Aqaba Marine Reserve
A protected stretch of Red Sea coral reef south of Aqaba, inscribed by UNESCO in 2026.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
UNESCO World Heritage
The Aqaba Marine Reserve protects the reef along the southern part of Jordan's short Red Sea coastline, a fringing system that grows close inshore and drops away steeply within metres of the beach, which is why the diving here works from the shore. The corals have shown unusual tolerance to warming water, which has made the northern Red Sea a focus of research. UNESCO inscribed the reserve in 2026.
What you actually see
- The fringing reef - coral growing close inshore with a steep drop just beyond.
- The shore diving - reef reachable by walking in from the beach.
- The heat tolerance - corals that have resisted bleaching better than most.
- The 2026 inscription - the UNESCO listing of the reserve.
When to go
March to May and September to November are the most comfortable. Summer heat in Aqaba is extreme though the water is fine. Diving works year round.
Honest expectations
Jordan's coastline is only around twenty seven kilometres long and the reserve is a small part of it. Port and industrial traffic sits immediately alongside. Reserve fees are charged on top of dive costs.
Nearby
Aqaba is north, and Wadi Rum is inland.
What to pack for Aqaba Marine Reserve
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.