Rainbow Reef
Conditions
Scored by DiveConnect's site-physics model
Marine forecast via Copernicus Marine. Score is a rule-based guide from swell/wind vs. the site's exposure — always dive your own assessment.
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About this site
Rainbow Reef, also known as Cable Reef, is a reef dive site in Aqaba, Jordan, named for its rainbow shape. The reef starts at around 6 m and drops to 18 m at the top, with a deeper gully running down the north side that forms a wall along that flank. A telecommunications cable heading towards Egypt runs down this northern gully. Coral research plates are laid on the reef and serve as a useful navigation marker on the dive.
The reef is particularly recommended as a night dive, when Spanish dancers, lobsters, and moray eels are reliably encountered. Spotted eagle rays, octopuses, turtles, and schools of reef fish are also reported at the site. The healthy coral formations make it a popular choice for underwater photographers.
The site suits beginners and is accessible by both boat and shore, with drift diving available. Current can reach up to 1 knot. Visibility is generally good, and conditions are considered manageable for entry-level divers.
Marine life here
Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.
LobsterLobsterReported here · unconfirmed
Moray eelMoray eelReported here · unconfirmed
Red Sea AnemonefishAmphiprion bicinctusReported here · unconfirmed
Indian LionfishPterois milesReported here · unconfirmed
Klunzinger's WrasseThalassoma rueppelliiReported here · unconfirmed
Sulfur DamselPomacentrus sulfureusReported here · unconfirmed
Pyjama SlugChromodoris quadricolorReported here · unconfirmed
Lined BristletoothCtenochaetus striatusReported here · unconfirmed
ScorpionfishScorpionfishReported here · unconfirmed
ClownfishClownfishReported here · unconfirmed
AngelfishAngelfishReported here · unconfirmed
Eagle rayEagle rayConfirmed present · 2 independent sources
OctopusOctopusConfirmed present · 2 independent sources
LionfishLionfishConfirmed present · 2 independent sources
NudibranchNudibranchReported here · unconfirmed
ParrotfishParrotfishConfirmed present · 2 independent sources
WrasseWrasseConfirmed present · 2 independent sources
Indo-Pacific Sergeant MajorAbudefduf vaigiensisObserved near here · iNaturalist
Durable tips from divers — access, hazards, marine life, facilities. For day-of conditions, use the report tool in the conditions card above.
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