Aqaba Diving Sites In Jordan

Explore the underwater world along the Jordanian coastline between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and discover the top Aqaba diving sites. Spanning 17 miles, Aqaba diving sites are all located within the Red Sea Marine Park, which preserves these artificial reefs, supporting a wide range of marine life. With a total of 20 Aqaba diving sites to choose from, when planning a Jordan scuba diving trip, choosing between these incredible diving sites can be challenging, especially if you’re pressed for time. From rainbow coral reefs where you can see plankton, whale sharks and manta rays, to sunken aircraft and military vehicles just waiting to be explored, take a look at each Aqaba diving site below. Find out what to expect at each location and plan a memorable and thrilling Jordan scuba diving experience.

Lockheed L-1011 TriStar Location: 29°28.328’N 34°58.458’E Accessibility: Boat Length: 54m Wingspan: 47m Exterior Height: 16.8m Depth: 15 - 28 meters Visibility: 20-30m Currents: Low Level: Beginner Attractions: Cockpit, Cabins, Galleys, Cargo Hold, Central Engine Vent.	Power Station North Site Activities: Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat. entry point boat level: beginner to advanced and tech diving depth: 5 to 40 m beach services: not available drift dive An ideal coral garden slope did as a drift dive from north to south, the nutrient-rich current guarantees that you’ll see magnificent marina life along the slope, including colorful fish, hard and soft coral. There is always a chance to see bigger fish as you head down the slope.	Power Station South Dive Site Boat access ,To access this site is little difficult but well worth it. Soon after entering the water is rapidly descending slope, which becomes a wall at approximately 40 meter.This site is named after a power station	Al Mahmieh Dive Site This dive site, which is part of the protected natural marina reserve, easily ranks among the best in Aqaba. Al Mahmieh starts with a beautiful fringing reef and a white sand bottom with many coral areas, and it's rich in marine life and coral. Large stingrays can be seen here, and the dive continues on for 10 to 30 meters with more rich coral reefs.	First Bay North Dive Site Dive site: First Bay Depth Range: 6 -30m Type: Drift dive Level: Intermediate Shore or Boat access There is narrow opening that winds through the very shallow coral reef. To the right is mixed salad of coral and sand. To the left though coral predominates .Everything you need is right here, from the easy access to the plentiful marine life to the warm, clear waters. After a sandy patch dive, you'll face coral patches and a gentle slope reef with spectacular pinnacles and a richness of corals, sp	First Bay South Dive Site Dive site: First Bay South Depth range: 6 -30m Type: Reef Dive Level: Novice Notes: Training area in 6-9m with 30m navigation line and hoop for buoyancy training. 30m sand area for deep diver training. Shore or Boat access There is a sudden step down at the entry point to a sandy bottom. A sandy valley plunges down quickly. at the buoy, turn to the right. There is tapering coral reef interspersed with small patches of sand .	Aqaba's military museum Dive Site Aqaba's military museum, scuttled in 2019, offers 21 relics of battle placed along the seabed to simulate a tactical battle formation. Military weapons donated by the Jordanian armed forces include tanks, an ambulance, a troop carrier and a combat helicopter.	King Abdullah Reef Dive site Dive site: Abdullah Reef Depth Range: 6 - 27m Type: Reef Dive Level: Novice Notes: Site named after the King of Jordan Shore or Boat access Head towards the buoy from shore . To the right of the buoy is gentle slope on coral-dotted sandy plain. Here at times some mackerels can be seen patrolling the reef at a cautious distance from divers
Al yamanieh Dive site One of Aqaba's best coral reefs can be found at this dive site. AlYamanieh starts at a depth of 5 meters and descends to a depth of 40 meters. At al yamanieh, you'll probably have found a "cleaning station" with goldfish as well as a variety of fish at different depths, including lionfish and scorpionfish.	Aquarium Dive Site All it says in the name is "really"! Corals and other marine species have a safe home in the Aquarium's underwater habitat. Get ready to be blown away by the ecosystem's diversity and vibrancy right here. The Aquarium starts at a depth of 5 meters and continues to 40 meters, where Scuba divers can see giant clams.	Black Rock Dive Site Black Rock is a great place to learn scuba diving because the colourful coral reef begins just below the surface and extends outward for about 30 meters before vanishing abruptly. Black Rock is a colourful coral reef that stretches outward for about 30 meters before disappearing suddenly. Fish abound on the reef, and if you're lucky, a seahorse will appear in the seagrass area to the south.	Bay Bubbles Dive Site Bay Bubbles, a popular introductory dive site, has a fringing reef and a sandy bottom, making it a fun place with little risk to coral life. On the south side of Bay Bubbles, there's a good chance you'll spot a hawksbill turtle feeding on the soft corals.	Rainbow Reef Dive Site Dive Site: Rainpow reef (Cable Reef) Depth Range: 12 - 35m Type: Reef or drift to wreck Level: Intermediate Notes: Cables are 400KV connecting Jordanian grid to Egypt. Coral is now growing over the damaged area. Shore or Boat access Another sand valley with a pipe running down much of its length before rising up the coral reef and again veering out to sea. Snaking throw the valley are fusiliers and turret fish can be observed looking for invertebrates in the sandy bottom .	Cedar Pride Dive Site Aqaba Dive Site: Cedar Pride Depth range 10 -26m Type: Wreck Dive Level: Intermediate Notes: Scuttled for divers by Shore or Boat access The cedar pride has length of 80 meters, breadth of 15 meters, and 15 meters from the bottom of the hull the top. It lays on its portside in 26 Meters .The uppermost parts of the ship –the hull and foremast lay 8 meters below the surface .For those who are appropriately certified ,some limited and relatively simple penetration is possible	Tarmac Five Wreck diving Shore or Boat access Was scuttled in 1996 after Alcatel had finished laying the electrical cables to Egypt. She lies not far from the Cedar Pride and when she went down she landed over the corner of an old sunken fishing boat that has been there since the 70's. It is host to a good variety of marine life, Blue Spotted stingrays, frogfish and coral shrimps.	Japanese Gardens Dive Site Japanese Gardens ‏Depth range: 6 - 40m Type: Photo Dive Level: Open Water Diver and above Notes: Enter water to the left of the jetty at the wreck site. Take care as the rocks can be a little slippery Head down the sandy slope to the pinnacle at 9m, surrounded by lionfish, morays and scorpion fish A short swim across the grass will bring you to the start of Japanese Gardens.
Abu Hasbah Dive Site A colourful coral reef with large pinnacles in shallow water at Abu Hasbah dive site has an excellent possibility of spotting a hawksbill turtle swimming between the pinnacles, providing shelter to numerous marine life species such as goldfish, groupers, lionfish, and stonefish.	Tayoung Wreck Dive Site The wreck of the crane barge Tayoung, sunk on its starboard side not far from the Japanese garden, is a technical diver's dream. Tayoung is covered in multi-colored corals from bow to stern, and swimming through the ship's wheelhouse and exploring its machinery is a fantastic experience.	Japanese To Gorgone1 Dive site:Japanese To Gorgone1 Depth range: 6-12 m Type: Drift Dive Level: Advanced Notes: Only one way out ! Dive time 55 mins - 60 mins. Depth range: 6-12 m Type: Drift Dive Level: Advanced Notes: Only one way out ! Dive time 55 mins - 60 mins.	Gorgon One Dive site For an interesting and diverse marine ecosystem, go no further than Gorgon. The entire dive site is carpeted with lush, crowded corals in clear water at shallow depths, making this a popular destination for divers, snorkelers, and underwater photographers. The dive site is named after gorgonian or sea fan corals and offers three stunning pinnacles with an array of red sea marine life. From one pinnacle to the next, swim with the sea turtles and don't forget to stop the second pinnacle's.	Gorgon II Dive Site Dive site: Gorgone Two Depth range: 3 -22m Type: Reef Dive Level: Novice Notes: Enter close to Jetty Sheltered from the North. Good for Confined water training Shore or Boat access A shallow shelf, decked in sea grass and interrupted by coral heads, extends quite a ways from the shore before funneling into a sand valley. A very interesting pink gorgonian fan coral sits on a coral patch surrounded by a sandy plain .	Seven Sister Dive Site Dive Site: 7 Sisters to Tank Depth range: 3 -12m Type: Photo / Wreck Dive Level: Intermediate Notes: Route requires good navigation skills. Time 60 mins. Tank = American M40 Anti-aircraft tracked vehicle. Scuttled by JREDS Sept. 1999 Shore or Boat access This is shallow dive leading from one large porite coral block to another .you need not worry about high air consumption on this dive.	Tank Dive Site A submerged M42 Duster can be seen here in all its military prowess. The tank, which was sunk in 1999, is an excellent place for new divers to learn the basics of scuba diving or as a nice station stop on the way to one of the surrounding canyons. As it stands on a sandy bottom in only 6 meters of water, this location is ideal for snorkelling and freediving. Soft corals and sponges have covered her hull, and swirling schools of colourful fish now call her home.	New Canyon aqaba Dive site:New Canyon Depth Range: 6 - 25m Type:Shore or Boat accessIn 5 meters depth a tank was introduced to the marine realm in 1998. It makes for either a unique safety stop or interesting diversion on the way to new canyon .new canyon is very deep, sandy valley with solid coral hills on either side relatively nice sand. This is also present at the points of entry .In fact this site is very gently descending sandy area liberally sprinkled with patches of coral .
Hercules C-130 This C-130 military aircraft was sunk in 2017 and is now a popular dive destination in Aqaba. It can be reached from shore or by boat, and the Hercules is a fantastic sight at 30 meters in length and 40 meters in wingspan.	The Cave dive site Located in the Aqaba marine park, the tunnel is a 10-meter long artificial tunnel built-in 2012 using concrete pipes. It was constructed as part of the operation to save coral damaged by the port's relocation.	Eel Canyon Dive Site Dive site: Eel Canyons Depth Range: 14 - 30m Type: Reef dive Level: Intermediate Notes:Alternative exit opposite mooring possible Sheltered from the North	Al Shorouk Wreck Wreck scuttled on the 18th June, 2008 by Aqaba Marine Park for diving Lies on her Starboard side just off from the Eel Canyon dive site Mooring buoy is attached to the shallowest part at 38m on her bow Commence the dive by descending down the mooring line and the wreck appears underneath.	Yellowstone Reef Dive Site Dive Site: Yellowstone Reef Depth Range: 10 - 30m Type: Reef dive Level: Novice Notes: Lots of small coral pinnacles in 10-12m range further to the south, ideal for beginners. Shore or Boat access A chance of seeing a torpedo ray swimming here. Even before you reach the reef,you can pipe horses in the grass area	Blue Coral Dive Site Shore or Boat access Very Nice reef there are impressive pinnacles around the valleys.This site is good for spotting shrimp fish,seahorse, and all kinds of worms, nudibranchs and pipefish.	Kiwi Reef Dive Site Shore or Boat access accessible by boat or shore . There is a large variety of marine life including morays, butterfly fish.This site is perfect for photographers.	Moon Valley Dive Site Boat access ,Very easy to go deep here! Accessible from the beach, about 800m South of Talabay resort , this sandy area has a sloping reef and a varied, but unremarkable, array of fish and coral.
Paradise Dive Site Site Name: Paradise Type: Photo dive Level: Advanced Open Water Diver and above Notes: BOAT DIVE Watch out for strong currents. Excellent red soft coral garden.

Lockheed L1011 Tristar

Lockheed

L-1011 TriStar

Location: 29°28.328’N 34°58.458’E

Accessibility: Boat Length: 54m Wingspan: 47m Exterior Height: 16.8m Depth: 15 - 28 meters Visibility: 20-30m Currents: Low

Level: Beginner

Attractions: Cockpit, Cabins, Galleys, Cargo Hold, Central Engine Vent.

Sunken Aircraft - Jordan Scuba Diving

Take a step back in time and visit Lockheed L-1011 Tristar, Aqaba diving site. This former commercial aircraft was deliberately sunk in order to create a unique artificial reef. This has got to be one of the most iconic Aqaba diving sites to visit and is located just a few meters from the shoreline, adjacent to the Aqaba Container Terminal. The wreck sits on a sandy slope on the seabed and offers experienced divers the chance to enter the underwater cockpit at 15 meters down. The tail of the aircraft is much deeper and drops to 30 meters.

At this top Jordan scuba diving site, you’ll be able to glide through the aisle of the aircraft, which is still intact with the passenger seats. Ideal for underwater photography, this is what really makes diving in Jordan elite. It attracts divers on an international scale whilst providing a healthy habitat for fish and other marine life to thrive.

Hercules C-130

Hercules C-130
Location: 29°25.110’ N 34°58.298’ E
Length: 30m Wingspan: 40m Height: 11m
Accessibility: Boat or shore (150m from the beach)
Depth: 17m Visibility: 20 - 40m Currents: Low Level: Beginner

Dive Into History With Aqaba Diving Sites

The beauty of Jordan scuba diving trips is that Aqaba provides an underwater museum for those who appreciate marine life and history. The former Royal Jordanian Air Force Lockheed C1-30 Hercules is an unmissable diving location and provides a breathtaking experience for divers of all levels.

Military museums are what makes Aqaba one of the most popular diving sites in the world, with aircraft, helicopters and even tanks fully submerged. The museum objects are decommissioned vehicles donated by the Royal Jordanian Army and include a U.K.-built Chieftain main battle tank (known as Khalid Shir in Jordan) with a 120-millimetre tank gun, and an unarmed FV104 Samaritan tracked military ambulance.

The war machines were sunk at depths ranging from 15 to 28 meters and stationed along the coral reefs in the shape of a tactical battle formation, creating an exciting underwater adventure and enticing divers and snorkelers to explore more of the dive site and have a one-of-a-kind experience. The most important piece of the collection: a Royal Jordanian Air Force AH-1F Cobra attack helicopter, was built by Bell Helicopter in the U.S.

The Aqaba diving site has an easy shore entry with a gently sloping sandy area. After passing through this narrow sandy stripe and heading from the only live Porites coral pinnacle at 5 meters, you will arrive at a dense seagrass bed with a mix of Halophila stipulacea and Halodule uninervis species.

Underwater Military Museum

Location: 29°26’43.01”N 34°58’6.42”E
Accessibility: Boat or shore (50 M from the beach)

Site Length: 140m Site Width: 75m

Number of Objects: 21 Depth: 7-30 meters Visibility: 20-40m Currents: Low to Medium

Level: Beginner to deep ( please be aware that there are two obejects (helicopter and a canon) that are kept on a depth more than 28m (on the southern side) which makes the site suitable for begin- ners and deep dives

Scorpion Light Tank

The FV101 Scorpion is a British armoured reconnaissance vehicle, introduced into service with the British Army in 1973 and was withdrawn in 1994. Weight 8 tons and crew of three soldiers. Its primary weapon was a 76 mm calibre gun.

Bell AH-1F Cobra.

Developed from the Huey transport helicopter, the Cobra was the first purpose-built helicopter gunship to enter military service. It was the backbone of U.S. Army attack aviation from its combat debut in South Vietnam during 1967 until replaced by the AH-64 Apache in the 1980s and ’90s. Several versions of the Cobra continue to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of many nations including The Royal Jordanian Air Force which has at least one squadron of Cobras currently in service.

SAMARITAN Armoured Ambulance.

Samaritan is a British made armoured ambulance based on FV101 light tank with a capacity of up to 6 injured soldiers. It used to operate in battlefields along with the other armoured vehicles. Weight 8.7 tons, with the crew of two soldiers. As an ambulance, this vehicle does not carry any weapons according to the International Laws.

Willys MB - The Jeep.

The iconic Willys MB, commonly known as “Jeep” was a highly successful off-road capable, light, military utility vehicle, built-in large numbers to a standardised design, from 1941 to 1945, for the Allied forces in World War II. There were more than one million Jeeps produced in various versions and used for several military purposes as the over one tone vehicle was also capable of carrying different types of weapons. Jeeps continued service in different armies across the globe to the late ’90s, playing a significant role in different wars.

Chieftain Armoured Recovery Vehicle “The Crane”.

Recovery vehicle, Chieftain Brand, a British-made in 1967 to work with Chieftain Tanks in the field, used in recovery operations of damaged or technically broken down tanks. Weight 50 tons, the crew consisted of five soldiers. The vehicle started service in the Jordanian Armed Forces together with the Chieftain tanks in 1982.

Field Gun M1 155mm.

Field gun M1 155mm, American-made in 1939, it was used in the Second World War. Weight 13.8 tons, shell weight 45kg, shooting range 23km, the crew of 14 soldiers. This gun was put to use in the Jordan Armed Forces in 1962 and it participated in 1967 War, Al Krama battle in 1968, and also, in the Attrition War 1968-1970.

RATEL Armoured Infantry Carrier.

The Ratel is a South African infantry fighting vehicle. Production started in 1976, and it was the first wheeled infantry fighting vehicle to enter service worldwide. The Ratel was a simple, economical design which helped reduce the significant logistical commitment necessary to keep heavier combat vehicles operational in undeveloped regions. Weight of 18 tons and can carry 12 soldiers, armed with varied weapons from 90, 23 to 23mm guns. The RATEL entered the Jordanian Armed Forces service in 2002.

FERRET Armoured Car.

FERRET is a British-made reconnaissance armoured car which entered the service in 1952. It was used by many countries, especially in the Middle East region. Weight 3.7 tons, equipped mainly with a 7.62 mm calibre machine gun. The crew consisted of two soldiers. The vehicle entered in the Jordanian Armed Forces service in 1963 and remained in service until 1985.

Anti-aircraft, self-propelled, gun M42 40mm (Duster).

American-made since 1952. Armoured, tracked vehicle with dual-barrel anti-aircraft 40mm calibre guns. The crew consisted of four soldiers. M42 was in Jordanian Armed Forces service from 1965 to 1998 and participated in the 1967 War, Al Karama Battle, and also, in the War of Attrition.

Chieftain Tank (KHALID).

Aqaba Diving Sites In Jordan

Lockheed L-1011 TriStar

Location: 29°28.328’N 34°58.458’E Accessibility: Boat Length: 54m Wingspan: 47m Exterior Height: 16.8m Depth: 15 - 28 meters Visibility: 20-30m Currents: Low Level: Beginner Attractions: Cockpit, Cabins, Galleys, Cargo Hold, Central Engine Vent.

Power Station North

Power Station South Dive Site

Boat access ,To access this site is little difficult but well worth it. Soon after entering the water is rapidly descending slope, which becomes a wall at approximately 40 meter.This site is named after a power station

Al Mahmieh Dive Site

First Bay North Dive Site

First Bay South Dive Site

Aqaba's military museum Dive Site

Aqaba's military museum, scuttled in 2019, offers 21 relics of battle placed along the seabed to simulate a tactical battle formation. Military weapons donated by the Jordanian armed forces include tanks, an ambulance, a troop carrier and a combat helicopter.

King Abdullah Reef Dive site

Al yamanieh Dive site

Aquarium Dive Site

Black Rock Dive Site

Bay Bubbles Dive Site

Bay Bubbles, a popular introductory dive site, has a fringing reef and a sandy bottom, making it a fun place with little risk to coral life. On the south side of Bay Bubbles, there's a good chance you'll spot a hawksbill turtle feeding on the soft corals.

Rainbow Reef Dive Site

Cedar Pride Dive Site Aqaba

Tarmac Five Wreck diving

Japanese Gardens Dive Site

Abu Hasbah Dive Site

A colourful coral reef with large pinnacles in shallow water at Abu Hasbah dive site has an excellent possibility of spotting a hawksbill turtle swimming between the pinnacles, providing shelter to numerous marine life species such as goldfish, groupers, lionfish, and stonefish.

Tayoung Wreck Dive Site

The wreck of the crane barge Tayoung, sunk on its starboard side not far from the Japanese garden, is a technical diver's dream. Tayoung is covered in multi-colored corals from bow to stern, and swimming through the ship's wheelhouse and exploring its machinery is a fantastic experience.

Japanese To Gorgone1

Dive site:Japanese To Gorgone1 Depth range: 6-12 m Type: Drift Dive Level: Advanced Notes: Only one way out ! Dive time 55 mins - 60 mins. Depth range: 6-12 m Type: Drift Dive Level: Advanced Notes: Only one way out ! Dive time 55 mins - 60 mins.

Gorgon One Dive site

Gorgon II Dive Site

Seven Sister Dive Site

Tank Dive Site

New Canyon aqaba

Hercules C-130

This C-130 military aircraft was sunk in 2017 and is now a popular dive destination in Aqaba. It can be reached from shore or by boat, and the Hercules is a fantastic sight at 30 meters in length and 40 meters in wingspan.

The Cave dive site

Located in the Aqaba marine park, the tunnel is a 10-meter long artificial tunnel built-in 2012 using concrete pipes. It was constructed as part of the operation to save coral damaged by the port's relocation.

Eel Canyon Dive Site

Dive site: Eel Canyons Depth Range: 14 - 30m Type: Reef dive Level: Intermediate Notes:Alternative exit opposite mooring possible Sheltered from the North

Al Shorouk Wreck

Wreck scuttled on the 18th June, 2008 by Aqaba Marine Park for diving Lies on her Starboard side just off from the Eel Canyon dive site Mooring buoy is attached to the shallowest part at 38m on her bow Commence the dive by descending down the mooring line and the wreck appears underneath.

Yellowstone Reef Dive Site

Blue Coral Dive Site

Shore or Boat access Very Nice reef there are impressive pinnacles around the valleys.This site is good for spotting shrimp fish,seahorse, and all kinds of worms, nudibranchs and pipefish.

Kiwi Reef Dive Site

Shore or Boat access accessible by boat or shore . There is a large variety of marine life including morays, butterfly fish.This site is perfect for photographers.

Moon Valley Dive Site

Boat access ,Very easy to go deep here! Accessible from the beach, about 800m South of Talabay resort , this sandy area has a sloping reef and a varied, but unremarkable, array of fish and coral.

Paradise Dive Site

Site Name: Paradise Type: Photo dive Level: Advanced Open Water Diver and above Notes: BOAT DIVE Watch out for strong currents. Excellent red soft coral garden.

Lockheed L1011 Tristar

Sunken Aircraft - Jordan Scuba Diving

Hercules C-130

Hercules C-130 Location: 29°25.110’ N 34°58.298’ E Length: 30m Wingspan: 40m Height: 11m Accessibility: Boat or shore (150m from the beach) Depth: 17m Visibility: 20 - 40m Currents: Low Level: Beginner

Dive Into History With Aqaba Diving Sites

Hercules C-130
Location: 29°25.110’ N 34°58.298’ E
Length: 30m Wingspan: 40m Height: 11m
Accessibility: Boat or shore (150m from the beach)
Depth: 17m Visibility: 20 - 40m Currents: Low Level: Beginner