Aqaba
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Aqaba Church
Historic Byzantine church near Aqaba’s coastline
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Aqaba Castle
Ottoman-era fortress overlooking Aqaba Gulf
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Kings City
Biblical-themed amusement park near Eilat
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Eilat's Coral Beach
Marine reserve with coral reefs and snorkeling
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Umm Rashrash
Historic site corresponding to ancient Eilat port
Neighbourhoods of Aqaba
- Aqaba WaterfrontBeachfront promenade for sunseekers and snorkellers, with resorts and easy transfers to dive sites.
Dining: Seafood Nightlife: Resort Bars Shopping: Souvenirs Stays: Luxury- Aqaba Fort: Small red-sandstone fort by the sea, showing simple local exhibits.
- Aqaba Marina / Promenade: Seafront promenade lined with cafés and Gulf views.
- Aqaba Fish Market: Bustling fish market for buying fresh catch or eating nearby.
- Old TownCompact, informal quarters for wandering and sampling local fare, offering quieter nights and daily-life atmosphere.
Dining: Local Nightlife: Low-key Shopping: Markets Stays: Mid-Range- Souq Area: Narrow lanes of local shops and small restaurants.
- Historic Mosque: Small local mosque serving as a neighbourhood landmark.
- Traditional Eateries: Family-run eateries serving Jordanian home cooking.
- Ayla & New DevelopmentModern resort and golf district for visitors seeking contemporary comforts and easy diving access.
Dining: Modern Nightlife: Rooftop Shopping: Boutiques Stays: High-end- Ayla Resort Area: New mixed-use development with beaches and restaurants.
- Modern Bars & Rooftops: Upscale bars and rooftop venues for evening drinks near the marina.
- Luxury Hotels: International-style hotels offering modern accommodation and facilities.
Aqaba at a Glance
Costs: $60-120 USD per day - resort options span budget to luxury; expect mid-range daily costs.
Safety: Generally safe and well-policed - safe and tourist-oriented; usual precautions for beaches and night areas.
Best Time: Mar-May, Sep-Nov - spring and autumn offer warm water and comfortable air temperatures.
Jordan’s Red Sea gateway - a relaxed coastal resort town on the Gulf of Aqaba, offering warm-water diving and beaches, and the base for Wadi Rum and Petra.
Why go / don’t miss: diving and snorkeling the Red Sea reefs and wrecks (the Cedar Pride, the underwater military museum), the beaches and glass-bottom boats, the Mamluk castle and Aqaba Fort, and the desert of Wadi Rum an hour away.
Neighborhoods: the town centre and the South Beach resort strip for diving and hotels.
Getting around: taxis and a car; boats for diving; it’s a special economic zone (duty-free).
When to go: Mar - May and Sep - Nov are ideal; it’s warm in winter (a Red Sea escape).
Where to stay: the South Beach dive resorts or the town.
Dining: seafood and Jordanian fare - sayadieh (fish and rice) and mezze.
Local tips: it’s Jordan’s beach-and-diving town and a warm winter escape, and the base for Wadi Rum and Petra (both close by).
Why Visit Aqaba?
Aqaba is prized for Red Sea access: crystal water, coral reefs and year-round water sports make it a magnet for divers and snorkelers. The seaside promenade and Aqaba Fort add cultural flavor, while fresh fish and seafood restaurants line the waterfront. Proximity to Wadi Rum and Petra turns the town into a practical base for desert excursions and archaeological day trips. Relaxed coastal life contrasts with busy inland sites nearby.
Who's Aqaba For?
Nature Buffs
Aqaba is Jordan’s Red Sea gateway - warm waters, coral reefs and easy snorkeling right off beaches. Day trips to nearby marine parks and mangroves offer birdwatching; winter is ideal for mild sea-side walks.
Adventure Seekers
Diving, snorkeling and freediving are Aqaba highlights - numerous dive centers run trips to reefs and wrecks. Windsurfing and kiteboarding pick up in suitable seasons; hire certified guides for offshore excursions.
Luxury
Aqaba has several upscale resorts and seaside hotels along the Corniche, plus fine-dining seafood restaurants in Tala Bay. Private boat charters and resort spas make for indulgent stays, often with premium prices in high season.
Couples
Warm beaches, sunset cruises and quiet Corniche cafes make Aqaba an easy pick for couples. Many hotels offer romantic packages and beachfront dinners; evenings are peaceful outside the busy marina.
Families
Aqaba is family-friendly: shallow beaches, calm waters and child-oriented resorts make swimming safe. Aquarium, glass-bottom-boat trips and nearby day trips (Wadi Rum and Dead Sea longer drives) keep children entertained.
Foodies
Seafood and Levantine mezze are local strengths; fish restaurants line the marina and Tala Bay where fresh catch is common. Street falafel and shawarma stalls satisfy quick meals; higher-end dining centers on hotel restaurants.
Plan Your Visit to Aqaba
Best Things to Do in Aqaba
Nature Reserve
Wadi Rum
Desert valley of sandstone mountains and red dunes
Church
Aqaba Church
Historic Byzantine church near Aqaba's coastline
Trail
Wadi Rum
Nature Reserve
Timna Valley
Ancient copper mining site with striking sandstone formations
Island
Pharaoh's Island
Red Sea island with a Crusader-era fortress
Mountain
Jabal Ram
Prominent sandstone peak in Aqaba Governorate
Castle
Aqaba Castle
Ottoman-era fortress overlooking Aqaba Gulf
Park
Kings City
Biblical-themed amusement park near Eilat
Aqaba Bucket List
Don't Miss
Aqaba Marine Park - Protects coral reefs and clear snorkeling sites directly accessible from several beaches.
Aqaba Fort (Aqaba Castle) - Ottoman and Mamluk fortress overlooking the Gulf with informative exhibits inside.
Aqaba Archaeological Museum - Compact museum displaying artifacts from Aqaba’s long trade history and regional archaeology.
Aqaba Corniche - Palm-lined waterfront promenade perfect for evening strolls and seaside cafés.
Ayla Marina - Modern waterfront development with yachts, restaurants, and access to diving operators.
Hidden Gems
Aqaba Fish Market - Morning fish market by the port where locals haggle over fresh catch.
Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque - Striking mosque near the city centre offering local architecture and quiet reflection.
South Beach - Popular with locals for calm swimming, snorkeling and inexpensive cafés.
Aqaba Souq (Downtown Market) - Bustling local market selling spices, textiles, and everyday goods away from tourist shops.
Tala Bay - Seaside resort community south of the city with quiet beaches and golf course.
Day Trips
Petra - World-famous Nabataean city carved into rose-red rock, easily reached in about ninety minutes.
Wadi Rum - Vast desert of red sand and dramatic rock formations ideal for jeep tours.
Eilat (Israel) - Israeli Red Sea resort city across the border; quick day trip with passport.
Dana Biosphere Reserve - Dramatic canyon landscapes with short walks, viewpoints, and traditional villages to explore.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Aqaba
Visit Aqaba in spring or autumn for the best mix of warm, pleasant weather and calm Red Sea conditions for diving and snorkeling. Winters are mild and quieter, while summers become very hot.
Winter
Cooler nights and occasional rain make winter comfortable for sightseeing and off-season rates; sea temperatures are lower, so diving is brisk but still rewarding.
Spring
Perfect weather-warm, calm sea and clear skies; ideal for snorkeling, diving and boat trips, plus comfortable daytime temperatures for exploring nearby desert sites.
Summer
Very hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 35°C; the sea is warm and excellent for water sports, but land sightseeing is best early morning or evening.
Aqaba's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 7° - 18° | 12° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 3.6 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Excellent | 8° - 19° | 14° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 51% | 4.1 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.0h |
| March | Excellent | 11° - 23° | 17° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 45% | 4.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 16° - 28° | 22° | 1 mm | clear | 38% | 4.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 20° - 32° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 34% | 3.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.5h |
| June | Ideal | 22° - 35° | 29° | 0 mm | clear | 36% | 3.9 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 13.9h |
| July | Ideal | 24° - 37° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 37% | 3.9 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.7h |
| August | Ideal | 24° - 36° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 41% | 4.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 22° - 34° | 28° | 0 mm | clear | 46% | 3.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 18° - 30° | 24° | 1 mm | clear | 48% | 3.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.3h |
| November | Ideal | 13° - 24° | 18° | 3 mm | clear | 51% | 3.4 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.6h |
| December | Excellent | 8° - 19° | 13° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 3.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.2h |
How to Get to Aqaba
Aqaba is served primarily via King Hussein International Airport (AQJ); travellers also sometimes fly into Israel’s Ramon Airport (ETM) and cross the land border. Regular intercity bus links (notably JETT from Amman) connect Aqaba to the rest of Jordan; there is no passenger train service to the city.
King Hussein International Airport (AQJ): The airport is immediately north of Aqaba city. Taxis to the city centre take about 10-20 minutes and typically cost around 10-15 JOD; many hotels also offer paid airport transfers (ask when booking). Rental-car desks and a few shuttle operators are available at the terminal.
Ramon Airport (ETM): Ramon (near Eilat, Israel) is a cross-border alternative for some international flights. Most travellers take an Israeli shuttle or taxi to the Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba border, cross on foot, then a Jordanian taxi or local transfer into Aqaba; total door-to-door time is usually 1.5-2.5 hours depending on border queues. Shuttle transfers from Ramon to the border/Eilat area commonly cost in the range of ~70-120 ILS (prices vary by operator); expect an additional short taxi on the Jordan side (a few JOD).
Train: There is no regular passenger rail service to Aqaba. Jordan’s historic Hejaz Railway is not in regular intercity passenger use, so rail is not an option for reaching the city.
Bus: Intercity bus companies (most notably JETT - Jordan Express Tourist Transportation) run reliable, air-conditioned services between Amman and Aqaba. Typical JETT fares are roughly 8-12 JOD one-way and the trip takes about 4.5-5 hours. Local minibuses and shared taxis serve short routes within the governorate and the Wadi Araba border crossing, with fares usually a few JOD or less for short journeys.
How to Get Around Aqaba
Aqaba is small and easy to navigate: for most visitors the best combo is walking around the Corniche and short-hop taxis for anything farther away. Use JETT buses for intercity travel and rent a car if you want to explore Wadi Rum or the surrounding desert at your own pace.
- Taxis (1-15 JOD) - Taxis are the most convenient way to get around Aqaba and are plentiful. Fares for short in-city trips are low but meters are not always used - agree a price or insist on the meter. Airport taxi rides to the centre typically cost about 10-15 JOD and take 10-20 minutes.
- Shared taxis / minibuses (0.5-3 JOD) - Shared service taxis and minibuses cover short routes inside Aqaba and to nearby points (including the Wadi Araba border). They are inexpensive and a good option for budget travellers, but departure times and routes can be informal - ask locals or at the bus station for schedules and prices.
- Intercity buses (JETT) (8-12 JOD) - JETT runs scheduled, air-conditioned buses between Amman and Aqaba with online booking and fixed timetables. The service is reliable and comfortable for medium-distance travel; the journey takes about 4.5-5 hours and is a good alternative to flying if you prefer overland travel.
- Car rental (25-50 JOD/day) - Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for day trips (Wadi Rum, nearby deserts and the border area). Major international and local firms have desks at the airport and in town. Watch for local driving conditions and parking rules, and carry your rental paperwork when crossing borders.
- Ride-hailing (Careem) (Variable) - Careem operates in Jordan and can be available in Aqaba for point-to-point trips; coverage and wait times are generally good within the city centre. Prices vary with demand but the service is useful when you prefer cashless payment or a booked pickup rather than flagging a street taxi.
- Walking - Aqaba’s centre and the Corniche are compact and very walkable - strolling is often the fastest way to move between the waterfront, shops and beaches. Walking is pleasant for short excursions, but use taxis or a car for destinations outside the immediate downtown area (beach complexes, desert excursions).
Where to Stay in Aqaba
Budget
Marina / South Beach - $25-70/night
Affordable guesthouses and small hotels near the marina and South Beach. Clean basic rooms and easy access to restaurants, dive shops, and the boardwalk at low cost.
Athar Hotel - Simple rooms near the old town.
Royal Views Aqaba - Budget apartments near central markets.
Mid-Range
Aqaba Marina / Corniche - $70-180/night
Several reliable mid-range beachfront hotels offer sea views, pools, and on-site dining. Good for couples and families wanting comfort without top-tier prices.
Mövenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba - Seafront rooms and multiple dining options.
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba - Comfortable rooms with marina access.
Luxury
Seafront Resorts / Tala Bay - $150-350/night
Luxury resorts along the coast offer private beaches, spas, and high-end dining. Ideal for diving trips and relaxing stays with extensive facilities and service.
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea - Luxury seafront resort with pools.
Amwaj Blue Beach Resort & Spa - Upscale beachfront resort and spa.
Best for First-Timers
Marina / Corniche - $40-120/night
Choose accommodation near the marina and Corniche for first-timers. Easy walking to diving centers, restaurants, and transport makes orientation straightforward.
Aeneas Boutique Hotel Aqaba - Central, short walk to the marina.
Aqua View Hotel - Simple, central location near attractions.
Best for Families
Family-Friendly Beachfront - $90-250/night
Family-friendly resorts with pools, kids’ activities, and beach access keep children entertained. Many hotels offer family rooms and convenient meal options on site.
Mövenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba - Family rooms and kids’ pool.
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea - Spacious suites and child-friendly facilities.
Digital Nomads
Downtown / Marina - $40-140/night
Good Wi‑Fi and apartment-style stays are available for longer work stays. Pick quieter hotels or serviced apartments near cafes and the marina for reliable connections.
Aqaba Azraq Apartment Hotel - Apartments with kitchen and Wi‑Fi.
Royal Views Aqaba - Affordable long-stay apartments downtown.
Where to Eat in Aqaba
Aqaba is a seaside city where the Red Sea dictates the menu: fish and seafood are everywhere, from early-morning catches sold at the fish market to grilled dinners along the Corniche. The marina and Tala Bay host more international and hotel-style restaurants, while street vendors and small grills feed the beach crowd.
For relaxed meals, look for mezze restaurants and cafés on King Hussein Street; vegetarian spreads and fresh salads are easy to find alongside seafood specialties.
Local Food
Aqaba’s cuisine focuses on Red Sea seafood, simple grills and lively street shawarma - best eaten along the Corniche and near the fish market.
- Aqaba Fish Market - Fresh-caught fish grilled at adjacent stalls.
- Corniche seafood restaurants - Red Sea seafood with Mediterranean seasonings.
- Street shawarma stands - Quick, spicy shawarma wraps for the beach crowd.
International Food
Aqaba offers solid international dining at the marina and hotel areas, with seafood-driven Mediterranean and global menus.
- Aqaba Marina eateries - Upscale seafood and international plates by the water.
- Restaurants in Tala Bay - Hotel dining with global menus and sea views.
- Casual Mediterranean bistros - Meze, grilled fish and familiar continental dishes.
Vegetarian
Vegetarians will be happy with mezze culture - plates of hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel and fresh salads are widely available.
- Local mezze restaurants - Hummus, baba ghanoush and tabbouleh varieties.
- Cafés on King Hussein Street - Salads, sandwiches and vegetarian wraps.
- Market produce stalls - Fresh fruits and vegetables for DIY snacks.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Aqaba’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Aqaba
Aqaba is Jordan’s seaside shopping hub: duty-free options, tourist souks and modern malls sit near the shoreline. The city is known for jewelry (including coral and silver), local handicrafts, and fresh seafood markets; bargaining is common in souks but not in duty-free or brand stores. Walk the marina and old town souk for the best mix of local goods and touristic items.
Best Bets
- Ayla Shopping Mall - Modern mall with international brands and local boutiques.
- Aqaba Old Souk - Souvenir stalls, jewelry and local handicrafts by the waterfront.
- Aqaba City Center Mall - Central mall with shops, cafes and everyday retailers.
- Aqaba Duty-Free Zone - Duty-free shops for electronics, perfumes, tobacco, and luxury goods.
- Local Jewelry Workshops - Silver and coral jewelry makers, negotiate on handmade pieces.
- Aqaba Fish Market - Fresh seafood and lively trade-good for local food shopping.