Diving and Snorkelling in Aqaba: Which Boat, What Price, Which Sites (2026)
In Aqaba, a guided 2-hour dive starts at 50 USD per person, a boat trip with two dives and lunch costs about 161 to 176 USD, and a boat snorkelling trip with a buffet about 88 USD for 4 hours. The most-cited sites are the Japanese Garden, the Cedar Pride wreck and the reefs close to the shore. Prices found on booking platforms in October 2026; they are not official and depend on the operator and number of dives. For the rest of the town, see Aqaba; for a simpler boat outing, the boat trip.
Highlights
The reefs
Aqaba's Red Sea can be seen a few metres down: corals, reef fish and, according to some operators, turtles all year.
The glass-bottom boat
A 2-hour outing with an hour of viewing from the boat and about 40 minutes of guided snorkelling, with the day on a paid beach, for about 33 USD.
The Cedar Pride
A Lebanese freighter sunk in 1985, lying on its side at about 25 to 28 metres according to dive guides: reached from shore or by boat.
The Japanese Garden
The reef most cited for snorkelling and beginners: clear water and hawksbill turtles according to guides.
Practical info
Tips
- Choose according to your level: a discovery dive with equipment provided lasts 2 hours (from 50 USD, the most-booked private option); a 5-hour trip with 2 guided dives, equipment and lunch costs about 161 to 176 USD; a multi-dive package is negotiated with a centre. The 4-hour boat snorkelling trip (from 88 USD, with buffet) is for those who do not dive.
- Check before paying: a guide in the water for snorkellers, the number of sites, lunch and the return to the hotel. Reviews describe unguided snorkelling or an outing designed mainly for divers; opinions are mixed.
- Certified divers must show their licence and logbook; do not fly within 18 hours of a dive (a general centre rule, to confirm with yours).
- Wreck and Japanese Garden outings are combined over 2 days at some centres; ask for the programme. If you come from Wadi Rum, plan a quiet evening before: see Wadi Rum.
How to get there
The centres and Ayla marina are in Aqaba itself; many trips leave from the marina (around 10-11 am for the boat snorkelling) and some centres send a hotel transfer. Aqaba is 4 hours from Amman and 1 hour from Wadi Rum: see Aqaba and car rental.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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