Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city and its window on the Red Sea. On the Gulf of Aqaba at the country's southern tip, it's about 330 km (~4 hours) from Amman and only an hour from Wadi Rum — a warm, easygoing place to end a trip through the south, with coral reefs a short boat ride offshore.
The essentials
- From Amman
- ~330 km, ~4 hours
- From Wadi Rum
- ~1 hour
- Known for
- Red Sea snorkelling & diving
- Climate
- Warm and sunny nearly all year
What you do here
Aqaba's draw is the water: some of the northern Red Sea's most accessible coral reefs sit just off the shore, so snorkelling and diving are the headline activities, along with glass-bottom boat trips and simple beach time. The town itself is relaxed and duty-free, an easy place to slow down after the desert.
How it fits with Petra
Aqaba is at the far south, past Wadi Rum, so it suits longer itineraries that work down the whole country. Our 5-day highlights tour reaches Aqaba as part of a full loop; see all tours to compare.
