Go Diving in Aqaba
Jordan’s Beach Town Lacks Classic Beach Town Charm
Aqaba is the only coastal town in Jordan. Situated along a sea road between Asia and Africa, the area was an important port historically. Now, Aqaba is a sea resort town for Jordan - though a fairly unremarkable one. The beaches are okay - but not noteworthy. The city has resorts - but it feels only sporadically developed. My advice is, unless you’re a diver, don’t plan to spend much time in Aqaba.
If you are a diver, though, my understanding is that Aqaba will be a gem. With the northernmost coral reefs, light that penetrates 15 meters underwater, generally warm water, and both a plane wreck and a sunken tank - I’ve been told Aqaba offers exceptional diving. The pictures below are shared with permission from a friend. (I’ve never learned how to dive.)
Other Things to Do
If you find yourself in Aqaba and have time beyond diving, here are the other things to do:
Hang Out at the Beach: Aqaba has a small urban beach that you can relax along (near Malmuk Fortress). Most tourists prefer to take a taxi to South Beach a bit outside of the city, though.
Explore Ayla Ruins: Within Aqaba, there is a small set of ruins of the ancient city of Ayla. If you’ve already explored Jerash and Petra on your trip, though, this archaeological site will feel very unimpressive.
Tour Aqaba Castle: Mamluk Fortress dates back the 1500s (with the original having been built in the 1100s) and was pivotal in the Arab Revolution against the Ottoman Empire. The castle is well preserved and free to walk through. Like the Ayla Ruins, it is unremarkable when compared to other historical sites in Jordan.
Go Shopping: Aqaba has many souks (markets) you can shop at. For fruits and vegetables, explore near Raghadan Street. For spices, try Zaharan Street.
Again, if you’re not planning to dive, I think Aqaba is skippable. If you’re going to Aqaba for a flight, I would just stay the day of your flight. If you’re crossing the land border to Eilat (Israel), I would schedule your beach time in Eilat. While Eilat is more expensive, it’s the nicer of the two side-by-side resort towns.
