Aqaba Governorate dive sites

The Cedar Pride was a 75-metre Lebanese cargo vessel that arrived in Aqaba in July 1982. On August 2nd, a fire broke out in the engine room and spread through the ship, causing extensive damage. After being declared beyond repair, King Abdullah of Jordan ordered the wreck to be scuttled as an artificial reef for divers. On November 16, 1985, the Cedar Pride was sunk in her current position, becoming Jordan's first purpose-sunk dive wreck.

Yes, the Cedar Pride is accessible as a shore dive with approximately a 130-metre swim over a sandy bottom to reach the wreck. The entry point is well marked near the marine park. Boat access is also available and more convenient, dropping divers directly at the site. Shore entry is one of the things that makes Aqaba's diving uniquely accessible.

Open Water divers can explore the exterior of the wreck comfortably, as the shallowest point is around 10 metres and much of the starboard side is at 16 metres. Advanced Open Water and wreck specialty certification are recommended for penetration, particularly into the engine room and cargo holds where maximum depth reaches 26 to 27 metres.

The site earned its name from the meticulously arranged appearance of its coral formations, which resemble the carefully designed aesthetic of a traditional Japanese garden. Dense clusters of table corals, brain corals, and branching corals create distinct zones and pathways, giving the underwater landscape an ordered, garden-like beauty that distinguishes it from wilder reef formations.

Japanese Garden is one of the best beginner dive sites in the Red Sea. The maximum depth is only 15 metres, currents are minimal, and shore entry is straightforward. The site is within Aqaba's marine park, and many dive operators use it for training dives and Discover Scuba programmes. Despite its accessibility, the coral quality and marine life diversity make it rewarding for experienced divers and photographers too.