Aqaba is Jordan’s window onto the Red Sea, a laid-back port city at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba with beaches, hotels and some of the most accessible coral reefs in the region. It is also the most practical southern base for this part of Jordan: Wadi Rum is about an hour away by road and Petra roughly two, and many cruise passengers and travellers flying into Aqaba’s King Hussein International Airport see both from here. In the city itself, you can visit the old Mamluk-era fort near the waterfront and the archaeological remains around town, but the main draw is the water: snorkelling and diving straight off the beaches south of the centre, glass-bottom boats and lazy days by the sea. It is a natural place to end a trip after the dust of Petra and the cold nights of Wadi Rum.
How it works: Aqaba is about four hours from Amman by road and has its own airport. Taxis and private drivers run day trips to Wadi Rum and Petra, and many hotels can arrange them.
What to expect: November is a good month here, with warm days and comfortable sea temperatures. The city is quieter and more relaxed than Amman, and the beaches south of the centre are the best for snorkelling.
Making the most of it: use Aqaba for one or two nights at the end of a Petra and Wadi Rum loop, or as a base for a Wadi Rum day trip if you would rather not sleep in the desert. Bring or rent a mask and snorkel for the reefs.
What to expect
The experience
A seaside city base with beaches, reefs and day trips to Wadi Rum and Petra.
Best time
Autumn to spring, when the heat is gentle.
How long
One or two nights at the end of a trip.
Tips
Book Wadi Rum and Petra transfers through your hotel and bring snorkelling gear.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Ending a desert trip by the sea, or reaching Wadi Rum from the south.
- Families
- Easy beaches and snorkelling straight from the shore.
- Couples
- Sunsets over the gulf after days in the desert.
- Pair with
- Wadi Rum an hour away and Petra two hours north.
- Time needed
- One to two days.
Good questions
How far is Aqaba from Wadi Rum and Petra?+
About an hour from Wadi Rum and roughly two hours from Petra by road.
Does Aqaba have an airport?+
Yes, King Hussein International Airport serves Aqaba.
Is Aqaba good for snorkelling?+
Yes, coral reefs lie just off the beaches south of the city centre.
Can I visit Petra in a day from Aqaba?+
Yes, many drivers and tours run Petra day trips from Aqaba, though an overnight in Wadi Musa is better.
When is the best time to visit Aqaba?+
Autumn through spring, when it is warm but not extreme.
