Attractions in Aqaba & Red Sea
Sun, sea, and snorkeling in Jordan's coastal haven 🐠🏖️
Showing 19 attractions · Sorted by importance
Aqaba Fort
📍 Aqaba
🏰 CastleA 16th-century Mamluk fortress famous for its strategic role in the Great Arab Revolt and its association with Lawrence of Arabia.
Aqaba Marine Reserve
📍 Aqaba
🌲 NatureA protected coastal area featuring vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, offering accessible snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours for families.
Jordan Valley Highway (Dead Sea Highway)
📍 Swaimeh
🚗 Road Trip275km paved coastal and desert highway (3-4 hours) that descends to the lowest point on earth. The route runs along the turquoise waters and salt crusts of the Dead Sea, past the heights of Wadi Mujib, and through the vast, arid plains of the Wadi Araba desert valley into Aqaba.
The King's Highway (Route 35)
📍 Madaba
🚗 Road Trip280km paved historic mountain road (5-8 hours) winding through the biblical heartland of Jordan. Key highlights include the mosaics of Madaba, the dramatic canyon of Wadi Mujib, the Crusader castles of Kerak and Shobak, and the ancient city of Petra before descending to the Red Sea.
Jordan Trail: Wadi Rum to Aqaba
📍 Wadi Rum
🥾 Hiking & CyclingApproximately 50km challenging 2-day trek that serves as the final section of the national Jordan Trail. The route traverses the dramatic desert of Wadi Rum, crosses the granite mountains of the south, and concludes at the Red Sea in Aqaba. Elevation involves a cumulative descent from around 1,000m to sea level with rugged mountain passes. Guide services: Jordan Trail Association (jordantrail.org).
Saraya Aqaba Waterpark
📍 Aqaba
🧗 AdventureJordan's largest water theme park offering over 25 slides and attractions inspired by the country's iconic cultural and natural landmarks.
Aqaba Flagpole
📍 Aqaba
🏛 LandmarkOne of the tallest free-standing flagpoles in the world, this massive monument commemorates the Great Arab Revolt and is visible from three neighboring countries.
Al-Ghandour Beach
📍 Aqaba
⛱ BeachThe primary public beach in the city center, offering a vibrant atmosphere for families to enjoy glass-bottom boat tours and views of the surrounding mountains.
Aqaba Aquarium
📍 Aqaba
🐠 AquariumLocated at the Marine Science Station, this aquarium offers families a close-up look at the diverse coral and fish species native to the Red Sea.
Aqaba South Beach
📍 Aqaba
🏔 Scenic ViewA popular public stretch of golden sand known for its crystal-clear waters and easily accessible coral reefs perfect for family snorkeling trips.
Ayla Wake Park
📍 Aqaba
🧗 AdventureA specialized water sports center featuring a state-of-the-art cable-tow system for wakeboarding and waterskiing within a calm, man-made lagoon.
Early Islamic City of Ayla
📍 Aqaba
🏰 CastleThe excavated ruins of a 7th-century walled city, showcasing the foundations of the first Islamic city established outside the Arabian Peninsula.
Japanese Garden Reef
📍 Aqaba
🏔 Scenic ViewA world-renowned natural snorkeling and diving site featuring shallow, flourishing coral formations and an abundance of colorful tropical fish.
Jordan Bike Trail: Wadi Rum to Aqaba
📍 Wadi Rum
🥾 Hiking & Cycling82.5km moderate-to-challenging cycling route typically completed in 1 to 2 days. The trail consists of gravel tracks and desert sand through spectacular canyons, ending with a steep descent into Aqaba. Elevation gain is approximately 850m with 1,600m of descent. Bike rental and logistics: Experience Jordan (experiencejordan.com) or Cycling Jordan (cyclingjordan.com).
Aqaba Bird Observatory
📍 Aqaba
🔬 ScienceAn essential wetland sanctuary and discovery center for thousands of migratory birds, featuring observation hides and educational trails.
Aqaba South Coast Road
📍 Aqaba
🚗 Road Trip25km paved coastal road (30 minutes) connecting Aqaba city to the Saudi Arabian border. This scenic drive provides direct access to the Aqaba Marine Park, offering views of the Red Sea, the Sinai Peninsula mountains in Egypt, and several world-class coral reef diving sites.
Rise Adventure Park
📍 Aqaba
🎢 Theme ParkThis outdoor adventure park features a variety of high ropes courses, climbing walls, and ziplines set within the scenic Ayla development.