Aqaba Marine Park | Aqaba

Information

Landmark: Aqaba Marine Park
City: Aqaba
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Aqaba Marine Park, Aqaba, Jordan, Asia

Aqaba Marine Park is a 7-kilometer protected coastal zone located on the southern shores of the Gulf of Aqaba. It was established to preserve the coral reef ecosystems and biodiversity of the Red Sea while providing managed public access to the shoreline.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a narrow strip of sandy beach transitioning into shallow fringing coral reefs. The marine environment contains over 127 species of hard coral and 300 species of fish. On land, the infrastructure includes stone-paved walkways, shaded pergolas, and designated picnic areas interspersed with desert vegetation and palm trees. The water is characterized by high clarity and temperatures ranging from 20°C in winter to 27°C in summer.

Location & Access Logistics

The park is situated along the South Beach Highway, approximately 15km south of Aqaba city center. Access is via the main coastal road connecting Aqaba to the Saudi Arabian border. Public transport is available via local minibuses departing from the Aqaba downtown station (South Beach line); taxis are widely available. Dedicated public parking lots are situated at various entry points along the 7km stretch.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park was established in 1997 by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). It is ecologically classified as a fringing reef system, part of the northernmost coral reef complex in the world. The area is managed as a biosphere reserve to mitigate the environmental impact of industrial and tourism development.

Key Highlights & Activities

Shore-based snorkeling is the primary activity, with several marked entry points providing direct access to the "Japanese Garden" and "Seven Sisters" reef sites. Scuba diving is permitted at 19 designated dive sites, including the "Cedar Pride" shipwreck and the "Underwater Military Museum." Glass-bottom boat tours operate from various jetties, and swimming is restricted to buoyed zones to protect the coral.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The park features public restrooms and freshwater showers at several intervals. Shaded areas and benches are provided, though visitors should bring personal sun protection. 4G and 5G cellular signals are consistent. Food and beverage vendors, as well as dive centers, are located across the highway in the South Beach tourist village.

Best Time to Visit

Visibility for snorkeling and diving is highest during the morning hours (08:00 AM – 11:00 AM) before wind-driven surface chop increases. The best months for water activities are September through November and April through June. High tide is preferable for entering the water from the shore to ensure sufficient clearance over the reef flats.

Facts & Legends

A unique feature of the park is the "Underwater Military Museum," an artificial reef consisting of 21 pieces of military hardware, including tanks, an ambulance, and a combat helicopter, submerged in 2019 to create new habitats for marine life. Local divers note that the "Cedar Pride" wreck, scuttled by King Abdullah II (then Prince) in 1985, is now one of the most densely colonized artificial reefs in the region.