Aqaba
A few days spent at Aqaba, Jordan’s winter resort, is an ideal way to relax on the beach at the end of a tour around the country. 

The natural setting is impressive, with the narrow bay, the country’s only port, ringed by mountains and fringed by palm trees.  The port area lies round to the east of the town and Jordan receives most of its imports from this route.

In the town center of Aqaba the recently discovered 7^th century Islamic walled city of Ayla is currently being excavated. The other main monument to see in Aqaba town is the 14^th century fort by the port.  A section of it houses the Visitor’s Centre and another section boasts a small museum.

An interesting day or half a day excursion can be made by boat to the Pharaoh’s Island. A tiny volcanic rock island 250 miles off the Sinai shoreline of Egypt.

Near Aqaba’s port is the new ferry terminal for the vessels crossing to Nweibeh in Egypt, twice daily.

By the ferry terminal is the public aquarium and near the aquarium is the Royal Aqaba Yacht club with its lines of pristine yachts.

Few places can match diving in Aqaba with its clear, unpolluted and tranquil water.   Because the Gulf of Aqaba is almost an inland sea means that although the water is deep it stays warm and calm.  Aqaba’s air temperature ranges from 20 C in winter to a pleasant 34 C in summer, though it can soar as high as 40C.  The water is even warmer with the temperatures ranging from 20C in winter to 26C in summer and is always crystal clear.

This makes conditions ideal for underwater photography.  The profusion of exotic fish and plant-life makes the region unbeatable for serious divers and snorkelers, a diving paradise.  Over 140 species off coral have been identified in Aqaba’s waters, among them numerous species endemic to the region.

The four main diving centers at Aqaba are: Aquamarina Diving Centre, Sea Star Diving Centre, Red Sea Diving Centre and the Royal Diving Centre which is the only government-run diving organization.

There are many other aquatic activities:  Paddleboats, Sailing Boats, Wind Surfing, Rowing Boats and canoes can be hired.  Water skiing is an exciting experience on the glass surfaced gulf.  Fishing from the shore is excellent due to deep water near the edge.  Fishing by boat can also be arranged.