Perched on the northernmost tip of the Red Sea, Aqaba welcomes cruise travelers with a perfect blend of ancient history, underwater wonders, and desert adventures—all while serving as the gateway to Jordan's most spectacular treasures.
As Jordan's only coastal city, Aqaba greets visitors with a refreshing seaside charm that stands in striking contrast to the country's desert landscapes. The clear, warm waters of the Red Sea create a snorkeler's paradise, with vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life just offshore.
Most cruise travelers use Aqaba as their launching point to the archaeological marvel of Petra—the rose-red city carved into sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage site and Wonder of the World lies just a day trip away, with its magnificent Treasury building and hidden tombs waiting to be explored.
For adventure seekers, the otherworldly Wadi Rum desert beckons with its towering sandstone mountains and rust-colored dunes. Follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia as you traverse this Martian-like landscape by 4x4, stopping to enjoy Bedouin hospitality and perhaps a sunset camel ride.
Back in Aqaba itself, the compact city offers excellent local experiences from haggling in the colorful souk to sampling fresh seafood along the corniche while watching fishing boats bob against the backdrop of four countries visible from shore—Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
