Diving

For divers, Jordan’s southernmost tip, where the Red Sea’s tropical waters bathe some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world, has to be the main attraction. While the total coastline is only about 27 kilometres/17 miles long, there are plenty of dive sites to choose from, many of them located within Aqaba Marine Park. Here divers enjoy a wide variety of soft and hard coral and myriad reef fish, and some of the best diving in the world. Most of the 20+ sites are accessible from the shore, but those positioned in the south must now be travelled to by boat due to new hotel development. With only 17 miles of coastline, the variety of dive sites available in Jordan will surprise many. Seven Sisters and the Tank is one of the more popular dives. Here divers can visit an American M42 tank, which was scuttled in 1999, next to a beautiful set of pinnacles. The dive starts at 20 feet (6 meters) and drops to 80 feet (24 meters). Furthermore, Japanese Gardens is a gorgeous reef dive that everyone can enjoy. The black coral has formed from 16 to 130 feet (5 to 40 meters) and now plays home to hawksbill turtles, eagle rays and a variety of reef fish. Finally, the wreck of Cedar Pride, a Lebanese cargo ship sunk in 1985, gives divers the chance to interact with feather tail stingrays and pygmy slug nudibranchs. The stunning ship, which lies from 30 to 85 feet (9 to 26 meters), offers fantastic swim throughs and the chance to get up close and personal with history