Sea and reefs
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Aqaba Marine Reserve | Coral reefs close to the shore and 19 dive and snorkel sites. | South of the city |
| The Japanese Garden | A reef of branching coral and colourful fish, one of the best-known snorkelling spots. | By boat or from the shore |
| Glass-bottom boats | See the reefs and turtles from the boat without getting wet. | From the marina |
| The Cedar Pride wreck | A sunken ship covered in coral, one of the Red Sea's best-known dives. | For divers |
History
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The ruins of Islamic Ayla | One of the first Islamic cities built outside Arabia, with its walls and gates. | On the corniche |
| Aqaba Castle | A Mamluk fort from the early 16th century, once an inn for pilgrim caravans. | Closed for restoration; seen from outside |
| The Great Arab Revolt flagpole | A giant flagpole flying the Revolt flag, visible from afar. | Near the castle |
Around Aqaba
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| A day trip to Wadi Rum | The desert of red mountains and jeep tours. | About an hour by car |
Tips before you go
- Aqaba is a special economic zone, so shopping is cheaper than in the rest of Jordan.
- Winter is warm and good for the sea; summer is very hot.
- Aqaba is close to Haql and can be reached by road from north-west Saudi Arabia.
Hotels in Aqaba
More places nearby
- Things to do in Jordan
- Things to do in Amman
- Things to do in Petra and Wadi Rum
- Things to do in the Dead Sea
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Aqaba?
The Aqaba Marine Reserve, the Japanese Garden reef, glass-bottom boats, the Cedar Pride wreck, the ruins of Islamic Ayla and a trip to Wadi Rum.
Is Aqaba Castle open?
It is closed for restoration with no announced reopening date.
When is the best time to visit Aqaba?
October to April, when it is warm and the sea is pleasant.
Planning your trip to Jordan? Read Travel to Jordan from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.