Sand dunes roll across the comma-like spit drawn on the oceanic canvas, mimicking the waves around the island. The Tiran is found on the Red Sea at the mouth of Aqaba Gulf, between the tip of the Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia. Though vegetation is scarce on the island, the abundant sands lead towards the edge of clear blue waters. These waters are only accessible by boat but do take a moment to dive into the open portal to an underwater paradise. The waters around Tiran are known to be great for swimming and diving. Of the four prominent reef beds, beginners should start off at the Woodhouse or Thomas reefs, which slope away gently from the island’s embankments. The gradual descent is easily mastered. Children under the minimum diving age can opt for snorkeling, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. More advanced divers should opt for the Gordon’s and Jackson’s reefs found bordering the two others mentioned earlier. These have steeper drops and stronger currents as you lower yourself up to 1800m beneath the ocean’s surface. manta rays, fearless sharks and frightening barracudas likely to pass you along the way. In particular, the plated and armored sea turtle can be spotted beneath the wreckage of the Lara by Jackson’s reef. Gordon’s is better known for its thick-lipped wonders, the giant clams. Once out of the waters, the boat decks make great sunning areas as you take in the vastness of the ocean and the sweeping grace of Tiran’s shores. Tiran’s sandy peaks are only the tip of the iceberg for the wonders that lie beneath its waters.