Jackson Reef

About this dive site

This dive site, Jackson Reef, is located in Saudi Arabia and is renowned for its exceptional underwater beauty and diverse marine life. It can be explored as a drift dive, following the natural currents, or as a mooring dive, anchoring in place for a more controlled exploration. The reef boasts a vibrant coral garden teeming with both hard and soft corals, providing a visually stunning backdrop for the dive. Navigating the reef requires awareness of the currents which can be particularly strong at the 'corners'.

The marine life at Jackson Reef is incredibly diverse. Divers and snorkelers can encounter a wide variety of fish, including jackfish and tuna, alongside larger creatures such as turtles, rays, moray eels, and even manta rays. The backside of the reef is a well-known hotspot for hammerhead sharks, particularly between July and October. The abundance and variety of marine life make it a truly exceptional dive site for both macro and wide-angle photography.

The best time to visit Jackson Reef is during the cooler months, ideally from July to October, when the visibility is typically at its best and the chance of encountering hammerhead sharks is highest. It's recommended to check weather and current conditions beforehand, and to select a dive operator with experience at Jackson Reef to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. While snorkeling is suitable in calmer conditions, freediving is generally not recommended due to the unpredictable currents and depth.