Dive at Gordon Reef (Tiran Strait)
Gordon Reef, with its red and white lighthouse, is the eastern reference point of the Tiran Strait. It is characterized by the presence of the wreck Louilla, a Panamanian cargo ship that ran aground on the northern side of the reef in 1981. Over the years, the force of the sea has gradually taken its toll on the ship hull, which can still be seen battered on the reef.
This iron behemoth appears to the eyes of those who sail these waters like a resilient ghost, with its history lingering just below the surface.
Near the lighthouse, there are fixed and wind-sheltered anchorages that make this diving site calmer compared to others in the strait.
There are three possible itineraries that can be followed in this reef: The first one heads east from the starting point, then continues north along the eastern side of the site. Halfway through, you can observe a series of metallic barrels, remnants of the stranded cargo, encrusted with marine life and transformed into dens by groupers.
At the location of the barrels, you can either turn back or continue north to embark on the second itinerary, which is a drift dive. Here, you will encounter a small sandy plateau characterized by the presence of slender garden eels emerging from the sand like blades of grass.
The third itinerary, on the other hand, leads to the exploration of the plateau extending southward and to the aerial exploration of the “Shark pool,” a depression that resembles a submerged natural amphitheater.
Regardless of the chosen itinerary, Gordon Reef will not disappoint in terms of the encounters you may experience. From the tiny nudibranchs strolling on the madrepore, to the eagle rays swimming near the eastern edge, to the reef sharks (with a bit of luck), you’ll encounter a variety of marine life at Gordon Reef.
You’ll always be accompanied by the ever-present reef fish, searching for food among the diverse coral species.
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