Diving atUnderwater Coral Resaraunt (Jordan)
Aqaba's dive conditions generally favor exploration year-round, with consistently high dive scores. Air temperatures range from cooler winter highs around 17°C (63°F) to summer peaks over 34°C (93°F). Wind speeds remain moderate, typically between 15-21 km/h (9-13 mph), contributing to generally calm surface conditions. Rain is minimal, particularly from May to October, ensuring reliable visibility.
Recent updates for Underwater Coral Resaraunt show an air temperature measuring 23.9°C. Overall water conditions reflect the typical seasonal state for Jordan. Please exercise standard safety precautions before entering the water.
Dive Site Coordinates
29.5481, 34.9534
Dive Site Characteristics
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Diving in Aqaba provides an exceptional blend of natural beauty and distinctive human-made underwater installations, setting it apart as a unique Red Sea destination. Unlike many traditional reef-focused locations, Aqaba divers have the opportunity to explore not only vibrant coral gardens but also purpose-sunk attractions that foster marine life, creating a truly varied seascape.
Local dive operators are highly accommodating, offering everything from 'Try Dives' for absolute beginners to comprehensive PADI certification courses, including Advanced Open Water and specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox. This flexibility allows divers to safely explore depths ranging from shallow reef tops to 40 meters (130 feet) on deeper structures and wrecks, extending bottom times where appropriate. Accessibility is a key feature; many incredible sites, such as the Hercules C130 and the military museum, are reachable directly from shore, while luxury boats like DESTINY and DESTINY PLUS facilitate access to more remote areas.
Healthy coral ecosystems, combined with intentionally placed structures like the military museum and comprehensive diver support services, define a unique underwater narrative, providing compelling subjects for both wide-angle and macro photography across multiple dive profiles.
Best Time to Dive
Divers planning a trip to Aqaba will find excellent conditions across most of the year, ensuring a rewarding experience regardless of the season. The peak dive scores, rated 'Excellent,' are common from January to April and again from July to October, extending through November and December. Air temperatures during these periods range widely; expect cooler winter highs around 17-21°C (63-70°F) in early spring and late autumn, while summer months like July and August see air temperatures average above 34°C (93°F). Rainfall is extremely low, with many months, including June through September, reporting no rain at all, which contributes to generally calm seas and excellent visibility. Even during months rated 'Good,' such as May, June, August, and September, conditions remain highly favorable for diving, benefiting from minimal precipitation and stable winds typically below 21 km/h (13 mph). This consistency ensures divers can typically enjoy calm water and clear views.
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 Aqaba's underwater realm offers diverse depth profiles, accommodating various certification levels. Many vibrant coral reefs begin in shallower sections, accessible to snorkelers and entry-level divers, gradually descending to greater depths. For certified divers, the maximum recreational depth can extend to 40 m (130 ft), allowing exploration of significant sites such as the Cedar Pride shipwreck and the Hercules C130, both of which can be reached via shore entry or boat. Water temperatures in the Red Sea are generally comfortable, though specific seasonal averages aren't consistently reported, typically falling within 22-27°C (72-81°F). Visibility often remains excellent, frequently exceeding 20 m (65 ft), which is ideal for both wide-angle photography and detailed macro observation across the reef and wreck sites. Currents are usually mild, though they can vary depending on tidal movements or localized topography, especially around deeper structures. This variability allows for dynamic dives while generally maintaining manageable conditions.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
When diving in Aqaba, always prioritize proper planning and adherence to your certification limits. Even with generally calm conditions, understanding your dive profile and gas management is crucial, particularly on deeper wreck dives like the military museum or the Cedar Pride. It's recommended to dive with a reputable local center, such as Coral Garden, which provides certified PADI instructors and divemasters who are familiar with local site specifics. Utilizing Enriched Air Nitrox can extend your bottom time on multi-level dives, but requires specific certification. Ensure your equipment is regularly serviced; centers like Coral Garden offer full equipment servicing and tank fills, maintaining safety standards. Always conduct thorough buddy checks and ascend slowly to prevent decompression sickness, especially after multiple or deeper dives. Briefings from local guides will cover any site-specific considerations or potential mild currents.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
With water temperatures around 22°C (72°F), many divers find a 3-5mm wetsuit provides comfortable protection.
Divers performing multiple dives may appreciate slightly warmer protection later in the day.
Surface conditions are expected to warm up slightly in the coming days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
Check local Jordan medical facilities.
Entry Requirements
View Jordan Visa Hub
Currency
JOD
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
Marine Life at Underwater Coral Resaraunt
Aqaba's underwater landscape is a tapestry of thriving hard and soft corals, providing abundant shelter and foraging grounds for diverse marine species. The healthy reef structures host numerous colorful fish, commonly including angelfish, parrotfish, and wrasses, which are often seen darting amongst the coral formations. While specific large pelagics are not consistently reported, the site maintains a dynamic ecosystem. Macro life, such as nudibranchs and various crustaceans, often reveal themselves upon closer inspection within the intricate reef crevices. The clear waters enhance observations of these resident populations, making it an engaging environment for underwater photography across its varied habitats, from shallow reef tops to the surrounding areas of deeper wrecks.
Dive Sites Near Underwater Coral Resaraunt
View all dive sites in JordanDiscover more underwater gems in this area.
Dive Centers Near Underwater Coral Resaraunt
No Dive Centers Local To Underwater Coral Resaraunt
Are you a dive center visiting this location? Get listed to reach divers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of dive sites can I find in Aqaba?
You'll find a wide variety, including vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks like the Cedar Pride, and unique submerged attractions such as the underwater military museum. Both natural and artificial sites offer diverse exploration opportunities.
Are there options for beginners to try diving?
Yes, Aqaba offers "Try Dives" supervised by instructors, providing a safe introduction to scuba diving. You can also enroll in full PADI Open Water Diver courses to get certified.
What are the typical dive depths?
Recreational diving can range from shallow reef sections, perfect for snorkelers, down to a maximum of 40 m (130 ft) for certified divers exploring wrecks and deeper reefs. There are also options for technical diving beyond these limits.
Is Nitrox available for dives?
Yes, Enriched Air Nitrox is available, allowing certified divers to extend their bottom times on dives. This can be particularly beneficial when exploring multiple sites or deeper wrecks.
What are the general water conditions like?
Water temperatures are generally comfortable, varying with the season, and visibility is often excellent, frequently exceeding 20 m (65 ft). Currents are usually mild but can vary locally.
Can I get my diving equipment serviced in Aqaba?
Yes, dive centers like Coral Garden are certified Mares Service Centers. They provide full equipment servicing, repairs, and dive computer battery replacements with pressure testing.
Is Aqaba a good destination for underwater photography?
Absolutely. The region is considered a "Photographer's Paradise" with clear waters and diverse marine life, healthy corals, and interesting wrecks, suitable for both wide-angle and macro photography.
Liveaboards Sailing to Underwater Coral Resaraunt
Explore highly rated liveaboards visiting this dive site and discover the best routes in Jordan.
Resorts & Accommodation
Find partner hotels and dive resorts directly accessing the reef.
Around This Area
Explore top-rated restaurants, activities, and attractions near Underwater Coral Resaraunt reviewed by travelers.
Planning to dive Underwater Coral Resaraunt?
Send one inquiry and receive offers directly from the best verified local dive operators.