Exploring Aqaba's Military Museum: A Dive into History

Unveiling History: Dive into the Depths of Aqaba's Military Museum

This week, we're delving into the depths of Aqaba, Jordan, to explore the intriguing Military Museum dive site. Let's uncover the history behind the site, dive details, and essential tips for your underwater adventure.

Historical Insights: The Military Museum site in Aqaba holds remnants of military hardware strategically placed in formation to create an artificial reef. These twenty-one relics, provided by the Jordanian Armed Forces, including tanks, helicopters, an ambulance, armored vehicles, and anti-aircraft battery, have a unique story to tell. They were submerged on July 24, 2019 to commemorate the Battle of Aqaba during the Arab Revolt in 1917, providing a one-of-a-kind underwater museum experience.

Dive Details:

• Location: Aqaba, Jordan (Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea)

• Geographical Location: Latitude 29°26'43.01"N Longitude 34°58'6.42"E

• Depth: The Military Museum dive site offers varying depths, making it suitable for divers of different skill levels. Ranging from 22 to 92 feet (7 to 28 meters), it caters to both novice and experienced divers.

• Distance from Shore: 100 feet (30 meters)

• Dive Plan: You choose the entry and exit based on your planned depth. The deepest part of the site is seen by entering from the south and exiting north. The dive starts on a sandy slope and as you descend you suddenly see the wrecks laid out before you.

• Marine Life: The main purpose of the dive is obviously to view the military artifacts, however, you'll also encounter a thriving marine ecosystem. Colorful coral formations have embraced the structures, attracting a diversity of fish species. Keep an eye out for lionfish, schools of orange anthias, clownfish, and the occasional moray eel. At the northern end of the dive site is a massive coral bommie full of life. Also, watch out for garden eels as you cross the grassy slope.

Dive Tips:

• Shore Diving: This site is usually accessed as a shore dive. The distance from the parking lot to the water line is quite long, roughly 325 feet (99 meters). The typical plan is to gear up by the vehicles in the parking lot and walk down the beach. However, the guides are there to help and for those who find it easier, you can have them carry your gear so that you can don it in waist deep water.

• Visibility: Aqaba's waters boast excellent visibility, providing a clear view of the submerged artifacts and marine life.

• Currents: Generally, the currents are mild, but they can pick up in the shallow parts of the site.

• Photography Opportunities: The Military Museum's unique blend of history and marine life offers fantastic photo opportunities.

Dive Operators:

To embark on this historical underwater journey, consider diving with reputable operators in Aqaba:

1. SeaStar Watersports: Renowned for their experienced guides and commitment to marine conservation, SeaStar Watersports offers guided excursions to the Military Museum.

2. Dive Aqaba: With a passion for preserving history and marine environments, Dive Aqaba provides divers with a unique perspective on the Military Museum.

3. Arab Divers: Known for their expertise in Aqaba's underwater wonders, Arab Divers offers an immersive experience, combining history and marine exploration.

Dive into the history and mystery of Aqaba's Military Museum. Whether you're a history buff or a marine enthusiast, this dive site promises an unforgettable journey beneath the surface. Explore the relics of the past and witness the vibrant marine life that now calls this underwater museum home. Happy diving!