Things to do — Aqaba and Red Sea

Aqaba offers an experience combining world-class diving, varied water activities, modest cultural sites and desert excursions.

Diving and snorkelling are the flagship activities. About twenty sites accessible from Aqaba, the most emblematic being: 1) Cedar Pride (75-m Lebanese cargo sunk in 1985, lies at 25 m depth, covered with corals, abundant fauna — the most famous wreck of the Gulf of Aqaba, minimum Open Water level). 2) Lockheed L-1011 TriStar (50-m airliner sunk in 2019 at 28 m, one of the largest aircraft wrecks accessible to divers in the world — minimum Advanced Open Water level). 3) M42 Duster Tank (anti-aircraft tank immersed in 1999 at 6 m, accessible by snorkelling). 4) Japanese Garden (coral garden with unique shapes, accessible from the beach, ideal beginners). 5) Power Station Reef (rich reef from the beach, vertical wall at 30 m). 6) Eel Garden (garden eel colony on sandy bottom). 7) Saudi Border (limit of Saudi waters, vertical wall, big pelagics, whale sharks in October-November).

Recommended dive centres: Aqaba International Dive Center (Tala Bay, accredited PADI 5 Star IDC, French-speaking instructors available), Royal Diving Club (south of Aqaba, the oldest and most institutional, founded by King Hussein), Sea Star Watersports (Aqaba city centre, international atmosphere), Aqaba Adventure Divers (Tala Bay, small family centre). Rates: introductory dive €60-90 the session, 2 guided dives for certified divers €80-120 per day, 6-dive package €220-300, 10-dive + equipment package €350-500. PADI Open Water Training: €350-450 (3-4 days), Advanced Open Water €300-400 (2-3 days).

For non-divers: snorkelling from Tala Bay or on a boat trip (€25-50 per person, mask/snorkel/fins included), transparent kayak or glass bottom boat to observe the reefs without diving (€25-40), jet ski (€30-60/30 min), parasailing (€40-70), windsurfing and catamaran from the resorts.

Boat trips: Pharaohs Island (Egyptian island in the gulf with 12th-century Ayyubid citadel, full day from Aqaba €60-100 per person, meals included, snorkelling on the reefs around the island — note: Egypt visa not required for this day excursion). Coral Beach and Tala Bay: half-day trips to the best snorkelling spots (€30-60).

Cultural sites in the city: Mamluk fort of Aqaba (Castle of Aqaba, 16th century, this is where the flag of the Arab Revolt was raised on 6 July 1917 during the capture of Aqaba by Lawrence of Arabia and Faisal I's forces — major symbol of modern Jordanian nationalism). Aqaba Museum (next to the fort, small but interesting, Nabataean, Roman and Byzantine archaeological remains). Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque (the largest in Aqaba, modern white architecture, respectful visit possible outside prayers, covered attire). Aqaba Souk (city centre, traditional market for spices, dates, Arabic coffee, fabrics, souvenirs). Aqaba Corniche (seafront promenade, lively in the evening, grilled fish restaurants, street vendors).

Desert excursions: Wadi Rum at 1h drive (60 km north), possibility of day excursion from Aqaba (transport + 4x4 + Bedouin lunch, €80-120 per person), or combining with a night in a Bedouin camp for those who haven't included Wadi Rum in their main itinerary. Petra at 2h drive (130 km north), day excursion possible but very tiring (departure 6 am, return 10 pm, little time on site) — preferable to dedicate 2 nights to Petra before or after Aqaba.

Beaches: Aqaba's public beaches are rare and of uneven quality. The best option for non-residents of resorts: Berenice Beach Club (5 km south of the centre, entry 15-25 JOD = €19-32, equipped beach with pools, restaurants, deck chairs — accessible by day). The free public beaches (Public Beach No. 1 and No. 2) are frequented by Jordanian locals, family atmosphere but not very tourist-oriented. The Tala Bay resorts (Mövenpick, Hilton, Hyatt, Kempinski) offer quality private beaches, accessible to resident guests.