Tour Guide, Aqaba, Jordan
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Aqaba - Jordan's only coastal town, it is famous for it's Red Sea coral reefs and stunning marine life, however, time in and on the water is not for everyone and these activities are just the tip of the ice berg. Here we have put together our list of the top 10 best things to do in Aqaba.
1. Scuba Diving
A visit to the Red Sea is a must for any diver, and where better than Aqaba. It has all the marine life and wonderful oral reefs like it's Egyptian neighbour but with out the crowds. Aqaba s a lot less known than the likes of Sharm-El-Sheikh and Hurghda and so a lot less divers in the water.
2. Water Sports and boat trips
If you prefer to be on top of the water there are jetskis, parasailing, banana boats,wind surfing. These are away from the diving spots, there are a fewbeach clubs that organise these activities as well as some of the 5 star hotels having outlets. There is also the oppertunity to see the coral reefs while staying dry on one of the any glass botom boats.
3. City Tour
Aqaba is full of history. Take a tour to discover one of the oldest churches in the world, built in the 4th century, ruins from Islamic Ayla - one of the original human settlements. Make a visit to the historical museumnext to the Mamluk fort, close by is the Revolt Plaza with a 160ft flag pole flying the Arab Revolt flag in rememberance of the 'Battle of Aqaba' and the defeat of the Ottomans by Lawrence of Arabia and his Bedouin Army.
4. Bird Watching
Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the Bird Observatory. A man made wetland close to the Eilat border has become an important site for migratory birds. It is open all year, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn at the same time as the migrations.
5. Handicraft class
Try a bit of Aqabawian culture with a handicraft class. A group of local women from difficult backrounds create beautiful jewellery and home decor products from recycled material. Join them for an afternoon and they will happily teach yo how to make your own as well as discuss what life is like here in Aqaba.
6. Cooking class
If you love food this is definitley a class for you, be invited into a local family home and learn how to make Jordanian dishes from Mansaf, Maqluba or Sayyadia. After learning how the food is prepared and giving a helping hand in the process sit down with the family to enjoy the meal.
7. ATVs and Dirt Buggies
This something not limited to the sand dunes of Wadi Rum, you can also take an ATV up into the mountain tracks behind the city. Choose your engine size and how long you want the experience for and the guide will take you out in to the rocky landscape for a thrilling adventure.
8. Ultra light flight
See Aqaba from a different point of view - from above! Take a flight over the city in a ultra light aircraft. Enjoy the view of the city, the new development areas, the south beach and the coral reefs. This trip can also be extended to include Wadi Rum.
9. Spas and relaxation
After all of the above it's about time to sit back and relax. There are plenty of spaces at the beach to lay around and just enjoy the sunshine, or if you want to indulge yourself with a bit of pampering there are many high class spas including the world famous Zara Spa at the Movenpick Tala Bay.
10. Day Tours to rest of Jordan
As well as being a fantastic city in itself with many exciting activities to choose from, Aqaba is also a great base to explore the rest of Jordan. Only a 1 hour drive to Wadi Rum, 2 hours to Petra and 3 hours to Dead Sea.
You can book any of the above activities through us - Above and Below Adventures.