Aqaba Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Aqaba tours and things to do on Jordan’s Red Sea coast: ride a 4x4 jeep through the towering sandstone valleys of Wadi Rum, take a day trip to the rose-red city of Petra, dive and snorkel vibrant coral reefs, glide over the reef on a glass-bottom boat, and relax at a Red Sea beach club. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect Jordan trip.
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Explore Aqaba by interest
Whatever brings you to Aqaba — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Aqaba
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Wadi Rum
Red desert.
Petra
The Treasury.
Red Sea Reefs
Coral diving.
Glass Boats
Reef cruise.
Bedouin Camps
Desert nights.
Aqaba Beaches
Red Sea coast.
The Siq
Petra gorge.
Snorkel Reefs
Clear waters.
~1 hr awayWadi Rum
Desert jeep safari.
~2 hr awayPetra
Rose-red city.
Local awayRed Sea Reef
Dive & snorkel.
Overnight awayBedouin Camp
Desert stargazing.
Multi-day awayDead Sea
Float & mud.
Local awayAqaba Coast
Beach clubs.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Aqaba visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Mar–May)
The best time, with warm, pleasant weather ideal for desert and diving.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Warm and comfortable, another excellent time for Wadi Rum and the Red Sea.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild and sunny by day, cooler at night; still good for touring and diving.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Very hot, especially in the desert — dive early and rest midday.
Desert nights
Wadi Rum is cool at night year-round; bring warm layers for camps.
Best diving
The Red Sea offers great diving all year, with the warmest water in summer.
One day
Wadi Rum and the reef.
Three days
Add Petra and a desert camp.
Five days
Add the Dead Sea and more diving.
For adventure
Wadi Rum and Red Sea diving.
For history
A full day at Petra.
With kids
Glass boats and beach clubs.
Tours & transfers
Guided tours with transport are easiest for Wadi Rum, Petra and the Dead Sea.
On foot
Aqaba’s town centre, souk and corniche are easy to explore on foot.
Taxis
Taxis are cheap and handy for beaches, dive centres and the town.
Getting there
Aqaba has its own airport and a land border, with the special economic zone easing entry.
By boat
Boat trips are a scenic way to reach reefs and beach spots along the coast.
Base for the south
Aqaba is the ideal base for Wadi Rum and Petra in Jordan’s south.
Jordanian dinar
Aqaba uses the Jordanian dinar; carry some cash for the souk and Bedouin camps.
Book ahead
Petra and Wadi Rum tours and dive trips fill up — reserve in advance.
Sun protection
The desert and sea sun is strong — bring sunscreen, a hat and water.
Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass covers Petra entry and can save money if you visit several sites.
Respect customs
Jordan is welcoming; dress modestly at sites and in the desert.
Stay overnight in Wadi Rum
A camp night adds stargazing and a Bedouin dinner — worth the extra time.
Wadi Rum tours
Popular jeep and camp tours sell out — book ahead.
Petra day trips
Full-day Petra tours fill up — reserve early.
Dive trips
Dive boats and courses book out — reserve ahead.
Overnight camps
Bedouin camp stays fill up — book early.
Dead Sea trips
Multi-day tours need planning — book ahead.
Spring & autumn
The best seasons are busiest — reserve everything ahead.
Wadi Rum jeep
Around $40–70 for a half- or full-day desert jeep tour.
Petra day trip
About $70–110 for a full-day Petra tour with transport.
Dive trip
Roughly $35–70 for a Red Sea dive or snorkel trip.
Glass-bottom boat
Around $20–40 for a glass-bottom boat cruise.
Overnight camp
About $60–100 for a Wadi Rum camp with dinner.
How to save
Join group tours, use the Jordan Pass, and travel in shoulder season.
Aqaba through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Desert & diving.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Book ahead.
- Best for
- Warm, comfortable.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great time.
- Best for
- Mild touring.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool nights.
- Best for
- Warm sea.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Very hot.