Strait of Tiran

Created by seismic activity along the Afro-Syrian Rift, the Gulf of Aqaba is a deep narrow body of water, bordered by Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Geologically, the Gulf of Aqaba is part of the rift valley that runs through most of eastern Africa. The gulf extends 180 km from Eilat and Aqaba and joins the Red Sea at the Strait of Tiran, with its widest point spanning only 28 km. This particular configuration reduces deep-water exchange between the Gulf of Aqaba and the rest of the Red Sea and causes an increase of salinity and temperature. South of Tiran, north of Ras Mohamed - Sharm El Sheikh area is quite sheltered from waves and... strong currents. Here the fringing reef has found an ideal ecosystem for reef growth. With over 15 dive sites, only a short distance from one to another it is sometimes difficult to choose. Diving here you can observe almost the complete range of reef and open ocean fish, several drop offs visited by pelagics, coral heads covered with plenty of marine life, caves and canyons.Read more