Hotels near Tiran Island

Tiran Island lies at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba, 6 km off Sharm's eastern coast. The 80 sq km island itself is uninhabited, but the four reefs surrounding it - Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon - form one of the Red Sea's most dramatic dive complexes. Each reef rises from 60-90 m walls and is famous for big fish: barracuda schools, eagle rays, sharks, and resident turtles.

Day boats leave Sharm marina at 8:30-9:00 AM, anchor at two or three reef sites for snorkelling, serve buffet lunch onboard, and return around 4:30 PM. Prices range USD 50-90 including transfers, gear, and lunch. Note that Tiran Island itself was returned to Saudi Arabia in 2017, so visitors only access the surrounding waters; the island is off limits.

Pro Tip: Pick a tour that visits Jackson Reef first - it has the strongest currents and the best chance of seeing big fish like trevally and tuna. Bring a thin lycra rashguard even in summer; the wind chill on the boat ride back can be brutal.