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Japanese Gardens Coral Reefs

Japanese Gardens has always been a reliable favourite of ours in Aqaba. It’s got that easy, relaxed vibe and offers an immediate immersion into the Red Sea. We love that you can wander straight in from the shore, the water around your knees, then just fin out a few metres and drop down. It’s a gentle slope, perfect for getting comfortable again, and the coral structures here are just fantastic. You’ll find dense fields of staghorn coral and impressive cactus corals, their shapes creating all these little hidey-holes for fish. Look closely and you might spot a spotted handfish or the flamboyant frills of a red lionfish tucked away. The schools of silverbiddies often catch the light, a shimmering curtain. We always suggest taking your time in the shallows; the light play is beautiful, and it’s where you’ll often find the smaller, shyer stuff like sideburn wrasse. Keep an eye out for the small-eyed squirrelfish, their big eyes reflecting the light. It's a genuinely lovely dive for any skill level, especially if you appreciate a calm, colourful exploration over deep adventure.