Jordan has only a sliver of coastline, but it is one of the best-loved dive areas in the northern Red Sea. Aqaba sits at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba, and just offshore the water is warm, clear and rich in life. Coral reefs fringe the coast south of the town, with fish in a dazzling mix of colours, from schools of small orange anthias to parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels and the occasional turtle. Dive sites range from shallow, sheltered gardens that suit beginners to deeper walls and the well-known Cedar Pride wreck, a cargo ship that was deliberately sunk in the 1980s and now lies on its side, covered in coral. Many dive centres in Aqaba run guided trips from the shore or by boat, with equipment hire, briefings and instructors, and offer short introductory sessions for people who have never dived, as well as trips for certified divers. If you would rather stay on the surface, snorkelling over the shallow reefs is easy and rewarding, and the water is comfortable for much of the year. It makes a relaxing ending to a trip that has involved a lot of walking and desert sand.
How it works
Most visitors choose a private or small-group dive or snorkel with a local centre, which provides equipment, transport to the site and a guide or instructor. If you are certified, bring your card and logbook. If you are not, look for an introductory session, usually for a minimum age of around ten, that begins with a briefing in shallow water before you go on a short guided dive.
Boat trips reach more distant reefs and the wreck, while shore dives and snorkelling sessions are simpler and cheaper to arrange. Always check the centre’s safety record, group sizes and whether the instructors hold recognised qualifications.
What to expect
Water temperature varies through the year, from cool in winter, when a thicker wetsuit is sensible, to very comfortable in summer. Visibility is generally good, and the reefs are rich in life in every season. Expect a short briefing, a buddy check and time to adjust to your gear. A first-time diver should not expect to go deep, but even a shallow dive reveals a great deal.
After diving, you should avoid flying for the period recommended by your dive agency, which matters if you are flying out of Aqaba soon afterwards, so ask the centre about timing. Do not touch the coral or collect shells, as the reefs are fragile and protected, and use reef-friendly sun protection.
Making the most of it
Aqaba is a natural last stop after Petra and Wadi Rum, and it is easy to fit a morning dive or snorkel into a day on the coast before a flight. Book a day or two of rest after a long desert trip, so you arrive refreshed. Combine it with a visit to the town’s waterfront and fort, a seafood dinner and a stay in one of the beachfront hotels.
If you are travelling with a non-diver, boat trips with snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat give everyone a look at the reef. For families with children under the minimum diving age, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips are the best choice, and many operators will happily advise on a suitable option for your group. Ask the centre what is included, such as equipment, lunch and transfers, so you can compare options fairly.
What to expect
The experience
A guided dive or snorkel with a local centre, with equipment, a briefing and transport to the site.
Best time
Morning, when seas are calm; the water is warmest in summer.
How long
Half a day including briefing and travel.
Tips
Bring your certification card if you dive, wear reef-friendly sun protection and ask about flying after diving.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A relaxing beach and reef day after the desert.
- Families
- Snorkelling and glass-bottom boats suit younger children; introductory dives usually have a minimum age.
- Couples
- A private dive or boat trip, followed by dinner on the waterfront.
- Pair with
- Aqaba’s waterfront and a day trip to Wadi Rum.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Can beginners dive in Aqaba?+
Yes. Dive centres run introductory sessions with a briefing and a short guided dive, usually for ages ten and up.
What is the Cedar Pride?+
A cargo ship that was deliberately sunk in the 1980s and now lies on its side as an artificial reef, popular with divers.
Can I just snorkel?+
Yes. The shallow reefs are easy to snorkel, and boat trips and glass-bottom boats are good options for non-divers.
How warm is the water?+
Comfortable for most of the year and coolest in winter, when a thicker wetsuit is sensible.
Can I fly after diving?+
Not immediately. Follow your dive agency’s guidance on a no-fly interval and ask the centre if your departure is close.
