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Place · Sharm El Sheikh
The reefs of Tiran by private yacht
A trip to Tiran from Sharm El Sheikh is a day on the four reefs of the Strait of Tiran, about 14 km north-east of Sharm: Gordon, Thomas, Woodhouse and Jackson. Boats do not land on Tiran Island itself; you swim and snorkel from the yacht.
At a glance
| Where | The Strait of Tiran, about 14 km north-east of Sharm El Sheikh |
|---|---|
| The reefs | Gordon (closest to Sharm), Thomas, Woodhouse, Jackson (furthest north) |
| Best for | Snorkelling and swimming in open water, and the Loullia wreck on Gordon Reef |
| Landing on the island | Not permitted |
| Swimming level | Depends on the current that day. Confident swimmers get the most from it |
| Sea temperature | About 22 °C in February and March, 28 °C in July and August |
Why people go
The four reefs rise in the strait where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Red Sea. Turtles, groupers, snappers, Napoleon wrasse and eagle rays are seen here. The freighter Loullia, which ran aground in 1981, still sits on the northern side of Gordon Reef.
The ships’ channels between the reefs, Enterprise Passage and Grafton Passage, are why the currents here can be strong. That is also why the captain, not a timetable, decides where you swim.
Your day, step by step
- You send a request with your date, your group and your swimming level. Tiran is already filled in.
- A concierge replies within 2 hours, 9:00 to 22:00 Cairo time, and sends a written quote: the yacht, the operator, the harbour, the departure time, the hours at sea and what is included.
- You accept the quote and pay the 25% deposit through a secure payment link from your concierge. The operator confirms in writing.
- On the day, you meet the crew at the harbour named on your quote and follow the captain’s safety instructions.
- The yacht sails north-east to the strait. The captain chooses the reefs and the stops for the current and the wind.
- Between stops you rest on deck. Lunch and drinks are on board if your quote includes them.
- You sail back at the time on your quote. The 75% balance goes to the operator before boarding.
What is included
We list a yacht only after we have seen its licence and insurance and reviewed it with its operator on a video call. What is on board depends on the yacht and is written on your quote, line by line, before you pay: life jackets in children’s sizes if children are coming, snorkelling gear, food and drinks, towels, any fees or permits for the day, and a hotel transfer. If something is not on the quote, it is not included.
Who it suits
- Confident swimmers and snorkellers who want open-water reefs.
- Groups who have already been to Ras Mohammed and want a different day.
- Families on calm days, with the captain choosing the easiest stops.
Which yacht to choose
The strait is open water, so a larger motor yacht or a catamaran is steadier on a windy day. See which boat to choose in Sharm. Our first yachts in Sharm are being reviewed with their operators; the yachts shown today are samples.
When to go
Boats sail to Tiran all year. The strait is open water, so the wind decides a lot. If the port authority or your captain stops sailing, you choose a new date or a full refund. If your dates are flexible, tell your concierge, so the trip can move to the calmest day. Month-by-month figures are in the best time for a boat trip in Sharm.
Reef rules
The reefs are protected, and the same rules apply as in Ras Mohammed: do not touch coral, do not feed the fish, and take nothing. Your quote lists any fees or permits for the day. Read the reef rules and safety tips.
Yachts in Sharm El Sheikh
Your concierge confirms which of these yachts can take you to Tiran Island on your date.
Sample listings
These are sample listings to show how the site works. Real yachts appear after our review.
- Photos coming soon
- Photos coming soon
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- Photos coming soon
Ways to see Tiran Island
Full-day private charter
The whole yacht for about 8 hours, to Ras Mohammed or Tiran.
Snorkelling day
Reef stops chosen by your captain for the day's conditions.
Questions about Tiran Island
Can we go ashore on Tiran Island?
No. Landing is not permitted. The trip is to the reefs around it.
Is Tiran good for beginners?
It depends on the day, because currents in the strait can be strong. Tell us your group’s swimming level and the captain plans the stops around it.
Tiran or Ras Mohammed?
Both are full days. Ras Mohammed is south-west of Sharm and can include White Island; Tiran is north-east, with the Loullia wreck. Your concierge can suggest the better one for the wind that week.
Can we see the wreck?
The Loullia sits on the northern side of Gordon Reef. Whether you stop near it depends on the current that day.
Are fees included?
Your quote says so, line by line.