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Jordan is famous for its desert landscapes and ancient architectural sites. While many people think that Jordan is a landlocked country, it actually has 16 miles of shoreline in the southernmost part of the country. Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city. People come here to snorkel, scuba dive, and enjoy beautiful beaches. It is also conveniently located near some of Jordan’s most famous sites. Read on to learn more!
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Where is Aqaba?
Aqaba is located in the southernmost part of Jordan, on the northern tip of the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and Israel to the west.
Why is Aqaba Famous?
Aqaba is a famous destination that attracts travelers from around the world. One of its main draws is its beautiful beaches and marine life of the Red Sea. The crystal-clear waters make it an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling. Aqaba’s rich historical and cultural heritage is another reason for its fame. The city has witnessed the rise and fall of ancient civilizations like the Nabateans, Romans, and Ottomans. You can check out historical sites such as Aqaba Fort and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum.
Another reason why Aqaba stands out is its strategic location as a gateway to some of Jordan’s most iconic attractions. It is located near the ancient city of Petra, as well as the picturesque desert of Wadi Rum.
How to Get to Aqaba
By air
The easiest way to reach Aqaba is by flying into King Hussein International Airport (AQJ). It is served by several international and domestic airlines, connecting it to major cities in the region.
By land
Aqaba is well-connected to both Israel and Saudi Arabia by road. It is also easily accessible from Amman, about 3-4 hours by car.
By sea
Aqaba has a seaport that welcomes cruise ships and ferries. You can arrive in Aqaba by taking a cruise or ferry from nearby ports in Egypt or Saudi Arabia.
Public Beaches in Aqaba
There are several public and private beaches in Aqaba worth visiting. The public beaches are appealing because they are free, and many are located near the city center. However, one thing I noticed was that there were only men at the local beaches. It may be a cultural taboo for women to swim in the public beaches, so I wouldn’t recommend women to enter the water there.
City Beach is located right next to the city center. Its convenient location and free admission is probably the best part about it. There are many boats coming in and out near the beach, which does not make for a relaxing experience. This is a good destination for people-watching.
South Beach, located a few kilometers further south, is a better public beach. It is more secluded so there are less crowds. There are also coral reefs you can explore.
Private Beaches in Aqaba
While the public beaches are free and convenient, nothing beats the private beaches near the border with Saudi Arabia. The water is clear, there are tons of marine life for snorkeling and scuba diving (I saw a moray eel, someone told me they saw a whale!), and there is no cultural taboo about women swimming. Once you had enough of the ocean, these private beaches often have large swimming pools and places to relax in the shade. I went to the Berenice Beach Club, which is about a 5-minute car ride from the Aqaba city center.
The Berenice Beach Club costs 13 Jordanian dinar (about $18 USD) to enter. The Tala Bay Beach Club is another option. This private beach offers swimming pools, restaurant, and a poolside bar. The entry cost of 20 JD (about $28 USD) also gets you a towel for you to rent. A third option is the Royal Diving Beach Club, which is a prime location for snorkeling and diving. It costs 10 JD (about $14 USD) to enter.
Best Day Trips from Aqaba
Aqaba to Wadi Rum
One of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Aqaba is Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum is a desert valley found in a mountainous region in southern Jordan. It’s famous for its unique landscape of large granite and sandstone mountains that rise up from the red sand. Wadi Rum’s landscape is truly worth experiencing firsthand. By bus, it is a little more than an hour from Aqaba. If you want to take a taxi, it will cost about 25 JD (about $35 USD). To learn more about Wadi Rum, click here.
Aqaba to Petra
Another popular option is to take a day trip to Petra. Petra is a famous archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city is famous for its buildings that have been carved into the rose-colored rock. An inexpensive and quick way to get to Petra from Aqaba is to take a JETT bus for 20 JD (about $28 USD) round trip. These buses leave Aqaba at 8:30 AM, take about 2 hours to get to Petra, and leave Petra at 4:30 PM. Alternatively, you can find a tour that will set up the transportation for you. There are several tour options for day trips or to spend multiple days in Petra. Some tours even include visiting Wadi Rum.
Aqaba to the Dead Sea
A third day trip destination from Aqaba is to the Dead Sea. The shore of the Dead Sea is officially the lowest point of dry land on Earth. This body of water is extremely salty, making it easy to float. The locals claim that the sea and mud contain healing properties. This destination is further away, taking about 3 hours by private transportation, and up to twice as long as that via bus. For this destination, I would recommend taking a tour. There is no public transportation that goes directly to the Dead Sea from Aqaba, and a tour would help you eliminate the hassle of trying to find transportation back to Aqaba for a reasonable price.
Best Time to Visit Aqaba
Aqaba gets hot! From June to September, the average temperature in Aqaba is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. I visited Aqaba in July, and the temperature did not get below 100 degrees Fahrenheit until after midnight! From November to April, the average temperatures are in the 60s and 70s. These temperatures may be too cool to fully enjoy swimming in the ocean.
The high season for tourism is between December and June, with the busiest months being June and March. There is much less tourism between July and November, partly due to the hot weather.
If you want to avoid the high prices of hotels that come with the high season for tourism, as well as avoid crowds and enjoy the nice weather, the best times to visit would be in October and November. The weather won’t be too hot, but it will be warm enough to make swimming enjoyable.
Where to Stay in Aqaba
When booking a place to stay in Aqaba, make sure that the hotel is not actually located in Wadi Rum. For some reason, these hotels are often included in hotel searches for Aqaba. In addition, although the hotel may be located on the beach, the beaches are not created equally. The further south toward Saudi Arabia the hotel is located, the more pristine and private the beaches will be. The hotels located closer to Israel will be much less secluded and possibly have more pollution.
Low budget
The most budget-friendly option for staying in Aqaba would be to stay in a hostel. For about $11 USD/night, you can stay at the centrally-located Alamer 2 Beach Hostel. If you prefer a budget hotel, a highly-rated option is the Aqaba Roza. This hotel is located near the city center. Private rooms go for about $24 USD/night.
Medium budget
If you want a little more luxury, check out the Oryx Hotel Aqaba. This is one of the highest-rated hotels in Aqaba, and is conveniently located near downtown. It offers a gym, steam room, hot tubs, and massage services. You can get a room here for about $98 USD/night.
High budget
For a truly luxurious and relaxing experience, check out the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba. This hotel overlooks the Red Sea, and provides several water sports, such as parasailing, scuba diving, and jet skiing. Each room has a private balcony to admire the sunset over the water. Guests can relax after a long day by going to the spa or using one of the different types of saunas provided by the hotel.
FAQs About Aqaba
1. Is it safe to walk around Aqaba?
Yes, it is safe to walk around Aqaba. If you do decide to walk around at night, just be aware of your surroundings.
2. Is alcohol available in Aqaba?
Yes, alcohol is available in Aqaba and easier to find compared to other Jordanian cities. It is even slightly cheaper!
3. How many days should I spend in Aqaba?
Two to three days should be enough time in Aqaba. Many people just spend one day here to rest between travel days, but it is worth spending a few days in Aqaba.
4. Can you party in Aqaba?
You can find a couple places to party in Aqaba, but there is not a large party scene here. This is still part of a conservative country. I would recommend crossing into Israel for more of a party scene.
5. Can you cross from Aqaba to Israel?
Yes. The Wadi Araba border crossing is located just outside of Aqaba. You will be able to easily cross into Eilot, Israel.
