Aqaba, Jordan
Welcome to Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city and your gateway to ancient wonders and breathtaking desert landscapes. As a premier port on the Red Sea, Aqaba is a featured stop for major lines like MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Oceania Cruises. Passengers are drawn here for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the legendary lost city of Petra and explore the vast, cinematic desert of Wadi Rum. This unique combination of world-class historical sites and vibrant marine life makes Aqaba an unforgettable cruise destination.
The undisputed highlight for visitors is the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This full-day shore excursion involves a 2-hour bus journey each way but rewards travelers with the unforgettable sight of temples and tombs carved directly into rose-red cliffs. A closer, yet equally spectacular, option is Wadi Rum, a vast desert landscape known as the 'Valley of the Moon.' Reachable in about an hour, visitors can take thrilling 4x4 jeep tours past dramatic sandstone mountains. For those staying in town, the historic Aqaba Fortress and nearby Aqaba Archaeological Museum offer a glimpse into the region's rich past, while glass-bottom boat tours on the Red Sea reveal stunning coral reefs.
Last updated on March 23, 2026
The most famous nearby destination is the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, located approximately 125 kilometers (about 78 miles) from the port. The journey typically takes about two hours by coach, making it a long but immensely rewarding day trip. Another popular excursion is to the protected desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, situated about 60 kilometers (roughly 37 miles) east of Aqaba. This journey takes around one hour, allowing ample time for jeep tours through its iconic, Martian-like scenery.
Last updated on March 23, 2026
The cruise terminal in Aqaba is located several kilometers south of the main city center and is not within walking distance. The port area is primarily industrial, with few amenities for tourists. To accommodate passengers, cruise lines almost always provide complimentary shuttle buses that run frequently between the ship and a central drop-off point in downtown Aqaba. Taxis are also readily available at the pier for those who prefer to travel independently. Ships typically dock directly at the pier, so tendering is not required.
Last updated on March 23, 2026
The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). While US dollars may be accepted by some larger tour operators and in some tourist shops, it is highly recommended to use the local currency for most transactions to get the best prices. ATMs are widely available throughout the city center of Aqaba, and money exchange offices are also easy to find. Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and established shops, but you will need cash for smaller cafes and shopping in the local souks.
Last updated on March 23, 2026
Aqaba is widely regarded as a very safe and welcoming city for tourists. Jordan is one of the most stable countries in the region, and crime rates affecting tourists are low. It is generally safe to explore the downtown area and tourist sites independently. As with any travel, it's wise to practice standard safety precautions like being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure. For excursions to distant sites like Petra or Wadi Rum, booking a ship-sponsored tour or a reputable local operator is recommended for convenience and to ensure a timely return to the port.
Last updated on March 23, 2026
Aqaba has a hot desert climate, with sunny skies expected year-round. The primary cruise season from autumn through spring offers very pleasant weather. Winters (December to February) are mild with daytime temperatures averaging 20°C (68°F), perfect for sightseeing. Spring and autumn are warmer, often reaching 25-35°C (77-95°F). Summers are extremely hot and are generally avoided by cruise lines. Rain is very rare. Pack lightweight clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially for excursions.
Last updated on March 23, 2026
Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport for getting around the city of Aqaba and are readily available at the port and in town. It is best to agree on the fare before your trip begins or insist on using the meter. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem also operate in the area. While a public bus system exists, it is not typically used by cruise visitors on a tight schedule. For visiting major sites like Petra or Wadi Rum, the most practical options are organized shore excursions or hiring a private taxi for the day, which can be arranged at the port.
Last updated on March 23, 2026
Shopping in Aqaba offers a mix of traditional markets (souks) and modern shops. The downtown area is the main hub, where you can find everything from spices and nuts to handmade Bedouin jewelry and crafts. Classic souvenirs include intricate sand art bottles, Dead Sea beauty products, and hand-woven textiles. Bargaining is a common practice in the souks, so feel free to negotiate prices politely. As part of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, many items are sold duty-free, but it's always wise to compare prices. Most shops in the tourist areas are happy to welcome cruise passengers.
Last updated on March 23, 2026
This two-hour adventure in Jordan allows first-timers and experienced divers to explore hidden Red Sea wrecks and document aquatic life. The estimated duration includes preparation for an unforgettable experience.
Led by highly experienced professionals from a 5-Star PADI Instructor Development Center, this flexible boat trip allows guests to dive, snorkel, or relax at a coral reef or shipwreck. Every experience is adapted to the guest's skill level to ensure safety and comfort.
This active 4x4 day tour of Wadi Rum Protected Area visits Lawrence Spring, Red Sand Dune, Khazali Canyon, Small Arch, Lawrence House, Mushroom Rock, Abu Khashaba Canyon, Um Fruth Rock Bridge, and Um Sabatah. During the tour, you will stop to cook lunch in the shade at midday.
Ride in a jeep to see desert views and the sunset while discovering the Bedouin way of life and culture. For an extra charge, you can spend the night in a Bedouin camp or under the stars with a fire-cooked Bedouin dinner.
Explore famous Wadi Rum sights on a 4x4 tour with Bedouin guides, with time to scramble on rocks, take photos, and ask questions about desert life. You can optionally add a 30, 60, or 120-minute camel ride for 15, 20, or 35 JD at the start or end of your tour.
Visit famous Wadi Rum sights on a 4x4 tour with guides from the Bedouin al Zalahbieh tribe, who have lived there for centuries and will teach you everything you want to know. You will have time to wander, scramble on rocks, take photos, and ask questions about Bedouin life at every site.
This PADI 5-Star Dive Resort offers safe, guided shore dives in Aqaba’s Red Sea for all levels, led by certified instructors with no hidden fees or overcrowding. Clean, maintained SCUBA gear is included in this adventure with one of Jordan’s most trusted dive centers.
Discover Scuba Diving is a non-certification PADI program offered in pools, off beaches, or from boats for those who want to try breathing underwater without committing to a full course. You can try this experience close to home or while on vacation at a dive destination.
This highly recommended tour visits unique local places that are difficult for tourists to reach, allowing guests to exchange cultures and feel close to local people. Participants will also have the opportunity to taste delicious, local, and popular food.
This transport service provides hotel pickup and a 2-hour air-conditioned transfer from Aqaba to the visitor's center of Petra, a city founded in the 6th century B.C. by Nabataean Arabs. You will see beautiful facades carved directly into the mountain walls of this rose-red city.
This full-day jeep tour and overnight stay visits Mushroom Rock, Nabatean Temple, Lawrence's Spring, Kazali Canyon, Little Bridge, Abu Khashaba Canyon, Um Frouth Bridge, Burdah Bridge, and Lawrence's House. Experience Bedouin life by climbing dunes, tasting tea, and eating lunch in the middle of the desert.
This PADI 5-star rated diving center provides professional divers and all necessary equipment for everyone, regardless of swimming ability or certification status. Book with them to enjoy the experience.
Explore Wadi Rum's natural beauty at Um Fruth Rock Bridge, the Sand Dunes, and Kashaba canyon, plus historical sites like Lawrence Spring (Abu 'Eineh), Lawrence house, and Khazali canyon's Nabatean inscriptions. The most popular way to see these incredible sites is by a 4x4 jeep tour.
Explore Wadi Rum Protected Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a friendly local guide to see golden sand valleys, viewpoints, and canyons with ancient inscriptions. You'll have plenty of time to explore, scramble, and see iconic landmarks on this desert tour.
Experience the dramatic beauty of Wadi Rum’s white, pink, and red sandstone mountains, an ideal site for trekking and Bedouin-style travel and camping. Lawrence of Arabia described this spectacular southern Jordan desert as magnificent, vast, echoing, and Godlike.
Join a 4x4 jeep adventure through UNESCO Wadi Rum, led by expert driver guides, to see historical places and important sights while learning Bedouin customs. This full-day or shorter expedition may also include an overnight stay in the desert.
Explore Wadi Rum highlights like rock bridges, canyons, and sand dunes on a jeep safari with an experienced local Bedouin guide who shares stories at every stop. You will have time to walk around, take pictures, and interact with local Bedouins.
This one-day private 4x4 tour visits Lawrence Spring, Red Sand Dune, Khazali Canyon inscriptions, Small Arch, Lawrence House, Mushroom Rock, and Um Fruth Rock Bridge. You will experience hidden canyons and ancient sites surrounded by red sand and dramatic mountains.
Watch the sunset from a remote spot in Wadi Rum Protected Area on this tour featuring beautiful landmarks, stunning scenery, and desert stillness. Relax and enjoy Bedouin tea and a snack while taking in the magical atmosphere.
Licensed divers can join this shore-based day trip offering wreck diving, deep diving up to 40m, and photography for all certification levels. The tour is tailored for hobby interests and various levels of expertise.
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Overall Aqaba is rather expensive as a port of call. Check out the graph below for the monthly average cost per day. Sailings visiting Aqaba during the the peak season of spring are significantly more expensive than the the low season of fall.
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