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7 Best Dive Sites for Diving in Aqaba, Jordan

7 Best Dive Sites for Diving in Aqaba, Jordan

Introduction

Aqaba, Jordan, is a treasure trove for diving enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and historic wrecks, the Red Sea coastline provides a remarkable underwater experience for both beginners and seasoned divers. Whether you’re interested in coral reefs, underwater photography, or wreck dives like the famous Cedar Pride, Aqaba has it all.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best dive sites in Aqaba, what to expect during a Try Dive, and how activities like snorkeling, Royal Sea Trek, and scuba diving can enhance your visit to Jordan. You’ll also get insights into related attractions like the Dead Sea to make the most of your trip.

What Makes Diving in Aqaba Special?

Diving in Aqaba offers a unique blend of adventure and exploration. The Ruddy Sea’s northern coastline is domestic to inexhaustible coral gardens, wrecks, and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the best plunging goals in the world Aqaba’s calm seas are ideal for beginners, and the diversity of marine life attracts seasoned divers looking for more advanced challenges.

The main reasons Aqaba stands out as a diving location include:

  • Vibrant Coral Reefs: The underwater ecosystem in Aqaba is brimming with life, offering divers the chance to witness the spectacular colors of coral formations.
  • Historic Wrecks: Aqaba’s wreck dives, like Cedar Pride, provide an unforgettable experience. These wrecks are teeming with marine life and make for fantastic underwater photography.
  • Crystal Clear Water: With visibility often reaching up to 30 meters, the waters of Aqaba are perfect for underwater exploration and capturing great photos.

1. Cedar Pride Wreck

One of the most famous dive sites in Aqaba, the Cedar Pride wreck is a must-visit for diving enthusiasts. This Lebanese freighter was deliberately sunk in 1985, creating an artificial reef that has attracted diverse marine life. The wreck lies at depths suitable for beginners and more experienced divers, making it accessible to all. Don’t forget your underwater camera to capture great photos of this iconic site.

2. Japanese Gardens

Japanese Gardens is another stunning site, named for its meticulously arranged coral formations that resemble a Japanese garden. It culminates for fledglings and picture-takers, with an assortment of difficult and delicate corals, butterflyfish, and ocean turtles.  The crystal-clear water makes this an ideal spot for underwater photography and snorkeling.

3. Black Rock

Black Rock is an exciting dive site for both beginners and advanced divers. Located within the Aqaba Marine Park, this site features volcanic rock formations and is teeming with coral reefs and marine life. You can expect to encounter groupers, lionfish, and if you’re lucky, even some dolphins during your dive.

4. Gorgone I & II

These two dive sites are known for their impressive Gorgonian coral formations. Gorgone I & II are part of Aqaba’s underwater park, offering both shallow and deep dives. The vibrant coral gardens and abundant fish species make it a haven for divers and Royal Sea Trek enthusiasts alike.

5. King Abdullah Reef

Named after Jordan’s king, this reef is a hidden gem and a favorite among local divers. With crystal-clear water and an abundance of marine species like parrotfish, eels, and rays, King Abdullah Reef is a fantastic spot for scuba diving in Aqaba.

6. The Power Station

A deeper dive site, The Power Station offers an incredible view of the steep drop-offs and pinnacles. Advanced divers will appreciate the challenges here, with depths ranging from 30 to 50 meters. The site is rich in marine life, including moray eels, lionfish, and even some pelagic species.

7. The Tank

Yes, you read that right—a military tank! Sunk deliberately serves as an artificial reef, The Tank is one of the more unique dive sites in Aqaba. Situated at a shallow depth of around 6 meters, this site is accessible for beginners and offers fantastic underwater photography opportunities.

8. The Hercules C130

Newer to the dive scene, the Hercules C130 Wreck was intentionally sunk in 2017 to create a stunning underwater attraction. The wreck rests at a depth of 16 meters and offers another exciting spot for wreck diving. This site also attracts a wide variety of marine life, making it one of the newest but already popular dive sites in Aqaba.

WHAT TO EXPECT TO TRY TO DIVE?

If you’re new to diving or want to experience the thrill before committing to full certification, Aqaba offers Try Dives. These introductory sessions are designed for beginners and allow you to dive under the guidance of a professional instructor. It’s a safe and exciting way to get a taste of Aqaba’s underwater world.

During a Try Dive, you’ll be taken to shallow waters (usually around 6 to 10 meters), where you can explore coral gardens and witness marine life up close. The experience typically lasts around 30 to 40 minutes underwater, giving you a solid introduction to scuba diving.

What Are the Benefits of Diving in Aqaba With Wow Jordan?

Aqaba is an incredible plunging goal for different reasons:

  • Beginner-Friendly: Calm seas and excellent visibility make Aqaba perfect for those new to diving.
  • Rich Marine Life: From colorful corals to schools of fish, Aqaba’s waters are a diver’s paradise.
  • Historic Wrecks: Dive sites like the Cedar Pride and The Tank provide a unique blend of history and marine exploration.
  • Snorkeling Opportunities: Even if you’re not into diving, snorkeling in Aqaba is equally rewarding, with stunning coral reefs just below the surface.
  • Capture Great Photos: Aqaba’s clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it easy to take incredible underwater photos.
  • Crystal Clear Water: The Red Sea offers some of the best visibility, often extending beyond 30 meters, allowing divers to fully enjoy the underwater beauty.

In addition to diving, Aqaba is also known for several other water-based activities and nearby attractions:

  • Royal Sea Trek: For those who want to experience the underwater world without diving certification, Royal Sea Trek is a guided underwater walking tour where you wear a helmet connected to an air supply, allowing you to walk along the seabed.
  • Snorkeling: Aqaba’s shallow coral reefs make it an ideal spot for snorkeling, especially for those who prefer staying near the surface.
  • Visit the Dead Sea: Just a few hours from Aqaba, the Dead Sea is another must-visit during your trip to Jordan. Its high salt content allows visitors to float effortlessly, making for a unique experience.
  • Amman City Tour: Before or after your diving adventure, explore the capital of Jordan, Amman, and enjoy its rich history and vibrant food scene. Don’t miss out on dining at the best restaurant Amman has to offer, like Hashem for falafel or Sufra for a traditional Jordanian meal.

Conclusion

Diving in Jordan provides an exceptional experience for both novice and experienced divers. From vibrant coral reefs to fascinating wrecks like Cedar Pride and The Tank, the Red Sea coastline of Jordan is a diver’s dream. Whether you’re embarking on a Try Dive, capturing underwater photos, or enjoying the region’s related activities like the Royal Sea Trek or visiting the Dead Sea, Aqaba promises an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your bags, get your Jordan Pass, and dive into Aqaba’s spectacular underwater world with Wow Jordan!

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