Aqaba

Overview

At the northern end of the Red Sea, Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city and warm all year. About 25 dive sites lie offshore, including coral gardens, a sunken aircraft and wrecks, the Cedar Pride being the best known. Snorkellers see plenty of coral and reef fish in the shallows, and the town has a corniche, a fort and a duty-free zone.

History

A port for the Nabataeans and Romans, it gained a Hejaz Railway terminus in Ottoman times, and its coastline was extended by a land swap with Saudi Arabia in 1965.

Highlights

• •Snorkelling the Red Sea reefs
• •The Cedar Pride wreck
• •Aqaba Fort
• •The corniche and seafood restaurants

Practical tips

• •Allow 18 hours after diving before flying
• •Summer water is warm; stay hydrated and use sun protection

Practical information

Best time

March-May, September-November

Tickets

Dives about JOD 50-80 each

Opening hours

Dive centres roughly 8:00-18:00

Local food

Red Sea grilled fish, Jordanian kebab, seafood

Getting around

About four hours by car from Amman, or an hour by air.

Visa

A visa is required, available on arrival or via the Jordan Pass.

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