Diving in Gulf of Aqaba
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Gulf of Aqaba's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Gulf of Aqaba, sea. This region features 100 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Gulf of Aqaba has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Gulf of Aqaba (4)
Popular Spots in Gulf of Aqaba (100+ spots)
Abu Helal
Abu Helal is located approximately 3 minutes south of the Canyon dive site, which is about a 20-minute drive from the Dive Center. This site is accessible primarily during higher tides and when surface conditions are calm. Divers can explore a healthy reef teeming with various coral fish, and there are occasional sightings of rays and turtles. The afternoon light conditions are particularly favorable for underwater photography.
Abu Talha
Abu Talha is a dive site located approximately 15 minutes north by boat. The site features a gently sloping coral garden that includes pinnacles. As divers move northward, the terrain transitions into a sandy slope adorned with table corals. The shallow areas are particularly notable for their large hard coral formations. Access to the dive site is over the reef top, making it necessary to dive during high tide and in calm wind conditions. Divers may encounter small barracudas at the entry point, along with occasional sightings of turtles, Napoleon fish, and eagle rays. The table corals are home to schools of red tooth triggerfish.
Abu Telha
Abu Telha is a dive site located just south of the Canyon dive site in Dahab. Divers can explore a coral garden between depths of 5 to 20 meters, suitable for all levels. At 20 meters, access to the Canyon is available for divers with minimum AOW certification, and the bottom reaches 30 meters, with options for tech divers extending to 55 meters. Expect to see a variety of marine life typical of coral reefs.
Al Sharouk, Aqaba
Al Sharouk is a dive site primarily for technical wreck divers, featuring a wreck that begins at a depth of approximately 32 meters and extends beyond 60 meters. Divers can conduct decompression stops either by ascending the line or by navigating the reef to the northeast, where they can reach the C130 wreck and conclude at a tank. The wreck is adorned with substantial hard and soft corals, and divers may encounter larger pelagic species in the deeper waters. The deco stop along the reef provides a unique experience.
Bannerfish Bay
Bannerfish Bay, also known as Dahab Bay, is accessible by shore and features a small wreck surrounded by coral, car tires, and clay pots. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life including seahorses, nudibranchs, and eels at depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters.
Black Rock
Black Rock is a shore entry dive site characterized by its underwater topography, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including frequent sightings of turtles and frogfish. Divers may also encounter barracuda and large schools of glass fish beneath the jetty. The dive offers a pleasant experience, with opportunities to explore the area thoroughly, especially towards the end of the dive, where divers can look under the jetty, time and gas permitting.
Blue Coral
Blue Coral is a dive site with a depth range of 10 to 25 meters and minimal current, making it suitable for novice divers. The site features blue Acropora corals and a variety of marine life, including anthias, moray eels, nudibranchs, crocodilefish, fusiliers, frogfish, and rays. Access is available from the shore.
Blue Hole
The Blue Hole in Dahab is a deep sinkhole approximately 130 meters (426 feet) deep, suitable for advanced divers. There is a shallow opening at 6 meters (19 feet) known as 'the saddle' and a tunnel called 'the arch' at 26 meters (85 feet) leading to a depth of 25 meters (82 feet). Divers can expect to see diverse marine life and coral formations along the reef wall.
C-130 Hercules, wreck
The C-130 Hercules wreck lies at a maximum depth of 17 meters and serves as both an artificial reef and a diving site. It sank in 2017, but a significant storm in 2020 caused extensive damage, resulting in a more fragmented appearance. Inside the cockpit, divers can often see hundreds of glass fish, with lionfish frequently hunting among them. Notably, there is a skeleton positioned in the pilot's seat, which is not authentic. The underside of the starboard wing has quickly become covered with soft corals, adding to the site's ecological interest.
Canyon Dekel South - קניון חוף הדקל
Canyon Dekel South features a broad canyon that begins at a depth of 20 meters and descends to 35 meters. The canyon walls are adorned with hard corals, providing habitat for a diverse array of marine life, including various fish, nudibranchs, shrimp, and crabs typical of tropical environments. This dive site is accessible from the shore, making it an easy entry point for divers.
Canyon, Dahab
Canyon is situated 1.5 kilometers from the Blue Hole and features a deep fissure in the reef. Divers access the site by entering a shallow lagoon and swimming across a coral garden plateau. The canyon is home to various marine life, including octopuses, clownfish, moray eels, boxfish, and macro species. Notably, a large moray eel can often be found within the canyon, although it tends to hide. In the upper section of the canyon, schools of glassfish can be observed.
Caves
The Caves is accessible by car from Dahab and requires a giant stride entry during high tide. The first cave descends to 12 meters (40 feet) and is surrounded by a shallow reef featuring various hard and soft corals. A second cave hosts a variety of marine life, including multiple pufferfish.
Cedar Pride Wreck
Cedar Pride is a 74-meter (240-foot) cargo ship wreck located at a depth of 26 meters (85 feet) off the coast of Jordan. The wreck is accessible by boat and is suitable for divers of all levels, featuring both shallow observation points and areas for penetration dives. Expect to see marine life and various degrees of encrustation on the wreck due to years underwater.
Coral Forest
Coral Forest is located in Ras Abu Galum, approximately 16 kilometers north of Dahab. Divers access the site via a small lagoon that leads into a coral garden starting at a depth of around 16 meters. The site is reachable only by camel, requiring about 1 hour and 15 minutes of travel from the Blue Hole. The underwater environment features a variety of marine life, including schooling fish, glassfish, clownfish, pufferfish, groupers, and boxfish, along with black corals and gorgonians.
Coral Garden
Coral Garden is located approximately 20 minutes north of the Swiss Inn Resort. The entry point is through a shallow lagoon, which is also the access to the nearby canyon. Divers typically head south from the entry. The site features a shallow coral garden that descends steeply from a depth of 14 meters to 40 meters. The return route allows divers to ascend back to depths of 10 to 5 meters over a mix of corals and sandy areas. This site is suitable for children and beginner divers. Marine life includes partner gobies associated with pistol shrimps, various species of sole and flounders, puffer fish, octopuses, clown fish, and occasional sightings of squid. In the lagoon, divers may also encounter Red Sea Walkmans intermittently.
Dekel Beach, Eilat - חוף הדקל
Dekel Beach offers a shallow diving experience characterized by a sandy bottom interspersed with coral pinnacles. The depths of these pinnacles range from 3 meters (9 feet) to 12 meters (36 feet), making them accessible for divers of various skill levels. Visibility is generally good, allowing divers to locate the pinnacles from a distance and navigate towards them. Marine life at this site includes frogfish, shrimp, clownfish, and in the afternoons, houndfish can be seen at cleaning stations. Additionally, divers may encounter rays, squid, and turtles among the coral formations.
Dolphin Reef
Dolphin Reef in Eilat, Egypt, is a dive site that averages 12 meters (40 feet) in depth and covers 10,000 square meters. Divers can easily see bottlenose dolphins along with various marine life, including angelfish and cuttlefish. Diving is suitable for all experience levels, and entry is from the shore.
Eel Canyon
Eel Canyon features depths between 15 to 25 meters with varied topography due to ancient coral shelves. Divers can observe marine life including garden eels, moray eels, fusiliers, eagle rays, stingrays, and tunas. This dive site is suitable for novice divers and can be accessed by shore entry.
Eel Garden
Eel Garden features a large population of garden eels and is accessible from the beach. The dive involves passing over seagrass, coral, and a small lagoon before reaching the main area. Visibility is approximately 20 meters (66 feet), and the site is suitable for divers of all experience levels. Plan your dive during high tide and low or no wind for optimal conditions.
Eel Garden
Eel Garden is located in Dahab, approximately a 7-minute approach from the shore. The entry is over a wide reef roof, making it accessible primarily during high tide and in calm conditions. The dive site features a broad sandy area populated with numerous garden eels. The return route is shallow, ranging from 3 to 7 meters, and showcases a vibrant, colorful reef. Divers may encounter curious pyramid boxfishes and razorfishes that approach closely due to stirred-up sand. Occasionally, small pipehorses can be spotted in the shallower regions.
El Shugarath
El Shugarath is located approximately 14 kilometers south of Dahab and is accessible via shore entry. The dive begins on a sandy plateau at a depth of 20 meters, which then descends steeply. After a brief exploration, divers encounter a canyon that extends from 20 to 50 meters deep. To the north, divers can observe a forest of large gorgonians. The site may experience partly strong currents, making it more suitable for experienced divers. Marine life includes longnose hawkfish among the gorgonians, as well as nudibranchs, octopus, and larger species such as barracudas, snappers, fusiliers, turtles, tunas, and mackerel.
Fiddle Garden
Fiddle Garden is located adjacent to the Far Garden dive site and features a reef wall with a notable drop-off. The dive site is accessible from the shore and is suitable for divers of all experience levels. The sandy plateau is adorned with coral blocks and pinnacles, creating a diverse underwater landscape. Marine life at this site includes a variety of species such as whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, glassfishes, stonefishes, and feathertail rays, offering a rich diving experience.
First Bay North
First Bay North is located at the northernmost point within the Marine Park. This dive site is accessible from the shore and is suitable for divers of all experience levels. It features a rich diversity of hard and soft corals, visible at various depths. The underwater landscape includes deeper canyons that divers can navigate across or follow along their natural formations. The site is known for its variety of fish, particularly macro species, making it an excellent location for underwater photography.
Gabr El Bint
Gabr El Bint offers two dive routes. The right side features a steep wall that drops to over 60 meters (190 feet), with sandy ravines and overhangs. The left side has healthy gorgonians and coral heads, with marine life including anthias, crocodile fish, and scorpionfish.
Golden Blocks
Golden Blocks is a dive site located in the Southern Oasis, Dahab, featuring two prominent golden coral blocks that extend from the surface to a depth of 10 meters (33 feet). The site is rich in marine life, with anthias, various coral species, nudibranchs, and the possibility of encountering manta rays. The maximum depth is 30 meters (100 feet).
Golden Blocks- Moray Garden
Golden Blocks - Moray Garden offers a drift dive experience over a distance of 100 meters, showcasing diverse underwater scenes. The site is easily accessible from the shore, allowing divers to choose their preferred route for a relaxed dive. Common marine life includes anemonefish, butterflyfish, fusiliers, trevallies, moray eels, and bluespotted stingrays, making it a vibrant location for observing various species.
Gordon Reef
Gordon Reef is located in Sharm El Sheikh and features the wreck of the Panamanian cargo ship Loullia at a depth of 30 meters (100 feet). The site has a sandy plateau, a wall, and a drop-off where you can observe marine life such as hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, reef fish, and gorgonians. This is an advanced dive site accessible by boat, suitable for year-round diving.
Gorgon 1, Aqaba
Gorgon 1 is a dive site located in Aqaba, characterized by a prominent white gorgonian at the entry point. Divers can explore the reef, which features two significant pinnacles and is home to what is believed to be the largest cabbage coral in the Middle East. The site supports a diverse marine ecosystem, where glassfish are commonly observed around the pinnacles, alongside lionfish that are often seen hunting. Additionally, divers may encounter large moray eels and turtles throughout the dive. This site is accessible from the shore, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Gorgon I
Gorgon I is suitable for beginner divers and snorkelers, with a maximum depth of 15 meters. The site features two mooring lines for easy entry and is home to interesting hard corals and three pinnacles, each with distinct ecosystems. The central pinnacle includes a cleaning station frequented by cleaning fish and shrimp.
Jackson Reef
Jackson Reef is a notable dive site characterized by its diverse coral gardens, featuring both soft and hard corals. The site can be explored as a drift dive or a mooring dive. Divers may encounter challenging currents, particularly around the corners of the reef. The backside of the reef is known for sightings of hammerhead sharks, especially from July to October. A variety of marine life is present, including turtles, rays, sharks, moray eels, manta rays, jackfish, and tuna.
Jackson Reef
Jackson Reef is located in the Straits of Tiran and is known for its diverse marine life. The southern part has shallow areas with soft corals and schools of reef fish, while the northern side experiences stronger currents with sightings of grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and hammerheads. Expect to see pods of spinner and Risso's dolphins in the area.
Japanese Garden Aqaba
Japanese Garden in Aqaba is characterized by a diverse array of corals and marine life, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site features shallow depths, which enhance accessibility for photographers and recreational divers. Recently, artificial structures have been introduced to the area, promoting the growth of new marine life and creating unique underwater formations. This combination of natural and artificial elements contributes to a rich ecosystem that divers can explore.
Japanese Garden Eilat - הגנים היפנים
Japanese Garden in Eilat is a dive site accessible exclusively by boat, situated within a marine reserve. The site features two primary dive options: a shallow dive reaching depths of up to 15 meters (45 feet) and a deeper dive that approaches the recreational limit. Divers can observe healthy coral formations and a diverse array of reef fish typical to the region. Occasionally, larger pelagic species such as barracuda may also be spotted in the area.
Katza
Katza is a dive site in Eilat known for a high probability of dolphin sightings, particularly between 5:30 and 6:30 AM during their feeding time. The maximum depth is 30 meters (100 feet), but dolphins can typically be seen at shallower depths. This dive site is open to the sea and does not require a boat entry.
Katza Eilat קצאא אילת
Katza Eilat is an inactive oil pumping pier, now accessible for diving and swimming since 2016. The site features pillars that support the pier, which have become habitats for a variety of marine life, including vibrant corals and numerous colorful fish species. Divers can expect to see puffers, surgeonfish, triggerfish, and occasionally a seahorse. Additionally, curious dolphins from the nearby Dolphin Reef may visit the area, adding to the site's appeal.
King Abdullah Reef
King Abdullah Reef is a diverse dive site named after the current king of Jordan. The area is expansive, allowing divers to explore various sections without repeating their experience. The reef is characterized by a wide range of hard and soft corals, presenting an array of shapes and sizes. This site accommodates divers of all skill levels, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced divers. The entry to the site is from the shore, providing easy access to the underwater environment.
King Abdullah Reef
King Abdullah Reef is suitable for beginners, reaching a maximum depth of 23 meters. The site features excellent visibility over 30 meters and minimal current, allowing for easy exploration of colorful sponges, gorgonians, pennant fish, turtles, fusiliers, and blue-spotted stingrays.
Kiwi Reef
Kiwi Reef is a dive site with an average depth of 10 to 20 meters, accessible only by boat. It features several pinnacles and is suitable for novice divers, although advanced certification is recommended for a better experience. Visibility often exceeds 15 meters, making it ideal for underwater photography.
Kormoran
Kormoran is a wreck dive site featuring an 82-meter-long vessel that lies at a depth of 12 meters (40 feet). The wreck, which ran aground in the 1980s, is now covered with a variety of table corals and is located parallel to the North Laguna reef wall.
Kormoran / Zingara Wreck - Tiran
The Kormoran/Zingara wreck is located on the north side of Laguna Reef in the Tiran Strait, resting at a depth of 10 to 12 meters. The wreck is significantly damaged and can only be accessed during favorable weather conditions. Surrounding the wreck, divers can observe a diverse coral reef comprising both soft and hard corals. Schools of goat fish with distinctive yellow fins can be seen among the coral formations, contributing to the site's unique underwater scenery.
Labyrinth
Labyrinth is a dive site with intricate channels and passages, featuring a wall that drops to 50 meters (165 feet). Expect to see marine life such as snappers and barracudas among the coral gardens.
Laguna Reef
Laguna Reef is a drift dive with two sections: North and South. North Laguna features soft corals, table corals, gorgonians, and anemones at depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters. South Laguna has a steep wall covered in soft corals and gorgonians, with abundant marine life including schools of butterflyfish and large pelagic species.
Lands End, Dahab
Lands End is a shore dive site located at coordinates 28.474600, 34.497700. The dive begins at the headland and follows a reef that extends westward. After approximately 25 minutes of diving, divers can explore a notable block teeming with marine life. The maximum depth at this site reaches 14 meters. Notable species include glass fish, juvenile barracudas, scorpion fish, numerous shrimp, and a large Porcupine fish, among others.
Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is a dive site in Dahab suitable for divers of all levels. The maximum depth is 30 meters (100 feet), starting from a shallow sandy area that transitions into a grassy slope, leading to a reef wall with sandy patches and large pinnacles. You will encounter a coral garden with large gorgonians after crossing the saddle along the wall.
Middle Garden
Middle Garden is a reef dive site located in a sheltered bay east of Na'ama Bay in Sharm El Sheikh. The site has a maximum depth of 15 meters (50 feet) with minimal current, making it suitable for all levels of divers. Expect to see a variety of coral formations and marine life, including potential sightings of manta rays, whale sharks, and large turtles.
Migdalor Beach חוף המגדלור
Migdalor Beach features a steep drop-off that begins at the shoreline and descends at a 45-degree angle to depths exceeding 100 meters (300 feet). The site is characterized by an abundance of coral and diverse marine life, making it suitable for both deep and shallow dives. Notable species include parrot fish, clown fish, and box fish, along with blue spotted rays often found resting beneath the coral. The shallow areas also provide excellent conditions for night diving.
Million Hope (Wreck)
The Million Hope wreck is a bulk carrier over 170 meters long, visible from a distance due to its structure above the water surface. The wreck lies near Nabq with the starboard side resting against the reef and the keel on the seafloor, making it a significant dive site for exploring marine life that inhabits the area.
Moray Garden
Moray Garden is located south of Dahab in Wadi Qnai. The dive site begins at a sandy area that drops to about 10 meters, dividing into two paths: one leads to large reef blocks and table corals, while the other leads to a larger reef. Expect to see various marine life, including morays, clownfish, scorpionfish, and Napoleon wrasses.
Moray Garden
Moray Garden is situated south of Dahab and features both confined and open water areas. Divers can enter the site directly from the beach. The underwater topography begins with a gentle slope leading down to a depth of 6 meters, which then continues to descend to approximately 30 meters. The site consists of a sandy bottom interspersed with a coral garden and pinnacles. A variety of reef fish inhabit the area, alongside seagrass and diverse coral species.
Mosh Beach, Eilat - החוף של מוש
Mosh Beach in Eilat offers a diverse diving experience suitable for various skill levels. Beginners can explore the sandy areas surrounding striking pinnacles, while more advanced divers can venture to depths of 20 meters (60 feet) where vibrant corals are present. During afternoon dives, needle fish frequent cleaning stations near the pinnacles. Other marine life includes frog fish, lion fish, numerous glass fish, clown fish residing in anemones, and various shrimp species.
Naama Bay
Naama Bay is a protected area characterized by various sizes of coral blocks interspersed with sandy bottoms and sea grass patches. The site also features artificial reefs and a sunken zodiac, providing diverse habitats for marine life. Notable species include green turtles, eagle rays, and a variety of typical Red Sea fish, along with nudibranchs and shrimps. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers.
Naama Bay Jolie Ville
Naama Bay Jolie Ville is a dive site located in the center of Naama Bay, featuring coral blocks that range in depth from 2 to 40 meters. The area is characterized by sea grass beds and is protected from boat traffic, resulting in minimal current and a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter various species, including rays, turtles, groupers, barracudas, nudibranchs, shrimps, moray eels, mackerels, and Napoleon wrasse, all inhabiting the sandy bottom surrounded by both soft and hard coral formations.
Near Garden
Near Garden is a dive site characterized by a coral garden, pinnacles, and a drop-off, along with areas of dead coral. It is accessible from the shore and is suitable for divers of all experience levels, as well as snorkelers. The marine life includes red anemones hosting clownfish, glass fish, gorgonians, stonefish, shrimp, and nudibranchs. Notable features also include distinct areas of table coral and fire coral.
Neptune Table - שולחנות נפטון
Neptune Table is a deep dive site characterized by large stony corals located at depths ranging from 25 to 30 meters (75-100 feet). Divers can access the site from the shore or two boardwalks. The descent features a steep angle of approximately 60 degrees. Throughout the dive, divers may encounter garden eels nestled in the surrounding grass, as well as various open ocean species and turtles. Visibility at this site remains consistently good throughout the year.
Neptune'S Tables
Neptune's Tables is a dive site with an average depth of 25 meters and a maximum depth of 40 meters. Divers can find large table-shaped corals starting from a depth of 12-15 meters, and the site boasts good visibility for observing various marine species. This site is suitable for divers of all levels.
New Canyon
Diving at New Canyon starts at a depth of 12 meters and reaches depths of over 40 meters. The site features several pinnacles and a 40-meter-long wreck at 18 meters. Visibility often exceeds 20 meters, but due to mild currents in deeper areas, this site is not recommended for novice divers.
New Canyon and Tank, Aqaba
New Canyon and Tank is accessed by boat and features two prominent pinnacles rich in marine life. Divers can explore the canyon along one side, choosing their depth according to their experience level. Options include ascending back along the same side or venturing into the blue to reach the tank. Notable marine life includes large scorpion fish around the pinnacles, and pairs of dragon fish or seamoths can often be observed near the tank.
Paradise Eilat,פראדייס אילת
Paradise Eilat is located near the well-known dive site of The Satil, featuring a diverse coral reef ecosystem. The entry point is situated directly in front of the Marina divers club, allowing for easy access. This site is characterized as a deep dive, suitable for advanced divers. The underwater landscape includes both hard and soft corals, such as yellow weaver, brain coral, brush coral, and mushroom coral. Marine life is abundant, with sightings of eels, octopuses, parrotfish, lionfish, and groupers among others.
Pyramid - פרמידה
The Pyramid is an artificial reef established in 1992, featuring two metal pyramids. The larger pyramid has a peak that reaches a depth of 18 meters (54 feet), while the smaller pyramid inside descends to 23 meters (70 feet). The sandy seabed lies at a depth of 31 meters (104 feet). Divers entering from the shore should be prepared for navigation challenges and manage their air consumption effectively. The site is home to a variety of coral and reef fish, as well as schools of open water fish and larger marine species.
Rainbow Reef
Rainbow Reef is a sheltered dive site characterized by its unique shape, extending to the north. The depth can be adjusted to accommodate divers of all certification levels. Divers can explore a diverse range of corals and observe a variety of small fish. Additionally, there is a chance to encounter a giant moray eel during dives.
Rainbow Reef
Rainbow Reef features depths ranging from 6 to 25 meters, with average visibility exceeding 15 meters. This shore dive site is suitable for novice divers, while also offering interesting marine life such as nudibranchs and large corals like elephant ear coral for more advanced divers.
Ras Abu Galum
Ras Abu Galum is located within a protected national park area in northern Dahab. The dive site features a sandy slope that leads to a reef wall, which begins on both sides and descends to depths of 30 meters. On the left side, the reef transitions into a steep wall dive characterized by pinnacles and dramatic rock formations. Divers can expect to encounter marine life such as trevallies, jacks, and resident sea turtles. The site is accessible via shore entry.
Ras Abu Helal
Ras Abu Helal is a dive site located south of Canyon in Dahab, best accessed at high tide for calmer conditions. The site features a crescent-shaped reef with a diverse coral garden at the start and varied marine life throughout, making it suitable for exploration. Visibility is generally good, providing a clear view of the reef's structure and inhabitants.
Ras Bob
Ras Bob is named in honor of underwater cameraman Bob Johnson, who spent many years in the region. This dive site is protected from wind and waves, resulting in generally calm conditions with weak currents. Divers can choose to explore this site as a drift dive or from a mooring. The area features several small bays characterized by light-colored sandy bottoms, where numerous small caves can be found.
Ras Ghamila
Ras Ghamila features a plateau with diverse coral formations and a depth of approximately 30 meters (100 feet). You can expect to see marine life such as crocodile fish, triggerfish, cornetfish, groupers, blue-spotted stingrays, and manta rays. Diving is accessible year-round with visibility varying from 10 to 30 meters and water temperatures above 20° C.
Ras Ghamila
Ras Ghamila features a sandy bottom adorned with large table corals and gorgonians, creating a diverse underwater environment. The site is home to various marine species, including different types of rays, stonefish, and scorpionfish. Long-nose hawkfish can also be observed among the gorgonians. This site is accessible from the shore and is suitable for divers of all experience levels as well as snorkelers.
Ras Gomaa
Ras Gomaa is a challenging dive site located between Woodhouse and Jackson reefs. This site is accessible only by boat and is best dived in calm weather conditions, as estimating the current can be difficult. The area features an untouched reef bank characterized by coral reefs exhibiting wild growth patterns. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including turtles and different species of sharks, as well as a variety of fish that thrive in current-rich environments.
Ras Nasrani
Ras Nasrani is located in northern Sharm el Sheikh and features a maximum depth of 30 meters (100 feet). The site has varied topography with dense coral gardens, large gorgonians, and opportunities to see pelagic fish. Due to currents, it is recommended for advanced divers.
Ras Nasrani
Ras Nasrani is a coral reef accessible from the shore, allowing divers to explore two distinct dive paths. One dive leads towards the land, navigating inside the reef, while the other takes divers outside the reef where mild currents may be present. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including sightings of eagle rays, manta rays, and occasionally whale sharks. The reef is populated with colorful anthias fish and a variety of other species typical of the Red Sea ecosystem.
Ricks Reef
Rick's Reef is situated 250 meters north of the Canyon dive site, making it an ideal location for a drift dive that leads into the lagoon of the canyon. This site is less frequented by divers, contributing to the excellent condition of the reef. The area is home to a diverse range of marine life, including Blue-spotted Stingrays, Crocodilefish, Masked Pufferfish, and Garden Eels.
Satil Wreck
The Satil Wreck is located about 70 meters from the shore at Village Beach, Eilat, resting at a maximum depth of 25 meters (82 feet), with its deck between 18 to 21 meters (59-69 feet). It is a decommissioned ship used by the Israeli navy, now serving as a dive training site. Divers can penetrate the wreck through the area where the old deck cannon was located and may encounter marine life such as emperor angelfish.
Satush, Eilat - סטוש
Satush is a dive site located in Eilat that features two notable wrecks, the Stail and Yetush. This site is characterized as a deep dive, requiring divers to plan for a long swim and manage their air consumption effectively. Divers can choose to start from the shore and navigate between the wrecks, moving either from north to south or the reverse, depending on the conditions and personal preferences. The area between the wrecks is adorned with vibrant coral and is home to various marine life, including sea horses and nudibranchs. In the open water, divers may also encounter rays.
Seven Sisters
Seven Sisters is a reef dive site in Aqaba, Jordan, featuring several pinnacles with hard corals starting at 2-3 meters deep. Marine life includes fusiliers, big eye emperors, butterflyfish, damselfish, blennies, barracudas, and moray eels. The site reaches a maximum depth of 10 meters (32 feet) and is suitable for divers of all levels and for snorkeling.
Seven Sisters
Seven Sisters is a dive site accessible from the shore, ideal for divers of all experience levels. The dive features large corals located at shallow depths, often reaching close to the surface. This allows for excellent visibility and lighting conditions, making it particularly appealing for underwater photography. Divers can choose their depth, but a shallow dive is recommended to fully appreciate the diverse coral formations present.
Shaab Said
Shaab Said is a boat dive site located approximately 13 kilometers south of Dahab. Divers enter the water from a drifting boat and proceed in a northern direction. The dive begins in a shallow area with a maximum depth of 10 meters, characterized by a complex labyrinth of hard corals and small caves. The reef then transitions to a deeper section that gradually slopes downwards. This site is known for frequent sightings of two native turtles, along with octopuses, squids, garfish, barracudas, and a variety of butterfly fish and sailfin doctor fish inhabiting the shallow coral areas. The dive is typically conducted as a one-way trip.
Shark’s Bay
Shark’s Bay is a popular dive site known for its easy shore access and gentle sloping bottom, making it suitable for divers and snorkelers of all experience levels. The site allows for dives to both the northern and southern reefs, each offering unique underwater experiences. The area is abundant with Red Sea marine life, including blue spotted rays, crocodile fish, moray eels, and pufferfish. Occasionally, divers may spot an eagle ray swimming in the open water.
South Laguna Reef, Tiran Island
South Laguna Reef, located at Tiran Island, is accessible by boat and caters to divers of all experience levels. The site features an outer reef wall dive, while the opposite side offers a small lagoon, ideal for beginners and snorkeling. Along the lagoon, divers can explore numerous coral blocks. The area is known for its diverse marine life, including schools of bannerfish, red anemones with clownfish, moray eels, and stonefish. Additionally, it is common to encounter Napoleon wrasse and various shell species during dives.
Sunboat
The Sunboat wreck is a 30-meter (100-foot) long ship located at a depth of about 15 meters (50 feet) in Eilat. It was intentionally sunk in 2010 and is upright on the sandy bottom, attracting marine life such as lionfish, crocodile fish, eels, sea turtles, and sea urchins. Diving is possible year-round, with September and October being ideal for warmer water and fewer crowds.
Swiss Inn Beach
Swiss Inn Beach features a house reef accessible from the shore, located in the swimmer zone. The underwater environment consists of sand and seagrass, interspersed with various small and larger rock formations. The maximum depth at this site is 12 meters, where a significant rock formation is located. Additionally, there is a coral nursery station and an artificial reef created from various artifacts that support coral growth. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of macro marine life, including stonefish, pipefish, shrimp, clownfish, pufferfish, porcupinefish, and lionfish. Occasionally, sightings of turtles and large rays can also be observed.
Tamar Eilat - שונית תמר
Tamar is an artificial reef established in 2007, designed to foster marine life. The reef is situated at a depth of 8 meters (24 feet) and extends upwards to a shallow depth of 2 meters (6 feet). It has successfully attracted a variety of marine organisms, including hard and soft corals, shrimp, and small crabs, along with a diverse array of fish species. This site is accessible from the shore.
The Bells
The Bells is a wall dive site featuring overhangs, cracks, swim-throughs, and cavelets. The dive starts north of the Blue Hole lagoon and ends at the lip of the lagoon. Look for marine life such as whale sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerheads, trevallies, and sea turtles.
The Bells
The Bells is situated approximately 35 minutes north of Dahab and serves as the entry point for dives towards the Blue Hole. Divers encounter a challenging entry that leads to a drop-off wall with depths reaching between 100 and 110 meters. At around 30 meters, divers can explore notable overhangs adorned with delicate purple net corals and white soft corals, offering impressive views of the drop-off. Larger fish can occasionally be seen passing through the blue waters.
The Border Line, Eilat - מעבר גבול
The Border Line is a less frequented dive site within the marine reserve, accessible only through designated entry points. The site features a gradual drop-off that leads to recreational depths and deeper areas. The sandy bottom is interspersed with coral formations, providing habitats for various marine life. Divers may encounter octopuses, turtles, and a variety of open sea fish during their exploration.
The Caves
The Caves features two underwater passages in a coral reef. One passage is blocked while the other is open for transit. The site has an average depth of 6 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers, with marine life such as chromis, ribbontail rays, glassfish, stonefish, and moray eels present.
The Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens dive site in Eilat, Israel, features a maximum depth of 16 meters (20 feet) and spans 500 meters (1,640 feet) along the Almog Coral Reef. This site is designated for a limited number of divers daily to protect the reefs and offers opportunities to see diverse marine life in both shallow and deeper areas.
The Protected Area - השמורה
The Protected Area features a notable drop-off characterized by an abundance of large stony corals, some reaching diameters of over 2 meters (6 feet). The site consistently offers good visibility and favorable diving conditions. Divers can explore nearby Moshe Pinnacle and Ah’aron Pinnacle, both of which are teeming with marine life and present interesting underwater formations. Common marine species include various fish, puffer fish often found sheltering under the coral, and occasional sightings of blue-spotted rays and octopuses.
The Pyramid
The Pyramid dive site features an artificial metal pyramid structure at a depth of approximately 32 meters (105 feet), rising to 15 meters (50 feet). It is populated with red corals and is used for marine biology experiments. Diving to the north of the structure leads to shallower areas.
Thomas Reef
Thomas Reef is part of the Straits of Tiran and is accessible via boat. The dive features two walls, with the east wall dropping dramatically and the west wall containing caves and overhangs. A canyon beginning at 35 meters runs parallel to the reef, and diverse marine life is present throughout the site.
Three Pools
Three Pools is a shore entry dive site characterized by three natural sandy lagoons that divers encounter shortly after beginning their dive. The site is known for its vibrant marine life, including a variety of colorful fish that thrive in the sunlight filtering through the water after the third pool. Notable species include lionfish and parrotfish, alongside brain corals and organ corals that contribute to the site's ecological diversity. Visibility can be excellent, enhancing the overall diving experience.
Three Pools
Three Pools consists of three natural pools located 3-4 meters apart. Dive at high tide for easier access between pools. Beyond the third pool, a coral garden and pinnacles can be found. The typical dive depth is 20-25 meters, suitable for advanced divers, while snorkeling is also an option along the same route.
Three Sisters - שלושת האחיות
The Three Sisters dive site consists of three prominent pinnacles located approximately 100 meters apart, each situated around 20 meters from the shoreline. The depth at the base of these pinnacles is about 6 meters, with the tops nearly reaching the surface. Divers can access the site from either the northern or southern entry points. It is important to assess current conditions prior to diving. The area is often populated with schools of goldfish and crystal fish, while the sandy bottom may reveal crocodile fish and scorpion fish.
Tiger house
Tiger House is situated south of the Blue Hole and features a shallow coral reef with a well-developed coral garden. The dive site is accessible from the shore, but conditions must be favorable, specifically low wind and high tide, as the entry point is over the reef top. This site is favored by technical divers due to the presence of a deep canyon. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of reef fish, including parrotfish, triggerfish, bannerfish, and numerous small damselfish.
Tristar
Tristar is a dive site featuring a commercial aircraft that has been intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Divers can explore the wreck, with penetration opportunities available for those who are appropriately certified. The depths at this site range from 16 to 32 meters, providing a unique underwater experience.
Tropitel Dahab Oasis house reef
The Tropitel Dahab Oasis house reef offers a diverse underwater experience, suitable for both standalone dives and drift dives from the nearby Canyon site. The dive features a variety of marine life, with notable gorgonian corals found at deeper depths. Divers can expect to encounter a rich array of flora and fauna along the seafloor, contributing to the site's ecological diversity.
Underwater Military Museum
The Underwater Military Museum features 21 distinct military artifacts arranged to simulate a tactical formation. Among these are tanks, an ambulance, a military crane, a troop carrier, anti-aircraft guns, and helicopters. The site includes 8 objects located at depths of 15 to 20 meters, while the remaining 11 artifacts are positioned between 20 and 28 meters. Additionally, 2 machines can be found at a shallower depth of 5 meters. The marine environment is home to hard corals, sea urchins, shrimps, Spanish Dancers, soft corals, anemones, table corals, pipefish, and clusters of Acropora.
University - האוניברסיטה
The dive site at University, located behind the marine campus, offers a shore entry suitable for divers of all experience levels. The area features a gradual drop-off that remains within recreational depths and is adorned with coral. It is particularly noted for macro marine life, including various nudibranchs and small fish. Divers may also encounter turtles and blue-spotted rays during their exploration.
White Knight
White Knight is a dive site in Sharm El Sheikh featuring a canyon that ranges from 10 to 35 meters (32-115 feet) deep. Divers can observe large groupers and garden eels around 10 meters, with canyon walls covered in hard coral. The area is also populated by triggerfish, and manta rays have been spotted in the bay.
Woodhouse Reef
Woodhouse Reef features an elongated structure between Thomas and Jackson reefs, with depths ranging from 20 to 25 meters (66-82 feet). The site includes a significant drop-off and a canyon at 25 meters, surrounded by healthy coral growth, making it suitable for divers of all levels. Expect to see various marine life during the drift dive.
Woodhouse Reef
Woodhouse Reef is the longest of the four primary reefs in the Straits of Tiran, accessible by boat. This site features a notable split in the middle, and divers should exercise caution towards the reef's end due to potential strong currents and a washing machine effect. The reef is rich in color and biodiversity, with typical Red Sea fish species present. Divers may also encounter eagle rays, turtles, and large tuna. During the summer months, sightings of hammerhead and reef sharks can occur.
Yatush
Yatush is a wrecked patrol cruiser sank in the mid-1980s, located at a depth of 30 meters at the base of a steep sandy slope. The stern of the wreck rests at about 25 meters, making it suitable for advanced divers only, and the site may experience strong currents. Coral formations can be found at depths of 12 and 18 meters.