Cedar Pride

Cedar Pride is Aqaba's most famous wreck dive and one of the Red Sea's iconic sites. This Lebanese freighter was deliberately sunk in 1985 by Jordan's King Abdullah to create an artificial reef, and it now lies on its port side at depths ranging from 10 to 27 meters. The wreck is extensively colonized by soft corals — spectacular dendronephthya in purple, orange, and red coat nearly every surface, creating one of the most photogenic wrecks in the world. The ship's structure is intact enough for safe exploration: the bridge, cargo holds, and mast are all accessible, hosting dense schools of glassfish, lionfish, and groupers. Large barracuda patrol the wreck's perimeter, and sea turtles frequently rest on the hull. The shallow upper sections make the Cedar Pride accessible to divers of all levels, while the deeper stern and propeller area offer additional challenges for more experienced visitors.