Top Things to Do in the Aqaba | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Aqaba

Places To Visit In Aqaba

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Soak in the picturesque views of the Red Sea while you are on a cruise in the glass-bottomed boats of Aqaba. Parrot fish, rainbow fish, stone fish, chicken fish, clown fish and occasionally even the local delight Denis are seen, depending on your luck. These tours usually take 3 to 4 hours of your day, where you can relax and watch the marine life floating as you experience your shared-cruise. You may even travel past the Aqaba Castle, Eliat, and the Ayla Oasis on your journey. Read More

Ayla is a historical site with the ruins of the first Islamic city outside the Arabian Peninsula in Aqaba. The remains of the city were excavated around 1989. Archaeologists have discovered fortified stone walls with a length of 165 m and some being as high as 3 m. The ancient enclosed city was constructed according to Islamic settlement structures called Msir. It was surrounded by 24 towers and divided into 4 sections through two main streets running in the centre. Ruins of a mosque, which was added to the city plan after 748, have been the latest unearthing. Ayla was established around 636 AD. It served as a pilgrim station initially and then as a fishing and commercial centre during Ottoman rule. Read More

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden is a well-known dive site in Aqaba located just south of the Cedar Pride shipwreck. With its perfect mix of shallow and deep waters and a sloping reef, it is the ideal place for diving and snorkelling. The dive starts at an easy 10-12m and goes to around 30m. Taiyong, the technical dive site, is safe for all levels of divers or snorkelers, ranging from beginners to the more advanced. The area is home to rich flora and fauna. Various coral species, pelagic fish, Moray eels, schools of goldfish and turtles are commonly spotted here. Black coral valleys are quite a famous sighting. Read More

Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque is a white marble mosque and an icon of Aqaba. It has the largest domes among Jordan’s mosques and is considered the main mosque for Aqaba’s citizens. The mosque is admired for its intricately patterned central dome and minaret, which lights up at night and looks spectacular. It is named for Hussein bin Ali, who was the instigator of the Arab revolt and the Sharif and Emir of Mecca from 1908 until 1917. The highlight of the mosque is the chandeliers hanging from the main hall’s ceilings and illuminating the space along with the stained glass windows. A geometric garden with a charming wooden gazebo is present in the front. Read More

The Weekly Street market of Aqaba, Souk by the Sea takes is hosted every Friday next to Captain’s Hotel on Nahda Street. This market is organized to promote goods and handicrafts made by the locals and offers a wide range of handicrafts, food, and entertainment for families and children. There are about 30 stands selling exquisitely handmade souvenirs, including jewelry, clothing, bags, wooden gifts, and toiletries. Additionally, you can have temporary hand-painted henna tattoos and drink mint tea. Read More

South Beach is a stretch of public and private beaches located south of Aqaba city centre. The beach has a long coastline of 12km with colourful coral reefs and a stunning view of the Red Sea. It is also famous for diving and snorkelling. A little away from the city, beach-goers can find a moment of solitude and calm here and get a panoramic view of Egypt’s the Sinai Peninsula. The public beaches of South Beach are lined with showers, toilets and umbrellas for shade. The private beaches are ideal for people looking for a secluded and quiet place. Read More