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In this article, we’ll help you plan your trip to Aqaba. Discover all the best things to do in Aqaba including scuba diving in the Red Sea in Jordan. Learn more about where to stay in Aqaba, the best restaurants and the best activities by the Red Sea.

When we started planning our Jordan itinerary, there were 3 places that were musts on our list: Wadi Rum, Petra and Aqaba. No trip of ours would be complete without stopping in this city, known as the gate to the Red Sea in Jordan.

As avid scuba divers, we’ve heard time and time again why scuba diving in the Red Sea is so amazing – the corals, the marine life, the visibility. So we had to experience it for ourselves!

We got to spend an amazing 6 days in Aqaba. We got to explore a lot of the underwater world as well as the world above ground. We even got to see what it was like during Ramadan – A unique experience for us!

If you’re also planning on spending some time in Aqaba, here is everything you need to know to make the best of your time here.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

A quick look at Aqaba, Jordan

Aqaba is located at the northern tip of the Red Sea in Jordan. The city has a rich historical and cultural significance for the region.

Its origins trace back to ancient times – there’s evidence of human settlement dating as far back as the 4^th millennium BCE. Back then, it was known as Ayla and the city flourished as a bustling trading post. Today, you can visit the little island city of Ayla, where you too can go shopping!

With the rise of Islam in the 7^th century, Aqaba became even more important as a vital port and trade center, as well as serving as a crucial gateway for pilgrims en route to Mecca. Today, Aqaba still plays a pivotal role in regional commerce – you’ll notice ships coming in and out of its port, and plenty of trucks on the route to and from the city.

Aqaba gained global attention during World War I when it was captured by T. E. Lawrence and Arab forces in 1917. You can even see this in the epic film “Lawrence of Arabia.” Following the war, Aqaba became part of the Emirate of Transjordan under the British Mandate. It later evolved into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Today, Aqaba is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage. You can easily explore the city and its underwater world, see the ruins of the Aqaba Castle, the Arab Revolt Square and just as quickly, you can see how it’s also a modern city with high-end hotels, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife!

Aqaba is also a playground for many of the wealthy Jordanians. Don’t be surprised to see wealth and opulence here – from fancy yachts to luxury cars, large houses and much more!

The 15 best things to to in Aqaba

From scuba diving and exploring ruins, to parties and more, there is so much to do in Aqaba.

Having spent close to a week here, we got a very good idea of how you can spend your time enjoying the best activities in Aqaba. Here is a look at all the best things to do.

1. Go scuba diving in Aqaba, your gate to the Red Sea in Jordan

This is the main reason we chose to visit Aqaba. Scuba diving, in the Red Sea, nonetheless! And it did not disappoint! In fact, it exceeded our expectations! We chose to dive with Aqaba Adventure Divers and had a lovely experience with them. Their divemasters were kind and helpful. Their gear was great and had the opportunity to join them on a boat dive too!

We dove here in March, and we can confirm that the water was frigid, between 21-23°C. Even Derek, who often dives in his swimsuit with no wet suit, had to wear 2 wetsuits! Carine straight-up froze! But despite the cold, it was still great diving.

Having done 8 dives in Aqaba, here are some of the best sites to visit and what you can expect. First and foremost, know that most dives are shore dives. Dive shops will take you to the beach where you set your gear up and walk into the water.

Here are the dive sites we got to explore. For more information about each dive site, we recommend you check out our article about Scuba diving in Aqaba.

• New Canyon. This is a deep dive where you can go down to 23-25m. The main attraction here is a sunken plane. It was intentionally sunk in one piece, but a storm broke it into many different pieces which makes it look even cooler.
• Cedar Pride shipwreck. This is another deep dive going to about 26-30m. As the name suggests, this is a ship that was also sunken. The ship is 77m long and you can swim under it and in it. You can even float up to the air bubble stuck there.
• Japanese gardens. As its name suggests, you will see coral here. A shallow dive of about 17-20m, with plenty of healthy coral and marine life. Our highlights were seeing a huge octopus, followed by the tiniest frogfish ever!

• Cable station. This was a really unique deep dive. You can actually see the old electrical cables and structures that are underwater. This used to be how power was shared between Egypt and Jordan. Today, it’s a really cool dive site! Look out for turtles here.
• Seven Sisters. This is another shallow dive located near New Canyon and Cable Station. The main highlight here is a sunken tank. As always, expect to see plenty of coral and fish as well.
• Power Station. This is one of the few boat dives in Aqaba. A deep dive along the side of a wall. You’ll see plenty of coral and starfish. Which is probably why we also saw quite a few harlequin shrimp! If you look down in the depths, you might even see some really big fish, like the Napoleon fish we spotted.

• Tristar plane wreck. This is another boat dive you’ll do with Power Station. This is an actual passenger plane that was intentionally sunk. You can still see the seats on the 2 sides of the plane. It’s one of the coolest dives we’ve done!
• Military museum. This was one of our highlights. A deep dive where you have 21 military equipment lined up in formation. You’ll see tanks, jeeps and even helicopters!

We adored our time diving here. Just note that if you plan on diving in Aqaba, don’t do so on your last day here. Considering Aqaba is located at a lower altitude than all of it’s surroundings, you may get Decompression sickness if you head to higher ground too quickly. Wadi Rum, Petra and Aqaba are all located at higher altitudes than Aqaba.

2. Visit the Aqaba Fort, one of the best attractions in Aqaba

One of the top things to do in Aqaba is to dive into its history, exploring the Fort of Aqaba. It’s located near the coastline, at the heart of the city.

The Aqaba Fortress or Mamluk Castle, is a historical landmark that dates back to the 16th century when the city was under Ottoman rule. Although it lies in ruins today, back then, it was a much more imposing structure that was erected by Sultan Selim I. He wanted to safeguard the region’s trade routes, both above ground and by sea.

Since it’s located right by the water, you can actually get a great 360 view around. You’ll not only see the Red Sea, but you’ll get to see the whole city as well. It’s a great place to get a view of the town – just make sure you climb up to one of the viewpoints on the rooftop. This will also give you a great view of the structure where you’ll clearly see the corner towers and how it served as a defensive position.

Today, the Aqaba Fort is a cherished heritage site. You can walk around the main area, and even get into some of the closed parts. Some doors are open and you can even climb in through some windows, as a friendly guard showed us. You’ll be able to walk into the towers, the old stable and a small museum.

You don’t need a ton of time here. 30-45 minutes will do. Just note that there is limited shade here, except for the main courtyard where they had a canvas roof installed. If you visit, make sure you come in the morning, or later in the afternoon to avoid the hot sun.

Location on Google Maps
Official website
Opening hours: Summer Time: Sunday to Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm. Friday & Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Winter Time: Sunday to Thursday, 8 am to 4 pm. Friday & Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.
Included in the Jordan Pass, or 3 JOD

3. Lounge on the beach, one of the best things to do in Aqaba

If you plan on visiting Aqaba, which if you’re reading this article, we hope you are, then lounging on the beach is probably on your list of things to do. And if so, there are some things you should know about the beaches in Aqaba.

Most of the coastline in Aqaba is taken up by either beach clubs or hotels. This applies as much for Tala Bay as Aqaba City. There are a few public beaches where you can go as well, but they are limited and not as pristine as you imagine. The main beach in town is Al-Ghandour Beach. You also have South Beach, between Aqaba and Tala Bay. There are quite a few of the scuba diving sites there, which you can also explore while snorkeling.

Since we visited in March, and during Ramadan, we didn’t get the full experience of the beaches in Aqaba, but we can share what we saw when we were scuba diving.

During Ramadan, we noticed that the beaches were empty (it might have also been because of the windy weather). During this holy time of year, Berenice Beach Club was actually closed. Also, note that weekends in Jordan are Friday and Saturday, so expect to see bigger local crowds during those days.

Also, be mindful when you’re at public beaches. Most women here don’t wear bikinis or even bathing suits. If you want to be more modest, bring a cover-up and wear a bathing suit. However, at Beach Clubs, people are a lot more open-minded, so you can wear what you want.

Most of the beaches here are rougher sand. The entry to the water is often a rocky one. If you plan on swimming, wear water shoes as they will help you get in more smoothly, protect your feet and avoid slipping and falling. Also, most public beaches in Aqaba don’t have loungers or umbrellas, so you’ll need to come prepared if you plan on sitting out in the sun.

Enter beach clubs and day passes at hotels!

Beach clubs in Aqaba

If you want to simplify your life and enjoy the nicer beaches, we recommend heading to one of the beach clubs or staying at one of the hotels on the beach – you’ll have plenty of choices – it will depend on what your budget is for this.

Berenice is the top-named beach club that we found. It has 3 pools, loungers and access to a beautiful beach that is spread on about 500m. They also offer a ton of activities from snorkeling to boat rides and much more. For the 13 JOD day pass, you get access to the Beach club all day, as well as a towel, lounge chair and access to their wifi. If you plan on coming back often, they also have a 4-day package for 40 JOD per person.

At Ayla Oasis, you have 2 options of beach clubs. B12 Beach Club offers day passes, dining options and a slew of activities you can do here. Entrance fees are 30 JOD. You also have the luxury beach club, Gaia Mama which is architecturally stunning. Reviews are amazing for the place, which justifies the higher price tag at 40 JOD for the day.

Hotel day passes in Aqaba

Many of the hotels on the coast also offer day passes, just like you can get on the Dead Sea. Often, the entry fee will also include a voucher for their restaurant. One of the things we found out while talking to some other travelers is that if you actually say you’re there to eat at the restaurant, the staff will let you in without having to buy a day pass. Well worth trying this tactic out!

No matter what you choose to do, spend some time enjoying the shorelines of Aqaba!

4. Check out the newly created Ayla Oasis

Ayla Oasis is a recent development in Aqaba. Here, they have created a true oasis where you can dine, shop, lounge and live. With hotels, accommodations, restaurants, beach clubs, shops, galleries and souks, this place has it all. This is also where most boat rides take off from as they have a private marina.

Ayla is a beautiful place, you can see the investments that were made to create this space. What’s commendable is that they have a vision to build an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable space. They have even committed to environmental sustainability by protecting the integrity of its marine and wildlife, as well as recycling its water resources and harnessing solar energy for power.

You can spend a full day at Ayla or even stay here instead of staying in town. They have 2 beach clubs, B12 and Gaia Mama, which is also a beautiful restaurant and also has a club, Oum. You’ll also find a ton of restaurants here from Middle Eastern to Greek, Indian, Mexican, Italian and everything in between.

At night, they have a souq going on, which is cute, but nothing special compared to the extensive souqs in Amman. It’s a cute place to walk around, but don’t expect to find unique or amazing souvenirs here.

Ayla Oasis is really a beautiful place to hang out. If you want to experience the more luxurious side of Aqaba, this is the place for you.

Location on Google Maps
Official website
Opening hours: Opening hours depend on what you’re looking to do. Check official website for details
Not included in the Jordan Pass

5. Discover the Sherif al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque, an iconic landmark in Aqaba

One of the most beautiful attractions in Aqaba is the iconic mosque. Named for the great-great-grandfather of the current king, Hussein bin Ali is the emir of Mecca who proclaimed the Arab Revolt. He fought against the Ottoman Empire’s growing nationalism throughout the First World War.

The mosque is located near the city’s souq, Al-Ghandour Beach and the Arab Revolt Square, steps from the Aqaba Castle. It’s a beautiful structure, with a towering minaret and the largest dome of any mosque in Jordan.

The mosque is open to visitors, except women can’t go into the main part when it’s prayer time. They do offer shawls and hooded long dresses for visiting women who are not of Muslim faith.

The Mosque is truly a beautiful place to discover in Aqaba, regardless of your faith. From the beautiful gardens to stunning architecture, it’s well worth spending some time here.

Location on Google Maps
No official website
Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day. Be aware of prayer times, 5 times a day.
Not included in the Jordan Pass, but free to visit.

6. Check out the museums in Aqaba

As we mentioned previously, Aqaba has a long and rich history. If you’re interested in finding out more about this amazing town (and if you need an excuse to get out of the scorching sun), then head to one of the museums in Aqaba.

In town, you have the Aqaba Archeological Museum, the Aqaba Heritage Museum and the Sharif Hussein Bin Ali House.

The Aqaba Archeological Museum, a highlight in Aqaba

The Aqaba Archaeological Museum is housed in the former house of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the namesake of the mosque and leader of the Arab Revolt. Here, you can see different artifacts from excavated sites in the Aqaba district.

The findings date back to the mid-7th millennium BC to the beginning of the 12th century AD. Some of the highlights to see here are the the ceramic and steatite vessels excavated from Islamic Ayla (not to be confused with the Ayla Oasis), as well as the bronze age Lady of Aqaba, and early Islamic inscriptions from the 9^th century AD.

Since Aqaba has been inhabited for centuries, you can find jewelry, pottery and other artifacts from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Nabatean periods. You’ll also see exhibits on the Islamic and Crusader periods. A true time capsule of the rich history of this ancient city!

The entrance to this museum is included in the Jordan Pass. If you do not have the Jordan Pass, the fee is 3 JOD, and it’s included in the purchase of the ticket to the Castle.

Aqaba Heritage Museum, a landmark in Aqaba

Located within walking distance from the Sherif Hussein`s museum, the Mamluk Castle and the Great Arab Revolt Flag, you can find the Aqaba Heritage Museum.

You’ll notice how this house is a model of the mud houses from the olden days. Its roof is made of pine leaves, and the floor is simply gravel. The windows and doors are traditional in shape and look. The house is simple, with 2 rooms, each fulfilling its intentional purpose.

The first room was a guest house, complete with its menkad which was used to prepare coffee and tea, as well as the tools they used to grind the beans. The second room was a bedroom.

Walking through this home is like taking a trip back in time.

Entry to the museum is free. It’s located here on Google Maps.

Visit the Sharif Hussein Bin Ali House

Another historic place to visit is the Sharif Hussein Bin Ali House. We didn’t have a chance to visit it as it was closed while we were in Aqaba. It’s here on Google Maps.

This is where the great-grandfather of His Majesty King Abdullah II lived for six months after World War I. Sharif Hussein Bin Ali was also the initiator of the Arab Revolt, which is why so many historic monuments in Aqaba are named in his honor.

The house is built in the style of Hijaz houses. Here, you can discover more about the history of the Great Arab Revolution and how it shaped the country today. You can also see a collection of rifles, bowls, coffee pots and mills, Mansaf trays and other typical items of the period.

7. Go on a trip to the Red Sea

If you’re not big on scuba diving or snorkeling, no worries! You have a ton of other options to get you exploring the Red Sea in a different way! Your final choice will depend on your budget, your comfort level on the water, and how long you want to be out there.

Head out on a yacht trip on the Red Sea

If you’re looking to explore the Red Sea in style and comfort, check out some of the options to head out on a yacht tour. Most will leave from the Marina at Ayla Oasis and will last a good portion of the day. Sunset options are limited (or even non-existent) as the rule seems to be that no one can be in the water after sunset, this applies as much for boats as for swimmers.

The boat tour we went on with Aqaba Adventure divers departed around 10:30 and we came back to shore around 4 pm. People on the boat, those who weren’t scuba diving, had the option to hang out on the boat and lounge around. If not, they had snorkeling gear accessible to all. A delicious lunch buffet was also served while tea, water and coffee were readily available for all.

Take a submarine around the Red Sea in Aqaba

No need to be certified to see the underwater world! You can always take a submarine around the Red Sea. This will give you a chance to see the fish and corals without having to be a scuba diver.

The submarine tour will last about 2 hours. You’ll be seated comfortably while looking out into the marine world. The route varies but from what we read, you’ll be going around the protected waters of Tala Bay.

Prices vary depending on the size of your group, but it seems to be between $75-90 USD.

Take a glass-bottom boat tour

If you’re uneasy spending time underwater, the glass bottom boat ride is perfect for you. You’ll be comfortably seated in a boat, above the water, and you can see the fish and coral beneath your feet.

There are many places these boats can take off from – the most we saw were by the Arab Revolt Plaza. However, you can also book options online.

8. Shop at the souk, one of the best things to do in Aqaba

If you love to shop, there are a few souks you can explore to get some local souvenirs. The Souk by the Sea at Alya Oasis, or the city’s souk. We’ll give you more details about the Souk at Alya, since we didn’t have a chance to explore the Aqaba City souk.

The Souk by the Sea takes place every night at Ayla Oasis. There, you have 12-20 stalls lined up on the boardwalk all selling various handmade goods. These vary from jewelry to candles, food, home goods and more.

To be completely honest, there wasn’t anything special or unique that caught our eye when we visited this souk. If you’re looking for a real souk experience, you’re more likely to get it in Amman or As-Salt.

The Aqaba city souk is located on Ragadan Street, in the heart of the city. Here, you can find different merchants selling everything from produce to delicacies, spices, coffee, tea and much more.

The souk was mainly closed while we were there as it was the start of Ramadan. However, if you do visit Aqaba, take a look around the souk to immerse yourself more in the local atmosphere or to grab some souvenirs.

9. Check out the different archeological digs in Aqaba

Since Aqaba is such an old city, it’s no surprise that there are many archeological digs to discover. Like walking around in an open-air museum, you can view these digs and imagine what life was like when there had actual structures there.

The first archeological site is the 4th-century Roman church. What makes this site unique is the fact that this may just be the oldest church in the world. It dates back to the Roman era when churches were being built all over Jordan.

Archeologists believe this church dates back to the late 3rd century, whereas the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem only date back to the 4th century.

Visiting this site, you’ll notice that it has been backfilled with earth. This is done for protection since further research has not been done in the area. You can find it here on Google Maps.

Another ruin to visit is the ancient Islamic city of Ayla (again, not to be confused with the Ayla Oasis). These ruins are located in the northwest of the city, right in front of the Mövenpick and Aqaba Gulf Hotels. Here, you can see the remnants of an ancient church, sections of the city wall, a mosque and the House of the Prince of the City.

This ancient city was built by Rashedi Caliph Othman Ben Afen around 650 AD. It was inhabited during the Umayyad period (650-750 AD) and the Abbasid period (750-970 AD), followed by the Fatimaied period (970-1116 AD).

The city was only discovered in 1986 and through the work done here, we have understood how people lived both inside and outside the city walls. The findings also showed how Ayla was an important commercial center.

10. Check out the Arab Revolt Plaza, a landmark in Aqaba

Located steps from the Aqaba Castle, you have the Arab Revolt Plaza, home to a 130m flagpole with a giant flag flying in the wind. The Great Arab Revolt flag is red, green, black and white and looks like a mix of many flags from the Arab world.

Each color represents a meaning and drive for the revolution: red for the blood of the martyrs, green for peace and sustainability, black for oppression, and white for the bright future. The flag symbolized the Great Arab Revolt in 1916 when Sherif Hussein`s forces fought for their independence from Ottoman rule.

Today, the flag is surrounded by restaurants and shops, and it’s a nice place to sit around to people-watch. It stands tall as a reminder of the struggle of the Arab people to gain independence.

Located here on Google Maps.

5 other fun activities in Aqaba

Since we visited during Ramadan and the low season, we didn’t have a chance to do everything available in Aqaba. If the abovementioned activities are not enough for you, here are some more things to do in Aqaba:

11. Visit Jordan’s largest waterpark, Saraya Aqaba Waterpark. For hot days and to have some fun, this is a perfect place to hang out. You can get your adrenaline pumping at one of their 25 water slides, or hang out on their lazy river. You can find it here on Google Maps.

12. Practice some watersports. With strong winds and pristine waters, there are plenty of sports to practice on the water, from kite surfing to wakeboarding, SUP, kayaks and canoes, there’s plenty to do on the Red Sea.

13. Check out the Aqaba Bird Observatory. Close to the Eilat border, this is a great place to watch birds from Europe, Asia and Africa on their migratory route. You can see more than 70 different bird species passing through during this time, not to mention the over 390 species of birds that call Jordan home. The migratory season is in the spring and fall. Located here on Google Maps.

14. Go to the Aqaba Aquarium. If you can’t scuba dive or snorkel, then this is a good way to see the underwater world. Part of the Marine Science Station Complex, the Aquarium is home to lionfish, parrotfish, moray eels, turtles and stonefish, as well as a healthy coral reef since water is pumped in from the Red Sea. Find it here on Google Maps.

15. Play golf in Ayla. For those looking to get a few swings in, the Ayla Resort is home to a beautiful golf course. We would recommend going early in the morning to avoid being out in the sun during the scorching afternoons.

How to spend 1 day in Aqaba – 2 options

If you only have 1 day in Aqaba, here is what we would recommend you do:

Option 1

• Morning: Go scuba diving, snorkeling spend the day at a beach club
• Late afternoon: Head to the Aqaba Fort, the Arab Revolt Plaza and the Mosque. If you have time, check out the museum. Beware of closing times
• Evening: Enjoy your time at Ayla Oasis

Option 2

• Morning: Go on a boat tour where you can snorkel or scuba dive
• Late afternoon: Head to the Aqaba Fort, the Arab Revolt Plaza and the Mosque. If you have time, check out the museum. Beware of closing times
• Evening: Enjoy your time at Ayla Oasis

How to spend 2 days in Aqaba

After your first day following the Day 1 itinerary above, here’s what you can do on your second day

• Morning: Visit a beach club. If you did this on your first day, you can head to play golf instead or check out the bird observatory or Aquarium
• Afternoon: Check out the souk and walk around town
• Evening: Enjoy the night on the town – have supper in one of the many restaurants and go out to party

Where to eat in Aqaba

Along with its vibrant nightlife, Aqaba is also home to some great restaurants. The great thing about the city is that you can find all sorts of cuisine options here, as well as some amazing typical Jordanian meals. Here are some choices that have vegan-friendly dishes in Aqaba.

Ayla Restaurant: This typical Jordanian restaurant has plenty of great dishes here as well as amazing service. From great appetizers like hummus and baba ghaoush, salads like fattouch and tabouleh, and main dishes galore. We enjoyed every meal we had here, and we had quite a few since it was the only restaurant we found to be open during Ramadan. They have a lovely terrace where you can sit and enjoy the weather, or a shisha. Located here on Google Maps.

7 Spices Restaurant: If you’re looking for a different type of cuisine in town, head to 7 Spices Restaurant for Indian food. As always, they have plenty of vegan dishes, and they were also kind enough to modify certain dishes to make them vegan. Sit outside on their patio and enjoy the people-watching. Located here on Google Maps.

Shinawi: Located in town, near 7 spices, you have Nafeeseh where you can enjoy more Jordanian dishes. The service was great and the portions were generous. We had the vegetable sayadieh (sautéed veggies with spices), ful and tabbouleh and everything was delicious. Located here on Google Maps.

Nafeeseh sweets: We came here one night to satisfy our sweet tooth and we were not alone. It seemed like most locals came here after sundown to enjoy breaking their fast. The keunafe was delicious and they had some vegan options for ice cream. Located here on Google Maps.

7attoueh: If you’re looking to have breakfast in a beautiful setting, 7attoueh is a great option in Ayla Oasis. We didn’t have a chance to come here, and when we did, one night, it was closed. They seemed to have an amazing assortment of dishes, including plenty of vegan options. They also have great reviews which made us sad to miss out on this. Located here on Google Maps.

Mirchi: If you’re looking for a great vegan-friendly restaurant in Aqaba, Mirchi, an Indian restaurant in Ayla, is a great option. They have plenty of options for all your favorite Indian dishes. Derek loved his chicken Tikka Masala and Carine found the Aloo Mutter flavorful and delicious. The owners were super friendly, a duo of an Indian man and a Jordanian, Palestinian woman. The service was great and the food was delicious. Located here on Google Maps.

If you visit Aqaba during Ramadan, note that most restaurants will be closed, unless you’re staying at a hotel where they have restaurants. Local places will be closed. We had read that some bigger cities and tourist destinations would have open restaurants but we found them hard to find, and the hours on Google Maps to be unreliable. The only one we found that was open and serving clients was Ayla Restaurant.

You can head to the all-inclusive hotels and eat at their restaurants. If the beach clubs are open, they may also be serving for lunch. If not, we recommend having snacks available, so you don’t spend hours searching for an open restaurant.

Where to stay in Aqaba

During our time in Aqaba, we chose to stay at Aqaba Adventure Divers. There’s nothing more convenient than waking up, having breakfast, packing up the car and heading out to dive!

The rooms are simple but comfortable and there is a large common area where you have access to a pool, lounge chairs and a rooftop terrace where you can hang out to watch the sunset.

If you’d like to stay closer to the beach, here are some other options available either in Aqaba or Tala Bay:

• Budget-friendly: Cedar Hotel. Golden Rose Hotel. Al-Amer Hostel 2.
• Mid-range: Laverda Hotel. Aladnan Hotel. Palm Beach Hotel.
• Luxury: Kempinski Hotel Aqaba. Mövenpick Resort. Al Manara.

Everything to know about visiting Aqaba

Here are the answers to the top questions about visiting Aqaba. Just know that Aqaba is a great place to visit and well worth spending a few days on your Jordan itinerary.

Is Aqaba safe for tourists?

We found Aqaba to be a very safe city. It may have been because we visited during Ramadan, but we felt Aqaba and its people were very kind. We walked around the city at all hours, as much during the day as at night and never felt unsafe.

Also, we didn’t feel unsafe being so close to Israel during their ongoing attacks on Palestine. The one thing that was a nuisance during our stay in Aqaba is that Israel was constantly jamming GPS signals, which would cause issues with our phone’s GPS. We got lost many times because our GPS indicated we were in Cairo. Talking to locals, this seems to have started being an issue only during the attacks that began in October 2023.

Overall, whether you’re staying in one of the main hotels or in a smaller one, Aqaba is a great place to visit and safe to explore and enjoy.

What is the best time to visit Aqaba?

The best time to visit Aqaba depends on what you’d like to do there. We visited in March and found the weather to be pleasant although somewhat windy. The water however was frigid at 21-23°C, which made scuba diving less enjoyable.

Here is what you can expect in Aqaba throughout the seasons:

The weather in the winter in Aqaba (November to March)

Generally speaking, this is the best time to visit Aqaba. The weather is milder with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) during the day and dipping a bit lower in the evening. There is also minimal rainfall which is perfect for beach days. This weather is best for exploring Aqaba. Just make sure you dress in layers as the weather can be unpredictable and switch quickly.

Just note that this is usually peak tourist season in Aqaba. However, when we visited in March 2024, there were no crowds and we found it very quiet – this was a combination of visiting during Ramadan and the ongoing war in Gaza.

Visiting Aqaba in the shoulder season (April, May, September & October)

Whether you’re visiting Aqaba in the spring (April-May) or the fall (September-October) you can expect temperatures to be warmer (than the winter) or cooler (in the fall). It’s a great time to visit because there will be fewer crowds compared to the winter months.

The positive aspect of visiting Aqaba in the spring or the fall is that you’ll be able to scuba dive more comfortably – the water will be much warmer with good visibility.

Visiting Aqaba in the summer (June to August)

Most people avoid visiting Aqaba in the summer months as the weather is hot and dry. Highs exceed 35°C (95°F) and occasionally reach 40°C (104°F) or higher. However, since there is low humidity, it’s not so bad.

If you plan on spending days at the beach, or spending more time indoors, visiting museums or shopping, this is the best time to visit. It’s also low tourist season, so you can enjoy most places without tourists there.

Is Aqaba worth visiting?

Whether you’re an avid scuba diver like us, or you just want to spend time by the beach, we highly recommend adding Aqaba to your Jordan itinerary. There is something undeniably beautiful about this place and it’s well worth the detour if you’re making your way to Jordan.

It’s about 1 hour away from Wadi Rum and 2 hours from Petra, so if you’re heading all the way south, you might as well take a day to enjoy the beaches of Aqaba. We’re sure you won’t regret it.

Does your GPS work in Aqaba?

Now this is a tricky question. In theory, yes! Your GPS should work in Aqaba. However, on quite a few occasions, we noticed that our GPS was no longer showing us in Aqaba. Instead, we were in Cairo.

In speaking to locals, we realized that this is one of the indirect consequences of the war Israel is raging in Palestine. Since Aqaba is a stone’s throw away from the Israeli and Palestinian border, they often seem to jam the signal, and scramble it, which makes everyone think the GPS think they are in Cairo. Make sure you have your offline Maps available and that you keep note of landmarks to be able to make your way back to your hotel.

How to get to Aqaba – All your transportation options

There are many different ways to get to Aqaba. You can get here by land, by boat or by air. Here are some details to help you get to Aqaba.

Getting to Aqaba by air

There is an airport in Aqaba – The King Hussein International Airport (AQJ). When it’s open, it services international flights coming in from Europe. However, since the start of the war in Gaza, the airport has been closed.

Until the King Hussein International Airport reopens, your best way to get into Aqaba is to take a flight to the Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA or AMM) and get to Aqaba by ground transport.

How to get to Aqaba by land

Aqaba is located in the south of Jordan. When planning out your Jordan Itinerary, you can visit it from Amman, if you don’t mind driving 4-5 hours, or visit it when you’re around Wadi Rum or Petra. These are your options if you have your own rental car.

If you’re looking for tips and details about driving in Jordan, make sure you check out our full guide here.

From Amman, you can reach Aqaba by taking the Desert Highway or the King’s Highway. The Desert highway is quite barren at first, though when you approach Wadi Rum or Petra, you will see mountains jutting out. This route only takes 4 hours. The King’s Highway is far more scenic, but it will take an hour longer to get to Aqaba via this route.

Aqaba is only 1 hour away from Wadi Rum and 2 hours away from Petra.

If you’re coming in from Saudi Arabia, you can cross at the Durra Border through the Wadi Araba road, which is about 40 minutes from Aqaba. It’s very close to Tala Bay and the resorts there.

How to get to Aqaba by public transportation

We met quite a few people traveling around Jordan with public transportation, and this is how they came to Aqaba. Know that if you plan on visiting the major attractions in Jordan, using public transportation is a great way to get around, if you have some flexibility.

JETT Bus is the main public bus transporter in Jordan. They have trips going to and from Aqaba to destinations like Petra, Wadi Rum, Irbid and Zarqa. You can check out their schedule here to see how to best plan your route.

Note that they also have trips to and from Cairo, if you plan on visiting Egypt on your trip.

Getting to Aqaba by boat

If you want to get to Aqaba by boat from Egypt, you can take the ferry. The AB Maritime Company offers daily trips between Nuweiba and Aqaba. They also have trips a few days a week to and from Taba.

You can check out the schedule here.

Just note that if you choose to leave Jordan by land or by ferry, you will need to pay the exit tax which is 10 JOD per person. This fee is waived (or included in the price of your ticket) if you leave via the airport.

How to get around Aqaba

If you are staying in the center of Aqaba, chances are you’ll be able to get around by walking to wherever you want. If not, taxis are readily available throughout the city. Taking taxis in Aqaba is quite cheap. Getting from one end of the city to the next should cost about 1.5 JOD.

Often, hotels and dive shops in the center or around will offer shuttles or free transportation, so if you don’t have your own rental car, this shouldn’t be an issue.

And if you have a car, don’t worry too much about driving in Aqaba. It’s actually quite easy and chill. You can read all about our experience driving in Jordan and in Aqaba here.

However, if you are getting into Aqaba and staying in Tala Bay, note that the Jett bus will drop you off near the city center. The taxi ride from Aqaba to Tala Bay will set you back 10 JOD.

If you take a taxi in Aqaba, always agree on the price beforehand and make sure the taxi is running the meter.

15 best things to do in Aqaba

There you have it! The complete list of activities and attractions in Aqaba, Jordan. As a reminder, here are the best things to do in Aqaba:

1. Go scuba diving
2. Check out the Aqaba Fort
3. Lounge on the beach
4. Explore Ayla Oasis
5. Discover the Sherif al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque
6. Check out the Aqaba Museums
7. Go on a trip in a submarine, glass-bottom boat or yacht
8. Shop at the souk at night
9. Check out the different archeological digs
10. Go to the Arab Revolt Plaza
11. Visit Jordan’s largest waterpark
12. Practice watersports
13. Check out the Aqaba Bird Observatory
14. Go to the Aqaba Aquarium
15. Play golf at Ayla Oasis

Let us know in the comments which activity you’re most excited to do in Aqaba. Is scuba diving on your list? Or will you be lounging out on the beaches? Either way, we hope this guide was helpful for you and that you make the most of your time in Aqaba. It’s a beautiful city, well worth exploring.

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