Egypt: Red Sea - Dive Sites - Woodhouse Reef

Woodhouse Reef

Diving

Snorkelling

By Boat

By swimming

By Live-aboard

All Divers

4

2

Yes

Yes

Yes

Location:

Second from the north in the Straits of Tiran reef chain

Access:

Local or live-aboard boat from Sharm El Sheikh, Naama Bay or other ports

Average Depth:

15m (50ft)

Maximum Depth:

40m+ (130ft+)

Average Visibility:

20m (65ft)

Lying between Jackson and Gordon Reefs, Woodhouse is a long, narrow reef running at an angle form northeast to southwest. From its shallow reeftop, the reef drops at a sharp angle on all sides; although it is less than vertical throughout the reef's length, the angle steepens still further beyond 25m (80ft).

Woodhouse is generally dived as a drift along the reef's eastern side. The current is usually moderate, but can pick up speed at certain phases of the Moon, particularly toward the northern channel between Woodhouse and Jackson. Care should be taken not to get pulled around the point here, as you could be swept off the reef into the main shipping lane.

Coral cover is excellent throughout the reef, with dense growth all over; there ar4e a few sandy patches at depths of around 20m (65ft). Many species are present but because of the sheltered position of the reef, away from the main current, a certain amount of sedimentation has effected the corals here.

Pelagic fish include big tuna and schools of trevally or jacks. Fusiliers, snapper, surgeons and unicorns also school here, along with thousands of other reef fish.

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Last Updated: May 29th, 2011