With approximately 27 kilometers of beachfront along the Red Sea in the Gulf of Aqaba, Jordan offers fantastic, uncrowded snorkeling sites. The reef drop-off is just breathtaking within the Marine Park's 4 miles of protected shoreline, with incredible clarity, abundant marine life, and exquisite coral formations. Snorkelers can easily see clownfish in their sea anemones, mesmerizing angelfish, sea turtles, and hundreds of sea anthias in the warm, turquoise waters just off the coast.
There are approximately 22 snorkeling spots in Jordan, which has a small coastline but is one of the most beautiful marine parks in the Red Sea. All are located in Aqaba Marine Park, which safeguards the coral reefs that line the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. This protected area spans approximately 7 kilometers between the aquarium and ferry terminal in the north and the Tala Bay beach resort in the south.
In the heart of the National Park, South Beach is the most popular snorkeling spot in Jordan. Here, the coral reef along the coast is at its widest. Its reef, which is easily accessible and relatively healthy, is a delight to explore.
In the same region, but slightly further north, the Japanese Garden provides a similar profile, albeit with a narrower reef. The abrupt descent into the azure is equally as breathtaking.
A famous tank sank in the bay and is now a thriving artificial reef that can be found at Seven Sisters.
All snorkeling locations in Jordan can be reached from the shore.
I suppose you are looking for a hotel with access to the reef. In that case, Arab Divers in Aqaba may be the best option within 1 kilometer of the beach, located close to Seven Sisters snorkeling spot, Jordan's most well-known underwater attraction.
Protected from oceanic currents, the waters of the Red Sea are remarkably calm and warm. Because of these things, a healthy marine ecosystem has grown up dominated by soft corals and has a high rate of species only found in that ecosystem.
Jordan's waters are home to over 200 species of coral (8 percent of which are endemic), over 1,000 species of fish (17 percent of which are endemic), and over 1,000 species of invertebrates.
At the reef in Aqaba Marine Park, you can find clownfish in anemones, yellowtail surgeons, and snowflake morays, Jordan is a popular place to go snorkeling because there are almost no waves, the water is clear, and the reef is easy to get to from the beaches.
When to go snorkeling in Jordan?
The water temperature in Jordan is approximately 77 °F (25 °C) for most of the year, making snorkeling possible year-round.
In the Arabian Desert, the climate in this region of Jordan is hot, with temperatures reaching 105 °F (ca. 41 °C) from mid-June to mid-September.
Due to the wind and cooler air temperature, winter snorkeling can be more difficult (don't forget your rash guard). April, May, September, and October are the best times to explore the region.