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.
Current morning readings from Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed indicate an air temperature of 26°C. Surface wave heights are averaging around 0.4 m at this time. These local measurements provide a baseline for your daily dive planning.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
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.
Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed show 26° air, 27° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 36 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
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.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
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
Overhead environment. Do not enter beyond training and gas planning limits.
Current and surface separation risk. Local briefing strongly recommended.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Reel / Spool
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed, Egypt. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Subtle variations in currents or depth can sometimes influence perceived water temperature.
2-3mm shorty or light wetsuit tends to perform well in water temperatures like those currently observed here. Environmental models indicate a modest warming trend ahead. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Divers heading to Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed today should expect water temperatures around 27°C (80°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 26°C (78°F).
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
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.
Dive Sites Near Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed
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Dive Centers Near Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed
Working Hours
Today: 08:00 - 19:00
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Reef Oasis Dive Club
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Scuba Diving Sharm
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently 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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Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Jackfish Alley - Ras Mohammed show 26° air, 27° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 36 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.