7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Aqaba: White Beaches, Malls, and Water Activities

  • Day 1: Aqaba Marine Park
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from Downtown Aqaba

    Begin your adventure at Aqaba Marine Park, a thriving underwater environment that offers various activities such as snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat rides. View colorful corals, diverse marine life, and enjoy a swim in the secluded, warm waters of the Red Sea.

  • Day 2: Aqaba City Centre Mall
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Aqaba Marine Park

    Experience shopping and entertainment at Aqaba City Centre Mall, the largest mall in Aqaba. Browse an array of high-end and boutique brands, restaurants and cafés. It also features an ice-skating rink, cinema, and a kids’ play area.

  • Day 3: Wadi Rum Desert
    1 hour 15 minutes (45 miles) from Aqaba City Centre Mall

    Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi Rum, a vast desert valley known for its natural beauty, red sand dunes, and unique rock formations. Follow the trails on a camel trek or 4x4 vehicle tour and observe the stunning sunset while enjoying a traditional Bedouin dinner.

  • Day 4: Tala Bay Beach
    15 minutes (6 miles) from Wadi Rum Desert

    Relax at Tala Bay Beach, a private beach with exclusive resort amenities, watersports and activities, and a kids’ club. The beach is surrounded by hills and mountains, offering an enchanting backdrop for a day of waterfront relaxation.

  • Day 5: Aqaba Fort
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Tala Bay Beach

    Visit Aqaba Fort, an ancient fortress built in the 14th century by the Mamluk Sultanate. It features a museum that displays Aqaba’s history as a strategic port along the Red Sea. Climb the fortification towers to admire charming views of the Red Sea and the surrounding city.

  • Day 6: Aqaba Adventure Divers & Watersports
    5 minutes (1.2 miles) from Aqaba Fort

    End your adventure with water activities at Aqaba Adventure Divers & Watersports. Explore crystal clear waters with a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion. For adrenaline junkies, try parasailing or jet skiing. The center offers lessons for beginners and equipment rental.

  • Day 7: South Beach
    15 minutes (3.5 miles) from Aqaba Adventure Divers & Watersports

    Enjoy the last day of your trip with a visit to South Beach, a serene beach on the southern coast of Aqaba. The beach features a long stretch of white-sandy shores and pristine waters. Have a picnic, watch the sunset, or swim in tranquil waters before heading back home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Aqaba Marine Park (3 hours, 30 JOD)
  • Aqaba City Centre Mall (4 hours, 50 JOD)
  • Wadi Rum Desert (8 hours, 80 JOD)
  • Tala Bay Beach (4 hours, 20 JOD)
  • Aqaba Fort (2 hours, 10 JOD)
  • Aqaba Adventure Divers & Watersports (3 hours, 70 JOD)
  • South Beach (3 hours, 15 JOD)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 315 JOD

Transportation

A traveler can use taxis or rental cars to get around Aqaba. Taxis are the most convenient and widely available mode of transportation with a starting fare of 1.5 JOD. Rental cars are recommended for those who prefer to navigate the city on their own. Rentals start at 25 JOD per day, with additional fees for insurance and gas. Travel time will vary depending on traffic and exact location.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, explore the nearby Al-Sharif Al-Hussein bin Ali Mosque or participate in Red Sea water sports competitions. If you have less time, skip some of the activities and choose your preferred itinerary based on your preference. Note that summers can be very hot, so bring protective gear and sunscreen.

Airports

The King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is the primary airport serving Aqaba. It's located 7 miles north of the city center and offers direct flights from international destinations like Istanbul, Amman or Cairo.

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