Aqaba is Jordan's only coastline, a short stretch of the Gulf of Aqaba where the water is warm, clear and sheltered by mountains on both sides. The reefs begin close to shore along the southern coast, which is why snorkelling here is easy to fit into a day: a boat takes you to one or two sites, you slip over the side with a mask and fins, and within minutes you are floating above hard and soft corals, anemones with clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish and the occasional moray tucked into a crevice. Well-known reef areas south of the city, including the one called the Japanese Garden, are the sort of places boat operators head for, though the exact stops depend on the day's conditions and the operator. This boat-based trip combines snorkelling with a leisure cruise, so it suits a mixed group where some people want to swim and others just want sun and sea air. Life jackets and gear are normally part of the outing, and guides keep an eye on weaker swimmers. If you have never snorkelled before, the shallow reef tops here are forgiving, with gentle slopes and little current on most days.
What makes the Gulf of Aqaba special is the combination of tropical reef life and a very short transfer. From the centre of town to the southern reefs is a matter of minutes by road or boat, so you can be in the water within an hour of leaving your hotel. The marine environment is protected along much of the south coast, and operators are expected to keep to marked areas, which is one reason the coral is in better shape than you might expect so close to a port city.
Visibility is usually good, and the sea stays swimmable all year, although it is noticeably cooler in winter.
Planning the trip
Ask the operator which reefs are on the day's route and what is included, such as lunch, drinks, towels or gear. Wear a rash vest or thin wetsuit in the cooler months and plenty of reef-safe sun protection in summer, when the sun on your back while you float is stronger than it feels.
Bring a hat, a dry bag and cash for tips. Do not stand on or touch coral, and avoid feeding fish; the reef is the whole attraction and it is fragile. If you are travelling with children, check the minimum age and whether child-sized gear is provided.
Fitting it into a trip
Most visitors do this on the day before or after a Wadi Rum overnight, when they want something restful. It pairs well with the glass-bottom boat if a non-swimmer is travelling with you, and with an evening on the waterfront. Mornings usually have calmer water and better light underwater, while afternoons are warmer for those who feel the cold. Women travelling in the region often wear a swimsuit with a rash vest or leggings on the boat and cover up on land, which is a sensible and widely accepted approach.
What to expect
The experience
A guided boat outing with time in the water at one or two reef sites, mixing snorkelling with a leisure cruise along the coast.
Best time
Morning for calm water and good light; spring and autumn for the most comfortable air and sea temperatures.
How long
Plan on three to four hours door to door, depending on pickup and the operator's route.
Tips
Wear swimwear under clothes, bring a rash vest in winter, and use reef-safe sun cream. Never stand on coral.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to see the Red Sea reefs without learning to dive.
- Families
- Good for confident swimmers and older children; check minimum ages and life jacket sizes before you go.
- Couples
- A relaxed few hours on the water, ideal as a gentle day between desert nights.
- Pair with
- The glass-bottom boat, South Beach and Marine Park, or a sunset walk along the waterfront.
- Time needed
- Half a day including transfers.
Good questions
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?+
You should be comfortable in deep water, but life jackets and guides are usually provided. If you are nervous, say so at the start so the crew can stay close.
What will I see?+
Expect hard and soft corals, reef fish such as parrotfish and butterflyfish, anemonefish and sometimes moray eels or turtles. Sightings vary by day and by site.
Is snorkelling possible in winter?+
Yes, the sea stays swimmable all year, but it is cooler from about December to March. A thin wetsuit or rash vest makes winter trips far more comfortable.
Is equipment included?+
Most boat trips supply a mask, snorkel and fins, but the details differ by operator. Check the booking page for what is included before you travel.
Can non-swimmers come along?+
Often yes, since the boat itself is part of the experience and many people stay aboard. A glass-bottom boat is a better choice if nobody in your group wants to get wet.
