Aqaba is home to some of the best scuba diving sites in the Red Sea, with famous sites such as the Cedar Pride wreck, Yamanieh Reef, and the Tomb of the Diver. These underwater attractions are rich in marine biodiversity and provide breathtaking views for divers. From shallow reefs ideal for novice divers to deep wreck dives for experienced divers, Aqaba offers a wide variety of sites for every type of diver.
Types of Dives in Aqaba
While you may not find ice dives or cave dives in Aqaba, the region offers an impressive variety of dive experiences, including:
- Wreck Dives: Explore sunken ships and aircraft, full of marine life and history.
- Reef Dives: Discover colorful coral gardens and diverse marine ecosystems.
- Drift Dives: Let the current carry you through some of the Red Sea’s most beautiful waters.
- Deep Dives: For the more experienced divers, explore the depths of Aqaba’s underwater landscapes.
- Tech Dives: For certified technical divers, Aqaba offers challenging dive sites suited for advanced exploration.
Each of these types of dives provides a unique way to experience Aqaba’s underwater world.
Coral Garden: A Perfect Start for Beginners
If you’re a beginner diver, the Coral Garden is an excellent choice. This site is shallow, with a maximum depth of just 17 meters, making it ideal for Discover Scuba Divers (DSD) or those looking for an easy dive. The site is teeming with life—bright coral formations, tropical fish, and crystal-clear waters.
The site is accessible from the shore, with a transportation time of about 35 minutes each way, offering divers an easy and enjoyable experience. Visibility here ranges from 15 to 25 meters, and there is virtually no current, making it a relaxed and safe environment for beginners.
Cedar Pride Shipwreck: A Blend of Wreck and Reef Diving
The Cedar Pride wreck is one of the most famous dive sites in Aqaba. This iconic dive site combines the allure of a shipwreck dive with the beauty of a reef dive, creating an unforgettable underwater experience.
The maximum depth at the Cedar Pride is 25 meters, and the site offers spectacular visibility of up to 30 meters. One of the most unique aspects of this dive is the air pockets inside the wreck, where you can explore the wreck while being surrounded by an impressive variety of marine life.
Please note that this site is suitable for certified divers only, as navigating the wreck and its surrounding reef requires some experience.
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Rainbow Reef
For those who love vibrant underwater ecosystems, Rainbow Reef is a must-visit. Whether you are a beginner diver or an experienced diver, this site will captivate you with its rich marine life and stunning coral formations.
Heracles C130
For wreck diving enthusiasts, the Heracles C130 is a fascinating dive site. At a maximum depth of 15 meters, the Heracles C130 is accessible to divers of all levels. This underwater wreck of a military cargo plane offers a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved piece of aviation history and natural marine beauty.
Military Museum
Aqaba is home to the first underwater military museum in the world, offering a one-of-a-kind diving experience. The Military Museum Dive Site features 22 pieces of military equipment, including helicopters, tanks, and other vehicles, all submerged in the clear waters of the Red Sea.
First Bay: Ideal for Both Beginners and Certified Divers
Located close to other popular dive sites, First Bay offers an excellent dive experience for both beginner and certified divers. The site is perfect for those looking to do a reef dive or a drift dive, depending on the current.
First Bay is known for its diverse marine life, including eagle rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles. This dive site is accessible both by boat and from the shore, making it convenient for divers of all types. The maximum depth here is 45 meters, so it’s suitable for experienced divers as well as those just starting their underwater adventures.
Dive Accessibility: Shore Dives vs. Boat Dives
All dive sites in Aqaba are accessible from the shore except for three: Tri Star Airplane, Power Station, and Aquarium. These three sites can only be reached by boat dives due to their location in deeper waters, far from the shore.
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Tank M42 Duster: A Great Beginner Dive
The Tank M42 Duster site is perfect for beginners, with a maximum depth of 7-8 meters. This site is also a great option for snorkelers since it’s located close to the shore, and the visibility is often excellent. It’s an easy and enjoyable dive, providing great opportunities to observe marine life in shallow, calm waters.
Uncertified Diving
One dive for uncertified divers. Price includes diving equipment, transportation, underwater pictures, and videos.
$50 USD
Certified Diving
One dive for all-level certified divers. Price includes diving equipment, transportation, underwater pictures, and videos. Discount available for 2 or more dives.
$50 USD
Group Diving
One dive for all-level certified divers. Price varies.
Varies
Aqaba is the main destination for divers in Jordan, offering crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and diverse dive sites suitable for all experience levels. The region boasts over 22 distinct dive locations, each providing unique underwater experiences.
Seven Sisters
Located near the Heracles C130 wreck and the M42 Tank Duster, Seven Sisters offers an exciting combination of reef diving and wreck exploration. The reef starts at just 6 meters and drops to 20 meters, making it suitable for both beginner and professional divers. You can combine this site with nearby wreck dives for a varied and fulfilling experience.
Book Your Dive with Sea Wonders Diving Center Today!
Ready to explore Aqaba’s underwater world? Sea Wonders Diving Center offers guided diving trips, professional instructors, and a range of dive options for all experience levels. Let us help you plan your perfect diving experience in Aqaba.