History & Culture
Aqaba Castle
With origins dating back to the Mamluk Sultan Qanswah el-Ghawri's reign (1501-1517 AD), Aqaba Castle is a symbol of Jordan's rich past. Located along the Red Sea, this fort played a key role in defeating the Ottoman Empire. The fort underwent renovations under both Mamluk and Ottoman rule and functioned as a caravanserai and military barracks. Its main gate proudly bears the Hashemite Coat of Arms, reflecting its historical significance.
Arab Revolt Plaza
Your tour of Aqaba’s historical sites culminates at the Great Arab Revolt Plaza. This huge square is a great space to relax and enjoy the views of the middle beach, and as such is considered an ideal escape for visitors. The importance of the Plaza lies in its historical value.
It embraces the flag of the Great Arab Revolt, and the house of the Leader of the Arab Revolution, Al Hussein Bin Ali. It bears a deep significant national symbolism as the first Jordanian land set foot on by the armies of the revolution led by Al Sharif Hussein bin Ali. It is also the site where the first bullet of the Arab Revolt was shot.
Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque
The mosque was named after Hussein bin Ali who was the Sharif and Emir of Mecca from 1908 until 1917. Known as the initiator of the Arab Revolt, Al Sharif Hussein Bin Ali stood against the increasingly nationalistic Ottoman Empire during the course of the First World War.
With its pristine white structure, intricate glass windows and soaring minarets, Al Hussein Bin Ali mosque is a beacon of Islamic architecture and a moving sight among the hustle and bustle of city life. It also boasts the largest dome among Jordan’s’ mosques. It is considered a main mosque for Aqaba’s citizens. Visitors can quietly stroll around the elegant interior and watch the city’s daily life at its most tranquil and pious.
Islamic Ayla
Excavated in the mid-19th century and dating back to the first Islamic period, Ayla is the surviving remains of an old Islamic society located in the center of Aqaba. Built in 650AD tourist can get a firsthand look at the magnificence of the Islamic empires of centuries past.
Sharif Hussein bin Ali’s House
The Sharif Hussein bin Ali’s House in Aqaba, constructed in 1917, was the first residence built by the people of Aqaba featuring traditional Hejazi architecture. Situated next to the historic Aqaba Castle, the house served as the residence of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the house was also repurposed as a government building and has since been transformed into the Aqaba Archaeological Museum.
Now the house is fully restored and serving as a national museum.
4th Century Roman Church
During the Byzantine period, a great deal of construction took place throughout Jordan. All of the major cities of the Roman era continued to flourish as the regional population grew. As Christianity expanded across this region in the fourth century, churches began to sprout up across Jordan.
From this growing Christian scene came one of the most exciting discoveries in recent times, where archaeologists in Aqaba have unearthed what they believe to be the world’s oldest church, from the late 3rd Century AD. It is slightly older than the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, both of which date back to the 4th Century. It has since been back-filled with earth for protection.
Eco & Adventure
Aqaba Bird Observatory
If you’re visiting the Hashemite Kingdom in autumn or spring it would be in your best interest to visit the Aqaba Bird Observatory. With a mission to preserve the natural habitats of Jordan’s migratory birds, you can get an exclusive peek at the aquatic birds on their migratory routes between Africa, Europe, and West Asia. The Aqaba Bird Observatory is a great place for the family.
Contact information/ how to book:
Website: http://www.rscn.org.jo/
Telephone: 00962 3 2058825
Aqaba Aquarium
The city of Aqaba is overflowing with aquatic life. Take a journey of discovery through Aqaba’s Aquarium to reveal the hidden treasures of the Red Sea.
As part of the Marine Science Station Complex, the Aquarium offers a chance to dive without getting wet and watch the aquatic life inside the Red Sea!
Contact information/ how to book:
Telephone: 00962 3 5144
Aqaba Under Water Military Museum
The worlds first underwater military museum just off the shores of Aqaba. A total of 19 pieces of hardware all in "battle formation" and includes tanks of different sizes, an ambulance, a military crane, a troop carrier, anti aircraft guns and a combat helicopter.
Contact a local licensed dive center to book this experience
Cedar Pride Dive Site
The cedar Pride was scuttled for divers on November 16th 1985. The ship now lies on her port side across two reefs; the soft coral growth on the masts is fantastic. Those with experience can explore its interior!
Contact information/ how to book:
Contact a local licensed dive center to book this experience
Japanese Garden Dive Site
This dive site has amazing flora and fauna and all at shallow depths! It’s very popular with snorkelers and is known as one of the prettiest areas in Aqaba. It is a good dive for all, as it has Hawksbill Turtles, shoaling Barracuda, shoals of sergeant majors and fusiliers plus wonderful coral formations.
Contact information/ how to book:
Contact a local licensed dive center to book this experience
C-130 Dive Site
The Marine Park's latest attraction was scuttled on 16th of November 2017 and has already become the divers' favorite. After a major ceremony organized by ASEZA and attended from international media and visitors the aircraft's final resting place lies close to several popular dive sites.
Ayla Golf Course and Academy
While in Aqaba, a trip to Jordan’s first 18-hole par-72 golf course is a must. Ranked among world’s top three eco-friendly golf courses, the Ayla Golf Course boasts a spectacular setting of the majestic mountains of Aqaba bay.
The Ayla Golf Course was designed by the legendary Greg Norman with a design philosophy to create a premier signature golf course that blends with their surrounding environment and enhances the properties’ natural features. With floodlit practicing facilities running completely on solar-power, the gold course accommodates golfers to practice long after sunset while enjoying the cool Aqaba evening breeze with friends.
Contact information/ how to book:
Website: http://www.ayla.com.jo/
Telephone: 00962 3 209 4000
Ayla Wake Park
Experience a new level of water sports thrills at Ayla B12 beach .Ayla 442m cable wake park skiing facility are for those who are looking for adventure and entertainment . If you are professional or amateur the thrill is granted though well deigned obstacles, ramps and sliders and wide open spaces for acrobatic water tricks.
Contact information/ how to book:
Website: http://www.ayla.com.jo/
Telephone: 00962 3 209 4000
Aerosports
The Royal Aero Sports Club, founded by His Majesty King Abdullah II in 1997, runs many activities around The Kingdom. The club’s goals are to promote aero sports in Jordan, and to enhance the experience of tourists visiting Aqaba, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum.
RASCJ is a not-for-profit organization, registered with the Higher Council of Youth and Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority cultural and social sports club.
Contact information/ how to book:
Website: www.rascj.com
Telephone: 00962 79 7300299
Email: info@rascj.com
Diving & Snorkeling in the Red Sea
Due to its ideal water temperatures and shallow waters, The Red Sea is one of the world’s premier locations for diving. Aqaba has multiple dive sites that provide surreal experiences of submerged boats, a tank, and even a Hercules C103 airplane.
Contact information/ how to book:
Your diving or snorkeling adventure can be booked through your tour operator or guide. Alternatively, you can book your dive through numerous licensed diving centers in Aqaba.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Red Sea, Aqaba
With the aim of introducing new divers to the wonders hidden under the Red Sea, our responsibility is to provide you with a reliable , safe and enjoyable tour. Our main goal is to help educate people about the wonders of underwater life in the Red Sea which has some of the most incredible coral reefs making it one of the appreciated diving spots in the world.
For more information, please click here.
Snorkeling for a Clean Sea Experience
The "Snorkeling for a Clean Sea Experience" involves swimming with colored fish and exploring the waters of the Red Sea, all while protecting the environment and its inhabitants by picking up waste that has accumulated among the coral reefs. You can feel satisfied knowing that you have enjoyed the colorful coral and sea life, while also sustaining it by helping to keep it clean.
For more information, please click here.
The Jordan Trail
Aqaba
Wadi Rum to Aqaba
Leaving Wadi Rum village behind you, the trail passes beneath the towering cliffs of Jabal Rum and Jabal Um Ishrin through the iconic landscape of Wadi Rum – vast, echoing and godlike wrote T.E. Lawrence. Continuing through the magnificent desert landscape, the trail passes the cliffs of Jabal Khazali, Jabal Qattar and weaves between the unique and colorful backdrops of Wadi Rum’s sandstone desert mountains. The trail here follows old shepherd paths, winding its way west across desert wadis and over granite mountains striated with basalt dyke intrusions. At the last pass, the first view of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, beyond which lie the mountains of Sinai. The final destination is the warm waters of the Red Sea and the port of Aqaba.
Total Length: 75.9 KM Days: 5 Hiking days
Main sites in the region:
- Wadi Rum (World Heritage site)
- Wadi Rum Bedouin village
- Lawrence’s Spring (Ain Shellaleh) and the Nabataean Temple
- Dramatic desert scenery – sandstone domes and granite and basalt striated mountains,
changing color constantly throughout the day
- Bedouin encampments
- Village of Titen
- Aqaba (Red Sea)
