Aqaba lies on the very tip of the Red Sea, one of the world’s most exotic and fascinating natural seascape environments. Here one finds crystal clear water, rare and beautiful reefs, and an incredible variety of exotic Fish amongst the centuries old corals.
In fact, Aqaba is home to 500 species of corals (150 of which are hard and 350 are soft), 1,200 species of fish, and 1000 types of mollusks and crustaceans. The diversity of species in the Gulf of Aqaba makes up 30% of the species in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Great Barrier Reef all put together!
The shores of the Gulf are also frequented by friendly sea turtles that spend their time swimming amongst the swirling schools of fish. Whales, dolphins and sea cows are also often spotted visiting the Gulf. Nocturnal animals such as the crab, shrimp and lobster come alive in search of food in the dark hours of the night.
Aqaba is well known for scuba diving, with easy access to some prominent and interesting dive sites. Aqaba's mild climate makes it an ideal location for year-round scuba diving. The water temperature averages 22.5 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit), dropping to 20 in the winter.
Aqaba's mild climate makes it an ideal location for year-round scuba diving. The water temperature averages 22.5 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit), dropping to 20 in the winter.
There are over 12 hours of sunlight every day allowing for water visibility down to 150 meters into the sea.
There are more than 21 Different Dive Sites in Aqaba, One of Aqaba's most famous dive sites is the wreck of the Cedar Pride, a Lebanese freighter sunk in 1985 at a location chosen by Jordan’s King Abdullah II. The Cedar Pride now hosts a rich variety of hard and soft corals. At a maximum depth of 25m, it provides a wreck dive that divers with all levels of experience can enjoy. The site teems with marine life. In 1999, King Abdullah II was also responsible for "sinking" an anti-aircraft tracked vehicle (The Tank). With the tracks at only 6m, the taiyong is a great unspoilt deep-dive wreck for more experienced divers.
Most of Aqaba's dive Centers are certified as PADI 5* IDC, Gold Palam Resorts or Dive Resorts, or are accredited by BSAC and CMAS, with professionally qualified staff, and they offer a wide variety of courses at all levels, from beginner to professional. Children and families are also well catered for courses range from one-day introductory to specialist professional training, underwater photography and navigation courses, and environmental courses. Staff are usually qualified for commercial diving activity as well. All
Dive
Center staff speaks English, and some centers offer courses and material in other languages. Divers who have started BSAC, CMAS and other qualifications can finish their courses in Aqaba and obtain PADI certificates.
Listed below some of the activities you can enjoy while in Aqaba:
Scuba Diving
Dive deep into the heart of Aqaba’s wealth of coral and brilliantly coloured fish and enjoy the best diving experience in the world. Aqaba has a number of well-equipped dive centres with qualified staff. If you have not tried diving before, a trial dive could be your best bet. If you catch the bug, take your time and do a five-day Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) beginner’s course
Snorkeling
Those who want to interact with sea life, but do not wish to scuba dive, need not miss out. They can still enjoy this wonderful experience by snorkeling in special locations, where the coral reefs have grown close to the water edge. Snorkeling equipment can be hired from most diving centers.
For Diving and Snorkeling:
International Arab Divers Village (Previously Arab Divers)
