Snorkeling in Jordan

A relatively small coastline, but home to one of the most beautiful marine parks in the Red Sea

There are around a dozen snorkeling spots in Jordan. All are located in the Aqaba Marine Park, which protects the coral reefs that line the Gulf of Aqaba coastline. This protected area stretches for approximately 4 miles between the Aquarium and the ferry terminal to the north, and Tala Bay seaside resort to the south. All snorkeling spots have a shore access.

Jordan’s most popular snorkeling spot is South Beach, located in the heart of the National Park. This is where the coral reef bordering the coast is the widest. Its reef drop, easily accessible and pretty healthy, is great to explore.

In the same area, a little further north, the Japanese Garden offers a similar profile, although the reef is narrower. The drop-off, plunging abruptly into the blue, is just as spectacular.

Located a few hundred meters south of South Beach, Seven Sisters is home to the famous tank that was sunk in the bay, which has now become an artificial reef full of life.

In the northern part of the Marine Park, two locations are particularly recommended: the public beach located in front of the Sun Hotel Aqaba (from which you can snorkel along the reef that extends to the north), as well as Yamaniya Beach.

If you are looking for a hotel with a house reef, the Berenice Beach Resort, 1km north of South Beach may be the best option.

In Tala Bay seaside resort, you’ll also find a few seaside resorts, including the Grand Swiss-Belresort, the Tala Bay Resort and the Movenpick Resort And Spa. There are no true coral reefs on this part of the coast, making the snorkeling just decent. 

The waters of the Red Sea, protected from oceanic currents, are particularly calm and warm. These conditions have allowed the development of lush underwater life, dominated by soft corals, and marked by a high rate of endemism.

With more than 200 species of corals (8% endemics), more than 1,000 species of fish (17% endemics), and 1,000 species of invertebrates, Jordanian waters offer a tireless spectacle.

In the Aqaba Marine Park, you can encounter on the reef clownfish in their anemones, yellowtail surgeons, snowflake morays, and many lionfish. The almost absence of waves, the excellent underwater visibility, and the accessibility of the reef from the beaches further make Jordan a top snorkeling destination.

When to go snorkeling Jordan?

Snorkeling is possible all the year round in Jordan, where the water temperature is relatively constant, around 77°F (25°C).

The climate, which is dry and hot in this part of Jordan near the Arabian desert, becomes sweltering from mid-June to mid-September when the temperatures can get up to 105°F (40°C).

In winter, snorkeling can be trickier because of the wind and the air temperature, which is cooler (don’t forget your rash guard). April, May, September, and October are the best months to explore the region.