Scuba Diving In Jordan
For divers, the southernmost point of Jordan, where the tropical waters of the Red
Sea lap some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world, has to be the main
attraction. Diving in Aqaba Jordan is one of the best experiences.
Also, Japanese Gardens is a magnificent reef dive that everyone can enjoy. The
black coral has formed 16 to 130 feet (5 to 40 meters) and is now home to hawksbill
turtles, eagle rays, and a variety of reef fish. Finally, the wreck of Cedar Pride, a
Lebanese cargo ship sunk in 1985, offers divers the opportunity to interact with
feather-tail stingrays and pygmy slug nudibranchs.
Enjoy a diving season all year round like other places in the Red Sea. However, it is
best to pack your 3mm wetsuit in the summer when water temperatures reach 82ºF
(28ºC), but a 5mm wetsuit is necessary for other parts of the year. The water
temperature ranges from about 26 ° C / 79 ° F in summer to 20 ° C / 68 ° F in winter.
And visibility is often impressive, topping 100 feet / 30 meters.
Best Dive Sites In Jordan
Cedar Pride – One of Jordan’s most popular dives, the basically intact wreck of the
Cedar Pride, which reached the bottom in 1985, is now an artificial reef. It lies on its
side about 200 meters / 220 yards out to sea at a maximum depth of about 27
meters / 90 feet and can dive from a boat or from the shore. Be sure to stop by the
crow’s nest for a great photo opportunity.
Yellowstone Reef – This site derives its name from a couple of large yellow rocks,
one on land and one in the water. The reef drops to 30 meters / 100 feet and divers
may encounter the giant Napoleon and great rays. Be on the lookout for the
magnificent lyre groupers, which are known to frequent the area.
Aquarius – With a name like this, hopefully, this dive site has enough reef and coral
fish to impress all visitors. You would be right.
Japanese Gardens – This colourful reef begins shallow and slopes gently into the
depths. It is loved by divers and is recognized as one of the most beautiful dives in
the area. Be on the lookout for turtles, schools of barracuda, and schools of vibrant
reef fish. Moray eels and giant clams make the reef crevices their home.
Power Station – Conditions must be right for diving at this site, but when they are,
divers take full advantage of a spectacular drop at depths of more than 40 meters /
130 feet. As you might expect, it is also a popular spot with tec divers. Look for giant
blackberries and black coral on the wall.
Seven Sisters and the Tank – This series of pinnacles sits next to an American M42
tank, which sank in 1999 for divers only. It is now well covered with soft corals and
marine life. Divers can see multi-coloured moray eels and nudibranchs around the
wreck. The tank sits in 6 meters / 18 feet of water, but pinnacles and river reefs drop
far beyond this. Look for giant blackberries and black coral on the wall.