Eel Canyon

Eel Canyon is a reef and sand-canyon dive in Aqaba, Jordan, named for the garden eels that stick out of the sand on the canyon floor. It lies to the west of Kirk's Forest, and the Al Shorouk wreck rests in deeper water off the site.

The depth ranges from about 10 to 30 m, with the canyon spurs formed by coral-covered ledges. You can swim above the spurs or through the channels, and there is a swim-through at the bottom of one spur, where you need to watch your fins. Black coral bushes grow on the ledges and lionfish shelter under the coral overhangs.

Entry is from the shore or by boat, with the site about 10 m from the beach, and the dive can be done as a drift. It is rated intermediate, with some listings extending the range from beginners to advanced and technical divers. Other marine life listed here includes moray eels, stingrays, eagle rays, barracuda, jacks, tuna, goatfish, fusiliers and nudibranchs.