First Bay is a sheltered, shallow reef close to town that doubles as both an easy training site and a gentle drift dive. Its varied topography of fire corals, fringing reef and sandy patches makes for a surprisingly diverse and beginner-friendly dive.
The story of First Bay
As one of the first sites many Aqaba divers ever visit, First Bay has earned its place in the local diving culture. Its sheltered bay protects it from weather and current, so it is reliable almost year-round and a dependable choice when other sites are exposed.
Marine life & what you'll see
Bright fire corals and hard-coral outcrops host the usual reef cast — anthias, damsels, wrasse and butterflyfish — while the sandy areas in between are good for spotting rays and flatfish. The shallow, well-lit water keeps colours vivid and is easy on new divers' air consumption.
Diving First Bay
Shallow and protected, First Bay can be dived as a relaxed fixed dive or, when there is a little movement in the water, as an easy north-to-south drift. Either way it suits beginners and students, and works beautifully as a warm-up or second dive of the day.
Highlights
- Sheltered shallow reef — reliable almost year-round
- Easy fixed dive or gentle north-to-south drift
- Fire corals, reef fish and rays on the sand
- Great for beginners, students and warm-up dives
Diving conditions & best time
Aqaba offers some of the calmest, most accessible diving in the Red Sea, and First Bay 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. First Bay is a shore 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 First Bay?
First Bay 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 First Bay with Aqaba Dive Academy
When you dive First Bay 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 First Bay 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
First Bay 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
First Bay reaches 5–18 m, and is always dived within the limits of your certification with a guide.
First Bay 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.
First Bay is accessed shore with Aqaba Dive Academy.
Yes — First Bay is suitable for beginners and students under the supervision of our instructors.
Highlights include: Sheltered shallow reef — reliable almost year-round; Easy fixed dive or gentle north-to-south drift; Fire corals, reef fish and rays on the sand.
Diving in Aqaba is possible year-round thanks to its mild climate and relatively warm water; First Bay 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.
