Diving in Aqaba: Wrecks, Corals and Jordan's Red Sea

Jordan offers a unique Red Sea diving experience, blending spectacular wrecks and vibrant reefs with unparalleled Jordanian hospitality. It's an accessible and surprising destination for divers of all levels.

The Red Sea, a Jewel in the Desert

Can you imagine combining the exploration of ancient desert cities with diving in a vibrant sea? Jordan offers it all. Its crystal-clear Red Sea waters, accessible from Aqaba, are an often-overlooked underwater paradise that is incredibly rewarding.

Here, visibility is legendary, and biodiversity will leave you breathless. It's a destination that surprises and captivates, ideal for those seeking something different.

Aqaba's Underwater Gems

All diving in Jordan is concentrated in the beautiful Aqaba, the country's only coastal city. Its short coastline is packed with unique and accessible dive sites.

Wrecks and Tanks: An Underwater Museum

• The C-130 Hercules: A military transport plane intentionally sunk in 2017. It's perfectly preserved and an impressive dive site, teeming with marine life.
• The M42 Duster Tank: Submerged in 1999, this tank is a thriving artificial reef. It's ideal for photos and beginner divers due to its shallow depth.
• The Admiral's Barge: A small but fascinating wreck, covered in soft and hard corals. An excellent site for macro photography.
• The Cedar Pride: Jordan's most famous wreck, a cargo ship sunk in 1985. Its two sections offer spectacular diving, with access to its holds and rich marine life.

Vibrant Reefs

• Japanese Garden: One of the best-known reefs, with soft and hard corals, and a wide variety of reef fish. Ideal for all levels.
• Seven Sisters: Spectacular coral formations resembling fingers, home to moray eels, lionfish, and nudibranchs.
• Gorgonian I: A deeper site, famous for its impressive giant red gorgonians. Here you can find stingrays and turtles.

Unforgettable Marine Encounters

The Jordanian Red Sea is a vibrant ecosystem. Marine life is abundant and colorful, promising memorable encounters on every dive.

Most sought-after:

• Sea turtles: Common at many sites, especially Japanese Garden.
• Dolphins: Though less frequent, they can be spotted from the boat or even underwater.
• Napoleon Wrasse: These majestic giants are a common sight on deeper reefs.
• Eagle rays and whiprays: Gliding elegantly over sandy bottoms.
• Nudibranchs: A macro lover's paradise, with astonishing diversity.

You'll also see a profusion of butterflyfish, parrotfish, lionfish, and colorful clownfish. The coral diversity is simply spectacular.

When to Visit? The Ideal Climate

Jordan offers excellent diving conditions year-round, but some periods are ideal. For more details, check our guide on the best time to dive in Jordan.

• Summer (June-September): Water temperature: 26-30°C. Excellent visibility, but land heat can be intense.
• Autumn (October-November): Water temperature: 25-28°C. Considered the best time, with mild weather and excellent visibility.
• Winter (December-February): Water temperature: 20-23°C. Still very pleasant, with fewer crowds. A 5mm wetsuit is recommended.
• Spring (March-May): Water temperature: 22-25°C. Perfect weather on land and underwater, with great visibility.

Practical Tips for Your Underwater Adventure

Preparing your diving trip to Jordan is simple. Here are some key points:

Certifications and Experience

• Open Water Level: Sufficient for most dive sites, including many wrecks like the M42 tank and the Hercules.
• Advanced Open Water: Recommended for thoroughly exploring the Cedar Pride and other deeper sites.
• Non-certified divers: Can enjoy try dives or snorkeling. Aqaba Sharks Bay Divers offers Introduction dive boat trip for non certified from 80 JOD.

Costs and Logistics

• Flights: Connections to Amman (AMM) and then to Aqaba (AQJ), or direct flights to Aqaba from some European cities.
• Accommodation: Hotels and resorts in Aqaba for all budgets.
• Visa: Check requirements for your nationality. The Jordan Pass can include the visa and Petra entry.
• Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD). 1 JOD is approximately 1.4 USD.
• Diving packages: Prices vary. For example, 2 dives by boat trip in Aqaba with Aqaba Sharks Bay Divers costs from 110 JOD.

Price examples with Aqaba Sharks Bay Divers:

• OPEN WATER Course with boat in Aqaba: From 470 JOD
• ADVANCED OPEN WATER Course from shore in Aqaba: From 270 JOD
• Night Dive from shore in Aqaba: From 50 JOD
• Sunset Cruise up to 10 people: From 350 JOD

Who is this Destination For?

Jordan is perfect for:

• Divers of all levels: From beginners to wreck experts.
• Underwater photography enthusiasts: The wrecks and macro life are spectacular.
• Travelers seeking culture and adventure: Combine diving with visits to Petra, Wadi Rum, or the Dead Sea.
• Families: There are activities for everyone, from snorkeling to desert excursions.

Aqaba Sharks Bay Divers is a high-quality dive center in Aqaba (★4.9) offering a wide range of experiences. You can check their offers on DiverDoo.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jordan a good destination for beginner divers?

Absolutely! Many dive sites, like the M42 tank and parts of the Hercules, are shallow and accessible for Open Water certified divers. Plus, dive centers offer introductory courses.

What kind of marine life can I expect to see in Jordan?

The Jordanian Red Sea is rich in life. You can expect to see turtles, Napoleon wrasse, rays, dolphins (occasionally), and a wide variety of colorful reef fish like lionfish, clownfish, and butterflyfish, along with nudibranchs and vibrant corals.

Do I need a visa to dive in Jordan?

It depends on your nationality. Many visitors can obtain a visa on arrival or use the Jordan Pass, which often includes the visa and entry to Petra. It's always advisable to check current requirements before traveling.

Can diving be combined with other tourist activities in Jordan?

Yes, it's one of Jordan's great advantages. You can easily combine diving in Aqaba with visits to the archaeological wonders of Petra, the stunning dunes of Wadi Rum, or floating in the Dead Sea. It's the complete adventure package!