Petra Diving Center

Petra Diving Center is a full-service operation situated in the centre of Aqaba, Jordan. Its location provides easy access to the coast and many of the city's hotels, making it a convenient base for divers looking to explore the Gulf of Aqaba. The area is known for its warm, clear waters and a wealth of dive sites, many of which are easily accessible from the shore.

The centre is deeply rooted in the local diving community. The owner, Hamza Sbeihat, has been diving in Aqaba since 1999 and has been an instructor since 2005. This long-term local knowledge is a significant asset for divers looking to navigate the specific conditions and sites of the Red Sea.

The team is led by Hamza Sbeihat, a PADI Master Scuba Diver and SDI/TDI Instructor. His involvement in the Aqaba Dive Association ensures the centre remains connected to local standards and developments. The instruction is provided in English.

Training is available for all levels, from those taking their very first breaths underwater to professional divers working towards their Divemaster certification. The centre is structured to handle everything from entry-level Discover Scuba Diving to advanced professional development.

Petra Diving Center offers a comprehensive curriculum through both PADI and SDI affiliations. For beginners, the programme starts with Discover Scuba Diving and the Open Water Diver course, with Open Water Referral options available.

Experienced divers can progress through Advanced Open Water Diver, Adventure Diver, and Rescue Diver certifications. The centre also supports those pursuing professional paths, offering training up to the level of Divemaster, as well as Master Scuba Diver credentials.

The centre maintains a range of new equipment available for full hire, covering everything required for a dive. This includes regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits, ensuring you can arrive with minimal personal kit if required.

For those who prefer to use their own gear, the centre provides the necessary support for a smooth dive day. All dive-related transport to and from the sites is included in the diving packages.

The reefs are characterised by a high diversity of hard corals (Scleractinia) and colourful soft corals (Alcyonacea), including various species of fan corals and sponges (Porifera). You will find a wide array of reef fish such as Parrotfish (Calotomus), Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), and Butterflyfish (Chaetodon) moving amongst the structures.

Macro life enthusiasts can look for Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), various types of shrimp (Caridea), and octopus (Octopus vulgaris). Other interesting smaller inhabitants include Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae).

Larger animals are also a regular feature of the local waters. You may encounter sea turtles (Cheloniidae), including the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), as well as rays (Batoidea) and various species of grouper (Epinephelus). During the summer, whale sharks (occasional) may also be spotted in the area.

The Gulf of Aqaba is known for its excellent visibility, which typically ranges between 20 and 60 metres. The water remains warm throughout much of the year, providing comfortable conditions for diving.

Many of the more than 20 local dive sites are accessible directly from the shore, making for relatively easy entries and exits. The area is suitable for a wide range of diving styles, including night dives.