Dive Sites in Aqaba
Hercules C130 Wreck Dive Site – Aqaba, Red Sea
Key Features of the Hercules C130 airplane wreck
- Depth: 10–16 meters – suitable for beginners and certified divers
- Location: South Beach, Aqaba – accessible by boat and shore
- A sunken military aircraft deliberately placed in 2017 to create an artificial reef
- Wreck diving enthusiasts, underwater photographers, and training dives
- The wreck is largely intact with fuselage, wings, cockpit, and cargo bay ready to explore
- Thriving marine life
Marine Life: A growing habitat for lionfish, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, and schools of reef fish
The Hercules C130 Wreck in Aqaba is one of the most unique and accessible wreck dives in the Red Sea. Sunk in 2017 by the Jordanian Royal Ecological Diving Society as part of Aqaba’s artificial reef project, this former military transport aircraft now rests at a depth of around 10–16 meters, making it an exciting site for divers of all levels.
The aircraft lies upright on the sandy seabed, with its wings, fuselage, and cockpit intact. Over the years, the wreck has attracted a wide variety of marine life, including lionfish, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, and schooling reef fish. Its shallow depth and excellent visibility also make it a favorite for underwater photographers, snorkelers, and beginners.
Why Dive the Hercules C130 Wreck in Aqaba?
- Unique wreck dive – Explore a fully intact military aircraft underwater.
- Great for all levels – Shallow depth (10–16m) with easy entry and exit points.
- Ideal for training – Perfect for wreck, navigation, and photography courses.
- Rich biodiversity – Home to colorful corals, reef fish, and macro life.
- Photographer’s dream – Wide-angle and close-up photography opportunities.
The Dive Experience
As you descend onto the wreck, the massive silhouette of the C130 Hercules emerges from the blue. Divers can swim around the cargo bay, wings, and cockpit, while schools of fish drift through the open doors and windows. The wreck is safe to explore externally, offering plenty of perspectives for divers who enjoy both wrecks and marine ecosystems.
For more advanced divers, combining the Hercules C130 Wreck with nearby sites like the Cedar Pride Wreck or The Tank creates a thrilling day of wreck diving in Aqaba.
Who Can Dive the Hercules C130 Wreck?
- Beginners & snorkelers – Thanks to the shallow depth and great visibility.
- Certified divers – Open Water and above can fully enjoy this site.
- Photographers & videographers – Perfect conditions for capturing stunning images.
- Training divers – Ideal location for wreck specialty courses.
Dive with Aqaba Moon Diving Center
At Aqaba Moon Diving Center (PADI 5 Star #28991), we organize daily trips to the Hercules C130 Wreck along with Aqaba’s other world-class dive sites. Our professional instructors ensure a safe, fun, and memorable experience, whether you’re making your first wreck dive or adding another to your logbook.
📍 Book your dive today and discover the Hercules C130 – one of Aqaba’s most fascinating underwater attractions.
Diving Spots On The Map
Shallow Depth
Medium Depth
Deep (30m+)
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Let’s plan your next underwater adventure in Aqaba!