Best Things To Do In Aqaba Jordan

I found the ”#loveaqaba” or ”I Love Aqaba” sign very difficult to find. Having spent over a month here before I even knew it existed. Every now and again they will put up a temporary one in various places around the city, one previously being at the Arab Revolt Flagpole. However, there is one that permanently exists in the city, find the location in the FAQs.

Must Read Before You Fly

I want to share my first hand experience on what was a very disappointing start. I didn’t do my research before taking the flight, not knowing what was required to enter the country. When I attempted to board the plane the flight attendant was telling everyone that it was a requirement to buy a Jordan Pass to be allowed to fly. A quick google search and I discovered a Declaration Form was all that was needed.

I spoke up, advising the flight attendant and her supervisor that she was giving false information. Upon hearing me, I found disgruntled passengers that had already paid for the Jordan Pass, getting nothing but an apology and being told they needed to board the flight immediately. Since arriving in Jordan and speaking to people here, I’ve heard several tourists explain that the same thing had happened with them. Even a Jordanian Citizen has had the same experience, being told he had to buy a Jordan Pass. He is under the impression that this is not a mistake from the flight attendants but something that they are taught to say.

Please comment and share your experience if you have encountered the same situation.

Should You Buy A Jordan Pass

There are of course benefits to the Jordan Pass. If you fly into Amman (you have to pay a visa fee, 40 JOD) and plan on going to Petra (50 JOD+ entry), the Jordan Pass will save you money on these 2 things alone (costing 70 JOD with a 1 day pass to Petra). Flying into Aqaba doesn’t require a visa fee, so as with anywhere you go, don’t make the same mistake I almost did and always plan ahead.

The Best Things To Do In Aqaba Jordan

Diving In Aqaba’s Red Sea

The Red Sea is at the top of many divers’ bucket lists, me included. There is no doubt why, flourishing reefs, phenomenal wrecks, caves, walls, drop-offs, everything a diving enthusiast might desire.

With it’s wide array of things to see and ease of access, from someone who’s never dived before to the more experienced, it has something for everyone. It is without a doubt the best thing to do here in Aqaba. It is an ideal location for all year diving. In Aqaba the water temperatures are between 20°C in the Winter and 28°C in Summer. In my opinion this is definitely one of the best things to do in Aqaba.

Read more here ”Scuba Diving In Aqaba” & ”The 8 Best Wreck Dives In Aqaba”

Snorkeling In Aqaba’s Red Sea

Aqaba’s beautiful clarity of water provides the opportunity to see things here that are very special. You are actually more likely to see a whale shark from the surface of the water than diving underneath. This makes snorkeling easily one of the best things to do in Aqaba.

South Beach

• By Bus: 0.75 JOD. A bus stop in front of the Aqaba Castle. There are no dedicated bus stops on the way down, you can get off wherever you would like (AMP is 7km in length).
• By Taxi: 10 JOD. You will have difficulty to find a taxi in Aqaba, green in color and constantly beeping there horns in search of passengers.
• By Trip: My personal recommendation would be Aqaba Sharks Bay Divers. 45 JOD per person (+20 JOD per group for a guide in the water). Knowledgeable and friendly staff. If you opt to not have a guide in the water, you will still get a full explanation of the sites available. Allowing you to explore the wrecks and corals on your own.
• By Boat: Explore the area in style and get away from the hustle & bustle of the beach. Getting out a boat also increases your likelihood of encountering bigger animals. Especially in the summer season when dolphins and whale sharks come out to play. Keep reading to find my recommendations on boat tours available in the area.

Kitesurfing

For the ones that dare to try, you are never too old. Not currently well known in Aqaba, but I have high hopes for the sport here, especially with Jordan Kites on the scene. An amazing and patient instructor, with his oldest students being 83 years of age.

Due to the topography of the location, it has strong winds blowing in from the desert towards the sea. It has two mountain chains on both sides of the gulf, which compress the wind to make it stronger. Combine that with it’s open spaces and deep water, it is ideal for the sport.

Boat Trips In Aqaba’s Red Sea

You have a wide array of boat trips possible here in Aqaba. The majority of these will take you to the Aqaba Marine Park (AMP), as it is a well protected area and has the most to see in the water. The government and various organisations put a lot of effort into providing a beautiful environment to bring tourists into the country. Hands down the most marine diverse waters in Jordan and one of the best things to do in Aqaba.

Snorkeling Boat

The snorkeling trips are often combined with divers. As even from the surface you have the opportunity to see the stunning wrecks underneath. My personal recommendation would be Aqaba Sharks Bay Divers. They have the biggest and nicest boats in Aqaba, with excellent amenities; including toilets, showers (towels are even provided) and a self service area with drinks. The staff are friendly and attentive.

Glass Bottom Boat

Sunset Cruise

Experience The Food In Aqaba

Explore The Bars In Aqaba

Aqaba Castle (Fortress)

Important To Know

I just want to reiterate that the castle is FREE. I want to make sure that you don’t get caught out on this. As I was leaving the castle a tour guide was leading a group into the castle, asking for 5 JOD from each person for entry. On a TripAdvisor tour they advertise ”admission included” and even on the official Jordan Pass website it is included amongst the attractions that it covers. A selling point that I don’t agree with.

Early Islamic Ayla (Ruins Of Ayla)

Although there isn’t much to look at, I was fascinated by the history packed into this site. There are 11 stands dotted around what used to be the Ayla Fortress, which at it’s peak was an important maritime port. Connecting several countries and continents. I won’t go into too much detail with this site and allow to discover that information for yourself with the stands provided. Start right when you enter.

FAQs