Aqaba, Jordan: A Complete Travel Guide to Beaches, Hotels, Restaurants & Things to Do

Discover Aqaba: Jordan’s Window to the Red Sea

Located at the southern tip of Jordan on the Red Sea, Aqaba is one of the country’s most popular destinations for leisure, adventure, and family holidays. Known for its crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, luxury resorts, and year-round sunshine, Aqaba offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a diving trip, a family vacation, or a journey through Jordan’s most famous attractions, Aqaba deserves a place on your itinerary.

Why Visit Aqaba?

Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city and the gateway to the Red Sea. Visitors come to enjoy:

• Beautiful beaches and warm weather all year round
• World-class diving and snorkeling sites
• Luxury resorts and family-friendly hotels
• Fresh seafood restaurants
• Water sports and boat trips
• Duty-free shopping opportunities
• Easy access to Wadi Rum and Petra

Unlike many beach destinations, Aqaba combines nature, history, culture, and modern tourism facilities in one place.

Where is Aqaba Located?

Aqaba is situated in southern Jordan along the Red Sea coast. It borders Saudi Arabia to the south and lies close to Egypt and Israel.

Distance from major cities:

• Amman to Aqaba: approximately 330 km
• Petra to Aqaba: approximately 125 km
• Wadi Rum to Aqaba: approximately 70 km

Best Time to Visit Aqaba

Aqaba enjoys warm weather throughout the year.

Spring (March – May)

Perfect temperatures and ideal beach weather.

Summer (June – August)

Hot but excellent for swimming and water activities.

Autumn (September – November)

One of the most pleasant seasons for visitors.

Winter (December – February)

Mild temperatures make Aqaba a popular winter escape.

Best Beaches in Aqaba

South Beach

One of the most popular public beaches with easy access to coral reefs and snorkeling areas.

Berenice Beach Club

A private beach offering swimming pools, restaurants, water sports, and family facilities.

Tala Bay Beach

Located within Tala Bay Resort, featuring beautiful sandy beaches and marina views.

Al-Hafayer Public Beach

A centrally located public beach near downtown Aqaba.

Diving and Snorkeling in Aqaba

Aqaba is considered one of the best diving destinations in the Middle East.

Popular dive sites include:

Cedar Pride Shipwreck

A famous underwater shipwreck attracting divers from around the world.

Japanese Garden

Known for vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life.

Tank Dive

An underwater military tank transformed into an artificial reef.

Seven Sisters Reef

A beautiful coral formation ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Visitors can expect to see:

• Colorful tropical fish
• Sea turtles
• Coral gardens
• Moray eels
• Lionfish

Top Things to Do in Aqaba

Snorkeling

Perfect for families and beginners.

Scuba Diving

Available for both certified divers and beginners.

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Enjoy the underwater scenery without getting wet.

Sunset Cruises

One of the most popular activities in Aqaba.

Jet Ski and Water Sports

Available across many beaches and resorts.

Fishing Trips

Private and group fishing excursions are available.

Best Hotels in Aqaba

Luxury Hotels

• Kempinski Hotel Aqaba
• InterContinental Aqaba
• Al Manara Luxury Collection
• Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla
• Mövenpick Resort Aqaba

Family-Friendly Hotels

• DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba
• Marina Plaza Tala Bay
• Oryx Hotel Aqaba

Budget Hotels

• Lacosta Hotel
• Dweik Hotel
• Captain’s Hotel

Best Restaurants in Aqaba

Seafood Restaurants

• Ali Baba Restaurant
• Ocean Restaurant
• Captain’s Restaurant

Family Restaurants

• Romero Restaurant
• Buffalo Wings & Rings
• Formosa Chinese Restaurant

Local Jordanian Cuisine

• Hashem Son’s Restaurant
• Al Shami Restaurant.

Shopping in Aqaba

Aqaba is known as a special economic zone, making shopping attractive for many visitors.

Popular shopping locations include:

• Aqaba City Center
• Downtown Aqaba Markets
• Souk by the Sea
• Local gift and souvenir shops

Popular purchases include:

• Jordanian handicrafts
• Dead Sea products
• Perfumes
• Electronics
• Clothing
• Traditional souvenirs

Aqaba for Families

Families visiting Aqaba can enjoy:

• Safe beaches
• Boat tours
• Snorkeling trips
• Water parks
• Marine life experiences
• Family-friendly resorts

Children particularly enjoy glass-bottom boat tours and shallow beach areas.

Combine Aqaba with Petra and Wadi Rum

Many visitors combine Aqaba with Jordan’s most famous attractions.

Suggested route:

Day 1–2: Aqaba
Day 3: Wadi Rum
Day 4–5: Petra

This combination offers beaches, desert adventures, and world-famous archaeological sites in one trip.

Final Thoughts

Aqaba is much more than a beach destination. It is a gateway to adventure, relaxation, marine life, luxury resorts, family holidays, and unforgettable Red Sea experiences. Whether you’re traveling from Amman, visiting Jordan for the first time, or planning a weekend escape, Aqaba offers something for every traveler.