sandy ‘road’ between the coral ledge bordering the coast and a parallel satellite reef that is often frequented by jackfish and other predators. Jackfish Alley, which was originally known as Fisherman’s Bank or also Ras Kusba, is south of Ras Za’atar. The beginning of the drift dive is easy to spot owing to the white mark on the cliff. After descending to 6 meters you will immediately see the large entrance to the first cave, which penetrates the reef for about 40 meters and from
which you exit, keeping to your left at a depth of 9 meters. Proceeding to the southwest with the reef on your right, you will come to a large coral outcrop beyond which, at 14 meters, there is another cave that runs upwards and has a wide exit hole at 6 meters. This is the home of a myriad of glassfish (Pigmy sweepers, Parapriacanthus ransonnett). A little further south there is a
the sandy bay that must be crossed in a southwest direction in order to see, at a depth of Il meters, another coral outcrop swarming with life and
populated by another colony of glassfish. From here continue to proceed southwest and, once past a zone rich in madrepores, at a depth of 18–20 meters you will be at the sandy ‘alley’ this site is named after. Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) and Manta rays (Manta birostris) as well as jackfish (genus Caranx), Blue triggerfish (Pseudobalistes fuscus) and Bluespotted stingrays (Taeniura lymma) have often been spotted in this area.
Jackfish Alley
Comments. At the start of the dive do not descend more than 5-6 meters or you will miss the entrance to the first cave. • Only small groups of expert divers are allowed to explore the caves. • Carry a torch with you. Do not explore the caves for too long a time.
. An extraordinary marine landscape. • Caves with spectacular light effects. • Quite varied reef fauna. • The possibility to see pelagic predators.
