Sitting on the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea is Aqaba, Jordan’s one and only coastal city, as well as the only seaport. If exploring the depths of the stunning Red Sea catch your fancy, or you just want to chillout by the sea, Aqaba is the place to be!
Aqaba also serves as the gateway to the ever-famous Wadi Rum and its gorgeous desert landscapes (Wadi Rum is only 1 hr’s drive away from Aqaba), as well as the legendary Petra. So, expect to join a flow of tourists who’ll probably be coming from Israel (via the neighboring port city of Eilat), or from cruise ships that dock in Aqaba bay.
How to get to Aqaba
If you’re not on a cruise ship and getting to Aqaba overland, these are your main options:
From Eilat: It’s fairly easy to get to Aqaba from Eilat, with an abundance of taxis waiting to take you into Aqaba once you cross the border from Israel. Be prepared to pay upwards of 15JD (it’s pretty much a taxi mafia at the border crossing), though you can probably get it cheaper.
From Petra / Wadi Rum: You can easily rent a minibus with driver from Petra for around 50 JD; it takes about 2 hours to get from Petra to Aqaba. Wadi Rum is closer, about 1 hour’s drive from Aqaba, but will join the same desert highway (Road 47) from Petra that leads down to Aqaba.
By air: If you’re coming to Aqaba by air, note that Ryanair have new services from Europe direct to Aqaba, starting in 2018. Alternatively, you can fly from Amman to Aqaba via Royal Jordanian Airlines (instead of a 4 hour drive down from Amman, the flight will only take an hour; note there are currently two daily flights).
What to see & do in Aqaba
To help you get the most out of your visit, we’ve listed some of the must-see attractions and activities in Aqaba, including, of course, dipping your toes into the waters of the chilly but gorgeous Red Sea!
Sherif al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque
Before we take you to the sandy beaches of Aqaba, head to one of the best, most remarkable places of worship in Aqaba – and in Jordan itself – the Sherif al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque. It was named after the leader of the Arab Revolt of 1916 and the current king’s great grandfather, and it is undeniably visually striking. First built back in 1975, it was renovated in 2011 to make it ever more larger. Today, its great arches, the complexity if its minaret, and the grandiose architecture in general make the Sherif al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque not just a great place of worship but a hot tourist spot as well.
Diving and Snorkeling in the Red Sea
There are tons of diving and snorkeling spots in Aqaba, thanks to the wonders of the Red Sea. The marine life here is rich, the waters are clear, and the coral reefs are so colorful you will quite possibly be left in utter awe. Because the weather in this region is mild almost the entire year, it is probably one of the very best spots for beginner divers to try out their skills; there are also plenty of diving schools to get you started. For certified divers, there are a number of stunning diving sites to enjoy. And make no mistake, whatever your level. this is one of the must tries in Aqaba!
We have heard good things about the Deep Blue Dive Center (call +962 (0)32035006) and the Ahlan Aqaba Scuba Diving Center (call +962 (0)32062242), but check out the options available, there are plenty out there.
If you’re after some beach action and not into the diving/snorkeling, check out our sections on the Berenice Beach Club and Palm Beach below…
Aqaba Archaeological Museum
There’s no way you can miss the Aqaba Archaeological Museum as it sits near the ever-famous 130 meter high Aqaba flagpole. If your goal is not just to travel but also learn about the city’s history and how everything came to be, this is the place to be.
And the best thing about the Aqaba Archaeological Museum is that it will teach you about Aqaba and Jordan’s history without boring you, because this place is full of age-old collections like Bronze-Age artifacts that date way back to 4,000 BC. There are also medieval artifacts from the 7th to 12th centuries and many others you’ll enjoy learning about.
Originally built as a palace for Hussain bin Ali, founder of the Hashemite dynasty, the museum is an Aqaba must-see for every history-loving tourist. Also worth a pit-stop are the coffee shops around the flagpole.
Opening hours: Sat-Sun 8:00-18:00, Fri 08:00-17:00
Aqaba Bird Observatory
And then, not quite what you were probably expecting, there’s the Aqaba Bird Observatory, which is definitely a bird-watcher’s paradise. Located at the northernmost part of the Red Sea, near the Eilat border, the Aqaba Bird Observatory welcomes flocks of birds from all over the globe each year. Some fly in from as far as Asia, Europe and Africa, so if you’re into your bird-watching, we suggest you watch out for the migration season, because that’s when these birds hit the observatory.
Having said that, spring and autumn are the two perfect seasons to visit the observatory, although the place is open all year round. Though artificially built, this bird observatory also boasts well-cultivated wetlands and forests, which make an interesting contrast to the city’s desert lands and the sparkling waters of the Red Sea…
Mamluk Castle
Mamluk Castle may not seem much to look at, but when you actually check it out, you will realize it is well worth the visit. A few blocks from the corniche on the Gulf of Aqaba, Mamluk Castle will grace you with its simplicity and beauty. It’s also the site of one of the most famous battles of World War I, traces of which can be found in the 16th-century castle walls.
Opening hours: Sat-Thu 8:00-16:00, Fri 10:00-16:00
Berenice Beach Club
If you’re looking to squeeze in some quality beach time, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Berenice
Beach Club. This private beach club is so chill you won’t want to leave – and the best part is that it’s
only one quick bus ride away from the heart of the city.
The Berenice Beach Club is spread over a fair chunk of the Red Sea coastline, and features some of the best facilities you could ever ask for. Aside from its three swimming pools, there’s also the diving and snorkeling services, Jet Ski rides, and their in-house diving center. For those who just want to chill, their shaded beach spots (a lot less noisy than the music-jammed pools) are some of the best you’ll find in the Red Sea! Check out their website for a full list of activities.
And if you’ve done dusty, tiring treks through Petra and Wadi Rum, this could be the perfect solution for some quality R&R…
Early Islamic city of Ayla
North-west of the city center lie the ruins of Ayla. Compared to other sites within this region of Jordan, the ruins here are far fewer, yet it remains one of the special spots in Aqaba you shouldn’t miss!
The Islamic City of Ayla plays an important role in history, being one of the earliest cities and the first to be founded outside the Arabian Peninsula, back in the 7th century. Aside from the ruins of an ancient church, there’s much more to see, and best of all, entrance is FREE!
The Islamic City of Ayla is located in front of the Aqaba Gulf and Mövenpick hotels.
Palm (Al-Hafayer) Beach
While Palm Beach might be a FREE public beach, it’s still worth checking out. If you’re not feeling sure about jumping into the Red Sea, just head here for a gorgeous sunset over the sea, one for the memory banks! Located along the southern coast, this public beach of Al-Hafayer, commonly known as the Palm Beach, is also a great place to catch up with locals and try some local delicacies like Jordan’s local tea. Just be aware that if you’re a single female, you might face a bit of unwanted attention.
The annual Aqaba Air Show
If you’re in town at the backend of March, watch out for the annual Aqaba Air Show. Usually spread over a couple of days, this is a great air show that features pilots from around the world wizzing across Aqaba Bay. For more details, see the official website.
Where to eat in Aqaba
See our post on the best restaurants and cafes in Aqaba.
Where to sleep in Aqaba
See our collection of hotels and guest-houses for every budget right here.