Gordon Reef is the largest reef in diameter of the four reefs in the Straits of Tiran, located near Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in the Red Sea. It’s a popular dive site known for its diverse marine life, stunning coral formations, and the wreck of the Panamanian cargo ship “Loullia,” which ran aground on the reef in 1981.
Here’s a summary of what you can expect at Gordon Reef:
Type of Dive: Can be done as either a drift dive or a moored dive, depending on the conditions.
Suitable for: All levels of divers, from beginners to experienced.
Highlights: The wreck of the “Loullia,” diverse marine life including sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and various reef fish, beautiful coral formations, a shallow plateau area, and a drop-off wall.
Depth: The reef starts in shallow water (around 8 meters) and slopes down to a depth of about 40 meters.
Diving Gordon Reef:
The dive typically starts on the southern plateau of the reef, where divers can explore the shallow sandy area with its diverse fish life, including blue-spotted stingrays, cornet-fish, schooling goatfish, and even baby Napoleon wrasses.
As divers descend, they’ll encounter a wall teeming with colorful coral formations and various fish species. The northern part of the reef is known for the wreck of the “Loullia,” although most of the hull has deteriorated over time.
The southern edge of Gordon Reef has a depression with a sandy patch, known as the “Amphitheatre” or “Shark Pool.” This area is known for sightings of sharks, barracuda, tuna, and jackfish. Divers can also spot a large school of bannerfish and large fan corals in this area.
While Gordon Reef is generally suitable for divers of all levels, it’s important to be aware of the potential for currents, especially on the northern and southern ends of the reef. It’s always recommended to dive with a reputable dive operator who is familiar with the local conditions and can ensure your safety