The Japanese Garden, on the north side of South Beach inside Aqaba Marine Park, is Aqaba's best-known beach-entry snorkeling spot. A shallow, sheltered fringing reef sits right against the shore, so you simply wade in and drift over it from the surface — no deep diving required — which makes it a favorite for beginners. In the Red Sea's famously clear water you'll find soft corals, brain and massive corals, Red Sea clownfish, butterflyfish, wrasses and clouds of anthias, while green turtles and eagle rays occasionally cruise the reef. Visibility is typically 15–30 m, the reef flat is knee-to-waist deep, and the drop-off bottoms out around 3–4 m before giving way to sand. As of 2026 it remains a free-entry site within the ASEZA-managed marine reserve.
Easy beach entry straight from shore — get in just to the left of the pontoon
Follow the pontoon about 40 m to reach a gentle reef drop-off (roughly 3–4 m deep)
A soft-coral garden alive with Red Sea clownfish, butterflyfish, sapphire damsels, wrasses and surgeonfish
Green turtles and eagle rays that patrol the reef edge
Shallow, protected reef that's easy to watch from the surface — great for beginners and kids
Good to know
SafetyVenomous stonefish, scorpionfish and lionfish live on the reef even in the shallows. Never grab or stand on the reef, wear reef booties, and look with your eyes only. If stung, immerse the wound in hot water (42–45°C / as hot as tolerable) for 30–90 minutes as first aid and seek help.
SafetyThe reef flat holds sea urchins (long-spined and pencil urchins) and fire coral. Spines break off in the skin and fire coral causes a burning rash, so stay buoyant and float over the reef rather than standing on it.
SafetyA mild north-to-south current runs along the reef, and boats, glass-bottom boats and jet-skis pass close to the beach. There is no lifeguard, so don't snorkel alone, tow a snorkel float or buoy, and stay inside the marked swim zone. Guard against mask fogging and beginner panic.
SafetyIn winter the water can drop to around 21°C, so long sessions risk chilling — bring a rashguard or wetsuit if you'll be in a while, and use reef-safe sunscreen against the strong sun.
RulesThis is a protected zone within Aqaba Marine Park. Do not touch, collect or remove coral, shells, rocks or sand; do not feed or harm marine life; and take all litter away with you. Collecting anything without a permit breaks park regulations.
MannersDon't stand or rest on the coral, and if turtles or eagle rays appear, keep your distance and observe quietly rather than chasing or touching them. Feeding wildlife is prohibited.
CautionThe public beach is free, but nearby private beach clubs (e.g. Berenice) charge for access. Know which stretch is free versus paid, and confirm gear-rental and tour prices before you commit to avoid being overcharged.
Practical info
From central Aqaba, head about 12 km down the South Beach road (just past the Berenice Beach Hotel), park along the shore and walk in for free. Rent gear from a nearby dive center. Snorkeling is possible year-round, but calm, comfortable spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct) are best. Check current park rules, parking, rental prices and any private beach-club charges before you go.
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