Laguna Reef

Overview

Laguna Reef sits on the sheltered western side of Tiran Island, and it is the gentle one of the Tiran family — a splendid coral lagoon where the average depth barely passes 12m. Where Jackson and Gordon test you with current and depth, Laguna is a relaxed drift over glassfish-wreathed pinnacles and fan corals, suitable for divers of every level while still serving up the occasional pelagic surprise from the passing current.

The Dive

A transverse wall of hard coral splits the lagoon into North and South Laguna, each marked by a beacon. South Laguna — known to local fishermen as Marsa Shabir — is the larger basin and the region's best mooring. The dive runs as a drift along the outer wall of the South Laguna reef, going either from the lagoon entrance to the green beacon or the reverse, depending on which way the tide is setting; afternoon dives, when the current eases, tend to be the most comfortable. The coral lagoon itself averages a relaxed 10–12m, with the outer wall sloping deeper for those who want it.

The pleasure here is in the detail of the reef rather than dramatic topography: glassfish swirl around pinnacles draped in gorgonian fan corals, and schools of butterflyfish drift along the hard-coral wall. Because the outer side catches the tidal flow off the strait, there is always a chance of something bigger cruising past in the current. With its shallow average depth and forgiving profile, Laguna is a favourite for newer divers and a pleasant, low-stress dive for everyone else.

Marine Life

Glassfish are the constant — dense shimmering clouds around every pinnacle — joined by butterflyfish, bannerfish and the usual anthias haze. Gorgonian fans and healthy hard coral cover the wall. When the current is running, keep half an eye on the blue for passing pelagics: jacks, barracuda and the occasional larger visitor sweeping along the outer reef.

Good to Know

Laguna is dived year-round and is best in the afternoon when the tidal current relaxes; visibility typically runs 15–30m. It is reached by day boat from Sharm El Sheikh as part of the Tiran circuit. The shallow lagoon makes it genuinely all-levels — an easy first dive in Tiran — though as a drift it is still worth diving with a guide who can read the beacons and the set of the current.