Diving atCedar Pride (Jordan)
The Cedar Pride wreck in Jordan presents an accessible yet engaging dive experience for a broad spectrum of certified divers. Its shallower sections, starting at 10 m / 33 ft, offer an inviting introduction for novices and those seeking less demanding exploration. For advanced divers, venturing deeper, down to 27 m / 90 ft, allows for comprehensive exploration of the vessel's structure and the unique bridge it forms between two reefs, including potential for wreck specialty training.
As evening covers Cedar Pride, the local air temperature is measured at 23.4°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.14m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
29.4307, 34.9737
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
The story of the Cedar Pride, a former Lebanese freighter, is deeply intertwined with its transformation into one of Jordan's most compelling underwater attractions. After a devastating fire in 1982 rendered the ship a total loss, it remained an abandoned hulk for several years.
King Abdullah, a keen diver himself, initiated the plan to deliberately scuttle the vessel, recognizing the lack of natural wrecks and a desire to enhance marine habitats. In 1986, port authorities prepared the Cedar Pride, meticulously removing all oil and potential hazards, before sinking it approximately 150-200 meters offshore.
Resting on its port side, the 80-meter / 262-foot long ship now creates a magnificent artificial reef bridging two distinct natural reef formations. Its structure remains largely intact, offering diverse exploration opportunities.
From its uppermost starboard side, around 10 meters, to its deepest point, reaching about 27 meters, the wreck serves as a vital habitat for a multitude of marine species, quickly colonizing its surfaces with hard and soft corals over the past four decades. This intentional sinking transformed an unfortunate incident into a vibrant underwater ecosystem, providing recreational divers with a unique historical site to explore.
Best Time to Dive
Diving the Cedar Pride offers an excellent experience year-round, consistently rated high in dive suitability scores across all seasons. Divers will find the most comfortable surface conditions during the shoulder months of April-May and September-October, when air temperatures average between 25-31°C / 77-88°F. Periods like these strike a pleasant balance, avoiding hotter summer peaks while still providing warmth. Minimal rainfall is characteristic for most of the year, with occasional light precipitation noted around December and March, rarely impacting underwater visibility or dive plans. Water temperatures in the Red Sea generally range from 22-27°C / 72-81°F, ensuring comfortable conditions for extended bottom times regardless of the season. Wind speeds remain consistently moderate, with average wave heights staying low, contributing to calm surface conditions ideal for boat or shore entry. Visibility remains consistently good, often exceeding 20 meters, allowing for clear views of the wreck and its prolific marine life.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Exploring the Cedar Pride means navigating a distinct depth profile, with the wreck resting firmly on its port side. Around 10 meters, the uppermost starboard side of the vessel is readily accessible. This zone is ideal for initial orientation and extended safety stops. Descending along the structure, divers encounter the main deck and superstructure, which lie on the seaward side. The bow sits around 20 meters and the stern at 16 meters. Bridging two reefs, the ship allows for a swim-through at its deepest point, around 26-27 meters. Visibility is typically excellent, often reaching 10-30 meters, providing ample light penetration across much of the wreck. Entry is possible from either shore, involving a 130-150 m swim over a sandy bottom, or directly by boat.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Approaching the Cedar Pride wreck safely requires adherence to standard wreck diving protocols, even given its prepared state. Prior to its sinking, the vessel was thoroughly cleaned of oil and potential hazards, yet prudence dictates careful observation of the environment. For deeper sections or any potential penetration into the vessel, such as the wide structure near the fuel tanks, Advanced Open Water certification or specific Wreck Diver specialty training is essential. Proper equipment, including redundant air sources and dive lights, is highly recommended for overhead environments. Always maintain awareness of your depth and no-decompression limits, particularly when exploring the deeper swim-throughs at 26-27 meters. Given its popularity, maintaining buoyancy control is key to protecting the delicate coral growth that now adorns the wreck. Planning dives with a local guide, especially for those new to the site, will enhance the experience and ensure safe navigation.
Recommended Equipment
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Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Current diving conditions indicate water temperatures around 22°C (72°F) at Cedar Pride. Surface air temperatures are resting at 23°C (74°F).
Forecasts suggest rising temperatures later this week. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Divers who prefer moderate insulation typically choose 3-5mm wetsuit in similar environments. Many experienced divers adjust their exposure protection depending on the type of dive planned.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
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Entry Requirements
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Marine Life at Cedar Pride
Masterfully transformed into a vibrant underwater landscape, the Cedar Pride's metal hull serves as a canvas for extensive coral growth. Over four decades, a rich assortment of hard and soft corals, including impressive waving sea fans, has colonized nearly every surface from bow to stern. Schooling reef fish frequently congregate around the superstructure and deck, providing a dynamic visual element. Divers often spot species like sea bass and barracuda patrolling the open water. A careful eye reveals diverse macro life, with seahorses, slugs, crabs, and shrimps finding refuge within the wreck's secret corners and crevices. Night dives unveil a different ecosystem, where octopi and morays emerge to hunt, showcasing the wreck's thriving nocturnal community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cedar Pride shipwreck?
The Cedar Pride is a deliberately scuttled Lebanese freighter that caught fire in 1982. It was sunk in 1986 by King Abdullah's initiative to become an artificial reef and a dive site in Aqaba, Jordan. It now lies on its port side, fostering diverse marine life and coral growth.
What is the maximum depth of the Cedar Pride wreck?
The maximum depth reachable on the Cedar Pride is about 27 meters, where divers can find a swim-through section. The uppermost part of the wreck is much shallower, starting around 10 meters.
Is the Cedar Pride suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, the Cedar Pride caters to all levels. The shallower sections of the wreck, particularly its uppermost starboard side at 10 meters, are excellent for novice divers. Advanced divers can explore deeper areas.
Can I penetrate the Cedar Pride wreck?
Limited penetration is possible into some areas, such as the wide structure near the fuel tanks. However, this requires specific Wreck Diver specialty training and appropriate equipment for overhead environments. It is not recommended for untrained divers.
What marine life can be seen at Cedar Pride?
The wreck is covered in a variety of hard and soft corals, including sea fans. Divers frequently encounter schooling reef fish, sea bass, and barracuda. Look closely for macro life like seahorses, crabs, slugs, and shrimps hiding in crevices.
How can I access the Cedar Pride dive site?
The Cedar Pride is accessible from both shore and by boat. From shore, it typically involves a 130-150 m swim over a sandy bottom. Many local dive operators offer boat trips directly to the site.
Is the Cedar Pride a good night dive site?
Yes, the Cedar Pride is an excellent site for night diving. At night, the wreck transforms, revealing nocturnal marine life such as octopi and moray eels actively hunting. It offers a completely different perspective of the ecosystem.
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