The C-130 Hercules is one of Aqaba's newest and most spectacular attractions: a complete military transport aircraft resting upright on the sand, wings spread wide, in clear shallow water off the South Beach.
The story of C-130 Hercules Aircraft
The retired Royal Jordanian Air Force Hercules was carefully prepared and scuttled in 2017 as part of Aqaba's drive to build world-class artificial reefs. Sitting shallow enough to be appreciated by snorkellers, the aircraft is one of very few diveable C-130s anywhere, and its sheer scale — a fuselage you can swim alongside and a cockpit you can peer into — makes every dive feel like an expedition.
Marine life & what you'll see
Young coral is beginning to colonise the airframe, and schools of fish already use the wings and fuselage as shelter. Divers regularly see jacks cruising past the tail, lionfish tucked into the landing gear and clouds of small reef fish swirling around the cockpit windows.
Diving C-130 Hercules Aircraft
The Hercules sits at roughly 15–17 metres, so it is comfortable for most certified divers and even visible to snorkellers above. It is reached by a short boat ride, the water is calm and clear, and the wide-open layout makes it one of the easiest large structures in Aqaba to explore and to photograph.
Highlights
- A complete C-130 transport aircraft, wings spread on the sand
- Shallow enough for snorkellers and most divers
- Swim the fuselage and peer into the cockpit
- One of very few diveable Hercules aircraft worldwide
Diving conditions & best time
Aqaba offers some of the calmest, most accessible diving in the Red Sea, and C-130 Hercules Aircraft is no exception. Water temperatures stay comfortable year-round, from about 21°C in winter to 27°C in summer, and visibility commonly runs 15–40 metres. C-130 Hercules Aircraft is a boat dive, so it can be enjoyed across most of the year; the calm gulf rarely sees big swell, and we dive it in small guided groups with all equipment available.
Who can dive C-130 Hercules Aircraft?
C-130 Hercules Aircraft is suitable for divers of all levels, including beginners and students. If you have never dived before you can experience it through a Discover Scuba session or as part of your Open Water course; certified divers of any level are welcome.
Diving C-130 Hercules Aircraft with Aqaba Dive Academy
When you dive C-130 Hercules Aircraft with Aqaba Dive Academy you join a small, guided group led by PADI- and CMAS-certified instructors who know the site intimately. All scuba equipment can be included, and we can combine C-130 Hercules Aircraft with other nearby Aqaba dive sites on the same trip. New to diving, or ready to go deeper? Ask us about the right course — from beginner Open Water to Advanced and beyond.
Plan your trip to Aqaba
C-130 Hercules Aircraft lies just minutes from Aqaba's South Beach, on Jordan's Red Sea coast. Aqaba has its own international airport (King Hussein International) and is an easy drive from Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum, so a dive here fits neatly into a wider Jordan itinerary. Diving runs year-round — bring sun protection, your certification card and logbook, and we will take care of the rest.
Frequently asked questions
C-130 Hercules Aircraft reaches 15–17 m, and is always dived within the limits of your certification with a guide.
C-130 Hercules Aircraft is suitable for divers of all levels, including beginners and students. If you have never dived before you can experience it through a Discover Scuba session or as part of your Open Water course; certified divers of any level are welcome.
C-130 Hercules Aircraft is accessed boat with Aqaba Dive Academy.
Yes — C-130 Hercules Aircraft is suitable for beginners and students under the supervision of our instructors.
Highlights include: A complete C-130 transport aircraft, wings spread on the sand; Shallow enough for snorkellers and most divers; Swim the fuselage and peer into the cockpit.
Diving in Aqaba is possible year-round thanks to its mild climate and relatively warm water; C-130 Hercules Aircraft is comfortable in every season, and our team is happy to arrange the best time for your visit.
You can book online through our booking page or contact Aqaba Dive Academy directly; we will match the dive to your certification and arrange equipment and guiding.
