Diving in Aqaba Marine Park

Explore 25 dive sites in Aqaba Marine Park, Jordan. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Aqaba Marine Park

The warmest water temperatures in Aqaba Marine Park occur in August, averaging 27.2°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 20.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 21.9°C
  • February: 20.9°C
  • March: 20.5°C
  • April: 20.9°C
  • May: 22.7°C
  • June: 24.5°C
  • July: 25.8°C
  • August: 27.2°C
  • September: 26.7°C
  • October: 25.5°C
  • November: 24.5°C
  • December: 23.2°C

Marine Life in Aqaba Marine Park

Home to 64 recorded species including 31 reef fish, 16 hard corals, 4 whales & dolphins, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 seagrass & algae.

Dive Site Difficulty in Aqaba Marine Park

Aqaba Marine Park has 2 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Aqaba Marine Park

Based on average water temperature of 23.7°C, currents 4 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 24°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Aqaba Marine Park

  • محمية العقبة البحرية - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Aqaba Marine Park - Nearest Airports

  • King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), Aqaba - 21 km away, approx 38 min travel time
  • Ramon International Airport (ETM), Eilat - 34 km away, approx 52 min travel time
  • Neom Bay Airport (NUM), Sharma - 170 km away, approx 200 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions and visibility like for diving in Aqaba Marine Park throughout the year?
While specific year-round visibility data is not provided, Aqaba Marine Park offers excellent diving conditions, particularly during the warmer months. Water temperatures peak around 27.18°C in August and remain pleasant at 26.66°C in September and 25.82°C in July. The protected nature of the park, with its unique artificial reefs, generally contributes to favorable diving environments.
What unique marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see in Aqaba Marine Park?
Aqaba Marine Park is renowned for its unique artificial reef formations, created by deliberately sunk military hardware such as tanks and an aircraft. Divers can explore these fascinating structures, which have become thriving habitats. Additionally, the park features natural coral formations at sites like Japanese Gardens Coral Reefs and King Abdullah Reef, supporting diverse reef ecosystems.
Which are considered the best or most popular dive sites within Aqaba Marine Park for wreck diving or reef exploration?
For wreck diving in Aqaba Marine Park, popular sites include the Tank, the Plane wreck, and the Cedar Pride Shipwreck, all offering unique exploration opportunities. For vibrant reef exploration, divers frequently visit Japanese Gardens Coral Reefs and King Abdullah Reef. The Underwater Military Museum also combines wreck and reef elements.
Is Aqaba Marine Park suitable for beginner divers, or is it primarily for experienced divers?
Aqaba Marine Park is well-suited for both beginner and experienced divers, offering a range of sites to accommodate different skill levels. Beginner divers can enjoy sites like King Abdullah Reef and First Bay North. Many other sites, including the fascinating wreck dives, are designated as intermediate, providing ample opportunities for more experienced divers.
What are the best ways for travelers to get to Aqaba Marine Park from major entry points like Amman or the airport?
Information regarding the best ways for travelers to get to Aqaba Marine Park from major entry points like Amman or the airport is not available in the provided data. We recommend checking local transportation options or contacting one of the 7 dive centres in the area for guidance on logistics.
Are there any specific seasonal variations or times of year that are considered ideal for diving in Aqaba Marine Park, and why?
The ideal time for diving in Aqaba Marine Park, based on water temperature, is during the summer months. August offers the warmest waters at approximately 27.18°C, closely followed by September at 26.66°C and July at 25.82°C. These months provide the most comfortable conditions for extended dives and enjoying the park's diverse sites. For more details on optimal diving times, visit our When to Dive section.
What are the water temperatures in Aqaba Marine Park during different seasons, and what wetsuit thickness is recommended?
During the peak diving season in Aqaba Marine Park, water temperatures are very pleasant, reaching approximately 25.82°C in July, 27.18°C in August, and 26.66°C in September. Information on water temperatures for other seasons or specific wetsuit thickness recommendations is not provided in the current data. Divers should consult local equipment guides or dive centres for advice.
Beyond common reef fish, what larger or more unusual marine creatures might divers occasionally encounter in Aqaba Marine Park?
The provided data for Aqaba Marine Park does not specify larger or more unusual marine creatures that divers might occasionally encounter beyond common reef inhabitants. To learn more about the diverse aquatic life in the region, you can explore our wildlife database or consult local dive guides.