New Canyon is a dramatic coral-walled canyon that cuts through the reef, offering a more adventurous profile than Aqaba's gentle slopes. Divers drop into the cut and follow it as the coral walls rise on either side.
The story of New Canyon
The canyon is believed to have been shaped by the 1983 Gulf of Aqaba earthquake, which fractured the reef and left behind this distinctive channel. Today coral has reclaimed the walls, turning a geological scar into one of the bay's most atmospheric dive sites.
Marine life & what you'll see
The canyon walls and rim are covered in hard and soft coral and patrolled by reef fish, while the shaded cut itself shelters glassfish, soldierfish and lionfish. Where the canyon opens onto the reef and sand, look for rays, groupers and the occasional turtle.
Diving New Canyon
Reaching around 35 metres, New Canyon is best for Advanced divers with good buoyancy who are comfortable following a defined route at depth. It is dived from shore and boat, and the unique topography makes it a refreshing change from open-reef diving.
Highlights
- A coral-walled canyon shaped by the 1983 earthquake
- An adventurous, structured profile to around 35 m
- Glassfish and soldierfish in the shaded cut
- Best for Advanced divers with good buoyancy
Diving conditions & best time
Aqaba offers some of the calmest, most accessible diving in the Red Sea, and New Canyon 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. New Canyon is a shore & 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 New Canyon?
Because of its depth, New Canyon is best for Advanced Open Water divers with good buoyancy. If you are working towards that, our instructors can take you through the Advanced course first.
Diving New Canyon with Aqaba Dive Academy
When you dive New Canyon 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 New Canyon 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
New Canyon 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
New Canyon reaches ~35 m, and is always dived within the limits of your certification with a guide.
Because of its depth, New Canyon is best for Advanced Open Water divers with good buoyancy. If you are working towards that, our instructors can take you through the Advanced course first.
New Canyon is accessed shore & boat with Aqaba Dive Academy.
Divers should hold a suitable certification before diving New Canyon; contact us to assess your level.
Highlights include: A coral-walled canyon shaped by the 1983 earthquake; An adventurous, structured profile to around 35 m; Glassfish and soldierfish in the shaded cut.
Diving in Aqaba is possible year-round thanks to its mild climate and relatively warm water; New Canyon 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.
