Visit Aqaba: the only coastal city in Jordan
Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city and is located on the Gulf of Aqaba, an inlet of the Red Sea. This western-style city is an ideal destination for those who love sun, sea and beach, but also culture, history and nature. Aqaba is also a good base for exploring other highlights of Jordan, such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. In this article you will find everything you need to get the most out of your visit to Aqaba.
Buy the Jordan Pass
As for Petra and other attractions in Jordan, it is recommended to buy the Jordan Pass when going to Aqaba. This is a pass that gives you free access to more than 40 attractions in Jordan, including the Aqaba Museum, Aqaba Fort and the Archaeological Park. Your tourist visa is also arranged immediately. The Jordan Pass costs 70, 75 or 80 JD and can be purchased via the official website. Read all about the possibilities of the Jordan Pass in our article.
How to get to Aqaba
The coastal city of Aqaba is located in the south of Jordan and buses run to this city from Amman. You can travel with local bus transport, but the most relaxing option is to book a ride with a local bus organization. This is the fastest and most reliable. All bus routes and prices can be found here. As far as we are concerned, the best option is to rent a car in Amman and drive a beautiful 4 to 5 hour route along the Dead Sea via Highway 65. Another and last option is to take the plane from Amman, the flight takes about 50 minutes and it is also possible to rent a car in Aqaba. Want to know more? Read all about the transport options and renting a car in Jordan in our articles.
Diving or snorkeling in the Red Sea
One of Aqaba’s biggest attractions is the Red Sea, known for its rich marine life and coral reefs. You can snorkel or dive among the colorful fish and other sea creatures with this day tour, for example. There are several diving and snorkeling centers in Aqaba where you can rent equipment or take lessons. Some diving locations can be reached directly from the coast, others by boat. There are also special sights underwater, such as a sunken plane, a tank and a shipwreck.
The most famous diving location is probably the first Underwater Military Museum in the world. This museum consists of tanks, an ambulance, a military crane, a troop transporter, anti-aircraft guns and helicopters. The objects are placed at three different depth levels so that you can enjoy the museum regardless of your snorkeling or diving level.
Tip: Aqaba is the only coastal town in Jordan where you can really enjoy the beach. But as a woman please take the Islamic culture into account and it is wise not to dress while showing to much skin. This is much easier and more accepted during a tour because you are away from the beach.
Visit the sights in Aqaba
Aqaba also has some interesting sights on land. Here you will learn all about the city’s long and varied history. We are happy to list the best ones for you.
Aqaba Museum
This museum is located in the former home of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the leader of the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in World War I. The museum displays archaeological finds from different periods, such as coins, ceramics, jewelry and weapons.
Aqaba Fort
This fortress was built in the 16th century by the Ottomans to protect the harbor. It played an important role in the Arab Revolt, when it was captured by the forces of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. The fort is now a national monument and has a small museum. Right next to the fortress is The Archaeological Park where you can find a number of ruins from different periods, such as a Roman aqueduct, a Byzantine church, an Umayyad-era mosque and a Mamluk caravanserai.
Al Hussein bin Ali Mosque
This is the largest and oldest mosque in Aqaba, built in 1986 on the site where, according to tradition, a companion of the Prophet Mohammed is buried. The Al Hussein bin Ali Mosque has a striking dome and can be visited by non-Muslims outside prayer times. Although Aqaba feels very Western, it is also wise for women to enter veiled. A tip is to bring a thin scarf that you can easily put over your head or shoulders.
Take day trips from Aqaba
Aqaba is a good base for day trips to other highlights of Jordan. We discuss the unmissable sights the country has to offer.
Visit Petra
This is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a perfect location for a day tour from Agaba. Petra is an ancient city carved out of the rock by the Nabataeans, an Arab people who ruled the region between the 4th century BC and the 1st century AD. It is known for its impressive monuments, such as the Treasury, the Theatre, the Royal Tombs and the Monastery. Petra is about a two-hour drive from Aqaba and can be visited in a day, but it is better to allow two days. In our extensive article you can read everything you want to know about Petra.
Experience Wadi Rum
This is a desert area known as the Valley of the Moon, because of its spectacular landscape of sand dunes, rock formations and canyons. Wadi Rum is a paradise for adventurers, who enjoy activities such as hiking, climbing, sandboarding or jeep tours. Getting to know the Bedouins is also possible in Wadi Rum. The nomadic inhabitants of the desert will welcome you in their tent camps. Wadi Rum is about an hour’s drive from Aqaba and can be visited with a jeep day tour. Depending on the time you have in Jordan, we recommend staying a night to see the magical sunrise and sunset. We have collected all our useful tips about Wadi Rum for you.
Swim in the Dead Sea
This is the lowest point on Earth, at 431 meters below sea level. The Dead Sea is so salty that life cannot exist in it, but you can float on it effortlessly. This sea is also known for its therapeutic mud and minerals that are good for the skin and health. The Dead Sea is about a three-hour drive from Aqaba. If you are staying in this coastal city and would like to visit the Dead Sea, we recommend this day tour. You will not only visit the salty natural wonder, but you will first stop at Wadi Mujib for a nice walk. You get three hours at a five-star resort including lunch. Another option is of course to stay a night in one of the many resorts on the coast. Are you planning to go to the Dead Sea? Read all the useful tips here.
Where to stay in Aqaba
Aqaba has many hotels on the coast where you can stay, but you can find nice accommodations in the center itself. We have listed our favorites for you.
- Sky Hotel: This very affordable hotel is within walking distance of the center, so you can reach the beach, cafes and restaurants in a short time. It is also located in a very quiet area, so you can get some rest at night. We can absolutely recommend this hotel.
- Arab Divers: This accommodation is ideal if you come to Aqaba for diving or snorkeling. The hotel is located on the Red Sea and is family-run. Located just outside the city and surrounded by mountains, Arab Divers offers diving courses, guided dives from shore and boat, and diving and snorkeling equipment rentals.
- Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba: If you are looking for more luxury, this resort is an absolute winner. Located on the beach, the 5-star resort has a diving centre, a lagoon-style pool with waterfalls and a 1,200 m² spa and wellness centre. All rooms have a private balcony and a free minibar.
Aqaba is a wonderful destination for those who like to combine beach and culture. You can dive or snorkel in the beautiful Red Sea, where you can admire coral reefs and tropical fish. The city is also the ideal base to visit impressive sights such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Also discover the city’s historical and religious monuments, such as the Aqaba Fort and the Al Hussein bin Ali Mosque. Aqaba in Jordan is a versatile and fascinating destination that you will not soon forget.
