Trip Overview
Treasures of Jordan and the Red Sea

Sea for Yourself travelers have long requested a program to the Red Sea.   It’s easy to understand why.  The Red Sea has a legendary reputation among underwater enthusiasts, and deserves its status as one of the world’s premier marine destinations. For such a journey, we explore Jordan, a country known for its rich natural and cultural history as well as its warm hospitality.  At Aqaba, Jordan’s relatively short coastline unfolds, featuring clear water and some of the healthiest reef in the Red Sea, including shallow patch reef located in calm water easily accessible from shore.  Waters along this stretch of coastline are home to the majority of flora and fauna that inhabit Egyptian waters, but the relatively small number of visitors Jordan receives each year ensures that the pristine nature of its reef is preserved.

This affable, compact country also boasts some of the greatest archeology of the Middle East. Jordan is the home to Jerash and the hidden city of Petra. Over millennia, this land has nurtured many legendary civilizations as their pilgrims and caravanserai rested at Jordan’s crossroads of culture and trade.  Add to this archeological wealth the novelty of floating in the Dead Sea where you can legally say that you went snorkeling from the lowest land elevation on earth (over 1200 feet below sea level) and you have a rich combination of world class snorkeling and cultural treasure.

While it’s true that this itinerary differs from our other snorkeling adventures, the exceptional experience Jordan offers is worth the departure.  I last visited Jordan in October 2009, and am satisfied that this unique adventure embodies Sea for Yourself values: a solid logistical foundation supporting excellent snorkeling and a rich educational and cultural program.Jordan, a country with a long history of close relations with the United States, is politically stable and safe for travel. My experience also has been that the local population, many of whom speak very good English, will offer us a sincere and warm welcome.