Aqaba, located on the Red Sea coast of Jordan, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, water activities, and cultural attractions. Here are some of the top things to do in Aqaba, Jordan:
- Snorkeling and Diving: Explore the underwater world of the Red Sea by snorkeling or diving. Aqaba offers excellent visibility, colorful coral reefs, and a diverse marine life, making it a prime destination for underwater enthusiasts.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: If you prefer to stay dry, take a glass-bottom boat tour. These tours allow you to see the marine life and coral reefs without getting in the water.
- Water Sports: Aqaba is a great place for various water sports, including jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. You can rent equipment and take lessons if needed.
- Aqaba Marine Park: Visit the Aqaba Marine Park, which is home to a protected marine environment with thriving coral reefs. You can snorkel, dive, or take a boat tour within the park.
- Visit the Aqaba Castle: Explore the Aqaba Castle, also known as the Mamluk Fort. This historic fortress dates back to the 16th century and offers panoramic views of the city and the Red Sea.
- Aqaba Archaeological Museum: Learn about the history of Aqaba and the region at the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. It houses artifacts and exhibits from different historical periods.
- Aqaba Beaches: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Aqaba. South Beach, North Beach, and the public beaches offer opportunities for sunbathing and swimming.
- Aqaba Bird Observatory: Birdwatchers will enjoy a visit to the Aqaba Bird Observatory, a conservation area where you can spot various bird species, especially during migration seasons.
- Shopping in Souk by the Sea: Explore the Souk by the Sea, a market area in Aqaba where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, spices, jewelry, and more. Don’t forget to haggle for the best deals.
- Dining on Fresh Seafood: Enjoy the delicious seafood in Aqaba. There are plenty of restaurants and seafood stalls offering fresh catches from the Red Sea.
- Aqaba Flagpole: Visit the Aqaba Flagpole, one of the tallest flagpoles in the world. It stands at over 130 meters (430 feet) and has become an iconic symbol of the city.
- Explore Wadi Rum: While not in Aqaba itself, Wadi Rum is a short drive away and offers a chance to explore the mesmerizing desert landscapes, go on jeep tours, and experience Bedouin culture.
- Day Trip to Petra: Aqaba is relatively close to the ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Consider taking a day trip to Petra to explore its historic ruins and impressive architecture.
A yacht ride in Aqaba is a fantastic way to explore the stunning Red Sea coastline and enjoy the warm waters of the region. You can experience the beauty of Aqaba’s shores, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and relax on board a luxurious yacht. Here’s what you need to know about taking a yacht ride in Aqaba, Jordan:
- Yacht Charter Options: Aqaba offers a range of yacht charter options to suit your preferences. You can choose from various yacht sizes, from smaller vessels for intimate outings to larger yachts suitable for group gatherings or special occasions.
- Customized Itineraries: Yacht charters in Aqaba can be customized to your liking. You can discuss your preferred route, destinations, and activities with the yacht charter company to create a personalized experience.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Many yacht charters in Aqaba include opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The Red Sea is known for its vibrant coral reefs and marine life, making it an excellent place to explore beneath the waves.
- Catering and Dining: Some yacht charters offer catering services, allowing you to enjoy gourmet meals and refreshments on board. You can savor delicious seafood and other dishes while taking in the picturesque views.
- Relaxation and Sunbathing: Yachts typically come equipped with comfortable lounging areas, sun decks, and shaded spaces where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the gentle sea breeze.
- Water Sports: Depending on the yacht charter, you may have access to water sports equipment such as jet skis, paddleboards, or kayaks, adding an extra element of fun to your excursion.
- Sunset Cruises: Consider booking a sunset yacht cruise for a romantic and memorable experience. Watching the sun dip below the horizon over the Red Sea is truly enchanting.
- Private Celebrations: Yacht charters are ideal for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or private gatherings. You can celebrate in style on the open waters.
- Experienced Crew: Yacht charters in Aqaba typically come with a professional and experienced crew who will ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey.
- Booking in Advance: It’s advisable to book your yacht charter in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Be sure to communicate your preferences and any special requests to the charter company.
When planning your yacht ride in Aqaba, consider your group size, budget, and the specific activities you’d like to enjoy. A yacht ride offers a luxurious and memorable way to experience the beauty of Aqaba’s coastline and the Red Sea’s aquatic wonders.
Aqaba offers a perfect blend of relaxation, water activities, and cultural experiences, making it a versatile destination for travelers. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, you’ll find plenty to do in this beautiful seaside city.
When the conference ends, I head south to the Red Sea dive center in Aqaba. For those who want to settle in the heart of the diving community, there are good dive hotels and hostels along the coral reefs of South Beach, such as the Red Sea Dive , although there is little else nearby. Most of the dive centers are located in the South Beach area, 10 km from Aqaba, which means that they are all very close to the dive sites. Most dive centers in Aqaba offer shore and boat diving on request.
Aqaba, located on the Red Sea coast of Jordan, is a renowned destination for diving enthusiasts. With its clear blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a diverse range of marine life, Aqaba offers excellent diving opportunities year-round. Here are some key aspects of diving activities in Aqaba, Jordan:
- Marine Life: The Red Sea is known for its rich biodiversity, and Aqaba is no exception. Divers can expect to encounter a wide variety of marine creatures, including colorful coral formations, reef fish, sea turtles, moray eels, rays, and even the occasional shark.
- Coral Reefs: Aqaba’s coral reefs are a highlight of diving in the area. The underwater landscapes are adorned with both hard and soft corals, creating a stunning and vibrant environment for divers to explore.
- Dive Sites: Aqaba offers numerous dive sites suitable for divers of all skill levels. Some of the popular dive sites include Cedar Pride Wreck, Japanese Garden, Blue Coral, and the Aqaba Marine Park, among others.
- Visibility: The waters in Aqaba typically have excellent visibility, often exceeding 20 meters (65 feet). This clear water makes for spectacular underwater photography and allows divers to appreciate the beauty of the marine life and coral reefs.
- Water Temperature: The Red Sea’s water temperature remains relatively warm throughout the year, making it a comfortable destination for diving. Water temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) in the winter to 30°C (86°F) in the summer.
- Diving Centers: Aqaba has several diving centers and operators that offer a range of services, including guided dives, equipment rental, certification courses, and boat trips to dive sites.
- Certification Courses: If you’re new to diving or looking to further your skills, Aqaba’s diving centers provide PADI and other certification courses for divers of all levels.
- Night Diving: Night diving is a popular activity in Aqaba, allowing divers to witness the fascinating nocturnal behavior of marine life. It’s a unique and thrilling experience.
- Conservation Efforts: Aqaba has taken steps to protect its marine environment, and the Aqaba Marine Park was established to promote conservation and sustainable diving practices.
- Wrecks: Aqaba is home to several sunken wrecks, including the Cedar Pride Wreck, a former Lebanese freighter that has become an artificial reef and a favorite dive site.
Aqaba’s combination of incredible marine life, clear waters, and year-round diving conditions makes it an attractive destination for divers and snorkelers alike. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Aqaba’s underwater world.
Not all dive centers here in Aqaba have the same standards of equipment, conditions or safety. All dive masters and instructors in Aqaba must be registered with the marine park in order to work. In total, there are about 25 dive sites, most of which are located in the protected marine park of Aqaba.
Many dives are made from the shore without the use of a boat. If you can, I recommend that you book dives from a boat rather than from shore, although shore dives are possible. The northern areas of the Red Sea offer an extremely diverse range of diving and conditions suitable for all levels of divers.
Aqaba offers year-round diving in the Red Sea, where the water temperature never drops below 18°C in winter. Deep Blue Dive Center is located at the Tara Bay Resort in Aqaba South Beach, so if you prefer to live nearby I highly recommend checking out the area.
With Abdullah Momani’s extensive knowledge of bay dive sites and marine life, the Abdullah and Red Sea Dive Centre was the perfect choice. Muhammad’s father, Abdullah Momani, founded the Red Sea Dive Centre in 1990 – the first dive centre in Aqaba, Jordan – which Abdullah took over in 2012. After dinner, King Abdullah talked about Aqaba and the future sea of the Red Sea
in sweet tea. Sea diving center.
