The Underwater Military Museum Dive Site in Aqaba, Red Sea: A Unique and Historical Adventure for Freedivers
The Underwater Military Museum in Aqaba, located in the Red Sea, offers a dive experience like no other. This fascinating site combines historical significance with natural beauty. What makes this dive truly unique is its combination of sunken military equipment, including tanks, helicopters, and military vehicles, intentionally placed to create an artificial reef and provide a haven for marine life. Whether you're a freediver or a scuba diver, this site offers a thrilling and educational experience.
The History Behind the Underwater Military Museum
The story behind the creation of the Underwater Military Museum dive site begins in the early 2010s when the Jordanian authorities, in collaboration with the Aqaba Marine Park, decided to turn the idea of an underwater museum into reality. The goal was to create an artificial reef that could attract marine life while providing a unique and memorable experience for divers. To achieve this, a variety of military equipment was strategically placed at the bottom of the Red Sea.
In 2019, the museum was officially opened to the public, and it has since become one of the most fascinating dive sites in Aqaba. The museum consists of a variety of military vehicles, including tanks, military trucks, helicopters, and even a large ship, all of which have been intentionally sunk to form part of the artificial reef. Over the years, these objects have been colonized by coral and marine life, turning what were once instruments of war into vibrant ecosystems that contribute to the rich biodiversity of the Red Sea.
The Underwater Experience: What Freedivers Can Expect
For freedivers, the Underwater Military Museum offers a unique and exhilarating experience. The site is located at a depth of about 15 to 28 meters plus Two vehicles at 5 meters, which makes it accessible to both beginner and experienced freedivers. The dive site consists of a series of sunken vehicles and military artifacts spread out over a wide area, creating a maze of submerged relics waiting to be explored. The wrecks are mostly intact, offering plenty of opportunities to swim through, around, and over the equipment.
The visibility at the Underwater Military Museum is typically excellent, often reaching 20 meters (66 feet) or more, which makes for a great dive experience. The site's shallow depth and calm water conditions allow freedivers to move at their own pace while enjoying the fascinating surroundings. Occasionally, mild currents can be present, giving divers the option for a drift dive as they glide effortlessly along the site. The water temperature in Aqaba is warm year-round, generally ranging from 22°C (72°F) in winter to 28°C (82°F) in summer, creating ideal conditions for year-round diving.
The presence of military machinery, such as tanks and trucks, scattered across the site creates a surreal, almost eerie atmosphere. For freedivers, it offers a sense of exploration and discovery as they glide through the wrecks and observe the transformation of once-powerful military machines into thriving coral habitats. Schools of fish, vibrant coral growth, and curious marine life add to the enchantment of the dive.
Conditions and Challenges for Freedivers
While the Underwater Military Museum is an exciting site for freedivers, it does come with its own set of challenges. The depth of the site, ranging from 15 to 28 meters, may be challenging for less experienced freedivers, especially those who are not accustomed to diving at such depths. However, for those with some experience, the site is manageable and provides ample opportunities to practice depth control, breath-holding, and other essential freediving techniques.
The underwater terrain can also present some challenges. The wrecks are spread across a relatively large area, which means that freedivers need to be mindful of their air consumption and depth as they explore. The military vehicles are often quite close together, and it can be easy to get disoriented or lose track of your surroundings. As with any wreck dive, it's important to stay aware of your position and ensure you don't go too deep.
Additionally, the wrecks and military vehicles can have sharp edges or other potential hazards, so freedivers should be cautious to avoid injury when exploring the site. While the currents are usually mild in Aqaba, some areas of the museum may experience slight movement of water, especially during certain times of the year. It's important to check the weather and current conditions before diving to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.