Winger67
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Visiting Israel and looking to visit Petra so why not dive the Red Sea? Just started looking into a spending 3 days in the area. Maybe two diving and one in Petra. Recommendations on either city to stay or dive?
Eilat or Aqaba recomendations
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mbitton
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What month are you planning to go? I used to live in Israel so I'm biased! Eliat is good for a couple days at a time. Not much to do besides dive, beach, bars/restaurants.
Probably better diving over on the Jordanian side with some decent wrecks out of Aqaba, Cedar Pride being one of them.
Recommend Dive Aqaba if you do head that way
Recommend Dive Aqaba if you do head that way
Going to Tel Aviv with non-diving friends at the end of April/early May but with flights to Eilat for $80 how can I not break away for a couple days of diving and Petra? Is the Underwater Observatory Marine Park worth a look for a non-diving day? Searcaigh, Thanks for the tip on Dive Aqaba. Is there much difference in price/security/convenience between the two cities?
Never dived on the Israeli side, can't afford to have that stamp in my passport, therefore can't comment on price comparison.
Drop Rod at Dive Aqaba an e-mail and check their latest prices, last time I dived there was October 2011, planning to go back this coming June.
You can do shore diving on the Jordanian side too and perhaps your friends can snorkel or just lay on the beach, not much else to do in Aqaba.
Drop Rod at Dive Aqaba an e-mail and check their latest prices, last time I dived there was October 2011, planning to go back this coming June.
You can do shore diving on the Jordanian side too and perhaps your friends can snorkel or just lay on the beach, not much else to do in Aqaba.
There is plenty of diving in Eilat for few days, most are shore dives. There are two wrecks right offshore, one of them a former missile carrier ( no, it is not navy size but still..). The other is a small coast guard boat. Both are in about 100 ft of water. I like diving with Marina divers, they are further south (http://www.reefdivinggroup.co.il/eng/), the bigger wreck is right off their place. Coral preserve is spectacular, and the site called Japanese gardens is remarkable. This will be the only site that you have to take a boat as they do not allow any shore entry is that area. Most of dive shops will have guided dives or they will be more than happy to provide directions.
All shore entries have to be made in marked passages or over bridges that go over the shallow corals, no gloves and knifes rule applies. Be advised that last time i was there, based on local regulations, they required diving insurance, if you don't have one you'll have to purchase locally. DAN is recognized. They also require a logged dive in the last six months ( has to be officially stamped) otherwise they will most likely require a quick refresh dive with the local staff. Not the end of the world but try to get a dive before you go and stamp your logbook. Night dive is unforgettable if you can schedule one in. The non divers will enjoy the beach, food, beer, entertainment and excellent snorkeling.
Have fun
All shore entries have to be made in marked passages or over bridges that go over the shallow corals, no gloves and knifes rule applies. Be advised that last time i was there, based on local regulations, they required diving insurance, if you don't have one you'll have to purchase locally. DAN is recognized. They also require a logged dive in the last six months ( has to be officially stamped) otherwise they will most likely require a quick refresh dive with the local staff. Not the end of the world but try to get a dive before you go and stamp your logbook. Night dive is unforgettable if you can schedule one in. The non divers will enjoy the beach, food, beer, entertainment and excellent snorkeling.
Have fun
mbitton
Registered
I can't comment on the Jordanian diving as I stayed within Israel. There's quite a few reefs and dive operators.
If your in Tel Aviv fly out of Sde Dov Airport (in Ramat Aviv) with Israir. On one of my flights 2 fighter jets ripped by us. You could hear the roar of the engines inside. The jets also practice over the desert near Eliat.
For the non-divers, Dolphins Reefs was fun. They don't keep the dolphins in captivity. The park is built into open water and the dolphins come and go as they please which is cool.
There's also good hiking in the area if you guys are into that.
Other then that, hang out on the beach! There's a good bar/lounge with funny DJs to entertain you.
Have a good trip.
If your in Tel Aviv fly out of Sde Dov Airport (in Ramat Aviv) with Israir. On one of my flights 2 fighter jets ripped by us. You could hear the roar of the engines inside. The jets also practice over the desert near Eliat.
For the non-divers, Dolphins Reefs was fun. They don't keep the dolphins in captivity. The park is built into open water and the dolphins come and go as they please which is cool.
There's also good hiking in the area if you guys are into that.
Other then that, hang out on the beach! There's a good bar/lounge with funny DJs to entertain you.
Have a good trip.
Thanks for all the tips. So the plan is to maybe do a late morning or afternoon dive the day I get into Eilat. Would you recommend staying on the north end? I think I found a hostel near there and seems there's plenty of restaurants to choose from. Wouldn't mind getting some paddlebording in too. Cabs the way to get around Eilat?
Leave for Petra early Monday via pickup at the boarder by the Petra hotel I'll stay at. Then head to Aqaba Divers early Tuesday, dive and spend the night there.
Leave for Petra early Monday via pickup at the boarder by the Petra hotel I'll stay at. Then head to Aqaba Divers early Tuesday, dive and spend the night there.
Hi,
I live in Jordan and dive in Aqaba very frequently. The diving in Aqaba is very relaxed and there are some nice sites. Mostly coral gardens, pinnacles, and some wrecks. You wont find the high density and the sheer size of similar species in Aqaba as you might encounter in Egypt - things are a little more "scaled down" , but the diversity is still very good and the general health of the coral and marine life is excellent. I have heard from several friends who have dived both Eilat and Aqaba that the sites in Aqaba are significantly better and healthier... but I cannot comment on this personally and have no experience diving in Eilat.
Of all the Dive centers in Aqaba I would very highly recommend Sinai Divers (the same company that operates out of Egypt). They have a great team, skilled dive guides, and offer both shore and boat dives. They also keep their equipment very well maintained and up to date. They may be a little more expensive than the other dive centers in Aqaba as they are actually located in the Movenpick Resort in Tala Bay - but I have not checked recently. Ask for the General Manager Sacha - he's a great guy and will go out of his way to make sure you get what you need. Have a great trip and enjoy Petra (you won't forget it - it's a phenomenal place) and have a great time in Aqaba.
cheers,
Nasser
I live in Jordan and dive in Aqaba very frequently. The diving in Aqaba is very relaxed and there are some nice sites. Mostly coral gardens, pinnacles, and some wrecks. You wont find the high density and the sheer size of similar species in Aqaba as you might encounter in Egypt - things are a little more "scaled down" , but the diversity is still very good and the general health of the coral and marine life is excellent. I have heard from several friends who have dived both Eilat and Aqaba that the sites in Aqaba are significantly better and healthier... but I cannot comment on this personally and have no experience diving in Eilat.
Of all the Dive centers in Aqaba I would very highly recommend Sinai Divers (the same company that operates out of Egypt). They have a great team, skilled dive guides, and offer both shore and boat dives. They also keep their equipment very well maintained and up to date. They may be a little more expensive than the other dive centers in Aqaba as they are actually located in the Movenpick Resort in Tala Bay - but I have not checked recently. Ask for the General Manager Sacha - he's a great guy and will go out of his way to make sure you get what you need. Have a great trip and enjoy Petra (you won't forget it - it's a phenomenal place) and have a great time in Aqaba.
cheers,
Nasser
Thanks Nasser. I've already got a spot reserved with Aqaba Divers but if I manage to squeeze in another dive I'll check out Sinai Divers. Really looking forward to getting back in the water. Spending the night in Aqaba. Any recommendation on night life? Not really into night clubs but can always go for a place to chill or live music.
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