Diving atJackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed (Egypt)
Jackfish Alley in Ras Mohammed offers an accessible intermediate dive experience, distinguishing itself with a combination of drift potential and intricate swim-throughs. Divers seeking diverse topography, from sheer walls to expansive coral gardens, often find this site a compelling choice. It's an excellent location for those comfortable with buoyant navigation through narrow passages and keen to observe larger pelagic species alongside reef inhabitants.
As evening covers Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed, the local air temperature is measured at 23.9°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.28m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
27.7553, 34.2524
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Jackfish Alley earns its name from a prominent sandy channel where schooling jackfish are frequently observed, a feature that has defined the site for many divers over time. Positioned within the northern reaches of Ras Mohammed National Park, between Ras Za’atar and Shark Observatory, this site presents a varied underwater landscape.
The dive frequently begins with a distinctive dog-leg swim-through at approximately 5 m (16 ft), where sunlight filters, creating a captivating visual. Beyond this initial passage, a calmer sandy bay opens up around nine meters before leading to a second, deeper swim-through at about fifteen meters. The site's character evolves through porous walls with crevices, transitioning to extensive coral gardens that eventually meet a satellite reef about 50 m (160 ft) away from the main structure.
Recreational dive limits apply, with the maximum depth typically kept to 30 m (100 ft) for safety and optimal bottom time.
Best Time to Dive
Diving conditions at Jackfish Alley remain favorable throughout the year, with consistently high dive scores reported every month. Optimal comfort underwater often aligns with the warmer seasons from May through October, when air temperatures frequently exceed 29°C (84°F) and can reach highs around 35°C (95°F) in July and August. Water temperatures during this period generally range between 24-30°C (75-86°F), making for pleasant extended dives. Even during the cooler months, such as January and February, air temperatures are mild, averaging around 19°C (66°F), with water temperatures staying comfortable between 22-24°C (72-75°F). Rainfall is minimal across all months, ensuring consistently clear skies and unimpeded surface conditions. Average wind speeds, while present, don't typically deter diving activity, hovering between 20-29 km/h (12-18 mph) year-round, which contributes to the typical drift dive profile.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Beginning the dive at Jackfish Alley, divers often navigate a narrow, shallow dog-leg swim-through, where ambient light creates striking visual effects. Following this initial passage, the topography transitions to an open sandy bay at approximately nine meters, offering a gentle expanse for observation. Moving deeper, a second swim-through, found around fifteen meters, invites further exploration; divers can often experience the site in reverse if currents permit. A notable pinnacle, prominent in the mid-depth range, acts as a focal point before the dive progresses into the main alley. This sandy bottomed channel separates the principal reef from a significant plateau. Visibility here is generally excellent, often reaching 25 m (82 ft) in settled conditions, though it varies depending on conditions. Currents are a significant factor, varying from negligible to 3 knots, particularly around the satellite reef, influencing the potential for a drift dive.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
When approaching Jackfish Alley, divers understand the importance of current assessment, particularly near the satellite reef where stronger flows are sometimes encountered. Proper entry planning is often required due to its drift dive potential, ensuring boat pick-up procedures are clear. Navigating the site's penetrable passages and swim-throughs requires appropriate training and conservative gas management; these are not deep cave systems, but they nonetheless demand attention to buoyancy and spatial awareness. Divers should maintain a watchful eye on their depth and no-decompression limits, staying within typical recreational depth ranges. Always stay with your buddy and follow your dive guide's instructions, especially when currents are present, to ensure a smooth and safe exploration.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
According to recent observations, water temperatures near Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed are approximately 24°C (75°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 24°C (75°F).
Forecasts suggest rising temperatures later this week. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Most divers would typically feel comfortable using 3-5mm wetsuit in these conditions. Dive depth and duration can significantly affect perceived warmth.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
EGP
Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed
Entering the sandy bay, divers frequently spot blue-spotted rays gliding gracefully across the bottom, alongside feather tail rays. Within the alley itself, large schools of the site's namesake jackfish are a common and exhilarating sight, often accompanied by abundant fusiliers. Near the prominent mid-depth pinnacle, observant divers may locate glassfish, scorpionfish, and lionfish. Further out, especially along the deeper reef edges and where currents converge, keep watch for tuna cruising in the blue, and if fortunate, the occasional white-tip reef sharks patrolling the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical depth range for diving at Jackfish Alley?
Most recreational dives at Jackfish Alley explore depths up to approximately 30 meters. While deeper sections are generally reserved for advanced divers, the majority of the site's highlights are well within standard recreational limits.
Are there any swim-throughs at Jackfish Alley?
Yes, Jackfish Alley features at least two notable swim-throughs. The first is a dog-leg passage at a shallow five meters, and a second, deeper one is found around fifteen meters. Both require good buoyancy control to navigate.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
The site is well-known for schooling jackfish, blue-spotted rays, and white-tip reef sharks. You might also encounter tuna, fusiliers, glassfish, scorpionfish, and lionfish, particularly around the coral gardens and the prominent mid-depth pinnacle.
How strong are the currents?
Currents at Jackfish Alley can vary significantly, from calm to strong, potentially reaching up to 3 knots. The strongest currents are more commonly experienced near the satellite reef, which can contribute to an exhilarating drift dive.
Is Jackfish Alley suitable for beginners?
While the site is classified as intermediate due to potential currents and swim-throughs, experienced beginner divers with good buoyancy control and comfort with drift diving can manage it. A local guide is highly recommended.
What are the water temperatures like throughout the year?
Water temperatures at Jackfish Alley are pleasant year-round, typically ranging from 22-24°C (72-75°F) in cooler months and rising to a warmer 26-30°C (79-86°F) during the summer and early autumn.
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