Location: Aqaba Gulf
The Seven Sisters coral reef, located within the Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR) along Jordan’s Gulf of Aqaba coastline, is one of the most iconic and biodiverse dive sites in this 7-kilometer protected marine area. Situated near the South Beach area, approximately 6 miles south of Aqaba city center, Seven Sisters is renowned for its vibrant coral formations, diverse marine life, and accessibility for both snorkelers and scuba divers. Named for its seven distinct coral pinnacles or “sisters,” the reef is a highlight of the AMR’s 19 dive sites, offering a shallow, shore-accessible ecosystem that supports over 300 coral species and 512 fish species.
The Seven Sisters reef, like the broader AMR, has been shaped by
Jordan’s conservation efforts since the establishment of the Aqaba
Marine Park in 1997, which was reclassified as the Aqaba Marine Reserve
in 2020. The Gulf of Aqaba, a northern extension of the Red Sea, has
hosted coral reefs for thousands of years, with Seven Sisters forming
part of a narrow fringing reef system along Jordan’s 27-kilometer
coastline. The reef’s name, “Seven Sisters,” likely derives from local
or diver lore, referring to its seven prominent coral pinnacles, though
specific historical documentation on its naming is scarce.
The
reef gained prominence as a dive site following the AMR’s creation,
which aimed to protect the Gulf’s ecosystems from coastal development,
tourism pressures, and fishing. Managed by the Aqaba Special Economic
Zone Authority (ASEZA), Seven Sisters benefits from conservation
measures like zoning, which restricts fishing and anchors to minimize
reef damage. The nearby sinking of artificial reefs, such as the M42
Duster tank (known as “The Tank”) at 6–7 meters depth close to Seven
Sisters, has enhanced the site’s appeal by drawing marine life and
divers away from natural corals, reducing impact.
Seven Sisters
has been part of Jordan’s push to position the AMR as a global
ecotourism and research hub, supported by King Abdullah II’s
initiatives, including the 2021 formation of an international advisory
board for the reserve. Posts on X from 2020–2025 highlight efforts to
nominate the AMR, including sites like Seven Sisters, for UNESCO World
Heritage status, reflecting its growing recognition. The reef’s
ecological resilience, noted in sources like UNESCO’s AMR profile, makes
it a focal point for studying coral adaptation to climate change, though
threats like pollution and tourism require ongoing management.
Seven Sisters is a fringing coral reef, characteristic of the Gulf of
Aqaba’s narrow reef band (less than 300 meters wide) along rocky
shorelines. Located in shallow waters (0.5–20 meters depth), the reef
features seven distinct coral pinnacles rising from a sandy or
seagrass-covered seabed, creating a dramatic underwater landscape. These
pinnacles, formed by hard corals like Acropora, Porites, and Montipora,
are interspersed with soft corals, sea fans, and gorgonians,
contributing to the reef’s vibrant texture and biodiversity.
Key
Ecological Features:
Coral Diversity: Seven Sisters hosts
approximately 100–130 of the AMR’s 300 coral species, including
branching, massive, and plate corals. Hard corals dominate the
pinnacles, while soft corals like Dendronephthya add color in deeper
areas. The reef’s shallow depth supports photosynthesis-dependent
corals, creating dense, healthy formations.
Fish Species: Over 200 of
the AMR’s 512 fish species inhabit Seven Sisters, including clownfish
(Amphiprion bicinctus), parrotfish (Scaridae), lionfish (Pterois
volitans), sergeant majors (Abudefduf saxatilis), and anthias
(Pseudanthias squamipinnis). Schools of fusiliers and damselfish are
common, with occasional sightings of moray eels (Gymnothorax),
barracudas (Sphyraena), and juvenile reef sharks.
Invertebrates and
Other Marine Life: The reef supports sea anemones, nudibranchs,
starfish, sea urchins, and crustaceans like cleaner shrimp. Octopuses
and cuttlefish are spotted in crevices, while hawksbill sea turtles
(Eretmochelys imbricata) feed on sponges. Seagrass beds (Halophila
stipulacea, Halodule uninervis) near the reef nurture juvenile fish.
Artificial Reef (The Tank): The M42 Duster tank, sunk in the 1990s at
6–7 meters depth near Seven Sisters, is encrusted with corals and hosts
fish like pufferfish and triggerfish. Its proximity (a short swim from
the reef) diverts diver pressure from natural corals.
Environmental
Conditions: The Gulf’s warm, clear waters (20–28°C year-round, 30-meter
visibility) and low tidal range (0.5–1 m) create ideal conditions for
coral growth. The reef’s shallow slope and minimal currents make it
beginner-friendly, though deeper drop-offs (15–20 m) offer challenges
for advanced divers.
The reef’s biodiversity, concentrated in a
compact area, is a microcosm of the AMR’s ecological richness, as noted
in sources like Snorkeling-Report and DiveSSI. However, threats like
land-based pollution (e.g., plastics, sewage) and physical damage from
snorkelers, reported on Tripadvisor, underscore the need for vigilant
conservation.
Seven Sisters is a versatile dive and snorkel site, accessible from
shore and suitable for all skill levels due to its shallow depths and
gentle conditions. Its proximity to South Beach and integration with
nearby artificial reefs make it a popular stop on guided tours.
Snorkeling:
Access: Enter from South Beach’s sandy shore, a
5–10-minute swim to the reef (50–100 meters offshore). The pinnacles
start at 0.5–2 meters, ideal for surface viewing.
Highlights:
Snorkelers encounter clownfish in anemones, schools of sergeant majors,
and colorful soft corals. The Tank is visible at 6 meters, adding
intrigue. The reef’s clear waters and shallow corals ensure vivid views,
per Flow Travel Jordan.
Equipment: Masks, fins, and snorkels are
rentable at dive centers (~5–10 JOD). Life vests are recommended for
beginners.
Duration: 1–2 hours, with rest breaks on the beach.
Scuba Diving:
Access: Shore entry from South Beach or boat dives
via dive centers like Nemo Dive Center or Sinai Divers. The site’s
shallow slope (0.5–10 m) suits open-water divers, while deeper areas
(15–20 m) attract advanced divers.
Highlights: Divers explore the
seven pinnacles, each 2–5 meters tall, teeming with fish and corals. Key
features include:
Branching corals hosting clownfish and damselfish.
Soft coral gardens with lionfish and moray eels.
The Tank, a short
swim away, with encrusted corals and resident pufferfish.
Occasional
turtle or barracuda sightings in deeper waters.
Conditions: No
currents, 30-meter visibility, and 22–28°C water temperatures make it
beginner-friendly. Night dives reveal bioluminescent plankton and
nocturnal species like octopuses.
Equipment and Training: Dive
centers provide gear (~30–50 JOD per dive) and courses (e.g., PADI Open
Water, ~300 JOD). Guided dives ensure conservation compliance.
Duration: 45–60 minutes per dive; multi-dive packages (2–3 dives)
include Seven Sisters with sites like Japanese Garden or Cedar Pride.
Other Activities:
Glass-bottom boat tours (~15–25 JOD) pass over
Seven Sisters, offering views of the pinnacles and The Tank for
non-swimmers, per Coral Vision Glass Boat reviews.
Photography tours
capture the reef’s colors, with macro lenses ideal for nudibranchs and
shrimp.
Tripadvisor and DiveSSI praise Seven Sisters for its
“vibrant, accessible reefs,” but some snorkelers note overcrowding
during peak seasons, suggesting early morning visits for solitude.
Seven Sisters is a microcosm of the AMR’s ecological and cultural
importance, contributing to Jordan’s marine conservation and tourism
narrative:
Ecological Value: The reef’s 100–130 coral species and
200+ fish species support the Gulf’s biodiversity, part of the Red Sea’s
WWF “Global 200 Eco-Region.” Its shallow ecosystem is a nursery for
juvenile fish, vital for reef health, as noted in UNESCO’s AMR profile.
Conservation Role: Seven Sisters benefits from ASEZA’s zoning, which
bans fishing and anchors near the reef. The Tank’s artificial reef
reduces diver pressure, exemplifying innovative conservation, per
Snorkeling-Report. The reef’s resilience to warming waters makes it a
research focus for climate change adaptation.
Ecotourism Appeal: As a
top AMR dive site, Seven Sisters draws global visitors, boosting Aqaba’s
economy alongside mega-projects like Ayla Oasis. Its accessibility
rivals Egypt’s Red Sea sites, offering shore dives and vibrant reefs,
per Lonely Planet’s comparison.
Cultural Context: Aqaba’s history as
a trade hub, from ancient Elath to its modern role, frames Seven Sisters
as a natural asset complementing cultural sites like Aqaba Fortress.
Bedouin communities near South Beach add cultural richness, with camps
like Bedouin Garden Village offering local experiences.
Scientific
Potential: The reef’s biodiversity supports marine biology research,
aligning with Jordan’s goal to establish a global marine center in
Aqaba, as announced in 2021 X posts. Its shallow pinnacles are ideal for
studying coral-fish interactions.
Educational Impact: Dive centers
and the AMR visitor center use Seven Sisters to educate on reef
preservation, though Tripadvisor critiques note inconsistent signage,
limiting awareness.
The reef’s prominence underscores Jordan’s
commitment to sustainable tourism, but its conservation challenges
reflect broader tensions in balancing Aqaba’s economic growth with
ecological protection.
Location: Seven Sisters is within the AMR, near South Beach, 6 miles
south of Aqaba city center along the Saudi border road (29°27’N,
34°58’E). It’s a short swim (50–100 m) from shore, near The Tank.
Access:
By Air: King Hussein International Airport (AQJ), 10 km from
Aqaba, with taxis to South Beach (~15–20 min, ~5–10 JOD).
By Road:
From Amman, a 4–5-hour drive (330 km) via the Desert Highway. JETT buses
(~7 JOD) or taxis (~50–70 JOD) reach Aqaba; from Aqaba, taxis to South
Beach (~3–5 JOD) or local buses.
By Sea: Ferries from Taba/Sharm El
Sheikh (Egypt) to Aqaba port; taxis to South Beach (~10–15 min).
Opening Hours: South Beach is open daily, ~7:00 AM–6:00 PM; dive centers
may extend hours for night dives. Confirm via ASEZA (https://aseza.jo)
or operators like Nemo Dive Center (https://nemodive.com).
Admission:
Free beach access; snorkeling (~10–20 JOD for gear/guide), diving
(~30–50 JOD per dive), glass-bottom boats (~15–25 JOD). Book through
dive centers or operators like Flow Travel Jordan
(https://flowtraveljordan.com).
Best Time to Visit: Spring
(March–May) and fall (September–November) for air temperatures of
20–30°C (68–86°F) and water at 22–26°C (72–79°F). Summer (June–August)
is hot (up to 50°C/122°F), but water is comfortable (26–28°C). Winter
(December–February) requires 5mm wetsuits (15–20°C/59–68°F air).
Visit Duration: 1–2 hours for snorkeling; 2–3 hours for a dive,
including briefing and shore time. Multi-dive days (4–6 hours) combine
Seven Sisters with Japanese Garden or Cedar Pride.
Nearby
Attractions: Other AMR dive sites (Japanese Garden, Cedar Pride, 1 km);
Aqaba Fortress (10 km); Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque (10 km); Wadi Rum
(60 km); Petra (125 km). South Beach’s Bedouin Garden Village offers
dining and camping.
Accessibility Features: South Beach’s sandy shore
is accessible, but rocky entry points challenge mobility-impaired
visitors. Dive centers offer support for disabled divers. Restrooms,
shaded areas, and parking are available; bring water/snacks, as vendors
are sparse.
Tips: Book dives/snorkeling in advance via
https://nemodive.com or https://dive-ssi.com. Use reef-safe sunscreen,
water shoes, and rash guards. Follow conservation rules (no touching
corals, no littering). Early morning dives avoid crowds. Negotiate taxi
fares upfront.