Dive site · access from Sharm el-Sheikh, Ras Mohammed & Tiran
Thomas Reef
The smallest of the four Tiran reefs but the richest in soft coral.
- Depth
- 5–40m
- Current
- Strong
- Minimum level
- Advanced open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- The Three Thomas Arches, deep archways beyond 35m (technical)
- Densest soft-coral growth of the Tiran reefs
- Strong drift along the current-facing wall
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Advanced open water certification is the stated minimum.
Access and timing
Plan this through Sharm el-Sheikh, Ras Mohammed & Tiran
Best overall months: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Sharm el-Sheikh, Ras Mohammed & Tiran
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Thomas Reef.
Giant oceanic manta ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Humphead wrasse
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Whale shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | not seen |
| February | not seen |
| March | rare |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | not seen |
| December | not seen |
Grey reef shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Hawksbill turtle
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Nearby alternatives
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Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 2 sources and checking notes
- Dive Site: Thomas Reef, DIVE Magazine
- Diving the Straits of Tiran, Egypt, Dive The World
Note on the data: The Thomas Arches sit below recreational limits and are noted as a technical feature, not the standard dive. Coordinates approximate.