The Aqaba Marine Reserve has received the endorsement it needed to confirm its status (if it wasn’t already) as one of the best places for snorkeling and diving in the world: as of August 2026, it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, thereby recognizing its importance and uniqueness. In this post, we tell you what this protected site consists of and how you can enjoy it during your next trip.
What is the Aqaba Marine Reserve?
The Aqaba Marine Reserve encompasses an area of 700 hectares at the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea), which is, in turn, the southernmost point of Jordan’s geography. However, the most curious thing is that its importance and beauty are not visible at first glance, as they are located underwater. It is there, on the seabed, where its great treasure lies: its population of coral reefs.
According to UNESCO, its importance lies not only in the variety and abundance of species but also in their resilience: they have survived by adapting to major changes in their living conditions, such as rising temperatures and high salinity.
In addition to the presence of coral reefs on the seabed, the Aqaba Marine Reserve is blessed with many other varied marine species, including fish of all colors and shapes, as well as turtles and sharks. To complete the faunal mosaic, many seabirds can be spotted on its surface and in its skies, finding here their ideal habitat to live in or to pass through during their migrations.
What Can Be Found Here
The list of species present here is enormous, and many of them are endemic, which adds an extra layer of importance and singularity to the reserve. For example, in the coral section—which is its great icon—we find Acropora squarrosa, Montipora hemispherica, Echinophyllia bulbosa, Erythrastrea flabellata, Pachyseris inattesa, or the unmistakable Cantharellus doederleini, among others, totaling more than a dozen species. These appear before the diver’s eyes in a wide variety of combinations, such as Acropora sp., Platygyra sp., and Favites sp.
As for the fish, some of the most striking and noteworthy are the seahorses, the yellow surgeonfish, or the lionfish, which can appear as individuals or in large schools. It is also home to whale sharks and turtles from different families, some of which are critically endangered. Regarding seabirds, one of the most iconic is the White-eyed Gull, considered one of the rarest species of its genus and typical of the entire Red Sea.
How to Enjoy the Aqaba Marine Reserve
Naturally, the best way to enjoy the Aqaba Marine Reserve is by entering it and diving into its waters. To this end, the city has companies specializing in diving, with certified professionals and approved technical equipment for conducting courses and dives. Aboard adapted vessels, they set sail for the most suitable dive sites to safely observe these species.
On the other hand, there are also glass-bottom boats designed for those who cannot or do not wish to put on a wetsuit and dive. In this way, the crossing becomes a more relaxed leisure activity, suitable for all audiences.
Whatever your situation, you can inform us of your interest in these activities while we are designing your travel program. In this way, we will take care of finding the best providers for this service so that your stay in Aqaba includes such an enriching experience.
