Jordan's only coastal city — a Red Sea resort with world-class diving and snorkelling, a duty-free shopping zone and the gateway to Wadi Rum and Petra
Flight Time
5h from UK (direct to Aqaba or via Amman)
Best Time
Year-round (October to April most comfortable)
Country
Jordan
Suppliers
our travel partners ·
Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city — a Red Sea resort with world-class diving and snorkelling on healthy coral reefs, a duty-free shopping zone and a warm, sunny climate year-round. It is the best beach base for a Jordan holiday and the gateway to Wadi Rum and Petra.
The Cedar Pride wreck dive is world-class. The coral reefs are among the healthiest in the Red Sea. Direct flights from the UK are available.
We search across Travelpack, Emirates Holidays and JTA Holidays for the best Aqaba deals.
Jan
20°C
Feb
22°C
Mar
25°C
Apr
30°C
May
34°C
Jun
37°C
Jul
38°C
Aug
38°C
Sep
35°C
Oct
31°C
Nov
26°C
Dec
21°C
Call us or send an enquiry and we'll find you the best deal across Travelpack and JTA Holidays.
Call 01282 960 460The Red Sea diving, coral reefs and warm year-round climate that make Aqaba the finest beach base for a Jordan holiday.
Aqaba has world-class diving and snorkelling — the Red Sea coral reefs off the Aqaba coast are among the healthiest in the world, with extraordinary visibility (often 20–30 metres), abundant marine life and a variety of dive sites from shallow reefs to dramatic walls and wrecks. The Cedar Pride wreck (a deliberately sunk cargo ship) is one of the finest wreck dives in the Red Sea.
The coral reefs of Aqaba are among the most diverse and healthy in the Red Sea — the protected marine park has strict regulations that have preserved the reef in excellent condition. The snorkelling directly from the beach at the Marine Park is excellent, with coral and tropical fish visible in shallow water. The reefs are accessible to all abilities.
Aqaba is a special economic zone with duty-free status — alcohol, electronics, perfume and luxury goods are significantly cheaper than elsewhere in Jordan. The duty-free status makes Aqaba a popular shopping destination for Jordanians and visitors from neighbouring countries. The main shopping area is along the waterfront and in the city centre.
Aqaba has one of the finest climates in the Middle East — warm and sunny year-round, with an average of 360 days of sunshine per year. The winter months (November to March) are pleasantly warm (20–25°C) and ideal for diving and sightseeing. The summer months are very hot (35–40°C) but the sea is warm and the evenings are pleasant.
Aqaba Castle (Mamluk Castle) is the most important historical monument in the city — a 14th-century Mamluk fortress that was later used by the Hashemite rulers of Jordan. The castle has a small museum and offers good views of the city and the Gulf of Aqaba. The castle is a short walk from the waterfront and is included in the Jordan Pass.
Glass-bottom boat trips are one of the most popular activities in Aqaba — a relaxed way to see the coral reefs and marine life without getting wet. The boats depart from the waterfront and cruise over the reefs, with the glass bottom providing clear views of the coral and fish below. The trips are excellent for families and non-divers.
Aqaba has the finest seafood restaurants in Jordan — fresh fish, prawns, lobster and calamari are available at restaurants throughout the city. The waterfront restaurants are the most atmospheric. The Ali Baba Restaurant and the Red Sea Grill are among the most popular. The quality is excellent and the prices are reasonable.
Aqaba has an excellent range of accommodation — from budget guesthouses to five-star resorts. The Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, the Movenpick Resort Aqaba and the InterContinental Aqaba are among the finest. The resorts have private beach access, swimming pools and direct access to the coral reefs. our travel partners have excellent packages to Aqaba.
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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