Aqaba , Jordan

🌊 Aqaba: Dive into Jordan’s Coastal Paradise

🏝️ The Red Sea’s shimmering gateway—where coral reefs, golden beaches, and desert adventures meet in one unforgettable stop.

🌟 Why Visit Aqaba?

Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, is a sun-soaked retreat nestled between dramatic desert mountains and the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. Unlike other parts of the country, Aqaba offers a mix of relaxation and aquatic thrills, making it a perfect destination for divers, beach lovers, history buffs, and adventurers alike.

Whether you're diving with sea turtles, sipping mint tea on the shore, or exploring ancient ruins, Aqaba is where Jordan’s warmth meets Red Sea magic.

🌊 Top Things to Do in Aqaba

🤿 1. Diving & Snorkeling the Coral Reefs

Aqaba boasts some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Red Sea, teeming with vibrant marine life, shipwrecks, and crystal-clear visibility.
Top dive sites:
- Cedar Pride Wreck
- Japanese Garden
- Tarmac Five
Why Visit?: The underwater world here is calm, colorful, and accessible—even for beginners.

🏖️ 2. Relax on South Beach

A clean, quiet stretch of coastline perfect for swimming, tanning, or catching a sunset.
Why Visit?: It’s less crowded than city beaches and offers stunning views of Egypt, Israel, and Saudi Arabia across the water.

🐪 3. Take a Desert Excursion to Wadi Rum

Only an hour away, Wadi Rum is Jordan’s famous red-sand desert. Many travelers base in Aqaba and take jeep tours, camel rides, or even hot air balloon rides into the Martian landscape.
Why Visit?: It’s the perfect mix of sea by day, stars and sand by night.

🏛️ 4. Visit the Aqaba Fortress

Built by the Mamluks in the 16th century and later used during the Arab Revolt, this fort stands as a reminder of Aqaba’s strategic importance.
Why Visit?: It's where Lawrence of Arabia helped lead the charge in one of the revolt’s most famous victories.

🚤 5. Glass-Bottom Boat Tours

Not a diver? No problem. These tours reveal the underwater world without getting wet.
Why Visit?: Great for families and travelers who prefer a relaxed, scenic experience.

🍽️ What to Eat in Aqaba

Sayadieh – A delicious seafood and rice dish cooked with caramelized onions and spices.
Fresh Grilled Fish – Often caught the same day from the Red Sea.
Kanafeh & Mint Tea – A perfect sweet treat after a beach day.

🥂 Don’t Miss:

A rooftop dinner with sea views at Ali Baba or Captain’s Restaurant.
A drink at Rovers Return or Suzana Lounge by the marina.

🏨 Where to Stay in Aqaba

Kempinski Hotel Aqaba – Luxury on the beach with a stunning infinity pool
Mövenpick Resort & Residences – Family-friendly and central
Cloud7 Residence Ayla Aqaba – Trendy, modern, and great for longer stays

🕰️ Best Time to Visit

October to April offers ideal beach weather—warm days, cool nights.
Summer is very hot but popular with divers due to calm waters and good visibility.

🧭 Getting There

Fly directly into King Hussein International Airport.
Aqaba is 3.5 hours by car from Amman, or a short hop from Petra and Wadi Rum.

✨ Why Aqaba?

Aqaba is a rare gem—a place where you can swim with clownfish, ride a camel at sunset, stargaze in the desert, and still be back at the hotel by dinner. It’s Jordan’s beachy, breezy secret, waiting for you to dive in.