Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PLANNING YOUR DIVE OR SNORKEL
A Low-Key Experience
The Red Sea has a legendary reputation among underwater enthusiasts. Conglomerations of
coral rise from the seabed, shallow reefs team with brightly coloured fish, sheer drop-offs
disappear into unplumbed depths and an eerie, ethereal blue pervades the cut-glass water.
While it's no secret that the Red Sea is one of the world's finest marine destinations, it's
less known that Jordan has 27km of precious access to this underwater wonderland along-
side the Gulf of Aqaba. This is good news for those divers and snorkellers who seek
pristine reefs. It's also good news for those who favour an altogether low-key experience;
indeed, the whole diving scene here is delightfully relaxed and unpretentious.
Clear Visibility
Surrounded by desert on three sides, the Red Sea was formed 40 million years ago when
the Arabian Peninsula split from Africa, and it is the only tropical sea that is almost entirely
enclosed by land. No river flows into it and the influx of water from the Indian Ocean is
slight, resulting in minimal tides and high salinity. It is also windy - on average the sea is
flat for only 50 days a year. This unique combination of elements means that visibility un-
derwater is almost unfailingly crystal-clear.
High Accessibility
Enjoying the wonders of the deep is easy to organise, with many of the dive sites readily
accessible to snorkellers. Dive centres offer accommodation close to the shore (
Click here
)
- handy for those who want to make diving and snorkelling the main focus of their visit to
southern Jordan. Those who prefer the buzz and amenities of Jordan's seaside city can eas-
ily find transport to and from Aqaba, making the dive sites accessible as a day trip from
town.
RED SEA ROYALS
Sultan Ibrahim, king fish and king soldier bream are not the only royals in the water. Diving in Jordan enjoys support
from the very top, with King Abdullah II reported to be an avid diver. In fact his patronage was instrumental in the es-
tablishment of Jordan's premier artificial reef, the wreck of the
Cedar Pride.
Running aground after a fire in the en-
