CEDAR PRIDE - Aqaba Marine Park

The Cedar Pride is a classic Red Sea wreck, pure and simple. We love its elegance, sitting perfectly on its port side, completely intact. You drop down onto the hull, often with clouds of silversides shimmering around you, and then you’re into the wreck itself. Our favourite part is the bow, where the anchor chain still drapes down into the sand at 27 metres. From there, you can explore the cargo holds, now open to the light, and swim through the superstructure towards the stern. The wreck has become a proper artificial reef, with soft corals growing on every available surface, and lionfish often hanging motionless in the shadows. Look for the resident moray eels peeking out from pipes and crevices. It’s a relatively easy penetration for experienced divers, but there’s plenty to see just staying on the outside. We’d suggest going in the morning before it gets too busy.

Location
Aqaba Marine Park, Jordan, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
29.431110, 34.972780
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
27m

Marine Protected Area: محمية العقبة البحرية

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Aqaba Marine Park

Nearest Dive Centres to CEDAR PRIDE

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CEDAR PRIDE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Cedar Pride shipwreck dive site?
The maximum depth of the Cedar Pride shipwreck dive site is 27 meters. This makes it an accessible wreck for divers with appropriate certification and experience. It is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see on the Cedar Pride wreck?
Divers exploring the Cedar Pride can expect to see the impressive structure of a motor vessel, measuring 74.4m x 10.7m. Sunk in 1985, this wreck has become an artificial reef. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks like this often attract a variety of species over time, which you can explore in our wildlife database.
Is the Cedar Pride dive site suitable for beginner divers, or is it only for advanced divers?
The Cedar Pride dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. This means it is generally not suitable for absolute beginner divers, but rather for those with some prior diving experience and appropriate certification. Divers should be comfortable with wreck diving techniques and depths up to 27 meters.
When is the best time to dive the Cedar Pride, and are there any special considerations for night diving?
The provided data does not specify the best time to dive the Cedar Pride or any special considerations for night diving. For general information on optimal diving seasons in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide. Always check with local dive operators for current conditions and recommendations.
What dive certifications are needed to explore the Cedar Pride shipwreck, especially for deeper sections or penetration?
Given the Cedar Pride's maximum depth of 27 meters and intermediate difficulty, divers would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. For any potential penetration into the wreck, specialized wreck diving certifications are highly recommended to ensure safety and proper technique. This site is classified as a dangerous wreck, so caution and appropriate training are essential.
What are the typical underwater currents and visibility like at the Cedar Pride dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical underwater currents or visibility at the Cedar Pride dive site. Divers should always check local conditions with their dive operator prior to diving. Local knowledge is crucial for understanding the dynamic environment of the Aqaba Marine Park.