If you are based in Europe, you really don’t have to travel far for incredible diving adventures. One of the most stunning and exciting destinations for underwater activities is snorkeling in the Red Sea in Jordan (Gulf of Aqaba). This region offers some of the best diving spots in the world.
I spent a week snorkeling and diving in different spots of the Red Sea in the Gulf of Aqaba in Jordan. Aqaba is home to some of the best snorkeling sites in the Red Sea, with the most popular spots being the protected area of the Marine Park. Snorkelers can expect to encounter an array of marine species, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and mesmerising coral gardens. The visibility in these waters is often excellent, allowing snorkelers to take in the beauty of the underwater world with unparalleled clarity.
Best snorkeling in the Red Sea.
Gulf of Aqaba is an exceptional spot for diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea. There are some of the most crystal-clear waters I’ve seen and incredible coral reefs (which unfortunately are collapsing due to climate change). Honestly, I’ve dived in many remote destinations, and it often happened that the diving experience was extremely poor – one of them was Bermuda (dark water, zero visibility) and the other one was Fuerteventura – as much I LOVE Canary Islands (water visibility was very poor).
Tiran Island in Gulf of Aqaba.
One of the top spots for snorkeling in the Red Sea Gulf of Aqaba is Tiran Island. Located at the entrance of the Gulf, this island is home to some of the most magnificent coral reefs in the area. The island is surrounded by deep waters, which attract a wide variety of marine life, including barracudas, sharks and rays.
But Tiran Island is also known for its strong currents, which can make diving a thrilling adventure but very challenging. If you are an experienced diver looking for an adrenaline rush, this is the perfect spot for you. Otherwise, stay closer to Jordan shores where coral reef is easily accessible with few metres from the beach.
Yolanda Reef!
Another popular snorkeling spot in the Red Sea Gulf of Aqaba is the Yolanda Reef. This reef is located at the southern end of the Straits of Tiran, and it is known for its large schools of fish and colourful coral.
This diving spot is best known for Yolanda shipwreck, which sank in 1980. The shipwreck is now covered in coral and serves as an artificial reef.
Eilat - exceptional snorkeling experience.
Israel has a tiny access to Red Sea. Eilat – the only Israeli port is located on the Gulf of Aqaba. It is known for its stunning coral formations and diverse marine life, including sea turtles and dolphins. This is one of the best snorkeling spots I came across while traveling the world.
Global climate change and the rise in sea temperature cause severe bleaching of the coral reefs of the Red Sea (the cornet fish is the best example – you’ll see a picture below of a bright grey cornet fish, it used to be dark grey).
I always advise checking the best diving recommendations on padi.com. To reach exceptional snorkeling spots, you will need to travel a little outside Eilat city. But no worries, this will be easy since public transport in Eilat is very well organised. It’s best to get a bus card, but if you don’t have one, you can still purchase a ticket on the bus.
Snorkeling in South Beach and Coral Beach Reserve - Israel.
How to get to South Beach from Eilat?
Coral Beach Reserve spreads over a couple of kilometres along the Red Sea coast. To reach one of the diving or snorkelling spots, you need to take bus no 16, which goes from Eilat city centre in a western direction toward South Beach – see the map. On the way back from South Beach to Eilat city centre, you will need to take no 15 (not 16!) Thanks to different numbers, you will never get confused about which direction you are travelling. Bus no 16 goes from Eilat to Dolphins Beach, Coral Beach and the Underwater Observatory Marine Park.
These buses run even on Shabbat! The first beach is Dolphins Beach. Although I would never advise visiting places like this, this is where dolphins are kept as a tourist attraction. Most people don’t realise dolphins always look happy, even when they suffer – which may be confusing for observers. Dolphins, like any other captured animal, suffer while imprisoned; dolphins are only happy when free. The entry fee to Dolphins Beach is 300 shekels.
Coral Beach Reserve.
Coral Beach is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Red Sea. There are a few shops in the area, also open on Shabbat. This is where I did my first dive in Israel. The diving centre was located just on the beach, so I thought it would be convenient to dive from the shore. However, the experience was average; they gave me the wrong gear size, and the guide wasn’t interacting too much. He didn’t even say bye after the dive. Money makers. The only reason they have clients is because of the convenient spot. Don’t pick them. The prices were as follows: 190 shekels – refreshment dive, 240 shekels 2 dives a day and + insurance (if you have your travel insurance – make sure you have underwater sports included!!!). The insurance with a diving centre will cost you 99 shekels for 5 days and it’s recognised in Jordan and Egypt as well.
DID YOU KNOW – the best decompression chamber in the world is in Egypt, due to the highest number of diving accidents. Every year thousands of tourists with very little diving experience come to swim in spectacular waters of Sharm El Sheikh (Egipt).
Diver’s Village over the Red Sea.
If you walk south from South Beach, you will reach another amazing diving spot near Divers Village. It’s at the far end of Israel, only 1 km from the Egyptian border in Taba. There are definitely fewer people than on the Coral Beach.
Snorkeling in the Red Sea of Jordan.
If you are looking for a more relaxed underwater experience, the King Abdullah Reef is the perfect spot for diving in the Red Sea.
This reef is located near the Jordanian coast, and it is known for its gentle currents and shallow waters. The King Abdullah Reef is home to a variety of colorful fish, and its coral gardens are breathtaking. This spot is perfect for beginner divers or those who prefer a more peaceful diving experience.
Diving in Aqaba with International Diving Centre.
Aqaba is the only port city in Jordan. Aqaba offers lots of diving centres, but as for me, the International Diving Centre run by Mohammad is the best place for an underwater adventure. The guys are extremely nice and professional. The centre was previously run by Mohammad’s Grandfather and has lots of reviews on Tripadvisor. Diving in the Red Sea of Aqaba is absolutely fabulous! I couldn’t get enough for two days; there are many great sites from a ship, plane or tank wreck, sunk in the Aqaba Gulf, to attract divers.
Diving in underwater canyons - Aqaba.
You access the sea from the shore; there is no boat ride. You will dive across three amazing underwater canyons. You will see huge pipes connecting Jordan with Israel (a clever way to hide something from the public eye ;).
WATCH: Anyway, you can watch here what to expect from this tropical diving adventure: Diving near the ship on the bottom of Gulf of Aqaba and Deep diving in Red Sea in Jordan.
Take a look at the amazing free diving in lava tunnels in Isla Isabela, Galapgos islands: Isla Isabela lava tunnels tour. I dived in waters of Pacific & Oceania, South-East Asia, Maldoves, Canary Islands, South America, Bermuda and diving in the Red Sea is definitely on the top of my list for best underwater experience. So far Galapagos Islands & Maldives are king!
Japanese Gardens.
Japanese Gardens is a popular diving and snorkeling spot in the Red Sea. The shallow, calm waters make it an ideal location for both novice and experienced snorkelers.
Aqaba’s warm climate and pleasant water temperatures make it a year-round destination for snorkeling. Even in the winter months, the water remains pleasantly warm. Aqaba turned out to be a very interesting town. With a range of dining, shopping, and accommodation options, it caters for every taste and budget.
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