large pelagics including hammerhead sharks and the occasional whale shark.
Most Sharm dive operators offer a one-day, three-dive trip to the Tiran reefs by speedboat. The crossing from Sharks Bay takes around an hour. Surface conditions vary — the strait is exposed to north winds and can get bumpy. Tiran Island itself, returned to Saudi Arabia in 2017, is off-limits to visitors.