Aqaba

Aqaba is the main and the only Jordan port, on Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, located on the southern side of the kingdom, just near the Saudi borders, benefiting from its location and status as Jordan's special economic zone (duty-free zone). The city has a relaxed-small town atmosphere, a known as a holiday destination for Jordanian and for tourists as well.

The Weather
The winter temperature in Aqaba rarely goes below 20°C and is often quite a few degrees warmer. In summer the weather is hot, with daytime temperatures over 35°C, but the sea breezes make it bearable. It also helps to follow the traditional siesta: everything shuts down around 2 pm and reopens after the afternoon nap, around 6 pm.

How to Get There
It is located about 350 km (4 hours) from the capital Amman. Most of the Jordanain go to Aqaba by their personal cars or by bus service by private companies like JETT (http://www.jett.com.jo/Default.aspx) or Mawakeb (http://mawakebholidays.com/). Usual it costs around $20 for the return ticket.

Things to Do

Water Sports
Jet-ski, para sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, banana boats, speed boats, pedalos and many more. On a more laid back side there are also sailing boats and cruise yachts for a relaxing trip around the gulf, a meal on board while watching the sunset over the mountains of Sinai.

Scuba Diving:
http://aqabadivingseastar.com/
http://diveaqaba.com/?q=diving


Glass bottom Boat
Aqaba has lots of glass bottom boats that you can hire, down at the fisherman's harbour you can negotiate a price for a trip anything from a 1 hour tour up to a full day including a lunch. However, these boats are quite small and simple and usually only a small window in the hull.

ATVs – dirt buggies:
This is not just in Wadi Rum. There is also a centre here in the south beach area of Aqaba that takes you up into the mountains behind the city. With different sized engines for different ages, this is a great activity for all the family.

Ultra Light Flight: Discover Aqaba from above. Taking off from Aqaba's own King Hussein International Airport, this tour will show you all the highlights of the city, the south coast and the resort of Tala Bay. It is also possible to do this flight together with an aerial tour of Wadi Rum covering Lawrence's spring and the Seven Pillars of Wisdom.




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