“From Aqaba's seafront you can see four countries at once, Jordan, Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, ringing the Red Sea gulf, while coral reefs lie just offshore.”
About Aqaba Fortress
Aqaba has been a trading and port settlement for thousands of years, controlling access between Arabia, the Levant and Egypt. It holds the remains of what is considered one of the world's earliest purpose-built mosques and a Mamluk fort, and it played a part in the Arab Revolt when its capture in 1917 opened a supply route from the sea.
Overview Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, a port and resort town on the Gulf of Aqaba at the northern tip of the Red Sea. Its warm, calm water and fringing coral reefs make it the country's diving and snorkelling hub, with sites including deliberately sunk wrecks. From the waterfront you can see four countries, Jordan, Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, meeting around the gulf.
Overview Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, a port and resort town on the Gulf of Aqaba at the northern tip of the Red Sea.
Sea and History Beyond the reefs, Aqaba has a Mamluk-era fort, a small but rich archaeological record including an early mosque, and a relaxed seafront. It is the natural coastal counterpart to nearby Wadi Rum and Petra on a southern itinerary.
The Experience
The pull of Aqaba is the water: warm, clear and calm, with coral reefs and sunken wrecks reachable on easy dives and snorkelling trips straight from shore or boat. Ashore, the seafront is low-key and the gulf view takes in the lights of neighbouring countries at night. It is a place to slow down between desert and ruins.
Why It Matters
Aqaba is Jordan's gateway to the Red Sea and its only marine environment, valued for accessible coral reefs and as the historic southern port that links the country to the sea.
Aqaba is Jordan's gateway to the Red Sea and its only marine environment, valued for accessible coral reefs and as the historic southern port that links the country to the sea.
Why Visit
It is the only place in Jordan to dive or snorkel Red Sea reefs, and a relaxing coastal break beside Wadi Rum and Petra. Bring or rent snorkel gear for the shore reefs, and watch the four-country view light up after dark.
✦ Insider Tips
- 1
Snorkel or dive the offshore reefs and sunken wrecks, reachable on short trips from town.
- 2
After dark, the gulf view takes in the lights of Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
- 3
It is the coastal counterpoint to Wadi Rum and Petra on a southern Jordan loop.
- 4
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and your own snorkel gear to save on rentals.
