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Scuba Diving in Aqaba
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Scuba diving in Aqaba, Jordan’s sole coastal city, is nestled along the northeastern tip of the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba. This strategic location has cemented Aqaba’s reputation as a premier destination for scuba diving enthusiasts worldwide. The city’s 27-kilometer coastline boasts over 30 distinct dive sites, each offering unique underwater experiences. The region’s clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life make it a haven for both novice and seasoned divers.
Scuba Diving Conditions in Aqaba
Aqaba’s diving conditions are favorable year-round, thanks to its mild climate and stable sea temperatures. Water temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) in winter to 27°C (81°F) in summer, ensuring comfortable dives in all seasons. Visibility is consistently excellent, often exceeding 20 meters (65 feet), allowing divers to fully appreciate the underwater scenery.
The gentle currents and protected bays further enhance the diving experience, making Aqaba suitable for divers of all skill levels.
Notable Dive Sites in Aqaba
Cedar Pride Wreck
One of Aqaba’s most iconic dive sites, the Cedar Pride is a Lebanese freighter intentionally sunk in 1985 to create an artificial reef.
Resting on its port side between two reefs at depths ranging from 10 to 27 meters (33 to 89 feet), the wreck is adorned with colorful corals and inhabited by a variety of marine species, including lionfish, moray eels, and barracudas.
The clear visibility and accessible depth make it a favorite among wreck diving enthusiasts.
Japanese Garden
This site is renowned for its lush coral formations resembling a traditional Japanese garden. Located at depths between 5 to 30 meters (16 to 98 feet), it’s ideal for both snorkelers and divers.
The area teems with marine life, such as parrotfish, angelfish, and occasionally, turtles. The gentle slope and excellent visibility provide a serene diving experience.
The Tank
A unique dive site featuring an American M42 anti-aircraft tank deliberately sunk to serve as an artificial reef.
Situated at a shallow depth of 6 meters (20 feet), it’s perfect for beginners and underwater photographers.
The tank has attracted various marine creatures, including octopuses, scorpionfish, and schools of juvenile fish.
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Power Station
Known for its dramatic drop-off, the Power Station offers a thrilling wall dive experience. Starting at around 12 meters (39 feet), the wall plunges into the abyss, covered with soft corals and gorgonian fans. Divers can encounter larger pelagic species here, such as tuna and eagle rays, especially during the cooler months.
Rainbow Reef
True to its name, Rainbow Reef showcases a spectrum of coral colors and a diverse array of marine life.
With depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet), it’s suitable for various certification levels.
Common sightings include clownfish, butterflyfish, and the occasional reef shark.
King Abdullah Reef
A pristine dive site characterized by its healthy coral formations and abundant marine biodiversity.
Divers can explore depths between 5 to 25 meters (16 to 82 feet), encountering species like Napoleon wrasse, pufferfish, and moray eels.
The site’s relatively untouched nature offers a tranquil diving experience.
Black Rock
This site features a prominent basalt rock formation surrounded by vibrant coral gardens.
Ranging from 8 to 30 meters (26 to 98 feet) in depth, Black Rock is home to nudibranchs, lionfish, and occasionally, hawksbill turtles.
The contrasting colors between the dark rock and bright corals make it a visually captivating dive.
Scuba diving in Aqaba First Bay North
An excellent site for night diving, First Bay North offers shallow depths of 5 to 18 meters (16 to 59 feet). Nocturnal creatures such as lobsters, crabs, and Spanish dancers become active after sunset, providing a different perspective of Aqaba’s marine life.
Seven Sisters and the Fairy Ring
A combination of seven pinnacles (the Seven Sisters) and a circular coral formation (the Fairy Ring), this site offers intricate coral structures and diverse marine inhabitants.
Divers can explore depths between 10 to 25 meters (33 to 82 feet), encountering species like glassfish, frogfish, and various crustaceans.
Eel Garden
Named after the colony of garden eels that inhabit the sandy slopes, Eel Garden provides a unique diving experience.
At depths of 12 to 24 meters (39 to 79 feet), divers can observe these eels swaying with the current, alongside other species like stingrays and flounders.
Scuba diving in Aqaba and Marine Conservation Efforts
Aqaba’s rich marine biodiversity is protected under the Aqaba Marine Reserve, established in 1997. Covering an area of 2.8 square kilometers, the reserve is home to over 300 species of hard and soft corals and more than 500 species of fish.
These conservation efforts ensure the sustainability of the marine ecosystem, allowing divers to witness thriving underwater habitats.
Scuba Diving in Aqaba Services and Facilities
Aqaba caters to divers with a range of services, including numerous Sea Wonders Diving Center offering equipment rentals, guided dives, and certification courses.
Sea Wonders Diving Center provide tailored packages, accommodating both recreational divers and those seeking technical diving experiences.
Additionally, the city’s infrastructure supports tourists with various accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts.
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