Gordon Reef

Gordon Reef is the first of the reefs you will come across as you sail to Tiran. It is famous for the wreck of Louilla, a Panamanian Cargo ship that hit the reef in 1981. Unfortunately, weather has taken its toll on the wreck and there is nothing much left of her. Diving on the south side of the reef, there is a large plateau ranging from 10-25 meters extending out westerly. The dive can be done in both directions. Heading northwards, you will come across groups of metal barrels where octopus and stone fish can be found. White peppered morays are also often found hiding here. Keep your eyes open for the rare Red Sea Flasher Wrasse. As you shallow up, there is a sandy patch with garden eels. Alternatively, on calmer days, the dive can be started in a southerly direction. Here, you will come across a depression in the reef with a small sandy patch known as the "Amphitheatre" or "Shark Pool". Sharks are often sighted in the area along with groups of barracuda, tuna, and Jackfish. A large school of banner fish hangs on the right bank and large fan corals sit in the middle at approximately 22-25 meters. Ascending the right bank, the current can start to be strong, so tuck in towards the reef and make your way shallower. Here, you may see a large pile of metal cables with a lot of life around them. Another option for diving Gordon Reef is to explore the coral pinnacles on the shallow eastern side up to the scenic drop-off of about 30 meters. Here, there is an abundance of marine life and even sleeping reef sharks. Alternatively, you can start from the north and drift along the wall, where the current can be strong at times.