Located along the breathtaking southern coastline of Aqaba, Jordan, the First Bay Dive Site is a cornerstone of Red Sea diving, known for its exceptional accessibility and vibrant marine ecosystems. As a core part of the protected Aqaba Marine Park, First Bay offers something for every level of diver—from tranquil snorkeling areas to deep, exhilarating challenges.
However, divers should note that First Bay is commonly divided into two distinct sites: First Bay North and First Bay South. While both offer stunning reefs, their conditions, accessibility, and risks vary dramatically. This comprehensive guide details the unique features of each site to help you plan the perfect dive.
Key Features of the First Bay Dive Site
First Bay Dive Site Location
Located along Aqaba’s southern coastline, the First Bay Dive Site offers easy shore access, making it a top destination for shore diving enthusiasts.
The site sits within the Aqaba Marine Park—a designated marine reserve established to protect the area’s rare coral reefs, aquatic species, and natural underwater habitats.
First Bay North: Ideal for Beginners, Training, and Snorkeling
First Bay North is the classic, sheltered reef dive often visible directly from the shore. Its gentle conditions, easy access, and minimal currents make it the premier location in Aqaba for dive training, refresher dives, and family-friendly snorkeling.
First Bay North: Dive Metrics & Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
| Diving Level | Beginner to Advanced |
| Max Depth | Up to 30 meters (98 ft) |
| Access | Shore (Easy Entry) or Boat |
| Visibility | Excellent (15m – 30m) |
| Currents | Light Surge, Generally Calm |
| Snorkeling | Highly Recommended |
Create your own Experiences
These photos were taken at the dive sites
Soft and hard coral formations provide habitat for countless species, making it an excellent location for underwater photography.
Topography and Recommended Dive Path (North)
The dive begins with a shallow fringing reef (2–5m) before dropping onto a sandy plain around 9m, dotted with intermittent coral clusters.
- Entry: Be aware of scattered fire corals near the entry point
- The Channel: Look for the narrow channel that leads through the reef. Follow this out to the “blue water”
- The Pinnacle: Head slightly left/north where the reef is denser. You will encounter a famous pinnacle rising from the reef at a slight angle of around 15 meters, a common navigation point
- Coral Garden: A small coral garden, approximately 8m in diameter, leads to a steeper slope of around 15m, where the most diverse corals are found
- Exit: Maintain your air consumption! Since this is a shallow, charming dive, divers often spend a long time, so follow the reef gently upwards to safety-stop depth (5m) to head straight back to shore
Marine Life Highlights (North)
First Bay North is renowned for its diverse marine life and abundant fish. Keep an eye out for:
- Macro subjects include Nudibranchs, Pipefish, and Shrimp.
- Massive schools of Sergeant Majors, Butterflyfish, and Parrotfish.
- Moray Eels, Octopi, and Lionfish are hiding among the soft corals.
Ready to take your first breath underwater?
First Bay South: The Deep Dive & “Death Valley”
First Bay South offers a more varied and challenging profile. It is a preferred site for technical divers and experienced photographers seeking deep coral growth and pelagic sightings.
First Bay South: Dive Metrics & Advanced Features
| Feature | Detail |
| Diving Level | Intermediate to Technical |
| Max Depth | 30+ meters (100+ ft) |
| Access | Shore (Mooring buoy required) |
| Visibility | Excellent (20m+) |
| Currents | Variable, potential for Strong Downward Currents |
| Snorkeling | Not Recommended |
Topography and The Danger Zone (South)
The dive site features an undulating, kaleidoscopic reef structured around a permanent navigation line (a rope) used by many dive centers.
The Deep: The reef is interspersed with sandy valleys. Near the edges of these valleys, advanced divers and technical divers encounter the infamous “Death Valley.” This area is prone to strong, constant downward currents that can swiftly pull divers below recreational limits (100m+). Recreational divers must strictly avoid this area.
Entry/Orientation: Follow the line down from the mooring buoy (if by boat) or navigate toward the deep.
Coral Features: Between 12m and 18m, you’ll find the best concentration of growth: large Cabbage Coral Gardens and a prominent Seamount covered in black corals and sponges.
Marine Life & Photography (South)
First Bay South is a photographer’s dream due to the variety of habitats:
- Reef Fish: Massive schools of damsels, parrots, and fusiliers.
- Pelagics: Occasional sightings of larger marine species (including occasional sharks) cruising the outer reef.
- Nocturnal Life: Night dives here are spectacular, as octopi, invertebrates, and large shrimp emerge from the coral for feeding.
For advanced divers seeking the thrill of First Bay South’s deeper pinnacles, book a guided fun dive with our local PADI instructors who know the current patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Diving First Bay
Is First Bay suitable for beginner divers?
Answer: Yes, the First Bay North section is ideal for beginners, PADI Open Water training, and check dives due to its easy shore access, minimal currents, and gentle slope. First Bay South is better suited for experienced divers.
What is the famous “Death Valley” at First Bay?
Answer: “Death Valley” is the nickname for an area in First Bay South near the sandy gulleys where strong, sudden downward currents can occur. It is highly popular with technical divers but poses a significant hazard to recreational divers who venture too deep or too close to the edge.
What specific coral formations can I see at First Bay?
Answer: First Bay is famous for its massive Cabbage Corals (often cited as the largest in the Middle East), large hard and soft coral formations, and several spectacular Black Coral Trees.
Is First Bay better as a shore or boat dive?
Answer: Both. It is one of Aqaba’s best shore dives due to the proximity of the reef. However, a boat can allow easier access to the specific mooring points for the North and South sites.