Cedar Pride Wreck Dive Site, Aqaba – Jordan’s Most Famous Shipwreck Dive
The Cedar Pride Wreck is without doubt the most iconic dive site in Aqaba and one of the most famous wreck dives in the Red Sea. Resting peacefully on the seabed for nearly four decades, the ship has transformed into a thriving artificial reef covered with colorful corals and surrounded by an incredible variety of marine life.
Located inside the protected Aqaba Marine Park, the Cedar Pride attracts scuba divers from around the world who come to experience one of Jordan’s underwater treasures. Whether you are visiting Aqaba for the first time or returning for another diving holiday, this wreck should be at the top of your dive list.
The Story Behind the Cedar Pride
The Cedar Pride was a Lebanese cargo ship measuring approximately 74 meters in length. After suffering damage from a fire, the vessel was intentionally sunk in 1985 to create an artificial reef and support marine conservation efforts along Jordan’s coastline.
Today, the wreck rests on a sloping reef where nature has completely taken over. Hard corals, soft corals, sponges, and countless reef fish have transformed the ship into a spectacular underwater ecosystem.
Diving the Cedar Pride Wreck
The dive begins in shallow water before descending gradually toward the wreck. Divers can explore multiple levels of the ship, swim around the bridge, discover hidden passages, and admire the impressive propeller at the stern.
The wreck lies at depths suitable for Advanced Open Water divers, although experienced Open Water divers may also enjoy the upper sections under appropriate guidance.
One of the most impressive moments is seeing the entire silhouette of the ship covered in vibrant coral growth against the clear blue waters of the Red Sea.
Marine Life Around the Wreck
The Cedar Pride has become home to an abundance of marine species including:
- Lionfish
- Moray eels
- Glassfish
- Batfish
- Parrotfish
- Groupers
- Blue-spotted stingrays
- Nudibranchs
- Octopus
- Large schools of reef fish
Lucky divers may also encounter turtles cruising around the wreck or eagle rays passing through deeper water.
Photography Paradise
For underwater photographers, Cedar Pride offers endless opportunities. The combination of dramatic structures, coral-covered decks, schools of fish, and natural sunlight creates spectacular wide-angle and macro photography conditions.
Morning dives often provide the best visibility and lighting for capturing the beauty of the wreck.
Why Cedar Pride Is Unique
Unlike many shipwrecks around the world, Cedar Pride is easy to access from both shore and boat, making it one of the most convenient world-class wreck dives available. The calm conditions in Aqaba allow divers to enjoy the site throughout most of the year.
Its combination of history, marine life, coral growth, and accessibility makes Cedar Pride one of the signature dive sites of the Red Sea.
Best Time to Dive Cedar Pride
Diving is available year-round, but the best conditions are generally found between March and November when water temperatures are warm and underwater visibility is excellent.
Winter diving remains enjoyable with slightly cooler water and fewer visitors.
Dive Information
- Location: Aqaba Marine Park, Jordan
- Dive Type: Wreck Dive
- Access: Shore Dive or Boat Dive
- Maximum Depth: Approximately 27 meters
- Minimum Certification: Advanced Open Water recommended
- Visibility: Often 20–30 meters
- Water Temperature: Approximately 21–28°C depending on season
Dive Cedar Pride with Aqaba Adventure Divers
At Aqaba Adventure Divers, our experienced PADI professionals guide divers safely through the Cedar Pride Wreck while sharing the fascinating history and marine life that make this dive unforgettable.
Whether you are exploring the wreck for the first time or returning to photograph its ever-changing underwater scenery, Cedar Pride promises an experience that will remain one of the highlights of your diving adventures in Jordan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners dive Cedar Pride?
Experienced Open Water divers can enjoy the upper sections, while Advanced Open Water certification is recommended for exploring deeper areas.
Is Cedar Pride suitable for underwater photography?
Yes. It is widely considered one of the best underwater photography locations in Aqaba due to its coral growth and abundant marine life.
Can the wreck be visited from shore?
Yes. Cedar Pride is one of the few world-class wreck dives that can easily be reached from shore as well as by boat.
How long does the dive usually last?
Most dives last between 45 and 60 minutes depending on depth, air consumption, and dive profile.