Ultimate Guide to Diving in Aqaba (10 Best Dive Sites!)

Deciding what to include in your Jordan itinerary can be challenging, especially since iconic sites like Petra and Wadi Rum demand attention. 

Scuba diving in Aqaba might not be as famous as in Egypt. Still, Jordan’s Red Sea offers clear, warm waters that are perfect for both beginners and advanced divers—and it’s surprisingly affordable.

During my month-long solo road trip in Jordan, I spent a couple of days diving in Aqaba—the perfect way to cool off after so many days in the desert. 

Aqaba’s diving conditions are ideal year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 20°C in winter to 26°C in summer. The dive sites are easily accessible from shore and offer a mix of vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life (I saw my first octopus!), and intriguing wrecks, including tanks and freighters. 

So, if you’re looking to fit some diving into your Jordan journey, head to Aqaba!

Is Scuba Diving in Aqaba Worth It? 

While the city of Aqaba might not be the most thrilling part of Jordan, diving in Aqaba (or snorkeling) is a different story. 

I highly recommend diving in Aqaba if you have a day or two to spare before or after visiting must-see sites like Petra and Wadi Rum. 

It’s a refreshing and affordable way to add variety to your trip, and the ease of access to such diverse dive sites is a huge plus.

Here’s what you need to know about including Aqaba and its diving opportunities in your plans.

Pros of Diving in Jordan:

• The Gulf of Aqaba offers some of the best diving in the Red Sea, known globally for its spectacular marine life and vibrant coral reefs. 

• The biodiversity is exceptional, with over 500 species of corals and 1,200 species of fish. 

• The dive sites here cater to all levels—from beginners to seasoned divers—and are easily accessible from the shore. You don’t need a boat or a lengthy trip to dive in Aqaba.

• You’ll find natural and artificial reefs like a sunken tank and a Lebanese freighter. 

• The water temperatures are pleasant year-round, ranging from 20°C (68ºF) in winter to 26°C (79ºF) in summer, making any season a good time to dive.

• Because of its location and protection by the Sinai Peninsula, there is little current here, making diving much easier. 

• The clear waters allow you to get close and observe the aquatic life without disturbing them. 

• You’ll find fluorescent Nudibranches, reef clownfish, Snowflake moray eels, lionfish, stonefish, and even sea turtles!

• There are many hotels and resorts to choose from.

• Aqaba is conveniently close to major attractions—only an hour from Wadi Rum and two hours from Petra. Its proximity to Aqaba International Airport and major roads makes it a strategic spot for starting and ending your journey in Jordan.

Cons of Diving in Jordan:

• While the diving is excellent, Aqaba as a city isn’t a must-visit destination for most people. 

• Most of the shore along the Red Sea is rocky, and sandy beaches are only found at resorts.

• I’ve yet to dive in Egypt myself, but I’ve heard from others that the diving there is even better than in Jordan.

10 Best Dive Sites in Aqaba, Jordan

Aqaba’s dive sites, most of which are inside the Aqaba Marine Reserve, can be divided into three main areas, each offering a unique underwater experience. 

• North Bay is quieter and features sites like Power Station and First Bay, ideal for those who enjoy serene dives along coral walls and sandy bottoms. 

• Visitor’s Bay, or Shipwreck Bay, is famous for its wrecks and vibrant reefs at sites such as Cedar Pride and Japanese Gardens. 

• South Bay combines natural and artificial elements with standout sites like the 7 Sisters and its sunken tank.

1. Cedar Pride Wreck

A Lebanese freighter was purposefully sunk in 1985 to create an artificial reef. The ship lies at a depth of about 26 meters, making it accessible for both beginner and advanced divers. It is known for its coral growth and marine life, including groupers and barracudas.

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

2. Japanese Garden

A picturesque dive site near the Cedar Pride Wreck. It is a shallow reef that features vibrant coral formations and is known for sightings of exotic fish like the Little Dragon Fish, as well as barracudas. Keep an eye out for boat traffic as you ascend!

Skill Level: Beginner

3. Seven Sisters

The site is famous for its large coral formations and a sunken American army tank. It offers divers the opportunity to explore both natural and artificial reefs.

Skill Level: Beginner

4. Black Rock

Located at a private beach club, it offers dives along a reef wall that drops to over 40 meters. It’s known for its rich marine life, including the Ornate Ghost Pipefish.

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

5. Paradise (Ashraf’s Grotto)

This site is known for its multi-colored corals and diverse fish populations. It’s a deeper dive with a small wall and a cave, perfect for experienced divers and photographers.

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

6. Blue Coral

Accessed from Tala Bay, this dive spot is noted for its delicate coral growth around a jetty and an abundance of marine life, including fish, turtles, and stingrays.

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

7. Kiwi Reef

This Aqaba dive site is known for its extensive coral growth and varied marine life, including stingrays, octopuses, and turtles. It offers a mix of grassy seabed and coral formations.

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

8. Power Station

A deep dive site that reaches depths up to 50 meters, featuring a coral-covered wall. The site is less crowded and offers encounters with large pelagic fish.

Skill Level: Advanced

9. First Bay North and South

These adjacent sites offer sandy bottoms and pinnacle formations for diving in Aqaba. They are less visited, making them ideal for divers looking for a more secluded experience.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

10. Underwater Military Museum

An underwater museum featuring several military vehicles, including tanks and a helicopter, purposefully sunk to create an artificial reef. It offers a unique diving experience amidst historical artifacts.

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Diving in Aqaba Prices

On average, diving in Aqaba costs around 25-35 JD per dive ($17-25 USD), depending on how many dives you do. The dive sites’ proximity to shore means you get a great deal!

The cost usually goes down with each additional dive – making this an ideal destination for budget-conscious divers looking for an unforgettable underwater adventure!

Best Time for Diving in Jordan

April and October provide comfortable outside temperatures, great underwater conditions, and warm water temperatures.

July and August are also excellent months with calm seas, high visibility, and a chance to spot dolphins or whale sharks! But you’ll have to contend with scorching outside temperatures.

Since the water temperature doesn’t fluctuate much throughout the year, Aqaba scuba diving can be enjoyed all year round.

When diving here in April, I was happy to have a 3mm wetsuit and cool off in the water after resting in the sun between dives. It was perfect!

Review: Red Coral Diving Center in Aqaba

If you’re looking for a reliable and supportive dive shop in Aqaba, Red Coral Diving Center is the place to go!

I chose Red Coral Diving Center because of its super high ratings—and it didn’t disappoint! Plus, the group sizes tend to be on the smaller side, which I really appreciate.

They are very responsive to messages and make sure that everyone feels cared for and safe while they explore the amazing underwater world of Jordan’s Red Sea.

I even went to dinner with one of my guides afterward—she was great. 

They have experienced staff, top-notch equipment, and knowledgeable guides, so you can be sure that your diving experience will be memorable—whether it’s your first or hundredth time!

Wrap-Up: Aqaba Scuba Diving

Sure, Petra and Wadi Rum are must-sees but don’t overlook Aqaba for some incredible diving. This spot offers something special, even among Jordan’s impressive lineup of attractions, several of which are just 1-2 hours away.

The waters of Jordan’s Red Sea are always warm and clear, bustling with marine life throughout the year. 

You can hit the beach and dive around vibrant coral reefs and cool wrecks like the Cedar Pride and the Japanese Garden in no time—no boat trips required.

The steady conditions of the Red Sea mean you can enjoy comfy dives with little current and excellent visibility, perfect for spotting creatures like nudibranchs and clownfish.

Adding a day or two of diving in Aqaba into your Jordan travel plans is easy and well worth it—I’m so glad I did it!

Since you clearly love water, you’re not going to want to miss this hike through a water-filled canyon!

Make sure you’re also set for the rest of your trip. Take a look at my driving tips for Jordan to ensure a smooth journey.