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.
Free diver in the Japanese Gardens, the Gulf of Aqaba, Jordan. Photo by Simas Rad [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Palmtree.life
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:
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.
Sunken ship in the Red Sea near Aqaba, Jordan. Photo by Simas Rad [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Palmtree.life
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.
Undersea life in the Red Sea near Aqaba, Jordan. Photo by Simas Rad [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Palmtree.life
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.
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.
Diver in the Red Sea near Aqaba, Jordan. Photo by Simas Rad [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Palmtree.life
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:
Ritiks [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
Alexander Vasenin [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
Philippe Bourjon [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
mendel [CC BY-SA 1.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
Abe Khao Lak [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
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:
Stonefish – Lays hidden in the sand. Credit: SeanMack [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], from Wikimedia Commons
Lionfish – Has poisonous spikes. Credit: Photo by Jens Petersen
Jellyfish – Depending on the species, their sting can be very painful. Avispa marina.jpg: Guido Gautsch, Toyota, Japanderivative work: Mithril [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Coral – Cut from corals are slow to heal, be careful as it is easy to get infected in warm waters. Credit: Photo2222 [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY-SA 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], from Wikimedia Commons
Crown of Thorns Starfish – Poisonous, invasive species affecting local ecosystem. Inform your dive master if you see one. Credit: jon hanson on flickr. [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Sea urchins, Moray Eels, Fire Corals, Blowfish, Triggerfish, and Turkeyfish.
Beach by the Red Sea in Jordan. Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting the Dots
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.
The Red Sea by Aqaba Port. Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting the Dots
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.
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.
Coral reef in the Red Sea near Aqaba, Jordan. Photo by Simas Rad [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Palmtree.life
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.
Free diver in the Red Sea near Aqaba, Jordan. Photo by Simas Rad [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Palmtree.life
There are several things you can do to help protect the coral ecosystem of the Red Sea:
Sunset in Port of Aqaba. Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting the Dots
After the WWI, Jordan fell under the British influence and they drew the lines of borders between Saudi Arabia and Jordan just outside the city. Saudis didn’t agree with this division, but never took any action. Later on, in 1965, King Hussein traded 6000 sq. Km of Jordanian desert to 12km of Saudi Arabia coastline south of Aqaba, where all of the snorkeling and diving takes place today. With growing city and the tourism in the region, this proved to be a very good deal for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which increased the total coastline to 27km.
As in any other competitive market, the prices might range, but for a whole day equipment, you’ll pay 8JOD at Royal Diving Club. You can find cheaper options from locals hanging out at the beach, but for better quality equipment, I would suggest using one of Diving Clubs.
There is 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.
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.
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 visit can be ruined by unexpected rain. Summer season from May to September might get too hot on the shore and during December the weather is totally unpredictable.
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.
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 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.
In these rich coral reefs, you can meet beautiful inhabitants of the Red sea including: Clownfish, Lionfish, Parrotfish, Angelfish and even Whale Sharks.
If you notice a hammerhead shark, don’t be afraid either, in open waters there is no fatal attack recorder to this day and attacks in general by these shark species are extremely rare. Just mind your own business.
Besides the sharks, lookout for these species: Stonefish, Lionfish, Jellyfish, Some Corals, Sea Urchins, Moray Eels, Fire Corals, Blowfish, Triggerfish, and Turkeyfish & Crown of Thorns Starfish.
27 km / 16.7 mi