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Dive in aqaba guide 2026

Dive in Aqaba: Wrecks, Reefs & Easy Red Sea Adventures

Aqaba sits on a short stretch of Jordan’s Red Sea coast, but it packs a diver’s punch: warm water, broad visibility, easy shore entries, and photogenic wrecks that suit beginners and old hands alike. This guide collects practical, local-style advice—best months, signature dive sites in Aqaba, how to pick a diving center in Aqaba, and smart itineraries—so you can spend less time guessing and more time in the water. Expect water temperatures around 20–22°C in winter and 26–28°C in summer, with visibility commonly 20–40 m, and generally mild currents. PADI+1

Table of contents

Why Aqaba is easy to love

Shore-entry convenience and short boat rides mean you’ll spend more time descending and less time commuting. Reefs start shallow, walls drop deep where appropriate, and signature wrecks—old freighters and aircraft—sit within recreational depths. Typical visibility is excellent (20–40 m), with warm water year-round. PADI+1
(Alt text idea: Diver hovering by a reef slope with 30 m of horizontal visibility.)

Quick wins

  • Short learning curve: many sites start in 3–6 m, perfect for check dives and buoyancy practice.
  • Iconic wrecks: Cedar Pride, the C-130 Hercules, and the Lockheed TriStar. PADI+2Arab Divers+2
  • Protected coastline: much of the shore falls within the Aqaba Marine Reserve, with rules that keep the ecosystem healthy. aseza.jo

Best time to go

By season (typical ranges):

  • March–June: Comfortable air temps; water ~22–25°C; stable seas; popular for courses and photography. PADI
  • July–September: Warmest water ~26–28°C; early starts recommended; light to moderate crowds. PADI
  • October–November: Still warm (23–26°C), calmer weather, strong overall conditions. Deep Blue Dive Center
  • December–February: Cooler water ~20–22°C; quiet sites; great viz windows; wear 5–7 mm with hood if you chill easily. PADI+1
    (Alt text idea: Calendar graphic showing Aqaba diving seasons.)

PADI Courses in Aqaba (Start Your Diving Journey)

Aqaba is one of the best places in the Red Sea to learn scuba diving thanks to calm conditions, warm water, and easy shore-entry sites. Whether you’re taking your first breath underwater or upgrading your skills, Aqaba’s certified instructors and protected reefs offer a safe and comfortable environment to progress.

Start Your Certification

PADI Open Water Course in Aqaba
Learn the fundamentals of scuba diving over 2–3 days with an internationally recognized certification. Ideal for beginners ready to dive up to 18 m (60 ft).

Upcoming Course Guides (Publishing soon)

  • PADI Advanced Open Water Course in Aqaba

  • PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) Experience

  • PADI Rescue Diver

  • PADI Wreck & Deep Diving Specialties

  • Nitrox Certification in Aqaba

Each course will soon have a full guide—including schedules, conditions, prices, and dive site recommendations.

Signature dive sites in Aqaba

Below is a skimmable look at the most talked-about spots. Always follow your guide’s briefing and match the plan to your training and conditions on the day.

Cedar Pride (wreck)

A 74–80 m freighter scuttled as an artificial reef. Lies on its port side between two reefs; classic swim-through around 26–27 m; soft corals and photogenic crow’s nest. Access by shore or boat. Depth: ~10–28 m. Level: Advanced recommended for the deeper parts; the upper sections suit confident Open Water divers with a guide.

“The Tank” (M42 Duster)

A shallow military vehicle/artificial reef—fun safety-stop location and great for snorkelers. Depth: ~6 m. Entry: Shore. Level: All.
(Alt text idea: Shallow “Tank” wreck with snorkeler above.)

Japanese Gardens (reef)

Classic Aqaba coral garden with black coral and schooling fish; starts shallow and slopes to blue water. Depth: surface–30/40 m. Entry: Shore or boat. Level: All, with depth discipline.

Seven Sisters (pinnacles)

A cluster of coral pinnacles near the Tank, ideal for long safety stops and macro hunting. Depth: surface–~16 m (commonly 6–10 m). Entry: Shore. Level: All.

C-130 Hercules (aircraft wreck)

Transport plane scuttled close to shore; upright with large wings, now partially opened by a 2020 storm but still very photogenic. Depth: ~17 m; ~300 m from shore; accessible by shore or short boat hop. Level: All with a guide.

Underwater Military Museum (vehicles in formation)

An arranged “battle line” of tanks, APCs, jeeps and more. Depth: ~5–28 m; suitable for snorkelers to advanced. Entry: Shore/boat. Level: All (watch buoyancy near metal).

Power Station (wall)

Coral plateau leading to a dramatic drop-off beyond 70 m. Expect stunning topography; do it as a guided drift. Depth: ~5 m plateau to 70 m+; Entry: often boat. Level: Advanced for wall/drift depth control. Coral Garden Diving Center+1

Lockheed L-1011 TriStar (aircraft wreck)

Large passenger jet scuttled in 2019. Depth: ~15–28 m; generally a boat dive; interiors are spacious but treat as a wreck with overhead environments—training required for penetrations. Level: Advanced preferred. PADI+1

At-a-glance comparison

Site Depth Difficulty Entry Highlights Who it’s for
Cedar Pride 10–28 m Int–Adv Shore/Boat Iconic freighter, soft corals, swim-through (~26 m) Photographers, wreck fans PADI
The Tank ~6 m Easy Shore Shallow armored vehicle, safety-stop heaven New divers, snorkelers Arab Divers
Japanese Gardens 0–30/40 m Easy–Adv Shore/Boat Colorful gardens, black coral, turtles All levels, macro & wide Arab Divers
Seven Sisters 0–16 m Easy Shore Pinnacles, nursery fish, near Tank Training, long stops Arab Divers
C-130 Hercules ~17 m Easy Shore/Boat Plane wreck, open layout First wreck experience Arab Divers
Underwater Military Museum 5–28 m Easy–Int Shore/Boat Vehicles in “formation” Mixed groups/snorkel+scuba Arab Divers
Power Station (wall) 5–70 m+ Adv Boat (often) Plateau to wall, blue water Experienced, deep & drift Coral Garden Diving Center
TriStar L-1011 15–28 m Int–Adv Boat Large airliner wreck Wreck lovers with AOW PADI

Marine life & photography tips

Expect anthias clouds, angelfish, groupers, morays, turtles, schooling fusiliers and occasional rays; black coral appears on deeper garden edges. For lenses, wide-angle wins on Cedar Pride and the aircraft; macro shines at Seven Sisters and along the shallows of Japanese Gardens. Keep it ethical: neutral buoyancy, no touching, no feeding, no “critter manipulations,” and secure dangling gear before you enter the water. Many local operators align to Green Fins–style practices—ask about their approach. Arab Divers+1

Certifications & skills

  • Minimums: Open Water is fine for the Tank, Japanese Gardens’ shallow sections, Seven Sisters and many wreck exteriors. Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) is recommended for Cedar Pride’s deeper parts, Power Station wall profiles, and TriStar depths. PADI+1
  • Buoyancy & trim: practice on a shallow reef before a wreck day; metal surfaces and fragile corals demand precise control.
  • Overheads: Penetrating wrecks requires training and a local pro; stay within light zones if untrained.

Gear & rental tips

  • Wetsuit: Winter 5–7 mm (consider hood); spring/fall 3–5 mm; peak summer a 3 mm or shorty can be enough for many divers. PADI+1
  • Nitrox: Widely available and useful for repetitive wreck/reef profiles in the 18–28 m band—ask your diving center Aqaba about mixes and training. Coral Garden Diving Center+1
  • Cameras: Wide-angle dome for wrecks; macro for pinnacles. Pack a focus light and keep strobes angled to cut backscatter in sandy areas (C-130/TriStar).
  • Briefings & safety: Expect site maps, entry/exit cues, and emergency O₂ onboard; confirm O₂ volume and staff first-aid credentials.

 

How to choose a diving center in Aqaba

Look beyond price. Prioritize credentials, safety culture, equipment standards and environmental practices. PADI 5-Star or equivalent signals consistent training and service; ask about group sizes and whether guides are included on shore dives. Deep Blue Dive Center

Pricing transparency checklist

Criterion Why it matters What to ask
Certification & insurance Verifies standards and coverage “What agency level are you (e.g., PADI 5-Star)? Is staff insured?” Deep Blue Dive Center
Emergency readiness Onboard O₂ and protocols save minutes “How much O₂ is carried? Staff EFR/oxygen provider certified?”
Group size & guiding Smaller groups = safer, calmer dives “Max divers per guide? Is a guide included on shore dives?”
Gear condition Reliable regs/BCDs reduce surprises “How often are regs serviced? Do you have spare parts?”
Nitrox availability Longer NDLs on 18–28 m profiles “Do you offer 32%? Analyzer available on site?” Coral Garden Diving Center
Conservation Low impact = better reefs long-term “Do you follow Green Fins–style practices?” Green Fins

 

1–3 day sample dive itineraries

Beginner-friendly (2 days)

  • Day 1 AM: Japanese Gardens (shallow tour). PM: Seven Sisters + visit the Tank during your safety stop.
  • Day 2 AM: C-130 Hercules (relaxed wreck intro). PM: Black Rock or First Bay South for easy reef and sunlight photos. PADI

Experienced diver (3 days)

  • Day 1: Cedar Pride (full circuit) + nearby reef.
  • Day 2: Power Station wall (guided drift) + Underwater Military Museum. Coral Garden Diving Center+1
  • Day 3: TriStar airliner (boat) + late-afternoon reef for golden-hour color. PADI

Mix in a rest half-day at the beach, a sunset cruise, or a Red Sea seafood lunch between dives.
(Alt text idea: Simple itinerary board with site names and icons.)

Responsible diving & conservation

Most of Aqaba’s coast is regulated for conservation: observe buoyed zones, no collecting or touching, avoid gloves/pointers unless required, and practice perfect buoyancy before photo ops. Many operators now promote low-impact diving in line with regional initiatives (e.g., Green Fins). Solo diving is not permitted under Jordanian regulations; dive with a licensed guide or pro. aseza.jo+2Green Fins+2
(Alt text idea: Marker buoy with “no touch” icon near a coral head.)

Beyond the bubbles

Aqaba town pairs diving days with relaxed evenings: beach cafés, a stroll along the corniche, and fresh fish grills. On land, the classic combo is a night or two under the stars in Wadi Rum and a day at Petra—both easy overland add-ons. See our Aqaba travel guide and Jordan itinerary for planning shortcuts.
(Alt text idea: Evening view of Aqaba waterfront lights.)

Practical logistics

Where is Aqaba & how to get there
Aqaba (AQJ) is Jordan’s Red Sea gateway, with flights from regional hubs; overland, it’s ~4 hours by road from Amman (AMM).

Visas & Jordan Pass
Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival. If you buy the Jordan Pass before arrival and stay at least two nights (three days), the visa fee is waived; check eligibility and borders on the official site and FAQ. jordanpass.jo+1
Note: Rules can change; verify just before travel with your embassy or the official sites. For U.S. travelers, see State Dept. guidance. Travel.state.gov

Getting around
In town, use taxis or hotel shuttles to reach South Beach/Marine Reserve sites; boats depart from marinas and resort piers. Typical short hops are inexpensive by regional standards; agree on fares or use metered cabs.

Safety & medical notes
Dive with a registered center; confirm briefings, buddy procedures and emergency O₂. A hyperbaric facility operates in Aqaba (Princess Haya Hussein Hospital), but always dive conservatively and carry dive insurance. EMRO Dashboards

Money
Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Cards are common at dive centers and hotels; keep small cash for taxis and tips.

(Alt text idea: Simple map pin for Aqaba with car and plane icons.)

FAQs

Is Aqaba good for beginner divers?
Yes. Many reefs start shallow with gentle conditions and great visibility, and shallow attractions like the Tank make fantastic first sea dives.

What’s the best diving site in Aqaba for wreck lovers?
Cedar Pride is the classic, with the C-130 Hercules and the TriStar offering striking aircraft alternatives within recreational depths.

Do I need a wetsuit in summer?
Most divers are comfortable in a 3 mm (some use a shorty) when water sits around 26–28°C. Cooler months call for thicker suits. PADI

Can I swim out to the C-130?
It sits roughly 300 m from shore in ~17 m of water; go with a local guide who knows the entry/exit and traffic patterns.

Is solo diving allowed in Jordan?
No. Jordanian regulations require divers to be accompanied by a licensed instructor/divemaster/guide. visitaqaba.com

Where can I see coral gardens suitable for photos?
Japanese Gardens and Seven Sisters offer bright, shallow scenes and long safety-stop time. Arab Divers+1

Is nitrox available?
Yes—several Aqaba centers offer nitrox; ask your operator about availability and analyzers.

Which months have the best visibility?
Visibility is generally strong year-round (often 20–40 m). Spring and autumn are sweet spots for water temps plus viz. PADI

Sources

Last updated: October 14th, 2025

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