Aqaba sits at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba — Jordan’s only coastline, a 27-km strip of Red Sea shore between Israel’s Eilat and Saudi Arabia’s Haql. The reefs here are among the most biodiverse in the northern Red Sea, with coral gardens, reef fish, and several deliberately sunk wrecks that have become artificial reef systems over decades.
The six tours below cover snorkeling and diving for all experience levels, from shore-based beginner sessions to PADI instructor-led boat dives at Aqaba’s signature reef sites.
1. Glass Boat Snorkeling with Berenice Beach Club Day Access
Glass Boat & Snorkeling with Berenice Beach Club Day Use
This tour combines three elements: a glass-bottom boat viewing session over the reef (coral and wrecks visible without entering the water), a guided snorkeling session at the Japanese Garden reef and the sunken tank, and a full-day pass to Berenice Beach Club with pool and beach access. It is the most efficient way to cover multiple Aqaba reef highlights and have a base to return to between sessions.
Duration: Full day | Difficulty: Easy
Includes: Glass boat tour, guided snorkeling, full-day Berenice Beach Club access
Best for: Non-divers, families, and first-time Red Sea visitors who want reef access and a comfortable beach base
2. From Aqaba: Red Sea Cruise and Snorkeling
From Aqaba: Red Sea Cruise and Snorkeling Experience
A boat-based snorkeling cruise covering Aqaba’s major reef sites: the Japanese Gardens coral garden, Seven Sisters reef, the Cedar Pride wreck, and the sunken Hercules C-130 airplane. The cruise format means you visit multiple sites in one outing rather than staying at a single location. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board.
Duration: Half day to full day (check listing) | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Includes: Boat tour, snorkeling equipment, guide
Best for: Active snorkelers who want to cover more ground than a single reef site
3. Snorkeling Trip from Boat
Aqaba: Snorkeling Trip from Boat
A focused snorkeling boat trip to the reef sites south of the Aqaba waterfront. Shorter than the full cruise format, this is a good option for travellers who want a dedicated snorkeling session without committing to a full-day itinerary. Equipment is included; no previous snorkeling experience is required.
Duration: 2–3 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Includes: Boat transfer, snorkeling gear, guide
Best for: Travellers with limited time who want a reef session without a full-day commitment
4. Snorkeling from Shore
Shore-based snorkeling at South Beach, approximately 7 km south of downtown Aqaba. The reef starts within metres of the shore and the coral garden here holds clownfish, angelfish, moray eels, and vivid hard coral formations. Equipment rental and a local guide are included. This is the most accessible and affordable way to experience Aqaba’s reefs — no boat booking or large group required.
Duration: 2–3 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Includes: Snorkeling equipment, guide
Best for: Independent travellers, beginners, and those who prefer a relaxed, self-paced reef experience
5. Dive Adventure: Red Sea Reef Tour
Aqaba: Dive Adventure — Explore the Red Sea
A guided dive experience at Aqaba’s reef sites, covering the Cedar Pride wreck (a 71-metre cargo ship deliberately sunk in 1985, now colonised by coral) and the Japanese Garden reef system. The tour is structured for certified divers — Open Water or equivalent required. Dive equipment is included or available to rent on board.
Duration: Half day | Difficulty: Moderate — requires swimming ability; certified divers only
Includes: Boat transfer, dive guide, equipment
Best for: Certified divers visiting Aqaba who want a structured guided dive at the main reef sites
6. Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Boat Tour (PADI/SSI)
Aqaba: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Boat Tour — PADI SSI
A comprehensive water activity day combining a discover scuba session (suitable for beginners — no certification required), a snorkeling segment, and a boat tour of Aqaba’s reef sites. PADI and SSI certified instructors lead all components. This is the most complete Aqaba water day available on GYG and suits travellers who want to try diving for the first time alongside more experienced snorkelers in the same group.
Duration: Full day (up to 10 hours) | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Includes: Boat tour, guided snorkeling, discover scuba session, PADI/SSI instructor, equipment
Best for: Mixed groups or solo travellers who want to combine snorkeling and a first dive experience in one day
Choosing the Right Aqaba Tour
| Tour | Type | Duration | Certificate needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass Boat + Berenice Club | Snorkel + beach | Full day | No |
| Red Sea Cruise + Snorkel | Snorkel cruise | Half–full day | No |
| Snorkel Boat Trip | Snorkel | 2–3 hours | No |
| Shore Snorkeling | Snorkel | 2–3 hours | No |
| Dive Adventure | Scuba | Half day | Yes — Open Water |
| PADI/SSI Dive + Snorkel Day | Dive + snorkel | Full day | No (beginner dive included) |
Check current pricing on each listing — Aqaba water activities range from approximately $20 for shore snorkeling to $80+ for certified dive tours, as of 2026. Most tours offer free cancellation. Browse all Aqaba tours on GetYourGuide.