Aqaba
Aqaba, nestled on Jordan's Red Sea coast, offers a unique and accessible diving experience. Its main draw is the Aqaba Marine Park, a protected area boasting vibrant fringing reefs that begin just meters from the shore. Divers can explore a fantastic mix of environments, from sloping coral gardens and steep walls to world-class artificial reefs. The most famous of these is the Cedar Pride shipwreck, but the park also features a sunken C-130 Hercules plane and an M42 Duster tank, creating an underwater military museum that attracts photographers and wreck enthusiasts alike.
Diving conditions in Aqaba are exceptional year-round, characterized by calm, clear waters with minimal currents, making it an ideal destination for all skill levels, from beginners to technical divers. Visibility frequently exceeds 30 meters, showcasing the rich biodiversity and colorful corals. With warm water temperatures and over 300 days of sunshine annually, Aqaba, Jordan provides a comfortable and rewarding dive holiday. Its combination of easy logistics, healthy reefs, and unique wrecks makes it a must-visit destination on the Red Sea.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Aqaba, Jordan?
The Cedar Pride wreck is by far the most famous dive site in Aqaba, Jordan. This Lebanese freighter was scuttled in 1985 and now lies across two reefs at a maximum depth of 27 meters. It is incredibly popular due to its accessibility for various certification levels, stunning coral growth covering its hull, and photogenic swim-throughs. The wreck is intact and offers a fantastic experience for both day and night dives, teeming with marine life.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Aqaba, Jordan?
Popular sites include the Japanese Gardens for its stunning coral formations and the Tank (M42 Duster), an easily accessible wreck perfect for photos. For a less-crowded experience, explore Power Station, known for its deep wall and large shoals of fish attracted by currents. First Bay North is another hidden gem, offering a pristine, sloping reef with excellent coral cover and a chance to spot turtles and rays away from the main dive groups.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Aqaba, Jordan?
Water temperatures in Aqaba, Jordan vary seasonally. In summer (June-September), the water is warmest, ranging from 26-28°C (79-82°F). During the winter months (December-February), temperatures drop to a cooler 20-22°C (68-72°F). The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer a pleasant middle ground, typically around 23-25°C (73-77°F). This allows for comfortable year-round diving with the right exposure suit.
When is the best time to visit Aqaba, Jordan?
While diving in Aqaba, Jordan is excellent year-round, the best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these periods, you'll enjoy warm water temperatures and pleasant, sunny weather without the intense heat of summer. Summer is great for warm water but can be very hot on land. Winter offers clear visibility and fewer crowds, though cooler water requires a thicker wetsuit. Visibility is generally fantastic throughout the year.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Aqaba, Jordan?
Underwater visibility in Aqaba, Jordan is typically excellent, a hallmark of the Red Sea. Divers can regularly expect visibility of 20-30 meters (65-100 feet), and it often exceeds 40 meters on clear days. While conditions are consistently good, visibility can be slightly reduced during the spring algae bloom in April or May. However, even at its lowest, it rarely drops below 15 meters, ensuring great diving conditions throughout the year.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Aqaba, Jordan?
Aqaba, Jordan is not known for large, predictable migrations of pelagics like whale sharks or mantas, which are rare sightings. The marine life is largely residential. However, divers may see seasonal increases in activity. Hawksbill and green turtles are present year-round but are more active during their nesting seasons. Some fish species also exhibit mating and aggregation behaviors at certain times of the year. The primary attraction remains the rich, resident reef ecosystem.
What marine life can I expect to see in Aqaba, Jordan?
Aqaba, Jordan boasts classic Red Sea biodiversity. Expect to see vibrant coral gardens teeming with angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and clownfish in anemones. Moray eels, lionfish, and scorpionfish are very common. Macro life is abundant, with chances to spot frogfish, ghost pipefish, and various nudibranchs. Hawksbill and green turtles are frequently seen, along with blue-spotted stingrays and the occasional eagle ray. The reefs are healthy and full of life.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Aqaba, Jordan?
Wetsuit choice for Aqaba, Jordan depends on the season. In the warm summer months (June-September), a 3mm shorty or full suit is sufficient for most divers. During the cooler winter (December-February), a 5mm or 7mm full suit is highly recommended for comfort, especially for multiple dives. In the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, a 5mm full suit is a versatile and popular choice. Some divers add a hood in winter for extra warmth.
How do I get to Aqaba, Jordan?
Most international visitors fly into King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) right in Aqaba. Alternatively, you can fly into Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman and then take a 4-hour drive or a short domestic flight to Aqaba. The city is also accessible by land from Eilat, Israel, via the Wadi Araba border crossing. Dive centers are a short taxi ride from the airport and major hotels.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Aqaba, Jordan?
Aqaba, Jordan is almost exclusively a shore-based diving destination. All dive sites are located within a compact, protected marine park along the coast and are easily reached by short van or boat rides from a dive center. There are no dedicated liveaboards operating solely in Aqaba as the area doesn't require them. Staying at a hotel and diving daily with a local operator is the standard, most efficient, and recommended way to explore the reefs here.