REVIEW · AQABA
Shore Certified Diving – Two Dives
Book on Viator →Operated by aqaba sharks bay divers · Bookable on Viator
Hook time: Two shore sessions, big Red Sea value.
This Aqaba outing is built for people with a SCUBA licence who want two guided underwater experiences at two different South Beach sites, with all the gear taken care of. You’ll get round-trip transport by car from the shop to the shoreline sites, plus bottled water during the trip, for a total of about 4.5 hours.
What I like most is the human part: the crew runs things with real care and you feel looked after. The second big win is the variety of what you can see down there—reef life plus wreck options, including the kind of structures people remember for months, and the overall vibe tends to be friendly and professional (Raphael, Farid, Hamza, and Fred show up as names in the operator’s world).
One thing to keep in mind: no lunch is included, so plan for food before or after your water time—and also remember you’ll want moderate physical fitness for the gear handling and water steps.
In This Review
- Quick hits: what makes this shore day work
- Shore-based Aqaba scuba sessions: the real deal
- From Aqaba shop to South Beach sites: how the day typically flows
- Gear you don’t have to think about (but you should still check)
- Two different underwater sites in Aqaba: what you can aim to see
- Crew and instruction: the names you’ll keep hearing
- Price and value: is $120 actually a good deal?
- Who should book this shore session day in Aqaba?
- Practical notes that keep the day smooth
- Should you book this shore scuba day?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Shore Certified scuba day with two underwater sessions?
- Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?
- Do I need my own scuba equipment?
- Are two underwater sessions included, and are they at different sites?
- Is lunch included?
- What kind of transport is included?
- What if weather is bad or the minimum number of travelers isn’t met?
- How flexible is the booking if I need to change plans?
Quick hits: what makes this shore day work

- Two guided underwater sessions at two different South Beach sites, so you get more than a single “quick look.”
- Full equipment included, from tanks and weights to wetsuit, mask, booties, and fins.
- Car transport to South Beach, which keeps the day simple and avoids the “where do we go?” stress.
- Small-to-medium group feel, with a stated maximum of 50 travelers.
- Strong crew reputation, with multiple instructors and guides singled out by name (Farid, Hamza, Fred, Raphael).
- You bring the licence; they bring the plan, plus water during the excursion.
Shore-based Aqaba scuba sessions: the real deal

This is a shore-based day, not a long boat day. That matters because shore time usually means you’re not spending half your afternoon waiting on waves or dealing with transfer schedules—your day stays tight and focused on water time and site changes.
You’re paying for a full package: two guided sessions, round-trip transport, and the full set of scuba gear. For many people, that’s the main value—especially if you’re traveling light or you don’t want to hunt down rental shops, fit fees, and mismatched equipment.
Also, the operator keeps the options flexible. They state they can match different certification levels and interests, including wreck-style exploration and deeper water work up to 40 m for those who are qualified and cleared to do so.
You can also read our reviews of more scuba diving tours in Aqaba
From Aqaba shop to South Beach sites: how the day typically flows

Your day starts at the shop at An Nahdah 19 in Aqaba. Pickup is offered, and you’ll receive a confirmation at booking, which is handy if you’re arriving in town and trying to keep your first day from turning into a spreadsheet.
Once you’re picked up or you meet at the shop, expect a smooth rhythm:
1) Gear setup and checks: You’ll use the provided equipment—tanks, weights, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, booties, and fins.
2) Transfer to South Beach: Transportation is by car to the shoreline dive sites.
3) Two guided underwater sessions: You’ll go to two different sites with guidance and supervision.
4) Return back to the meeting point: The activity ends where it started.
The total duration is about 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.), and the shore trip itself is described as 4–5 hours to the South Beach area. In practice, that usually means you’ll spend most of the afternoon in a repeatable sequence: gear up, get briefed, water time, surface interval (for breathing and regrouping), then gear up again for the second site before returning.
Gear you don’t have to think about (but you should still check)
This outing includes the full scuba kit: tanks, weights, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, booties, and fins. That’s a big deal because equipment quality affects comfort fast—especially wetsuit fit, mask seal, and how your buoyancy feels in the BCD.
What I’d do when you arrive (and what you’ll appreciate if the crew’s already organized):
- Check the mask fit right away. If it leaks during the trial fitting, you’ll feel it later.
- Try fins and booties for comfort. Shore entries can be slippery, and your feet matter.
- Confirm buoyancy and regulator comfort before you’re out of sight from the shore team.
- Ask about your site plan. Since this is two different locations, knowing what kind of underwater terrain you’ll face helps you mentally switch gears.
One of the strongest themes in the operator’s reputation is equipment that’s well maintained and instructors who take safety seriously. People also mention feeling safe even when diving alone with an instructor, which is exactly what you want to hear if you’re not traveling with a buddy.
Two different underwater sites in Aqaba: what you can aim to see
The program runs two guided underwater sessions on two different sites in the South Beach area. The exact sites can vary, but you can use the operator’s stated strengths and the real-world site types mentioned by past guests to set expectations.
Here are the kind of highlights you should be ready for:
- Reef scenery and colorful fish: Great if you love natural life and want variety without it turning into only wreck watching.
- The Underwater Military Museum style experience: Expect an underwater cultural/structural setting that changes how you see the water column.
- King Abdullah Reef type habitat: Often the place where people get their “I can’t believe how much is down there” moment from reef life.
- Wreck elements: Some groups specifically call out major wreck-style sights, including a C-130 Hercules wreck.
- Tank wreck references: If wreck exploration is your interest, you might find that the second site includes man-made structure.
Wildlife sightings show up too—people describe a huge turtle, eagle rays, and other fish like puffer fish. You can’t guarantee animals on any day (water temperature, currents, and time of day matter), but this area is known for frequent sightings, and the operator seems to run routes where you’re set up for success.
A practical tip: since you’re doing two different sites, don’t treat the first one as just practice. If your goal is photography or wreck structure details, remind your guide at the start that you want time for setup and careful viewing on both locations.
Crew and instruction: the names you’ll keep hearing

If you’re nervous about underwater skills or you want a calm, clear plan, the crew is a big part of why this makes sense.
Multiple guides get mentioned by name, and that’s a strong signal that instruction style sticks with people. You’ll see names like Farid, Hamza, Fred, and Raphael paired with words like friendly service, professionalism, and helpful guidance. One person describes watching an instructor teach safe basics with humor and solid pedagogy—exactly the combo that keeps stress low and learning high.
Another useful detail: people mention flexibility in timing and help choosing what kind of underwater sessions fit their interests. That matters because not every certified person wants the same thing. Some want reef life; some want aircraft wrecks; some want deeper water work (up to 40 m) if they’re cleared and trained.
And if you’re making your first steps back into scuba after a break: ask for a quick readiness check. Even when you’re experienced on paper, equipment fit, buoyancy habits, and confidence are personal—and this operator’s style (as described by guests) seems built around setting you up comfortably.
Price and value: is $120 actually a good deal?

At $120 per person, you’re not just paying for two underwater sessions—you’re paying for the full “day system”:
- gear included (so no rental hassle),
- car transport to the sites,
- two guided sessions at two locations,
- bottled water during the excursion.
Lunch isn’t included, and that’s the one obvious cost gap. But compared to many “pay for gear separately” setups, this can still land as good value because the big variables—tanks, weights, BCD, regulators, wetsuits, and fins—are handled.
Is it the cheapest option in Aqaba? Not necessarily. At least one past guest noted it’s among the more expensive choices. The point was simple: the cost felt worth it because the crew, equipment, and overall day flow delivered a better experience than the cheaper, more chaotic alternatives.
So here’s how I’d think about value for you:
- If you need rentals, this becomes a clearer bargain.
- If you want wreck structure plus reef life in one afternoon, two guided sessions help you get more payoff per hour.
- If you’re a confident, independent scuba person with your own gear and you hate structure, you might feel you’re paying for more handholding than you need.
Who should book this shore session day in Aqaba?

This fits best if you:
- already have a SCUBA licence and want guided supervision,
- like the idea of two different underwater sites in one outing,
- want equipment handled for you (especially if you’re traveling with limited baggage),
- are interested in wreck-style structure and possibly deeper water options (up to 40 m when appropriate for your training and medical clearance),
- prefer shore-based logistics instead of a longer boat day.
It may be less ideal if you:
- want a full meal included (you’ll need your own lunch plan),
- aren’t cleared medically for scuba (the operator references PADI’s Medical Declaration and advises getting doctor approval if you answer yes to health questions),
- don’t feel ready for moderate physical demands. Gear setup and shore entry steps can take more energy than people expect.
Practical notes that keep the day smooth

A few “small but important” realities, based on the stated trip conditions:
- Water is provided, but bring a plan for food. Since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to eat before you start and/or budget for a meal after you return.
- Moderate physical fitness is recommended. If you’re unsure, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll handle gear and entry/exit steps comfortably.
- The stated max is 50 travelers, so it’s not a tiny private charter. You’ll still likely feel guided, but there’s enough people that you should follow the schedule and listen closely during briefs.
- Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation—useful if you’re arranging your own pickup.
Should you book this shore scuba day?
My take: if you’re a licensed scuba person visiting Aqaba and you want two guided underwater sessions with full equipment and simple shore logistics, this is a very solid book.
Book it if you want:
- two different sites in one afternoon,
- a crew that’s repeatedly praised for friendliness, safety focus, and professional teaching,
- the convenience of full gear and car transport.
Skip it (or compare first) if:
- lunch inclusion is a must for you,
- you’re looking for a long liveaboard-style experience with lots of time per site,
- you’re not medically cleared to scuba or you’d rather choose a tour with different pacing.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Shore Certified scuba day with two underwater sessions?
It’s listed as about 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.), with the shore trip described as 4–5 hours to the South Beach area.
Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?
You start at Aqaba Sharks Bay shop on An Nahdah 19, Aqaba 77110, Jordan, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.
Do I need my own scuba equipment?
No. Full scuba equipment is included, including tanks, weights, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, booties, and fins.
Are two underwater sessions included, and are they at different sites?
Yes. You’ll get 2 guided underwater sessions on 2 different sites.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included, but bottled water is provided during the excursion.
What kind of transport is included?
Round trip transportation is included via car from the shop to the South Beach dive sites and back.
What if weather is bad or the minimum number of travelers isn’t met?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If a minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll also be offered a different date or a full refund.
How flexible is the booking if I need to change plans?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount paid is not refunded.
If you tell me your certification level and whether you’re more into reef life or wreck structures, I can help you decide what to prioritize at your two sites.



























