Aqaba: The Jewel of the Red Sea

Aqaba is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on Gulf of Aqaba. One of those beautiful places that will leave truly lasting memories and will have you coming back for more as one visit is not enough for the abundance of things and activities to do. Come and create your memories here in the ancient land of Aqaba, a truly unique oasis for some sun, fun and relaxation.

Within the city there are plentiful of tourist attraction for everyone, museum, monuments and its pristine beaches communicates to the visitors both with its striking beauty and grace.

Tourist attractions that any visitor or traveler should not leave on their checklist are:

Aqaba Castle

The Aqaba Fort offers a glimpse into Jordan’s history. It dates back to the region of the Mamluke Sultan Qanswah el-Ghawri (1501-1517 AD). The fort was used and renovated during many historical dynasties from the Mamluks themselves to Ottomans.

Aqaba Archeological Museum 

This museum is located in the former house of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, it  includes artifacts from excavated sites in the Aqaba district; they range in date from the mid-7th millennium BC to the beginning of the AD 12th century.

Aqaba Heritage Museum 

Located in the middle coast of the fishermen port, with a view of the tranquil sea, its strategic location is a walking distance from the Sherif Hussein`s museum, the Mamluk castle and the Great Arab Revolt Flag.

The old house is an intact model of mud houses; build with a roof made from pine leaves, with a floor made from gravel, with traditional window and doors. The house is divided into two rooms, each serving an efficient purpose.

Aqaba’s Aquarium

Take a journey of discovery through Aqaba’s Aquarium for a glimpse into the treasures that the Red Sea hides. As part of the Marine Science Station Complex, the aquarium offers a chance to dive without getting wet and watch the aquatic life inside the Red Sea.

Ayla Wake Park

For sport minded and thrill-seeker travelers you can experience a new level of water sports thrills at Ayla B12 beach .Ayla 442m cable wake park skiing facility are for those who are looking for adventure and entertainment .

Aqaba Beaches

As a coastal city it has different beaches that attract visitors each for a particular aspect it possesses. It is ideal for diving seekers and enthusiasts as it provides many of the most popular and affordable diving centers who teach diving and organize diving trips from shore and boat.

Water activities can be arranged from your hotel concierge like Banana Boat Ride, Fly Board, Jet Skiing, Kayaking, Kite Surfing, Parasailing, Sailing, Snorkeling, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing, Wibit and Wind surfing.

For the less sports minded folks but still for an adventure you can try to take a cruise, a glass bottom boat ride or take a submarine ride for a glimpse of the incredible underwater world of the Red Sea in an exciting setting. 

Good thing to know before visiting Aqaba

Language: Arabic is the national language and English is widely spoken.

Travelling around: Taxis-Aqaba has an abundance of metered, air-conditioned taxis. Mini buses-Serves local destination. Rental cars-Aqaba has a number of car rental agencies.

Dress Code: Aqaba is a holiday center, the dress code is casual but swimwear and revealing clothing should only be worn on the beach.

Getting there

Aqaba is easily accessible from around the world by air, land and sea. There are flights from all major airports to Amman the capital of Jordan or direct to King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, visitors arriving from different destinations into Queen Alia  International Airport in Amman on Friday evening can then fly to Aqaba on Saturday at 1:15 am and arrive there at 2:10 am , where the flight stops from July till end of August and from January till end of March.

For UAE Residence flydubai.com just added Aqaba where you can fly direct from Dubai Airport starting June 16 2015 to King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba.

Visa to Jordan from UAE

Citizens of member nations of Gulf Cooperation Council, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt and Palestinian Authority have visa free access. Most European and North and South American Nationals can get visa on arrival at JOD 40 valid for one month single entry. Indian Nationals can get visa on arrival as well.

However nationals of Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan must apply visa prior to arrival. They can visit General Consulate of Jordan in Dubai. You can also double check with Jordan Tourism Board site if your nationality can get visa on arrival or needs to apply a visa prior to travel.

Best Time to visit Aqaba

Best time to visit is April – June and September - October when the water is warmest and clearest, and the air temperature is a more comfortable 30-40C. The January-February is usually not popular for diving as the water temperature drops to around 18C, but the city itself is still busy as this is a good time for the other excursions around Jordan. The summer is normally very quiet because the air temperature is far too hot, can be over 50C during July and August.

How to Book Trip to Aqaba, Jordan from Dubai?

Plan your holiday with South Travels expert team we help you find best & affordable Jordan Holiday packages all year round by simply contacting us thru email at info@southtravels.com or dialing the office number +9714 4473839. What are you waiting for?