The Wave Diving Center
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14 km away as the crow flies
Sharm El Sheikh · Egypt · Red Sea
Jackfish Alley, Sharm El Sheikh: Red Sea's shallow caves
Descend into the inviting caves of Jackfish Alley, a sheltered reef south of Ras Mohammed, where glassfish shimmer at 8 metres.
What makes this site special
- Picturesque shallow caves at 8 metres depth.
- Vibrant coral pinnacle teeming with glassfish at 12 metres.
- Well-sheltered reef, south of Ras Mohammed.
- Ideal conditions for underwater photography.
- Suitable for novice divers and certifications.
- Relaxed and visually rich dive profile.
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Jackfish Alley about the site
Approaching Jackfish Alley, you'll feel the immediate sense of shelter offered by this reef system, located distinctly south of Ras Mohammed. It’s a site that invites a comfortable descent, starting your exploration in calm embrace. The layout is perfect for a gentle profile, allowing you to immerse yourself without the immediate challenge of strong currents, making it an excellent opportunity to focus on the intricate details of the reef.
The undeniable highlight of Jackfish Alley reveals itself with the discovery of its shallow caves, nestled at a depth of 8 metres. These aren't deep, penetrating caverns but rather welcoming swim-throughs that offer a truly picturesque passage. You can incorporate these artistic entries or exits into your dive plan, navigating through the soft light play and intimate formations that make these grottos so memorable.
Further along, at 12 metres, your attention will be drawn to a captivating coral pinnacle. This formation acts as a vibrant gathering point, particularly for vast schools of glassfish. Watching them swirl and pulse around the coral, reflecting the ambient light, is a mesmerizing spectacle. It’s a dynamic display of marine life, constantly moving and reforming, providing endless opportunities for observation and photography.
While the term 'Jackfish Alley' might conjure images of abundant pelagic hunters, the beauty here lies in the calmer, more intimate encounters. The environment supports a healthy population of glassfish, which are a cornerstone of the ecosystem at this site. Their sheer numbers and collective movements create a visual anchor, attracting smaller predators and contributing to the rich food chain within the reef.
This dive site offers a perfect blueprint for photographers, presenting both wide-angle opportunities within the caves and macro subjects amongst the corals and glassfish. The shallow depths and generally placid conditions mean you have ample time to compose your shots, capturing the delicate interplay of light and marine life without the added stress of a demanding environment. It’s a relaxed pace that allows for creative exploration.
What sets Jackfish Alley apart from other reef systems in the region is this specific combination of easily accessible, photogenic caves and the distinct coral pinnacle teeming with life at such shallow depths. It delivers a unique blend of topographical interest and abundant, approachable faunal displays. The sheltered nature further enhances its accessibility, making it a distinctive entry point for those new to the Red Sea’s reef diving.
Diving Jackfish Alley: the marine life you’ll meet
Oceanic whitetip sharkCarcharhinus longimanusGlassfishAtherinidaeBlacktip reef sharkCarcharhinus melanopterusWrasseLabridaeBigeye trevallyCaranxTriggerfishBalistidaeWhitetip reef sharkTriaenodon obesusSoft coralAlcyonaceaTunaThunnusFusilierCaesioParrotfishCalotomusScorpionfishScorpaenidae
See 2 more species
Diving conditions
Jackfish Alley is accessible for Divers certified to Level 2. The site is a shallow, well-sheltered reef, providing a generally calm diving experience. Currents are typically gentle here, contrasting with some of the more exposed sites in the Sharm El Sheikh area.
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Frequently asked questions about Jackfish Alley
What certification level do you need for Jackfish Alley?
You can dive Jackfish Alley with Level 2 certification. Its shallow, well-sheltered reef and generally calm conditions make the site suitable for novice divers and certifications. The relaxed profile lets you explore the reef comfortably, while the sheltered setting provides an accessible introduction to Red Sea reef diving.
How deep are the main features at Jackfish Alley?
Jackfish Alley features picturesque shallow caves at 8 metres, offering welcoming swim-throughs rather than deep caverns. Further along, a coral pinnacle lies at 12 metres and is surrounded by glassfish. These shallow features create a gentle profile, with photogenic topography and marine life within comfortable reach during your dive.
What are the currents like at Jackfish Alley?
Currents at Jackfish Alley are typically gentle. The reef is well sheltered, creating a generally calm diving experience that contrasts with more exposed sites around Sharm El Sheikh. You can focus on the reef, caves, coral, and glassfish without the added challenge of strong currents during this relaxed dive.
What can you see at Jackfish Alley?
At Jackfish Alley, you can explore picturesque caves with soft light and intimate formations, then visit a coral pinnacle surrounded by vibrant schools of glassfish. The reef also offers wide-angle scenes in the caves and macro subjects among the corals and glassfish, making the site well suited to underwater photography.
