Dive Site: Cedar Pride

About Cedar Pride

The Cedar Pride is a celebrated wreck dive located in the Gulf of Aqaba, Jordan, part of the Red Sea. This 1161-ton cargo vessel sustained extensive damage from a fire in 1982 while in the Gulf. In 1985, at the request of the King of Jordan, the ship was intentionally scuttled to create an artificial reef, quickly becoming one of the world's most beautiful wreck sites. It rests gracefully on its port side across a sandy bottom in a canyon between two limestone rocks, offering a unique and vibrant habitat for marine ecosystems. The wreck's depths range from 9 meters at its shallowest points to 27 meters at its deepest, making it accessible for a wide range of divers. Its structure is now beautifully colonized by a variety of hard and soft corals, providing a stunning backdrop for the numerous fish species that call it home. The deck and superstructure are particularly rich in life, with the crow's nest standing out against the clear blue water, completely covered in soft corals. Marine life at the Cedar Pride includes schools of fish, moray eels, shrimps, pipefish, and soft coral crabs, making it a dynamic underwater environment. It is easily reachable from either shore or by boat, making it a convenient and essential dive for visitors to Aqaba. The wreck's clear waters and abundant life also make it a prime location for underwater photography, capturing the blend of history and thriving marine biodiversity.

Dive site facts: Cedar Pride

Depth

9–27 m

Current

Mild to none

Visibility

35–40 m

Water temperature

21–27 °C

Entry

Boat or shore

Level

All levels (Novice to Experienced)

Dive type

Wreck, Reef, Macro

Region / port

Aqaba, Jordan

Coordinates

22.4054° N, 38.5809° E

Conditions & Currents

Diving conditions in Aqaba, where the Cedar Pride is located, are characterized by remarkably calm waters year-round. Divers can expect minimal to virtually no current at this site, providing a very relaxed and easy diving experience. Visibility consistently remains good, often averaging between 35 and 40 meters, due to low plankton levels and calm seas, which is ideal for exploring the wreck without obstruction. The absence of strong currents means that entry and exit techniques are generally straightforward, whether diving from shore or a boat. Water temperatures are warm, typically between 23-27°C in peak seasons, and rarely drop below 21°C even in cooler months, eliminating concerns about thermoclines. This predictability and ease make the Cedar Pride an excellent site for divers of all experience levels to focus on exploration and marine life observation rather than managing challen

Marine life & sighting chances

Schools of fish

common

Moray eels

common

Coral crayfish

occasional

Scorpion fish

occasional

Turtles

occasional

Eagle rays

rare

Octopuses

occasional

Barracudas

occasional

Dolphins

rare

Urchins

common

Pipefish

occasional

Soft coral crabs

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving the Cedar Pride typically begins with an easy descent to the wreck, which rests on its port side in a canyon between two limestone outcrops. You can start exploring the shallowest parts of the wreck, such as the deck and superstructure, which begin around 9 meters. A common route involves heading towards the seaward side where much of the most exciting marine life and coral growth is found, including the crow's nest at shallower depths, completely adorned with soft corals. You can then progressively explore deeper sections, down to 27 meters, observing the engine room area and cargo holds from the outside, which are now artificial reefs. The lack of strong currents allows for a leisurely pace to appreciate the abundant marine life, including various fish, shrimps, and moray eels. Ascend slowly along the wreck's structure, conducting your safety stop conveniently in the shallower sections of the wreck or the surrounding reef.

Underwater photography

The Cedar Pride offers superb opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its clear waters and diverse marine life. For capturing the scale of the wreck and its extensive coral growth, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended. The clear visibility, often 35-40 meters, allows for stunning ambient light shots, especially with the sun illuminating the wreck’s upper structures. For macro subjects, such as pipefish, soft coral crabs, urchins, and juvenile fish hiding among the corals, a macro lens will capture intricate details. Utilizing strobes is beneficial to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and marine critters, especially when penetrating closer to the wreck. Maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging delicate corals and disturbing marine life, ensuring respectful and successful underwater photography sessions.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• C-130 Hercules plane wreck

  An accessible plane wreck at 15-17 meters, known for its cockpit and cargo hold accessible to divers.

• Aqaba Underwater Military Museum

  A unique artificial reef featuring tanks, armored vehicles, and a helicopter, intentionally sunk for diving.

• Japanese Garden

  A beautiful reef site known for its rich coral formations and diverse marine life.

• Kiwi Reef

  Discovered by a New Zealander, this reef features coral heads and seagrass beds teeming with macro life.

• Eel Garden

  Famous for its large population of garden eels on a sandy slope, along with other reef inhabitants.

Getting there & logistics

Accessing the Cedar Pride and other dive sites in Aqaba typically involves flying into King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) in Aqaba, Jordan, or Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for a connecting flight or ground transfer. From Aqaba, the dive site is easily reached via day boat trips or even shore entries due to its proximity. Most dive operators in Aqaba offer packages that include dives at the Cedar Pride. No specific park fees or permits are usually required beyond standard dive operator costs. Dive trips can range from single-day excursions focusing on a few sites to multi-day packages combining cultural tours of Jordan with extensive diving in Aqaba. Liveaboards are also an option for more comprehensive Red Sea diving itineraries that may include Aqaba, offering 7-night/8-day trips.

Safety & environment

Diving in Aqaba is generally considered relaxed, with calm waters and good visibility, however, standard dive safety practices remain paramount. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Aqaba, ensuring medical support for dive-related emergencies. Divers should always carry personal dive insurance that covers hyperbaric treatment and emergency evacuation. While currents are typically mild to nonexistent, always confirm conditions with your dive guide. Hazards specific to the Cedar Pride are primarily related to wreck diving; while much of it is open, proper wreck diving training and caution are advised for any penetration attempts. Always maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid contact with the wreck and its delicate coral growth. Be mindful of potential boat traffic when surfacing if not using a buoy. Ensure all gear is in good condition and conduct thorough buddy checks before each dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Cedar Pride FAQ