Deep Blue Dive Center stands with Project Aware and we are grateful for this infographic that gives a good visualization of what is happening in our seas. Let’s all put our hands together and do what we can to protect what we love. Divers can make every dive a cleanup dive and others can help by cleaning the beach. All of us have an important role to play. Find out more about what we do here. Infographic Source: PADI Project Aware https://youtu.be/g_HbR1Ugv08
On November 16, 2017, Aqaba created a new dive site and sunk an old Hercules C130 transport aircraft. It took a lot of preparation to prepare the plane for sinking and much coordination between the Royal Jordanian Navy, the Aqaba Port Corporation, and ASESA, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. They placed it 300m/984ft off the shore at a maximum depth of about 16 meters. King Abdullah II spearheaded this project to promote tourism and create an artificial reef for fish to inhabit. Some people are naturally skeptical about artificial reefs and wonder why people would want to put things like planes underwater. Because artificial reefs soon become a habitat for new marine life, they create popular destinations for divers. They also divert pressure away from heavily visited coral reefs. Too many divers in certain spots can eventually cause damage. So many believe that artificial reefs can create a win-win situation for the environment and the economy. And it was with this intent that Aqaba decided to sink the Hercules. They placed the plane in a location near the M42 Duster tank that was easily accessible from shore or boat by divers and snorkelers. At that time, the plane was fully intact and quite a sight to behold underwater. Photo: Torbjorn Gylleus / DYK – The Scandinavian Dive Site, used by permission Photo: Torbjorn Gylleus / DYK – The Scandinavian Dive Site, used by permission Hercules C130 2017 Photo: Torbjorn Gylleus, used by permission Photo: Torbjorn Gylleus, used by permission Photo: Torbjorn Gylleus, used by… Read More »The Freak Storm that Left the Hercules C130 a Real Wreck
The Red Sea is visited by many divers every year because it offers some of the best diving in the world. Gentle currents and temperate waters are a perfect environment for a large diversity of marine life. However, several marine creatures may be harmful and maybe even deadly for humans who come in direct contact with them. These include stonefish, lionfish, and scorpionfish. They live in tropical and temperate waters such as the Red Sea, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. These creatures are not normally aggressive, but if they feel threatened their defense mechanisms might make them respond in such a manner. It is usually people’s lack of awareness that are the main cause of injuries by these animals. Therefore, it is best to be aware and avoid physical contact. Stonefish This is one fish that everyone should avoid as it is the world’s most venomous fish. The stonefish can inject venom through its dorsal fin spines. That venom can kill an adult in less than an hour. They often hide under the sand or in coral. Most stonefish injuries when an unsuspecting swimmer steps on one or touches one accidentally since they sit perfectly still, and they often blend in perfectly with their surroundings. It is very easy to swim right over these masters of disguise. Scorpionfish These fish are also very venomous. Like the stonefish, their dorsal fin injects dangerous venom. The venom is extremely painful to humans but potentially fatal to other animals. Scorpionfishes can be quite colorful and can easily blend into the corals or… Read More »Venomous Creatures In the Red Sea
Let’s face it. Divers love nothing better than being underwater. We love warm, clear waters, healthy corals, and a good variety of marine life or wrecks to enjoy. One of the top destinations for scuba divers has always been the Red Sea. And more often than not, they head towards Egypt. But The Red Sea coastline touches Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Israel, and Jordan. Aqaba, Jordan is not as well-known as Egypt, but it has some of the best dive sites in the Red Sea. Aqaba is a hidden gem full of healthy corals, diverse marine life, wrecks, artificial reefs, and warm sunny days. And it is in the Golden Triangle of Southern Jordan where Petra, the 7th New Wonder of the World, and Wadi Rum desert are located. Whether one is just beginning to dive or advanced, the calm waters make it easy for divers to do both shore and boat dives. The 23 dive sites offer a variety of diving experiences. And snorkelers can enjoy some of the sites due to their proximity from shore and shallow depth. Beginner divers enjoy the Hercules C130 plane because it is a beautiful wreck filled with juvenile fishes, lionfish, trunkfish, and soft corals. Just nearby is the M42 Duster tank that sits on a sandy bottom in just 5 – 7 meters of water. The tank is encrusted with corals and filled with marine life. Close to the tank are also large pinnacles covered with anthias and other smaller fishes. Another favorite… Read More »Why Aqaba Should Be Your Next Dive Destination
Since 2008 we have been providing excellent and professional services for divers from around the world. We offer all levels of PADI courses, from Discover Scuba Diving to PADI Instructor. We are one of the largest and best-known dive centers in Aqaba with a solid history of providing superior customer service.
