Aqaba Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Aqaba featuring general coastal views
Set on the Red Sea, this coastal resort town is one of the world’s best snorkeling destinations and an idyllic beach getaway.

Aqaba is home to brilliant blue waters and some of the best snorkeling in the world. Set on the Gulf of Aqaba, which opens up to the Red Sea, the waters are a stunning contrast to the reddish mountains on land. Spend your days snorkeling over the coral reef or engaging in more active watersports. As the sun sets, head to downtown Aqaba to taste spectacular seafood in lively restaurants.

Snorkeling in Aqaba is easy because the reef is located just off shore. Swim over the coral and you’ll quickly see why Aqaba’s reefs are so famous. Spot the thrilling array of fish that thrive in these waters. You may see parrotfish, groupers, damselfish, butterflyfish and moray eels.

While a modern crop of luxury hotels brings travelers to Aqaba for the sparkling beach, the area has been a popular destination for millennia. Aqaba is home to underground springs that have always made the area very attractive. Take the time to visit the historic sites which stand as testaments to its long heritage. Aqaba Fort, for example, acted as a hotel for travelers en route to Mecca in the 16th century.

Go on a hike through the Aqaba Bird Observatory, a man-made wetland that has become a haven to wildlife of all sorts. Many bird species stop here along their migration routes between Africa, Europe and Asia. Tour the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, which houses many seventh-century artifacts and a wealth of historical information. In the afternoon, stroll along the Corniche, a beachfront promenade lined with shops and restaurants, before heading back to the beach for sunset.

To reach Aqaba, fly into the international airport, conveniently close to the beach resorts, or arrive by the Desert Highway. After days spent in Jordanian cities and deserts, you'll find a swim in Aqaba’s turquoise waters very hard to resist.

InterContinental Resort Aqaba, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Resort Aqaba, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
King Hussain Street, Po Box 2311, Aqaba
The price is NZ$306 per night from 15 May to 16 May
NZ$306
per night
15 May - 16 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Aqaba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Early Islamic Ayla and Saraya Aqaba Waterpark ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (326 reviews)
"Sadly the Checkin was not adequately staffed. Although, occupancy was very low, and I’m a IHG member, the receptionist didn’t provide us with a sea or pool view room."

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

InterContinental Resort Aqaba, an IHG Hotel
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba
5 out of 5
Al-Hashemi Street, Aqaba, Aqaba Governorate
The price is NZ$360 per night from 21 May to 22 May
NZ$360
per night
21 May - 22 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Aqaba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (263 reviews)
"From the beginning since the arrival everything was smooth and nice. Friendly staff, the hotel was awesome and luxurious, Great atmosphere, the food was great ( from the restaurant to the buffet), I must say that chef Ismael and the chef Rami were great hosts. I couldn’t have a better honey moon. ..."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
5 out of 5
King Hussein Street, Aqaba, Aqaba Governorate
The price is NZ$371 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$371
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Aqaba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (517 reviews)
"Wonderful place to stay in Aqaba. Outstanding staff and facility"

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2024

Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
ENG-Murjan Apartment
ENG-Murjan Apartment
Airport St, Aqaba, Aqaba Governorate
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Aqaba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Aqaba City Center ...
ENG-Murjan Apartment
Cloud 7 Residences Ayla Aqaba
Cloud 7 Residences Ayla Aqaba
4 out of 5
Ayla Aqaba, Aqaba, Aqaba Governorate
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Aqaba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an attached winery. Popular attractions Ayla Marina Village and Ayla Oasis are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (60 reviews)
"Amazing place!! Highly recommend. You feel like you are in a Greek Island. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on 19 Feb. 2024

Cloud 7 Residences Ayla Aqaba
Beachfront Apartment with Fantastic Red Sea View, Close to Downtown
Beachfront Apartment with Fantastic Red Sea View, Close to Downtown
Aqaba
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Aqaba. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Early Islamic Ayla and Sharif ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Great stay!
"This was a nice stay with lots of amentities at the movenpick resort. Apartment was large and clean. Easy check in process and owner available for questions over text. Would stay again!!"

Reviewed on 20 Oct. 2023

Beachfront Apartment with Fantastic Red Sea View, Close to Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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