Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHEN, WHERE & HOW
When to Go
The water temperature is warm (an average 22.5°C in winter and 26°C in summer), making
the in-water experience pleasant at any time of year.
Best Times
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Late January-mid-May
This is the best time to dive weather-wise. Bear in mind that
late winter attracts holiday-makers from Amman, pushing up the price of accommodation
in Aqaba. Spring is peak tourist season for international visitors and the busiest time for
dive centres.
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October-November
The second most popular time to dive but prepare for the odd
overcast or rainy day.
Avoid
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Mid-May-September
The shore is usually miserably hot in the middle of the summer
and the risk of burning is high both in and out of the water.
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Late December-late January
Although usually mild in Aqaba, freezing cold weather
and occasional thunderstorms can sweep in from the desert at any time during winter.
Where to Go
Jordan's short coastline along the Gulf of Aqaba stretches between Israel and the Palestini-
an Territories and Saudi Arabia. Diving and snorkelling is focused between the port and the
Saudi border. This stretch of coast is protected within the Red Sea Marine Peace Park, run
in cooperation with Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Reefs here are in excellent condi-
tion, and the soft corals, especially those found on the
Cedar Pride,
are beautiful.
There are about 15 sites worth visiting. The majority can be enjoyed by snorkellers as
well as divers as they are easily accessible from either a jetty or the beach. Although you
can enter the water at any spot along the coast, snorkellers tend to gravitate towards the
private beach at the Royal Diving Club.
Sites are not signposted, nor are they remotely obvious from the road. If you want to
dive or snorkel independently you'll have to ask for directions, or take your chances and
search for obvious offshore reefs.
