Half-Day Aqaba Red Sea Boat Dive: Wrecks, Coral & Lunch

5.00

(71 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The morning air felt a bit salty as we gathered at the dive center, wetsuits in hand and a faint buzz of excitement in the group. Our guide, Sami, checked everyone’s gear twice—he’s been diving these waters for over a decade and knows every trick of the current. We hopped into a mini-bus, windows slightly fogged from the AC, and made the short drive to the Ayla marina. The boat was waiting, rocking gently, with the sun already glinting off the Red Sea.

Once on board, I noticed the soft hum of the engine mixed with the clatter of tanks being set up on the dive deck. There’s plenty of space to stretch out—some folks went straight for the sun deck, while I ducked under the shaded lounge for a quick coffee (yes, they had Arabic coffee and sweet tea on tap). Sami gave us a quick rundown—safety first, then a map of today’s dive site, which would be one of Aqaba’s famous wrecks surrounded by coral gardens. Even if you’re new to diving, you’ll get extra attention and training before heading down.

Sliding into the water was like stepping into another world—warm currents, flashes of color from parrotfish and angelfish darting between corals. I caught a glimpse of an old shipwreck, now home to schools of tiny silver fish. Sami pointed out a lionfish hiding in a crevice; he always seems to spot things I’d miss. After about 45 minutes underwater, we climbed back up for lunch—grilled chicken, fresh salads, and bread still warm from the bakery. There was time to swim or snorkel too; some folks just lounged and watched the coastline drift by.

Before heading back, one of the crew snapped group photos and some underwater shots—turns out their camera gear is better than my phone by miles. The whole trip felt easy and relaxed, but you could tell safety was always top priority. If you want a real taste of Aqaba’s Red Sea diving—wrecks, reefs, and that laid-back boat vibe—this is it.