Official Language:
Arabic
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Currency:
Jordanian Dinar
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Population:
Approximately 70,000 people call Aqaba home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Aqaba Jordan: The climate in Aqaba is hot and dry. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 80°F and 90°F (26°C-32°C). Aqaba offers 360 days of sunshine along with a continuous breeze to the north.
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Aqaba, Jordan's only outlet to the sea is a popular holiday destination and quickly becoming a popular cruise destination. Offering a superb climate, Aqaba's beaches along the Red Sea waters have some of the world's finest coral reef diving. Originally called Elath, it was the principal city of the Edomite people and a major commercial center. Today's Aqaba is the only seaport in Jordan, exporting phosphates and shells. The air is clean and the waters. Surrounded by palms, beaches, and mountains, this city offers a sunset with stunning colors. Aqaba is truly a world class seaside resort offering water sports including: deep-sea fishing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, rowing and diving. Diving in Aqaba has been is claimed to be the best in the world. The strategic location, has given the port various Arab-Israeli confrontations. Aqaba's Petra is said to be the finest archaeological site in all of the Middle East. The great monuments were hewn from living sandstone approximately 2,000 years ago, then rediscovered in 1812. Petra, named for the Greek word meaning "rock," was a growing trade center during the ancient times. You can explore on foot or by horseback these 2,000 year old structures. Archaeologists from all over the world still come to excavate the Hellenistic temples, tombs and theaters. Approximately only 1 percent of the city is believed to have been "discovered." Cruise passengers will find the local people of Aqaba hospitable and friendly. You will feel safe at this port of call .
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Attractions |
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Aqaba - Jordan:
Its calm waters make it an ideal spot for water-skiing, wind-surfing and scuba diving. There are a number of diving centres in Aqaba, where the novice may take lessons, or, for the more experienced diver, it is possible to rent gear and dive with local guides. Coral formations on the reef are said to be among the most spectacular in the world and many are close enough to the surface for an amateur snorkeller to view with ease. Trips in glass-bottomed boats can also be arranged. The aquarium, situated in the Marine Sciences Centre, on the Corniche, south-east of the town, has much exotic marine life on view, for those not wishing to get wet.
Royal Diving Centre, Aqaba:
Get up close to gorgeous coral reefs and colorful fish as you snorkel or dive at this popular attraction, offering diving instruction for novices and adventurous dives for pros.
The Royal Diving Center is located 17 kilometers (27 mi.) south of Aqaba (tel. 03/201-7035; fax 03/201-7097). With its own private beach beside a superb reef, this is the best run snorkeling and diving center in Aqaba, offering a complete array of equipment rentals, lessons, dives and diving tours. There are lockers, changing rooms, and a snack bar, making this a nice place to spend the day. A shuttle bus (JD 1/$1.40) picks guests up from the hotel district at 9am and returns to town at 5pm. Open daily 9am to 5pm in summer; 9am to 4pm in winter. Admission is JD 2 ($2.80); mask, fins, and snorkel rental is JD 3 ($4.20); taxi from town is JD 3 ($4.20).
Petra:
Reached by more than a half-mile walk through a narrow crevice in the sandstone cliffs. Pink vertical rocks, temples, royal tombs, burial chambers, a Roman amphitheater, houses, baths, & markets make this city a sight to see. The mesmerizing rose-red city of Petra is a must for any visitor to Jordan. This ancient Nabatean city is so rich in history that everyday something new is being discovered. Petra is approached through a narrow, deep gorge or siq, which winds for about 1km through a massive wall of rock. This is at some points less than three metres wide and its vertical walls tower to a height of 70 metres, making Petra one of the best-defended cities of all time.
At the end of the siq appears the impressive monument of el Khazneh, the Treasury. This is an enormous royal tomb, which was carved out of solid rock in the side of the mountain. Beyond this, a stairway cut in the rock takes the visitor to rock-carved streets lined with hundreds of temples, royal tombs, large and small houses, banqueting halls, water channels and reservoirs, baths, monumental staircases, markets, arched gates, public buildings and paved streets. There is also a gigantic Roman theatre, seating 3,000.
Jordan (The Dead Sea The) Phenomenon:
Located 34 mi/55 km from Amman, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, at over 400 meters below sea level. As its name implies, the Dead Sea harbors no living organisms due to its high concentration of salts and minerals, which are famous for their curative powers and have been used since the days of Herod the Great. They are now marketed worldwide as bath salts and cosmetic products.
Jerusalem Bazaar, Aqaba:
Practice the art of haggling at this friendly shop with a huge selection of jewelry, silverware, coral and other goods.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Aqaba Jordan:
jordan Travel Information
Aqaba - Jordan tourism guide
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