The Red Sea Snorkeling Guide near Aqaba City, Jordan

About the Red Sea

The Red Sea is a saltwater sea located between Africa and Asia. It is bordered by Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The sea is known for its clear waters and rich marine life, including coral reefs and a diverse array of fish and other sea creatures making it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The sea has a unique ecosystem that is highly vulnerable to pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Protecting the Red Sea’s coral ecosystem is essential to preserving the sea’s biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on its resources.

The Name of the Red Sea

The Mare Rostrum or the Red Sea probably got its name from either the red sandstone mountains surrounding it or from algae living in the sea and blooming in reddish brown.

From the geological perspective, the Red Sea is even more interesting. Separating Africa and Asia, the Red Sea is actually a rift, ripping the Arabian Peninsula from the horn of Africa. It is called the Red Sea Rift and is a part of the Great rift valley which is tearing apart the Eastern part of the African tectonic plate. The hole created by the Red Sea rift started to be filled with Indian Ocean water somewhere 40 million years ago. Due to its origin, there are no rivers going into the sea, and its narrow enclosure to the Indian Ocean results in exceptionally clear water, perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Snorkeling in Jordan

There is no secret that the Red Sea offers a World-class snorkeling and diving experience, but it is less known that Jordan has a 27 km / 16.7 mi grasp of it. The country offers several snorkeling opportunities along the Red Sea. The most popular location for snorkeling in Jordan is the Aqaba Marine Park, which is located at the southernmost tip of the country. The park is home to a wide variety of marine life and coral reefs, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Some of the popular snorkeling spots within the park include:

• Gorgonian I & II – A beautiful area that is home to a variety of colorful gorgonian coral and a diverse array of fish.
• The Aquarium – A popular spot that offers a chance to see a wide variety of marine life up close, including exotic fish, sea turtles and other creatures
• The Japanese Garden – A shallow area that is home to a variety of coral and fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and butterfly fish.
• The Golden Gardens – A picturesque spot known for its golden-colored coral and abundance of marine life, including schools of colorful fish and sea turtles.
• The Wreck – A sunken ship that is now home to a variety of marine life, including groupers, snappers, and barracudas.

Just be careful to not daydream too far from the shore as it is easy not only to lose the sense of time, the feeling of space as well while swimming further looking down at the beautiful deep blue abyss.

Snorkeling & Diving in Aqaba Details

• Location: Aqaba Beaches
• Country: Jordan
• Coordinates: 29.4177° N, 34.9739° E
• Jordan’s Coastline Length: 27 km / 16.7 mi
• Time Zone: Eastern European Standard Time (GMT+2)
• Currency: Jordanian dinar
• Driving side: Right
• Forecast: Aqaba forecast
• Water temperature: Aqaba Sea temperature
• More information: Aqaba history
• Accommodation: Booking.com
• Best time to visit: All year

Snorkeling Prices in Jordan

As in any other competitive market, the prices might range, but for a 3-hour rental of equipment, you’ll pay 10JOD at Royal Diving Club in 2023. You can find cheaper options from locals hanging out at the beach, but for better quality equipment, I would suggest using one of the Diving Clubs.

Best Places for Snorkeling & Diving

The usual snorkeling spaces are to the South of Aqaba towards Saudi Arabia and can be easily reached from the city as a day trip. The best spots include The Power Station; First Bay; Cedar Pride; Japanese Garden; Gorgonian I and II; Big Bay; The Aquarium and Golden Gardens.

Best Time to Visit the Red Sea

The snorkeling experience southward of Aqaba city is pleasant throughout the year, the average temperature of the water during the Summer is 26°C and 22,5°C in Winter. Though it might get busy between January and May while October to November visits can be ruined by unexpected rain. The summer season from May to September might get too hot on the shore and during December the weather is totally unpredictable.

List of Fishes in the Red Sea

One way or another, most people are coming to Aqaba not for its historical significance, but for beaches, snorkeling, and diving in the Red Sea. For its world-class reefs, you need to pay a relatively cheap price and with a guide, you‘ll definitely won’t be disappointed. In these rich coral reefs, you can meet beautiful inhabitants of the Red sea including:

Dangers of Snorkeling in the Red Sea

As you probably expect there are also dangers underwater. Don’t be surprised to meet sharks, though most of them are harmless. If you notice a hammerhead shark, don’t be afraid either, in open waters there is no fatal attack recorded to this day and attacks in general by these shark species are extremely rare. Just mind your own business. What you should be afraid of are Tiger Sharks, these species are known for its attack on humans, but you probably won’t meet them in shallow water and even in the deeper levels, attacks on humans in this region are relatively rare. Besides the sharks, look out for these species:

Other Creatures to Avoid

Sea urchins, Moray Eels, Fire Corals, Blowfish, Triggerfish, and Turkeyfish.

The Trash Problem

Another thing that you will probably be going to notice is the trash. The South of Jordan seems to be way cleaner than the North, but still, it will catch your eye. Most of the facilities on the beach are dirty as well, though still do the job. All I can say, it is the responsibility of each of us, visitors, not to be a part of the cause of this situation with trash, therefore be mindful of where you put what because it is often the wind that does the trashing, combined with the carelessness of humans.

Even worse, Aqaba is the only port town in the whole country and next to it stands Israel’s port Eilat, this causes a huge traffic of transport ships through the gulf and damages the coral reefs.

Renting the gear for snorkeling is cheaper from random people on the beach, for best the experience I would suggest diving clubs. The gear might be dirty and leaking, therefore your whole snorkeling day could be ruined by it.

Is it Safe in Aqaba?

There are no official travel safety issues regarding Aqaba and Jordan itself. I found the south of the country to be exceptionally friendly. Though I wouldn’t recommend solo travel for women. I’ve seen some but better be safe than sorry.

All combined, like visiting any other country, you have to do your homework. If you respect the local culture and tradition, the locals will respect you.

Personal Experience

If this is your first trip to Jordan you might get surprised by the trash and randomness, but soon you will be overwhelmed by the hospitality and friendliness of the locals. Of course, it does feel like you are visiting a country populated purely by man and my impressions would be worse if I was a lonely woman traveler, but most of the people we met showed respect to my female friends. 

If you are to visit Jordan, I would highly recommend going South, because of Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dea Sea. Aqaba is the biggest city in the region and it is relatively easy to enjoy compared to the Northern parts. And there shouldn’t even be a question if you are a fan of the seaside, diving, or snorkeling.

What Can I to Protect Red Sea Corals Ecosystem?

There are several things you can do to help protect the coral ecosystem of the Red Sea:

• Be a responsible tourist – If you plan to visit the Red Sea for diving or snorkeling, make sure to follow the guidelines provided by local organizations to minimize your impact on the coral reef.
• Support conservation efforts – Donate to or volunteer with organizations that work to protect coral reefs in the Red Sea.
• Reduce your carbon footprint – The burning of fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change, which has a significant impact on coral reefs. By reducing your own carbon footprint, you can help to slow the rate of coral reef decline.
• Reduce pollution – Pollution from sources such as oil spills, agricultural runoff, and sewage discharge can harm coral reefs. Take steps to reduce your own contributions to pollution, and support efforts to clean up existing pollution.
• Support sustainable fishing – Overfishing can have a significant impact on coral reefs by removing important species that help to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Supporting sustainable fishing practices can help to protect the coral reef and its inhabitants.
• Spread the word – Inform others about the importance of coral reef conservation and encourage them to take action to protect these ecosystems.

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Snorkeling and diving rules:

• Be aware that the reef is easily affected by human activities. In order to protect and preserve it, visitors must follow these rules:
• Do not stand or damage in any other way the reef.
• Do not disturb local fauna, don’t feed it or ride on turtle’s backs.
• Swim calmly near the reefs as quick moves can cause a big surge of water which affect the microorganism on the reef.
• Do not throw any rubbish to the sea.
• Don’t attach boats to corals.
• Don’t take marine souvenirs, it is illegal in Jordan.