Arab Divers - Dive Centre

Located on a hill approximately 20 minutes from the centre of Aqaba, Arab Divers has been a fixture of the Jordanian diving scene since 1998. Founded by Captain Abdul Wahab Almaaitah, a former naval officer, the resort combines decades of maritime experience with a structured approach to diving instruction.

The centre operates as a full PADI 5 Star IDC Resort, providing a seamless transition between training and relaxation. Divers can stay in one of the 20 on-site rooms, which include amenities such as air conditioning, satellite television, and Wi-Fi, all designed to provide a quiet base for your diving programme.

As an Instructor Development Centre (IDC), Arab Divers is equipped to train the next generation of professionals. The team provides instruction across the entire PADI spectrum, from entry-level Bubblemaker and Seal Team programmes for children to advanced professional tracks like Divemaster and Course Director.

The staff is experienced in handling a diverse international clientele, with instruction available in English, Arabic, German, and Russian. This multilingual approach ensures that technical concepts and safety protocols are communicated clearly to every diver.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering everything from the initial Open Water Diver course to advanced specialties. For those looking to progress their skills, the centre offers Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Master Scuba Diver pathways.

Technical diving is a core component of the centre's offering. Divers can undertake Tec 40, Tec-Deep, and other technical training modules. For those pursuing a career in the industry, the centre provides Divemaster and PADI Course Director programmes.

The centre is well-equipped for both recreational and technical diving requirements. On-site, you will find Bauer compressors used to produce air compatible with Nitrox (up to 40%) and Trimix, catering to those looking to extend their bottom times or explore deeper profiles.

For those not bringing their own kit, a full range of recreational and technical equipment is available for hire. The facility also features an on-site swimming pool, providing a controlled environment for skill practice or initial training sessions.

The reefs around Aqaba are characterised by vibrant coral life, including various hard corals (Scleractinia), soft corals (Alcyonacea), and black coral trees (Antipatharia). You will find a rich tapestry of colours provided by yellow corals, orange corals, and table corals, alongside various sponges (Porifera) and red sponges.

In the water column and around the reef structure, large schools of reef fish, snappers (Lutjanidae), and fusiliers (Caesio) are common. You can also spot predators such as barracuda (Sphyraena), jacks (Carangidae), and various species of grouper (Epinephelinae), including the red-toothed grouper. Larger pelagic visitors like tuna (Thunnus), sharks (Selachimorpha), and occasionally whale sharks may pass through the area.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants provide constant interest for observant divers. Look for nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), seahorses (Hippocampus), and harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta). The sandy patches and reef crevices are home to octopus (Octopoda), various rays (Myliobatiformes), and scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae).