Gordon Reef
Depth is the range from the top of the site to its usual maximum; "recommended cert" is the mainstream-agency level operators usually ask for, not a legal rule. Currents and visibility change daily — treat everything here as planning ranges.
The rusting hull of the Loullia, aground since 1981, still stands above the waterline on Gordon's northern edge - the Strait of Tiran's most photographed landmark and a sober reminder of what these reefs do to ships. Underwater, Gordon is the gentle one of the four: a wide southern plateau at 10-16 meters where garden eels sway over the sand, morays hole up in scattered coral heads, and triggerfish guard their patches in summer. A field of industrial drums, cargo lost decades ago, has grown into its own small habitat. The outer slope drops away for those who want more depth, but the charm here is unhurried time in the shallows between the strait's stronger dives.
The moment you come for: The Loullia standing on the reef; garden-eel plains; easy plateau diving between Tiran's drift sites.
Topography: Broad sandy plateau with coral heads sloping to a drop-off
Current: Usually gentle over the plateau; the outer edge picks up strait flow.
Entry: Sheltered moorings on the southern plateau make this the strait's easiest dive and a common second stop.
Know before you splash
Hazards: Summer titan triggerfish nests; boat traffic around the moorings; current beyond the plateau edge.
Permits & rules: Tiran marine-park fee applies.
Who you'll meet
Blue-Spotted Ribbontail Ray
Garden Eel
Hawksbill Turtle
Titan Triggerfish
Whitetip Reef Shark
For photographers
Wide angle: ★★★★☆ · Macro: ★★★☆☆ — editors' 1–5 rating of what this site gives each style of shooting