“I want to go to the Red Sea... Is there an alternative to Egypt? Private and public beaches in Aqaba Are there corals in Aqaba?

I vacationed in Jordan at the Coral Bay Hotel (Royal Diving Club) from 08/10/08 to 08/17/08. At this time the hotel was ~50% full. There are very few Russians in the hotel and they come from other hotels to the beach, mostly Italians prevail. In Russian, except for “How are you?”, no one either in the hotel or in Jordan speaks or understands at all. A 3* hotel (including meals) - this must be taken into account when choosing, so as not to be disappointed later. For my 3* rating I liked the hotel. But there are subtleties - room cleaning is only upon request at the reception (so you need to request cleaning every day), linen is changed 2 times a week. The rooms are small - 2 beds, 2 bedside tables, TV, wardrobe, minibar (refrigerator) - that's all the furniture. No chairs, no armchairs, no table. We had to drag a table and chairs from the veranda to sit in the cool air conditioning with a glass of Martini. There is no electric kettle or iron, but there is a safe! Everything in the bathroom is in order - sink, shower, toilet, hot and cold water around the clock. From the first floor there is access to a mini-veranda with a transition to the street, on the second and third floors there are balconies, and on the roof there is a veranda. The beach is small, sandy, clean, ~100 m wide. By the way, the best on the Red Sea coast of Jordan with a magnificent shallow coral reef! On the beach from the hotel, there are sun loungers and sunshades ~ 10 m from the sea. Entry into the sea is only from the bridge; entry from the shore is prohibited. There were no problems with places on the beach, but on Fridays (a day off for Muslims) a large number of locals come for 1 day, so places need to be taken in the morning. We only took breakfast. And they didn’t regret it - dinner at the hotel for $30 per person ( Buffet, drinks for a fee) clearly does not correspond to such expenses. Therefore, we had dinner in Aqaba at the Ali Baba restaurant - 2 times cheaper, plus service by waiters (by the way, here it is quite possible to explain yourself in Russian, the head waiters will even explain in Russian what certain dishes are made of). A bus runs there from the hotel according to a schedule, the ride is ~20 minutes. Drinks incl. I recommend taking alcoholic drinks in the city, for example, a can of Sprite in a hotel will cost $2.5, and in the city $0.45. There is no entertainment in the hotel, during the day until 23-00 only different CD recordings are played, no dancing or animation! Overall, I enjoyed my vacation, the main thing is to choose the place you like and relax without paying attention to minor inconveniences. For a more discerning public, I would recommend the glamorous Radisson or Marina Plaza, which opened this year, although the price of a holiday there is much higher. Well, traveling around the country is a completely different matter! Lots of impressions!

Compared to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, Aqaba is a fairly young resort located on the Red Sea coast (in the Gulf of Aqaba). Year-round beach holidays at the resort are facilitated by ideal weather, even in the winter months the water temperature does not drop below 22 degrees. There are mountains nearby that protect the resort from desert winds, so sandstorms or strong waves are unlikely to ruin your vacation. But in any case, tourists are advised to visit this resort in the autumn-winter period, since at this time the air temperature is most comfortable, while in the summer the air can warm up above 35 degrees, and this, in turn, can ruin the holiday. But if you like the heat, then summer is the best time to relax in Aqaba. Despite the fact that the resort is located far from the most favorable and natural climatic zone, its territory is covered with numerous parks, gardens and other green spaces (there is no feeling that you are next to the desert).

Just like in Egyptian resorts, the main attraction of Aqaba is the Red Sea and its beautiful sandy beaches. The main tourist area of Aqaba is called Tala Bay and it is here that best beaches, hotels, salons, shops, restaurants and other tourism infrastructure. The resort has only six public beaches, and the rest belong to hotels. However, city beaches are practically in no way inferior to hotel beaches; they are clean, equipped with changing rooms, playgrounds, toilets, and umbrellas.

The most interesting popular entertainment in Aqaba is diving. Thanks to the special microclimate in the local waters, you can see numerous coral reefs and various sea creatures. Recently, an influx of divers from different countries peace in Aqaba is only increasing. This is facilitated not only by good natural conditions, but also the presence of a sufficient number of diving centers. Not only beginners, but also experienced divers will find a lot of interesting things here.

If we talk specifically about the underwater world of Aqaba, then we need to emphasize that the entire coastal area of the resort is a nature reserve with all the ensuing consequences. The park was created in 1997, and its main goal was to preserve marine life and population in the coastal zone. The length of the reserve is seven kilometers. Particularly popular among divers are places rich in wildlife and corals such as Oliver Canyon, Eel Garden, Japanese Gardens and others. Here you can see these interesting objects like a sunken Lebanese ship and an American tank. And if the ship really sank, then the tank was placed under water specifically to attract as many divers as possible. The largest diving center is called The Royal Diving Center. Even children can undergo training at this center. One dive costs about $25.

The beauty of the Red Sea can be seen not only by scuba diving, but also by taking an excursion on a special boat with a transparent (glass) bottom. There is also a huge aquarium in Aqaba, which is home to a variety of exotic fish and other representatives of marine fauna.

Besides the good beach holiday and diving in Aqaba you can see numerous attractions, most of which date back to the historical period. First of all, attracts attention Old city, which is a ruin ancient settlement Ayla. This settlement was once part of the Roman Empire (there are numerous references to the fact that travelers who were heading to Mecca previously rested in this place). Archaeological excavations are still ongoing, but this moment You can already see the ruins of city gates and walls, mosques, and churches.

The Mamluk fortress is of great interest to tourists. This ancient fortress is also called Aqaba Castle and was built by the Crusaders in the early 16th century. Inscriptions on the walls that were made during the Middle Ages have survived to this day. Not far from the fortress there is an archaeological museum, which contains rich collection pottery, jewelry, ancient coins and other artifacts that were found in the city and its surroundings. The building itself, which was previously the home of a famous local politician, also attracts attention.

Tourists often visit the ornithological reserve, which is not surprising, since it is a migration site for more than a million birds. In this reserve you can see birds from Asia, Africa and Asia.

Extreme sports enthusiasts should definitely visit the Royal Sports Aero Club. Here you can tickle your nerves with an airplane flight or hot-air balloon and enjoy the beauty of the resort and its surroundings from above. This club also offers the opportunity to skydive.

There are many different stores in Aqaba, offering a wide selection of goods according to affordable prices. Many people call the city a continuous zone Duty Free, which is not surprising, since only Aqaba has duty-free rules (such rules do not apply anywhere else in Jordan). People from all over the country come to Aqaba specifically for shopping. The city has a sufficient number of modern boutiques, and the largest shopping mall Aqaba Gateway. For spices, oriental sweets, herbs, fruits, and vegetables, you should go to the Southern Market. It is in the market that you can feel the real flavor of this resort.

Jordan is a combination of Arabic flavor, Christian shrines and classic beach holidays. We share tips and reviews from tourists about holidays in Jordan: what are the prices for tickets, tours, accommodation, food and entertainment in 2019, how to travel with a child, where are the best beaches and resorts.

The comfortable warm climate and the absence of visa problems attract many tourists to Jordan on vacation in 2019. The country has great beaches on the Red Sea and health centers on the Dead Sea coast. Pilgrims and ordinary believers visit ancient religious shrines, and lovers of culture and nature admire the historical monuments and picturesque landscapes of the Wadi Rum desert. Those who prefer leisure, engage in snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, off-road rides, hot air ballooning and paragliding.

Exchange rate: 1 Jordanian dinar (JOD) ≈ 95 RUB.

When is the best time to go on holiday to Jordan?

The Middle Eastern kingdom lies in a zone of sharply continental, dry subtropical climate. Temperature in Krasnoe and Dead Seas all year round does not fall below +21°C, and in the summer months sea water warms up to +28°C.

In the northern part of the country it rains from late autumn to early spring. Jordan is cool in winter. In January, the air temperature stays at +8...+14°C. In summer, on the contrary, there is intense heat: from +31°C in the north of the country to +39...+41°C in the desert.

According to tourists, it is better to come on holiday to Jordan with April to the end May or in the fall - from September before the beginning November. During these months, the air temperature reaches a comfortable +20...+30°C, and the water temperature reaches about +25°C.

(Photo © altoranpark / pixabay.com)

Red sea. On the Red Sea, Jordan has only one beach resort- This is the city of Aqaba. It is surrounded by mountains and is famous clear sea and excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling. In the north of Aqaba there are more sandy beaches, and in the south - pebble and rocky ones. Not far from the resort is the famous suburb of Tala Bay.

Holidays in Jordan on the Red Sea are comfortable. The resort has public beaches and beach areas that belong to hotels. All of them have excellent infrastructure - changing rooms, toilets, showers and cafes. Lifeguards are constantly on duty on the seashore during high season.

Free public beaches are preferred local residents, and there are always not enough sun loungers and sun umbrellas. However, hotel beaches are open to everyone, and for a small fee you can use umbrellas, sun loungers and other resort amenities.

(Photo © Kempinski Hotel Aqaba/pixabay.com)

Dead Sea. According to tourists, good conditions for a beach holiday in Jordan are offered by the spa resorts of the Dead Sea. Beach relaxation on them can be easily combined with medical and health procedures. Salts, mud and air saturated with sea vapors cure many ailments.

On the Dead Sea, almost all beaches belong to hotels. The only public beach is Amman Beach, 10 km from the hotel area. Entry costs $28.

Prices for tours to Jordan - 2019

Prices for holidays in Jordan in 2019 depend on the season. Tours are sold all year round, but they are most expensive in the fall and spring, when the high tourist season begins. According to reviews, a 7-day vacation in Jordan for two will cost more than a vacation of the same duration in resorts in Turkey, Montenegro or Greece.

Weekly tours with departure from Moscow with full board in a 2* hotel cost from 58,000 rubles, in a 3* hotel - from 62,000, in a 4* hotel - from 72,000, and in a 5* hotel - from 84,000 rubles. Want to save money? Take a tour with breakfast, then a week-long trip for two with a stay at a 1-2* hotel will cost from 55,000 rubles.

All-inclusive holidays in Jordan are offered by many 4-5* hotels in Aqaba and the Dead Sea, for example, and. Prices for such tours for two for 7-8 days start from 74,000 rubles.

Ticket prices

Direct flights to Jordan are organized from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport. The flight takes 4-4.5 hours. In high season, a round trip ticket for one person costs from 26,000 rubles, and in low season - from 17,000 rubles.

Many airlines offer connecting flights. They fly to Amman or Aqaba via Istanbul, Athens, Rome and other cities.

Everything about Jordan in a few minutes

Housing prices

Hotels Aqaba located both in the city itself and in its resort suburbs Tala Bay. The first line is almost entirely occupied by the most expensive hotels 5*, and at a short distance there are 3-4* hotels. Sea view rooms are considered the most prestigious. But since the Red Sea is located to the south of the resort, it is in these rooms that it gets hot from the constant sun.

Hotel fund for Dead Sea significantly less than in Aqaba, and accommodation here is more expensive. Each hotel has its own developed infrastructure. On its territory there are restaurants, spas and entertainment centers.

When traveling around the country, tourists stop not only by the sea. Many hotels and guesthouses have been built in the tourist areas of the country's capital - the old Downtown and modern Abdali. Hotel room Amman 1-2* will cost $20. For an overnight stay at a hotel Wadi Musa(in Petra) they charge a little more - $18. IN Madabe a hotel costs $20-40, and for a double tent in the desert they ask from $25. In other parts of the country, the hotel business is practically undeveloped.

Cost of Jordanian hotels by the sea at peak tourist season. Prices are per double room.

(Photo © stux / pixabay.com)

Prices for food in cafes and restaurants

During a holiday in Jordan in 2019, a significant part of the vacation budget is spent on food. Food prices here cannot be called too high. Street price fast food:

freshly squeezed juices and fruit shakes - 1-2 JOD;
falafel - 0.25-0.5 JOD;
shawarma with side dish - 2-3 JOD;
shish kebab or kebab - 7-10 JOD;
whole grilled chicken with side dish - 5 JOD.

Breakfast for two at cafe costs 4-6 JOD, lunch is 5-8 JOD, and dinner is inexpensive restaurant excluding alcoholic beverages - 20-25 JOD. According to Jordanian traditions, when restaurant visitors order a main course, they are given free pita bread, several appetizers and salads.

Prices in Jordanian grocery stores:

lamb, 1 kg - 10 JOD;
beef, 1 kg - 6-7 JOD;
fish, 1 kg - 5-6 JOD;
potatoes, 1 kg - 0.8-0.9 JOD;
apples, 1 kg - 1.5 JOD;
bananas, 1 kg - 1.5 JOD;
citrus fruits - 1-1.3 JOD;
oil, 0.1 kg - 1.4 JOD;
milk, 1 l - 1.5 JOD;
local beer - 1.5-2.2 JOD;
local wine - 11-15 JOD;
anisette vodka arak - 7-8 JOD;
whiskey - 8-11 JOD.

Product prices depend on the place of purchase. In tourist areas of the country they are higher.

(Photo © LoggaWiggler / pixabay.com)

Prices for excursions and entertainment

It’s good to diversify your beach holiday in Jordan with excursions. According to reviews from tourists, it is absolutely not necessary to take all the excursions in a row. It is convenient to travel around Amman on your own. A trip by regular bus from the capital of the country to Petra costs $15, to the Dead Sea - $10, and a bus to the city of Irbid - only $2. Many people like to visit the "Pompeii of the East" - the ancient city of Jarash, which is located just an hour's drive from Amman.

From Aqaba to Petra you can take minibuses - $7. You can also take a taxi, but it is much more expensive. For a trip to Petra, drivers ask for $70, and for a taxi in both directions with a wait in Petra - from $115. Ticket for regular bus between Amman and Aqaba costs $11.

Very popular during holidays in Jordan in 2019 tours and excursions:

from Aqaba to Petra and Wadi Rum - $190;
diving - $45-70;
excursion to the holy sights of Jordan with a visit to the baptism site, Mount Nebo and the city of mosaics Madaba - $170;
travel around Jarash - $80;
excursion to Jerusalem from Aqaba - $180.

(Photo © StockSnap / pixabay.com)

For now, you can explore Shobak Castle and Hammam, the ruins of Pella and Um Al-Jemal for free. Prices for visiting popular attractions:

citadel in Amman with a museum - $4.2;
Ajlun Castle - $2;
Roman theater in Amman - $1.4;
El Karak Castle with a museum - $2.8;
Aqaba Castle with a museum - $4;
archaeological park and museum in Madaba - $4.2;
ruins of a Roman city in Jarash - $14.1.

Jordan sightseeing map

To save money while on vacation in Jordan, tourists often buy a single e-ticket JordanPass. Its price includes visits to more than 40 attractions of the country, including Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, ancient castles, museums, ruins of ancient buildings and archaeological sites. Popular pilgrimage sites in Jordan are not included in the ticket.

A JordanPass with a one-day visit to Petra costs $99, with two days in Petra - $106, for three days - $113. For active travel, it pays for itself quickly enough.

Holidays with a child by the sea in Jordan are in demand at any time of the year. Jordanian beaches are clean and well-groomed, the entrance to the water is gentle, and there are no algae anywhere. The dry climate and healing sea air are especially beneficial for children, who often catch colds and suffer from allergies. True, children under 5 years old are not recommended to swim in the Dead Sea.

Most parents choose an all-inclusive holiday. In 4-5* hotels you can count on cots and shallow pools. Hotel restaurants have special menus and chairs. All Jordanian 5* hotels and many 4* hotels have clubs for children.

It is interesting to go on excursions to the desert with older children. While on vacation with a child, it is worth looking at the ancient city of Petra hidden in the mountains and the Wadi Rum desert, visiting biblical city Madaba and in the Ajlun Nature Reserve.

(Photo © unsplash.com / @_sebastien)

Experienced travelers advise not to forget about security measures:

To avoid poisoning and intestinal infections, drink only bottled water, eat vegetables that have been cooked, and well-cooked meat.
When swimming in the Dead Sea, protect your eyes from splashes. It is best to use swimming goggles.
In the Red Sea you can cut your feet with sharp coral, so swim in beach slippers. Beware of jellyfish and poisonous fish.
Scorpions and snakes are dangerous in the desert. Also, you should not plan to visit desert areas in the middle of the day, as it is very hot at that time.

(Photo © robysaltori / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC 2.0)

According to tourists, holidays in Jordan in 2019 have a lot of advantages:

The locals are very welcoming and friendly. They are always ready to show the way, even if they do not understand a foreign language well.
The staff at almost all hotels speak English.
A light breeze constantly blows along the coast in Aqaba, so the heat here is easier to bear than on the Red Sea coast in Egypt.

(Photo © unsplash.com / @mariakhnouf)

Flaws:

Holidays in Jordan are quite expensive.
Credit cards are accepted only in large hotels and shops. In the interior of the kingdom you have to pay exclusively in cash.
Strict Muslim traditions regarding women's clothing are observed on the beaches. For a more relaxed holiday and bikini swim, stay at Tala Bay Resort near Aqaba.

Whether or not to go to Jordan is up to everyone to decide for themselves. Share your opinions and reviews about the trip in the comments to our review!

(Photo © unsplash.com / @koalamoose)

Introductory image source: © mikaelthunberg / pixabay.com.

This young resort on the Red Sea coast is located in the northernmost part of the Gulf of Aqaba, 335 km from Amman. It's crystal there pure water and good conditions for relaxation. Thanks to the mountains, Aqaba has a special microclimate: you can swim all year round; in the winter months the water temperature does not drop below +22 °C, but in the summer the real heat comes only in the afternoon.

For temperature-sensitive tourists, it is better to come to Aqaba in autumn, winter or spring: summer can be too hot.

How to get there

From Aqaba you can easily get to Amman by comfortable JETT or private Trust buses. Both companies have stops in front of their offices. JETT - on King Hussein St, just behind the Movenpick Hotel, 10 minutes walk from the center. The company operates flights to Amman 5 times a day (travel time - 4 hours). Trust International Transport is located on Just off An-Nahda St. From there there are 6 flights to Amman (the journey takes 4 hours): the first at 7:30 and the last at 18:00. There are also buses to Irbid (travel time - 5.5 hours) and twice a day to Egyptian Nuweiba.

Do you need a Jordan visa to travel around the country when entering through Aqaba?
Do I need to get a visa to Jordan when flying to Aqaba via Amman?

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Transport

Hundreds of yellow private taxis ply the streets picking up tourists and locals; they are all practically the same, except that some cars are equipped with air conditioning. It is better to agree on the fare in advance, before boarding.

Minibuses connect residential areas of Aqaba with the city center. Passengers can board and disembark anywhere along the route, with stops in Aqaba available upon request. Central Station located opposite the police office on King Talal st, less than 10 minutes walk from the center (Ayla square, Al-Hussein Bin Ali mosque).

Maps of Aqaba

Weather forecast

Average monthly temperature, °C day and night, water

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Cuisine and restaurants

Italian restaurant Casalingo in the hotel Movenpick Resort& Spa Tala Bay (South Beach Road - Tala Bay Area; opening hours: 18:30 to 23:30) with a modern Mediterranean design features a wood-fired pizza oven. Casalingo offers traditional Italian dishes, seasonal dishes, excellent pizza and a fine selection of wines. The dishes are prepared by an Italian chef. Visitors can eat on the terrace or in the air-conditioned room.

The Red Sea Grill at Movenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba (not to be confused with the first one, located on King Hussein St, P; opening hours: 19:00 to midnight) is open only during the summer and serves fresh seafood. For example, grilled fish and shellfish combined with Afro-Arab cuisine. Add to this a wonderful view of the Gulf of Aqaba from the restaurant terrace.

In the city center you can find take-out food - hummus, falafel, shawarma.

Alerzal or Al-Erzal (Aqaba Gate complex) - Lebanese restaurant where you can taste dishes national cuisine and Mezza combined with seafood and grilled meat. This is the best Lebanese restaurant in Aqaba, which has two rooms - on the water and on land. The specially equipped Harmattan Boat offers exquisite boat trip during lunch or dinner around the bay, where you can see the beautiful corals of the Red Sea (there is a dive instructor on board).

One of the city's most famous restaurants is located at The Royal Yacht Club. Here seafood cuisine at prices comparable to Western ones. Service is fast. Open - for dinner only.

Not far from the Yacht Club, behind McDonald's, there is an excellent 35 Degrees East (longitude of Aqaba), which opens only after noon. European food is prepared very well here, including steaks and seafood. Prices are European, higher than in other restaurants in Jordan. Also notable is the Syrian Palace restaurant (Raghadan Street, Hayl al madina, on the right side of the Al Shuala Hotel).

Aqaba is a duty-free zone and is partially isolated from the rest of Muslim Jordan. Many shops offer a wide selection of inexpensive alcohol and cigars.

Beaches of Aqaba

Most of the beaches belong to hotels, the rest are publicly accessible, and mostly locals relax on them. In the northern part of the city the beaches are sandy, closer to the south they are rocky, with coral reefs close to the shore.

Aqaba Hotels

The most luxurious hotels in Aqaba, with an international audience and cuisine, are Movenpick Resort and Intercontinental. But the resort also has a lot budget hotels- without much chic and shine, but a clean room and a hearty breakfast are guaranteed.

A little advice that applies to all hotels in Aqaba: rooms overlooking the sea, of course, look more prestigious than those overlooking the streets, but since the sea is located in the south, the constant sun in a “sea” room can be very hot.

The Tala Bay luxury complex has opened 9 km from Aqaba with its own 2 km long beach, private estates, infrastructure and hotels. One of them is already operating - Radisson SAS Tala Bay.

Diving in Aqaba

There are 6 scuba diving centers in Aqaba offering training according to the standards of the PADI, SSI or BS-AC associations. Underwater visibility averages 35-40 m. During plankton blooms (April-May), visibility can decrease to 10-15 m, but at the height of summer it reaches 50 m or even more.

The most popular diving center, The Royal Diving Center, located 15 km south of the city, has its own sandy beach with one of the most interesting places for diving. The Al Kazar Hotel's Sea Star Dive Center offers beginner training and night dives upon request. Al Morjan Club has showers, a snack bar, equipment rental and a swimming pool; you can get there by taxi or free bus from the diving center at the Al Kazar Hotel.

In total, the resort has about 30 noteworthy dive sites, which are easily reached by boat. Many reefs are very close to the shore, so you can enjoy the underwater world there lightly, armed with just a mask and snorkel. Even beginners can find an interesting and easy dive there.

Guides in Aqaba

Entertainment and attractions of Aqaba

A fortress near the embankment in the city center, archaeological excavations on Tell al-Khalifa Hill, the Aqaba Scientific Station Aquarium, the Museum of Antiquities adjacent to the fort, as well as a museum in the house of Hussein Ben Ali, the great-grandfather of King Hussein.

A mystical mixture of colors and shapes, huge coral reefs and sea gardens, underwater grottoes and caves, a host of colorful fish and unknown mysteries of the depths - all this is the Red Sea in. The riches of the sea are so beautiful and diverse that you can tirelessly admire them all day long, transparent warm water gently envelops the body, giving freshness and coolness contrasting with the scorching sun, the sound of the surf and foamy waves awaken the imagination and paint fabulous pictures resort world.

Aqaba is the main and only seaside resort. Ancient city, full of historical mysteries and unique monuments, neighbors Eilat and occupies perhaps the most promising part of the Red Sea coast. The absence of a massive influx of tourists and industry, excellent ecology and careful attitude to the gifts of nature have given the area indescribable wealth.

Undersea world resort sea much richer than those taken together - this is where fish and sea animals come to escape the attention of millions of vacationers.

Thanks to the hot climate, the Red Sea is warm and comfortable all year round, the temperature is kept at more than 30 degrees, the water temperature is 22-28°. Of course, 22° means the coldest months. There is no season or off-season as such, but best time for a trip it is considered off-season, and for beach tourism- autumn.

The sea in Aqaba remains warm and clear 365 days a year, visibility in the water reaches 50 meters. In spring, water transparency decreases due to blooming plankton. The ebb and flow of the tides are insignificant, in general the sea is quite calm, without high waves and excitement. Strong currents are observed only at great depths away from the coast.

Beaches and holidays on the Red Sea

The coast of Aqaba is indented with sandy and pebble-rocky bays on which beaches are located. Most of them belong to hotels and there is an entrance fee. Municipal beaches are free with sun lounger rentals. All areas are impeccably equipped with infrastructure and staffed cafes, restaurants and other entertainment.

The bottom is clean and shallow, swimming is convenient and safe, the beaches are carefully cleaned from algae and other contaminants.

The resort successfully popularizes active recreation at sea, in Aqaba this is mainly snorkeling, as well as water sports and attractions.

Diving has literally become a cult, the main merit of this is King Abdullah II, who is fond of diving. The fantastic underwater world, which is perhaps the best in the world in the Red Sea, also contributes to the development of the diving movement.

Diving

Sea diving in Aqaba is:

Rich vegetation.
Thousands of species of fish and animals.
Coral reefs, dozens of species of corals.
Sunken ships and military equipment.
Underwater caves, grottoes, tunnels, canyons.

The varied bottom topography has given Aqaba about 30 dive sites. The most popular of them are Pride of Cedar, Gorgon, Moon Valley, Rainbow Reef, Kiwi Reef, Ras Al Yamani, Yellowstone Reef, Seven Sisters, King Abdullah Reef, Black Cliff, Coral Garden, Eel Garden, Japanese Gardens. There are several specially sunken ships and an American tank.

There are sites for beginners located at a depth of only 8-15 meters and sites for professionals with a dive of 30, 50 or more meters, with difficult terrain and conditions. Some areas are good at any time of day, while others bloom at night.

Undersea world

The Red Sea is home to billions of colorful creatures. Soft red and fire corals, rare black and table corals, blue and gorgonian corals became their home. Here you can see dozens of species of sea grass and picturesque rock formations. In all this there are houses of marine inhabitants invisible to the eye.

The expanses of the Red Sea are roamed by barracudas, angelfish, anemones, sponges, crabs, octopuses, clown fish, unicorn fish, nurse sharks, lion fish, Spanish dancers, pipefish, surgeon fish, parrot fish, stingrays, moray eels, cornets, sea urchins, wrasses, dascillas, turtles, sardines, anchovies, scorpionfish, lionfish, goldfish, gobies, blennies, anthias and many other living creatures of all possible colors.

Don’t forget about sharks - while some of them are harmless and don’t mind swimming with tourists, others cynically see guests as just lunch.