Jordan

Country Name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Capital City: Amman

Population: Approximately 11 million (2024 est.)

Official Language: Arabic

Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

Time Zone: Jordan Time (JOT), UTC +3

Petra by night, illuminated by candles
Vintage room with blue doors and checkered floor
Two people riding camels in a desert landscape
Seaside resort with umbrellas and mountainous backdrop

Diving Overview

Jordan, with its Red Sea coastline, offers spectacular diving experiences characterized by vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and clear waters. The warm, clear waters of the Red Sea provide an exceptional environment for divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced.

  • Number of Dive Sites: Over 20
  • Types of Diving: Reef, wall, and wreck diving.
  • Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Colorful coral reefs, a variety of tropical fish, and occasional encounters with larger pelagic species.
  • Average Water Temperatures: 21-28°C (70-82°F)
  • Visibility Range: 15-30 meters (49-98 feet)

Important Information

Optimal Dive Seasons

The best diving conditions in Jordan are typically from May to October, when the weather is warm and the visibility is at its best.

Major Airports

Queen Alia International Airport (Amman), King Hussein International Airport (Aqaba)

The Travel Tip

A 3mm wetsuit is usually sufficient for diving in Jordan’s Red Sea waters, but consider a thicker suit for deeper dives or cooler periods.

Weather Patterns

Jordan has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The Red Sea region is warm year-round, making it ideal for diving.

Internal Transportation

Options include domestic flights, taxis, and buses. Car rentals are also popular for exploring different regions of Jordan.

Attractions

Major attractions include the ancient city of Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, the Roman ruins of Jerash, and the vibrant city of Amman.

Top Dive Regions

Jordan, with its beautiful Red Sea coastline, offers some of the most remarkable diving experiences in the Middle East. The top dive sites in Jordan showcase vibrant coral reefs, intriguing marine life, and excellent underwater visibility. Aqaba is renowned for its well-preserved coral reefs and diverse marine species, providing exceptional diving opportunities for all levels of divers. The Cedar Pride Wreck is a popular site near Aqaba, known for its fascinating wreck dive experience and abundant marine life. The Japanese Gardens offers colorful coral gardens and diverse fish species, making it a must-visit for underwater enthusiasts. Lastly, The Seven Sisters features a series of submerged pinnacles with rich marine life and beautiful underwater landscapes. These sites highlight Jordan’s appeal as a premier diving destination in the region.


Aqaba

Known for its well-preserved coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it ideal for both beginner and advanced divers.

The Cedar Pride Wreck

Offers a fascinating wreck dive experience with abundant marine life and interesting underwater structures.

The Japanese Gardens

Features colorful coral gardens and diverse fish species, making it a popular site for underwater exploration.

The Seven Sisters

Features a series of submerged pinnacles with rich marine life and beautiful underwater landscapes.

Marine Life

Jordan’s Red Sea coastline offers some of the most captivating marine environments in the Middle East. The underwater world here is characterized by its vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and an impressive array of marine life. Aqaba, with its clear waters and diverse marine species, is ideal for divers of all levels. Key dive sites include the Cedar Pride Wreck, renowned for its fascinating wreck dive and abundant marine life, and the Japanese Gardens, known for its colorful coral gardens and thriving fish populations. The Seven Sisters, a series of submerged pinnacles, provides stunning underwater landscapes and rich biodiversity. Jordan’s dive sites are celebrated for their excellent visibility and warm waters, making them a top choice for underwater exploration.

Common Species: Colorful reef fish, coral species, marine invertebrates, and occasionally large pelagic species like barracuda.

Seasonal Highlights: Diving is excellent year-round in Jordan, but visibility and marine life sightings can be particularly good from October to May, when the water is clear and warm.