Aqaba Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Aqaba showing a fountain as well as an individual male
Aqaba
Aqaba featuring swimming, a beach and mountains
Aqaba Fort featuring heritage elements and a house
Aqaba which includes interior 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.

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 £146 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
£146
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Aqaba. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (312 reviews)
"Amazing staff, exceptional service."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba
InterContinental Resort Aqaba by IHG
InterContinental Resort Aqaba by IHG
5 out of 5
King Hussain Street, Po Box 2311, Aqaba
The price is £159 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
£159
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Aqaba. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Early Islamic Ayla and Saraya Aqaba Waterpark ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (377 reviews)
"Friendly, cleanliness, nice staff"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

InterContinental Resort Aqaba by IHG
Cloud 7 Residences Ayla Aqaba
Cloud 7 Residences Ayla Aqaba
4 out of 5
Ayla Aqaba, Aqaba, Aqaba Governorate
The price is £188 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£188
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Aqaba. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an on-site winery. Popular attractions Ayla Marina Village and Ayla Oasis are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (84 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Cloud 7 Residences Ayla Aqaba
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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an on-site winery. Popular attractions Ayla Marina Village and Ayla Oasis are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (84 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Cloud 7 Residences Ayla Aqaba
Aladdin Chalets - 1 Bedroom
Aladdin Chalets - 1 Bedroom
3 out of 5
Ennab St, 15, Aqaba, Aqaba Governorate
Stay at this 3-star beach chalet in Aqaba. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a private beach. Popular attractions Ayla Oasis and Ayla Marina Village are located ...
Aladdin Chalets - 1 Bedroom
ENG-Murjan Apartment
ENG-Murjan Apartment
3 out of 5
Airport St, Aqaba, Aqaba Governorate
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Aqaba. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Aqaba City Center ...
ENG-Murjan Apartment
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Aqaba

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
13
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
14
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Joe

Aqaba is perfectly located for sun seekers and adventurers alike (Petra and Wadi Rum) and so makes for a perfect week long break.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great diving and snorkeling - Rovers Return pub was fab for Christmas Day!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We visited Petra from Aqaba in December when the crowds were diminished and the temperature was perfect

4/5 - Good

Trevor44

A nice city with lots of shops restaurants and easy to walk around. Excellent tourist office. THE place to book trips. Lots of great cafes where you can sit and people watch or enjoy the local food. Surprisingly little hassle from locals (taxi driver

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A beautiful location. Clean. I felt very safe and comfortable walking around. Very easy to navigate (we hired a car) around and the local people were lovely.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I think your view of Aqaba really depends on which hotel you stay at. In all honestly, there's currently little to do in Aqaba itself. As of Nov 2019, the castle and museum are closed for extensive redevelopment. It's still a good base for touring.

Cities near Aqaba