6 Days • 5 Nights
Aqaba & the Red Sea: Coral Reefs & Desert Sun
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Snorkelling and diving the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea is the beautiful heart of this journey. Aqaba sits on the beautiful coral reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba, among the finest and most accessible in the Red Sea, easily reached from the shore. You snorkel or dive over vibrant coral gardens teeming with clouds of colourful tropical fish, vibrant hard and soft coral, and marine life such as rays, turtles and moray eels, in warm, clear, turquoise water with excellent visibility, and can explore famous sites including coral gardens and even an underwater military-vehicle 'museum' and shipwrecks. The beauty and accessibility are wonderful.
- The warm, clear waters and sunny beaches of the Gulf of Aqaba offer blissful, relaxed sun and sea. Aqaba enjoys warm, clear turquoise water and sunshine almost year-round, set in a beautiful gulf where dramatic desert mountains meet the sea, ringed by four countries. You relax on the beaches, swim in the warm, calm sea, and enjoy the beautiful setting and reliable sunshine, whether sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying water sports, especially blissful in the cooler months when much of the world is cold. The warmth, beauty and reliable sun make Aqaba a lovely escape.
- Exploring the coral and marine life on glass-bottom boats and at the aquarium is a lovely highlight for all. Beyond snorkelling and diving, you can enjoy the wonders of the Red Sea without getting wet. You take a glass-bottom boat cruise over the vibrant reefs, watching the coral and colourful fish through the boat's floor, and visit the excellent Aqaba Marine Park aquarium, seeing the reef's life up close, wonderful for families and non-swimmers. These easy, enjoyable ways to experience the reef delight all ages. Exploring the vibrant coral and marine life on glass-bottom boats and at the aquarium.
- A desert excursion to the cinematic landscapes of Wadi Rum adds dramatic adventure to this journey. Just inland from Aqaba lies Wadi Rum, the 'Valley of the Moon', one of the most spectacular deserts on earth. You take an excursion into this vast, cinematic landscape of towering sandstone mountains, red dunes and dramatic rock formations, exploring it by 4x4 with Bedouin guides, perhaps riding a camel, and taking in the profound silence and beauty, a dramatic desert contrast to the sea. The spectacular scenery and desert adventure are captivating. A desert excursion into the cinematic landscapes of Wadi Rum.
- Aqaba's relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and easy pleasures make it a lovely, enjoyable escape. Aqaba is a relaxed, welcoming Red Sea town with a lively corniche, markets, cafes and excellent seafood restaurants, alongside its beaches and reefs. You enjoy the warm Jordanian hospitality, stroll the corniche and souks, savour fresh Red Sea seafood, and relax in the sunny, easy-going atmosphere, with the reefs, desert and history of Jordan all close at hand. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and easy pleasures are lovely. Aqaba's relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and easy pleasures, from the lively corniche and markets to fresh seafood and warm hospitality.
- Above all, this journey offers a relaxed, sun-filled Red Sea escape of vibrant reefs, warm water and desert adventure. Aqaba is a warm, sunny resort blessed with beautiful coral reefs, clear turquoise water and year-round sunshine, where desert meets sea. Over six days you savour the best of it, snorkelling and diving the vibrant reefs, relaxing on sunny beaches in the warm sea, exploring the coral on glass-bottom boats, and taking a desert excursion into cinematic Wadi Rum, all at a relaxed, sunny pace and warmed by Jordanian hospitality. The combination of vibrant reefs, warm clear water.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your Red Sea escape begins as you arrive in Aqaba, Jordan's window on the Red Sea (via Aqaba's King Hussein International Airport, or a transfer from Amman), where you are met and transferred to your hotel by the warm, turquoise sea. Aqaba is a warm, sunny resort blessed with beautiful coral reefs, clear water and year-round sunshine, set where dramatic desert mountains meet the sea, and the beautiful setting is immediately striking. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, taking a first swim in the warm, clear sea, relaxing on the beach, or strolling the lively corniche. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to fresh Red Sea seafood and the relaxed sun-and-sea days ahead. As you settle in beside the Red Sea, with its warm water and desert mountains, the sunny, welcoming atmosphere of Aqaba works its magic. Rest well, ready to explore the vibrant coral reefs tomorrow.
Today you explore the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea. You snorkel or dive over the beautiful coral gardens of the Gulf of Aqaba, among the finest and most accessible reefs in the Red Sea, teeming with clouds of colourful tropical fish, vibrant coral and marine life such as rays, turtles and moray eels, in warm, clear, turquoise water, easily reached from the shore or by short boat. The reefs are wonderfully rich and easy to enjoy, whether you are an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeller, and famous sites include beautiful coral gardens and underwater wrecks. Between swims, you relax on the beach in the sunshine. As the day ends, you relax by the warm sea, perhaps watching the sunset over the gulf and its mountains. Relax this evening in Aqaba, savouring the beauty of the Red Sea. Rest well, ready for more marine wonders tomorrow.
Today you enjoy the wonders of the Red Sea in easy, relaxing ways. You take a glass-bottom boat cruise over the vibrant reefs, watching the coral gardens and colourful fish through the boat's floor as you cruise the beautiful gulf, with time to swim and snorkel in the warm, clear water. You visit the excellent Aqaba Marine Park aquarium, seeing the reef's life up close, wonderful for all ages. You relax on the beach and enjoy the sunny, easy-going atmosphere. These easy, enjoyable ways to experience the Red Sea's wonders delight everyone. As the day ends, you relax by the warm sea. Relax this evening in Aqaba, strolling the corniche and savouring fresh seafood, reflecting on the beautiful marine life of the day. Rest well, ready for a desert adventure in Wadi Rum tomorrow.
Today you take a dramatic desert excursion to Wadi Rum, just inland from Aqaba. You journey a short way to Wadi Rum, the 'Valley of the Moon', one of the most spectacular deserts on earth, where you meet Bedouin guides and explore the vast, cinematic landscape of towering sandstone mountains, red dunes and dramatic rock formations by 4x4. You weave among the mountains and dunes, visit rock bridges, canyons and ancient inscriptions, perhaps ride a camel across the sands, and take in the profound silence and beauty, sharing Bedouin tea in the shade, a dramatic desert contrast to the sea. As the sun sets over the desert in a blaze of colour, you return to Aqaba (or, if you wish, we can arrange a desert camp overnight). As the day ends, you return to the warm sea. This evening, savour fresh seafood in Aqaba, reflecting on the dramatic desert of the day. Rest well, ready for more Red Sea pleasures.
Today you enjoy the easy pleasures of the Red Sea at a relaxed pace. You might take another snorkel or dive over the vibrant reefs, relax on the beach in the sunshine, swim in the warm sea, enjoy water sports, or take a boat cruise along the beautiful gulf. You could explore Aqaba's lively corniche, markets and souks, visit the historic Aqaba Fort and museum, or simply relax in the sunny, welcoming atmosphere and savour fresh Red Sea seafood. The easy, sunny pleasures of the Red Sea are blissful. As the sun sets over the gulf and its mountains for the last time, you savour the beautiful setting. This evening, enjoy a final dinner by the Red Sea, reflecting on your relaxed, sun-filled escape at Aqaba. Rest well ahead of your departure, savouring your final evening by the warm sea.
After a final morning by the Red Sea, perhaps a last snorkel over the coral or a relaxed breakfast overlooking the warm turquoise gulf, you are transferred to the airport for your onward departure (via Aqaba's airport, or a transfer or domestic flight to Amman). You leave sun-soaked and relaxed, having savoured the best of Aqaba and the Red Sea, the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, the warm, clear turquoise water and sunny beaches, the glass-bottom boats and aquarium, and the dramatic desert of Wadi Rum. The images stay vivid long after you land, the vibrant coral reefs, the warm turquoise gulf ringed by desert mountains, and the towering red mountains of Wadi Rum. Aqaba offers vibrant reefs, warm water, reliable sunshine and dramatic desert adventure in abundance, and you depart deeply refreshed, already dreaming of a return to Jordan's beautiful Red Sea, perhaps combined next time with Petra just inland.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner
- Airport and land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert licensed guides
- Entrance fees to sites as per itinerary (or via the Jordan Pass)
- a Red Sea snorkelling excursion, a glass-bottom boat cruise, an Aqaba Marine Park visit, a Wadi Rum desert excursion, and transfers
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Scuba diving and equipment hire (arranged locally)
- Most lunches and dinners, and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & the Jordan Pass: Most nationalities need a visa for Jordan, most easily obtained through the excellent-value Jordan Pass, which includes the tourist visa and entry to Petra and over 40 other sites (you buy it online before arrival and it waives the visa fee if staying two or more nights). We advise on the best option and arrange it for you
- Currency: The currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD); cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops in cities, but carry cash for markets, small shops, tips, Bedouin sites and rural areas. ATMs are available in towns and cities, and it is wise to carry some Dinars for the desert and Petra
- Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal, with warm, dry, comfortable days perfect for Petra, Wadi Rum and touring; summer is hot, especially in Petra, Wadi Rum and by the Dead Sea, while winter is cool and can be wet, with cold desert nights
- Petra & walking: Exploring Petra involves considerable walking over uneven, rocky ground, with some hills and steps (the Monastery and High Place of Sacrifice involve long climbs); wear sturdy shoes, bring water, sun protection and a hat, and pace yourself. Horses, carts and donkeys are available, and we tailor the exploration to your fitness
- Wadi Rum & desert camps: Nights in Wadi Rum are spent at Bedouin desert camps, from simple to luxurious 'bubble' camps, under some of the clearest, most star-filled skies on earth; desert days are hot and nights can be cool, so bring layers. Touring the desert is by 4x4 with Bedouin guides, an unforgettable experience
- Dress & etiquette: Jordan is a welcoming, moderate country, but modest dress is appreciated, especially at religious sites and in rural areas (cover shoulders and knees; women may carry a scarf for mosques). Jordanians are famously warm and hospitable; a little Arabic and respect for local customs are always appreciated
- Safety & Ramadan: Jordan is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the region, and travel is smooth and rewarding; we monitor conditions and follow official advice. During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight are avoided out of respect, though hotels cater to visitors; we advise on timing and etiquette
- Getting around & power: Touring is by private air-conditioned vehicle with your guide, with some longer but scenic drives (the Desert Highway and the beautiful King's Highway). Power is 230V with type B, C, D, F, G and J plugs, so bring an adapter. Arabic is the language, and English is widely spoken in tourism, making travel easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aqaba good for non-divers and families?
Wonderfully so. Aqaba's reefs are easily enjoyed by snorkellers straight from the shore, and non-swimmers and families can see the underwater wonders on glass-bottom boats and at the Marine Park aquarium. There are beaches, warm calm water, water sports, a desert excursion to Wadi Rum, and a lively corniche, so there is plenty to enjoy whether or not you dive. For those who wish to learn, we can arrange diving courses and introductory dives with local centres.
Can Aqaba be combined with Petra and Wadi Rum?
Absolutely, and it makes a superb combination. Petra and Wadi Rum are close to Aqaba and easily combined, so you can enjoy Jordan's greatest wonders alongside the Red Sea. Aqaba also makes a relaxing finale to a wider journey through Jordan, and, if you wish, can be combined with Eilat and Israel just across the border, or Egypt's Red Sea. We can extend and tailor the journey to your interests and time.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically dinners at Wadi Rum desert camps and some remote or half-board stays). Jordanian cuisine is delicious, from mezze, hummus and falafel to the national dish mansaf (lamb with yoghurt and rice) and fresh breads, and we usually leave other meals free for you to explore, recommending the best local restaurants at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert licensed guide and air-conditioned vehicle, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged if you prefer. Jordan's excellent guides bring the extraordinary history of Petra, the Roman cities, the biblical sites and the desert vividly to life, greatly enriching every visit, and Bedouin guides lead the desert experiences.
Do I need a visa for Jordan?
Most nationalities need a visa, most easily obtained via the excellent-value Jordan Pass, which includes the visa and entry to Petra and many other sites, bought online before arrival. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and arrange the Jordan Pass for you, so entry is smooth and you enjoy great savings on site entries.
Is Jordan safe to visit?
Jordan is one of the safest, most stable and most welcoming countries in the region, a peaceful oasis renowned for its hospitality, and travel here is smooth and rewarding. We continuously monitor conditions, use trusted local guides and drivers, and follow official guidance at all times. Millions of visitors enjoy Jordan's extraordinary sites safely each year, and the warmth of the Jordanian welcome is one of the joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal, with warm, dry, comfortable weather perfect for exploring Petra, Wadi Rum and the ancient cities. Summer is hot, especially in the desert and by the Dead Sea, and winter is cool and greener, with cold desert nights but often beautiful clear days. We advise on the best timing for your interests and comfort.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of ancient sites, desert, biblical places, the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, add nights at a luxurious Wadi Rum camp, extend Petra, include Aqaba's reefs, combine with Israel or Egypt, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the wonders of Jordan.
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