Aqaba Private Scuba Dive & Wreck Tour with Pickup

Summary

Red Sea Wreck Diving in Aqaba with Local Guides

Swim through Aqaba’s legendary shipwrecks and coral gardens with a local guide who knows every story beneath the waves. You’ll explore sites like Cedar Pride and “the Tank,” enjoy pickup from your hotel, sip tea between dives, and get all your scuba gear sorted for you — leaving you free to focus on those surreal underwater moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We met our dive guide, Firas, right outside the hotel — he waved from the van and grinned like we were old friends. The drive through Aqaba was short but I kept catching flashes of the Red Sea between buildings, that weird blue you only get here. At Hammerhead Diving Center, they handed us gear and poured sweet tea (I spilled some on my wetsuit, classic). Firas checked everything twice and asked if we’d ever seen a sunken ship before. I hadn’t — not in real life.

The water was cooler than I expected when we dropped in, but it felt good after the heat on shore. You can smell salt and something almost metallic just under the surface. We drifted down to the Cedar Pride wreck — it’s huge, lying on its side like it’s sleeping. Coral everywhere, soft pinks and yellows waving around old railings. A school of small silver fish darted past my mask and for a second I forgot to breathe out properly (Firas tapped his tank to check I was okay). He pointed out a lionfish hiding near a rusted ladder; I tried to say its Arabic name but he just laughed and shook his head.

After that we swam over to “the Tank” — honestly looks like someone parked it there as a joke. There’s something strange about seeing military stuff underwater, all quiet now with tiny crabs crawling over it. The light kept shifting as clouds moved above us; sometimes everything glowed greenish then suddenly clear again. On the way back up, Firas handed me a bit of broken coral (just to look at — strict rules about touching) and explained how they’re working hard to keep these reefs alive. He talked about sunscreen too — apparently most people don’t realize regular stuff can hurt the corals here.

Back at the center, we had more tea and sat around dripping on plastic chairs while Firas told stories about other dives gone wrong (and right). My hair still smelled like salt hours later. If you’re thinking about a day trip scuba diving in Aqaba from your hotel, honestly — just do it. There’s something about seeing those wrecks up close that sticks with you longer than any photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scuba Diving in Aqaba

• Scuba diving at various Aqaba sites

Top questions

Is this scuba diving tour in Aqaba suitable for beginners?

Yes, most sites including Cedar Pride are accessible for divers of all levels; guides adjust based on experience.

What is included in the private scuba dive tour?

The tour includes hotel pickup, private transport, full use of scuba equipment, water, and tea during breaks.

How deep is the Cedar Pride wreck in Aqaba?

The Cedar Pride sits at a maximum depth of 26 meters; your guide will plan according to your certification level.

Are wetsuits provided or should I bring my own?

Wetsuits are provided as part of your included scuba equipment; you can bring your own if preferred.

Can non-divers join or watch during this activity?

This tour is designed for certified divers; non-divers may be able to join as snorkelers by prior arrangement.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

No lunch is provided but water and tea are offered between dives; nearby cafes are available after your dive.

Do I need to bring special sunscreen for diving in Aqaba?

You’re encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect local corals; regular sunscreen can harm marine life.

How many dive sites do we visit during this tour?

You’ll typically visit two main sites such as Cedar Pride and “the Tank,” depending on conditions and group preference.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in Aqaba, full use of quality scuba equipment at Hammerhead Diving Center, guidance from experienced local instructors throughout both dives (like Cedar Pride or “the Tank”), plus free water and sweet tea between dives before returning comfortably back to your hotel or wherever you want in town.