In short
- South coast = reefs and dive centres; city centre = history, souk and restaurants.
- Many dive sites are shore dives with easy entries.
- Combine with a Wadi Rum overnight one hour inland.
Top dive and snorkel sites
| Site | Type | Depth | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Garden | Coral reef | 5–25 m | Snorkel and all divers |
| Cedar Pride | Shipwreck (sunk 1985) | ≈ 7–27 m | Divers |
| The Tank | Sunken M42 tank | ≈ 6 m | Snorkel and beginners |
| C-130 Hercules | Aircraft wreck (sunk 2017) | ≈ 12–17 m | Divers |
| Seven Sisters | Coral pinnacles | 3–15 m | Snorkel, beginners |
Aqaba: private diving tour with optional transfer
Shore or boat dives on Aqaba's southern reefs and wrecks with a private instructor; beginners can do a try-dive. 4.9/5 from about 260 reviews (as of November 2026).
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Check availabilityGlass-bottom boats and beach clubs
Glass-bottom boats leave from the city marina and the main beach for 1–2 hour trips over the reefs; some include a snorkelling stop. Beach clubs on the south coast sell day passes with sunbeds and reef access.
Aqaba: glass-boat snorkelling with Berenice beach-club day use
Glass-bottom boat ride over the coral with a snorkelling stop, then the rest of the day at the Berenice beach club.
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History in the city
Start at Aqaba Fort, rebuilt under the Mamluks in the early 16th century and captured during the Arab Revolt in 1917. Walk along the corniche to the remains of Ayla, the early Islamic port with its gates and walls. In the evening, the flag at the Great Arab Revolt Plaza is one of the city's landmarks.
Food and the souk
Aqaba's speciality is sayadieh, spiced fish on rice with caramelised onions. Try the fish restaurants near the centre, the sweet shops for knafeh and the spice stalls in the souk.
Tala Bay and the south coast
Tala Bay is a resort enclave close to the Saudi border with a marina, private beaches and dive centres. Even if you stay in town, it is a pleasant half-day for a beach and lunch.
Snorkelling from the shore
The easiest reef in Jordan is on your doorstep in Aqaba. On the south coast, beach clubs and dive centres rent masks and fins, and a few strokes from the jetty bring you over coral gardens with parrotfish, butterflyfish, clownfish in anemones, lionfish and occasional turtles. Japanese Garden is the classic snorkel site; the Tank and the Seven Sisters are shallow enough to see from the surface. Enter from jetties or sandy channels to avoid stepping on coral, and keep away from boat lanes.
Learning to dive
Aqaba's calm, clear and warm water makes it one of the best places in the region to learn. Dive centres offer try-dives (no certification), PADI Open Water and other courses, and fun dives for certified divers. The FCDO advises choosing operators with recognised accreditation, never diving alone, and checking equipment and emergency procedures; ask whether the centre has oxygen and how far the nearest hyperbaric chamber is.
The Royal Yacht Club, marina and sunset cruises
Boat trips from the marina range from short glass-bottom rides to half-day cruises with lunch and snorkelling stops. The sunset is the most popular time, with the mountains of Sinai and the lights of Eilat across the water.
Aqaba Bird Observatory
At the northern edge of the city, RSCN's Aqaba Bird Observatory is a stopover for migrating birds on the Rift Valley flyway — busiest in spring and autumn, with storks, raptors, waders and songbirds.
Evenings in town
After dark, families walk the corniche, cafés fill around the souk and the fish restaurants are at their best. Try sayadieh, grilled fish by weight and knafeh for dessert. Alcohol is available in hotels and some restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to dive in Aqaba?
No for a supervised try-dive; yes (for example PADI Open Water) for independent fun dives with a buddy.
Are there sharks in Aqaba?
Sharks are very rarely seen on Aqaba's reefs; the Gulf is known for colourful reef fish, corals and turtles.
Can non-swimmers see the reef?
Yes — take a glass-bottom boat or a submarine-style tour, or snorkel with a life jacket at a shallow site.
Is there anything to do in Aqaba besides the beach?
Yes — Aqaba Fort, the early Islamic ruins of Ayla, the souk, the Bird Observatory, sunset cruises, and day trips to Wadi Rum (about an hour) and Petra (about two hours).
Is Aqaba good for families?
Yes — calm water, shallow reefs, glass-bottom boats and resort pools make it one of Jordan's easiest destinations with children.
Sources and official information
Facts were checked against these official sources in November 2026. Opening hours, prices and timetables change, so confirm before you go.
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