My First Dive in Aqaba: A Personal Experience

Read a story of our guest Michael about his first dive experience in Aqaba.

I’ll never forget the feeling of standing on the shore in Aqaba, Red Sea stretching out in front of me, salty breeze on my face, and a mix of excitement and nervous energy bubbling in my stomach. I had been dreaming about scuba diving for years, but this—my first dive ever—was finally happening. And there was no better place to do it than Aqaba.

Getting Started: From Land to Sea

I signed up with a local dive center (shoutout to the amazing crew at Coral Garden Diving Center—they were patient, professional, and made me feel totally safe). We started with a short intro session, covering the basics: how to breathe through the regulator, hand signals, equalizing pressure, and how to move underwater without kicking like a panicked frog.

The dive site was Rainbow reef, one of Aqaba’s most beginner-friendly spots—and I now understand why. Crystal-clear water, shallow reefs, and an explosion of color awaited just below the surface.

Taking the Plunge

Wearing the gear felt like suiting up for a moonwalk—everything felt heavy and foreign. But as soon as I slipped beneath the surface, the weight disappeared. I was floating. Breathing underwater for the first time felt surreal. It took a minute for my brain to stop saying “this is not normal,” but soon, I was hooked.

We descended slowly, and I remember clinging to the dive line, eyes wide as the reef came into view. Bright corals waved gently in the current, schools of orange anthias darted around us, and I spotted my first clownfish peeking out from an anemone. It was like swimming in a nature documentary.

Moments I’ll Never Forget

A Napoleon wrasse glided across the sand just a few meters below us. A curious parrotfish swam right up to my mask, as if to say hello. But the moment that really sealed the deal? Seeing a sea turtle casually cruise by, totally unbothered by our presence. I almost forgot to breathe (luckily, that’s kind of important down there).

We stayed underwater for about 40 minutes, though it felt like 10. When we surfaced, I couldn’t stop smiling. I was salty, sun-kissed, and totally in awe.

Final Thoughts: Why Aqaba is Perfect for First-Timers

If you’re thinking about scuba diving for the first time, Aqaba is a dream location. The water is warm and clear, the reef is thriving, and the dive sites are accessible straight from the shore—no long boat rides or rough seas. Plus, the dive community here is super welcoming and passionate.

That first dive changed everything for me. It’s not just a bucket list thing anymore—it’s the start of a new obsession.

Would I do it again? 100%. In fact, I already did. But that’s a story for another post. 😉