Aqaba is a Jordanian port city on the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba. Inhabited since 4000 B.C., it's home to the Islamic-era Aqaba Fort. Its beach resorts are popular for windsurfing and other water sports, and the area is a top destination for scuba divers, with notable dive sites including the Yamanieh coral reef in the Aqaba Marine Park, south of the city. ― Google
Best months: March to May and September to November
Warm, pleasant weather perfect for swimming, diving, and sightseeing.
Summer (June–August) is very hot (35–40°C), great for water activities but less ideal for land exploration.
Winter (December–February) is mild (15–25°C), with cool evenings and occasional wind.
By air: Fly into King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) – direct flights from Amman, Cairo, Dubai, and some European cities.
From Amman:
By car: 4–5 hours via Desert Highway
By JETT bus: Comfortable daily service (approx. 5 hours)
From Petra:
2–3 hours by car or private transfer
From Wadi Rum:
1 hour 15 mins by road
Aqaba Marine Park – Protected area for snorkeling and diving with coral reefs and shipwrecks
South Beach – Popular for diving, swimming, and relaxing in beachside cafes
Aqaba Fortress (Mamluk Castle) – Historic 16th-century fort with views of the Red Sea
Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque – Beautiful white-domed mosque near the city center
Ayla Oasis – Modern marina, dining, and leisure complex
Old Town – Explore souks, spice shops, and traditional Jordanian life
Glass-bottom boat rides – For coral and marine life viewing without diving
Scuba diving and snorkeling – World-class dive sites like the Cedar Pride shipwreck and Japanese Garden
Jet skiing and parasailing – Available at most beach clubs
Boat tours and sunset cruises – Relaxing Red Sea excursions
Camel or ATV desert rides – Easily arranged day trips to Wadi Rum
Spice and souvenir shopping – Visit local markets for handmade crafts and aromatic goods
Dine by the sea – Fresh seafood and mezze with Red Sea views
Luxury: 5-star resorts like those in Ayla and Tala Bay with private beaches and pools
Mid-range: Comfortable hotels near downtown and the beach
Budget: Hostels and guesthouses near the city center
Unique: Seaside cabins or eco-lodges in South Beach and Tala Bay
Seafood: Fresh catch of the day is common—try grilled fish, calamari, and shrimp
Jordanian dishes: Mansaf, mezze platters, maqluba, and kofta
Popular places: Beachside restaurants, rooftop cafes, and traditional eateries in Old Town
Desserts: Knafeh and baklava served with mint tea or Arabic coffee
Aqaba is a blend of traditional and modern, with strong Bedouin roots and coastal influences.
Locals are friendly and hospitable—greetings and conversations are often warm and genuine.
Dress modestly in public areas, especially in the Old Town.
The city has a relaxed vibe, especially compared to Amman or Petra.
Bring swim gear and reef shoes – coral can be sharp.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Stay hydrated, especially in summer.
ATMs and currency exchange are widely available.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—rounding up is common.