Aqaba

Aqaba Port Guide

Aqaba, Jordan Cruise Port Guide

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.


Shore Excursions & Tours

Private Diving Experience in The Heart of Red Sea in Aqaba

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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.

Diving, Snorkeling & Leisure Cruises by Boat

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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.

4x4 Full-Day Desert Tour

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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.

Full Day Desert Tour, Jeep & Hiking

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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.

Full Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum (incl. Bedouin picnic lunch)

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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.

Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea

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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.

Intro Scuba Dive – Aqaba Coral Reefs

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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.

DSD "Discover Scuba Diving" (Min Age 10 Years)

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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.

Walking Tour, Visit the Old Town and Markets, Taste Food

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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.

Petra One Day Tour From Aqaba / Aqaba Port ( Cruise Ship)

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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.

Full-Day Jeep Tour & Overnight

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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.

A Special Diving Adventure in The Red Sea Aqaba

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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.

Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour

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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.

Full-Day Wadi Rum from Aqaba

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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.

Wadi Rum: Explorer Jeep Tour PASS + Local Food + Optional Stay

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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.

Full Day Jeep Tour & Traditional Lunch - Wadi Rum Desert Highlights

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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.

Wadi Rum Desert Tour with Lunch & Sunset

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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.

Wadi Rum Desert Sunset Tour (3 Hours)

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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.

Shore Certified Diving - Two Dives

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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.

Key Aqaba Port Information

Top Attractions & Excursions

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

Nearby Cities & Attractions

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

Port Location

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

Local Currency

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

Safety Considerations

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

Weather & Climate

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

Getting Around

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

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

Visiting Aqaba Cruise Deals

26 Night Durban to Venice cruise
April 1, 2027
26 Night Grand Voyage
CruiseScore™ (3.24/5)
MSC Armonia
S M L XL
Durban La Possession Mauritius Diego Suarez Nosy Be Mahe Aqaba Sharm El-Sheikh Rhodes Crete Split Venice
$2,049
$79 per day
Inside
31 Night Durban to Venice cruise
April 1, 2027
MSC Armonia
S M L XL
Durban La Possession Mauritius Diego Suarez Nosy Be Mahe Aqaba Sharm El-Sheikh Rhodes Crete Split Venice Kotor Brindisi Split Venice
$2,889
$93 per day
Inside
21 Night Athens to Doha cruise
November 6, 2028
Oceania Marina
S M L XL
Athens Ephesus Bodrum Crete Rhodes Limassol Luxor Sharm El-Sheikh Aqaba Jeddah Salalah Dubai Abu Dhabi Doha
$6,399
$305 per day
Inside
21 Night Dubai to Athens cruise
May 5, 2029
Oceania Marina
S M L XL
Dubai Abu Dhabi Salalah Jeddah Luxor Sharm El-Sheikh Aqaba Limassol Rhodes Ephesus Mykonos Athens
$6,599
$314 per day
Inside
62 Night Sydney to Athens cruise
March 25, 2029
Oceania Marina
S M L XL
Sydney Brisbane Airlie Beach Townsville Cairns Darwin Bali Lombok Bali Surabaya Semarang Jakarta Kuala Lumpur Singapore Kuala Lumpur Penang Phuket Hambantota Male Bombay Khasab Abu Dhabi Dubai Abu Dhabi Salalah Jeddah Luxor Sharm El-Sheikh Aqaba Limassol Rhodes Ephesus Mykonos Athens
$20,299
$327 per day
Inside

Upcoming Cruises to Aqaba Cruise Deals

26 Night Durban to Venice cruise
April 1, 2027
26 Night Grand Voyage
CruiseScore™ (3.24/5)
MSC Armonia
S M L XL
Durban La Possession Mauritius Diego Suarez Nosy Be Mahe Aqaba Sharm El-Sheikh Rhodes Crete Split Venice
$2,049
$79 per day
Inside
31 Night Durban to Venice cruise
April 1, 2027
MSC Armonia
S M L XL
Durban La Possession Mauritius Diego Suarez Nosy Be Mahe Aqaba Sharm El-Sheikh Rhodes Crete Split Venice Kotor Brindisi Split Venice
$2,889
$93 per day
Inside
21 Night Doha to Rome cruise
March 3, 2027
21 Night Cruise from Doha to Rome
CruiseScore™ (4.95/5)
Regent Seven Seas Seven Seas Voyager
S M L XL
Doha Abu Dhabi Muscat Jeddah Aqaba Luxor Haifa Athens Sorrento Rome
$13,249
$631 per day
Inside
21 Night Athens to Dubai cruise
December 7, 2026
Regent Seven Seas Seven Seas Voyager
S M L XL
Athens Sharm El-Sheikh Aqaba Luxor Jeddah Muscat Abu Dhabi Sir Bani Yas Island Dubai
$13,649
$650 per day
Inside
126 Night Miami to Rome cruise
January 11, 2027
Regent Seven Seas Seven Seas Splendor
S M L XL
Miami Miami Cozumel Costa Maya Harvest Caye Roatan Georgetown Ocho Rios Puerto Limon Cartagena Panama City Puntarenas Acajutla Puerto Quetzal Puerto Vallarta Cabo San Lucas Los Angeles Maui Honolulu Hilo Bora Bora Papeete Moorea Papeete Moorea Huahine Raiatea Bora Bora Pago Pago Apia Suva Lautoka Mystery Island Lifou Noumea Sydney Townsville Cairns Cooktown Darwin Komodo Island Benoa Surabaya Semarang Singapore Kuala Lumpur Penang Phuket Colombo Male Cochin Mangalore Goa Bombay Muscat Dubai Doha Abu Dhabi Salalah Jeddah Luxor Aqaba Haifa Limassol Rhodes Ephesus Athens Sorrento Rome
$86,099
$683 per day
Inside

Ships in Port Schedule

Map of Aqaba port area
Aqaba port location

No ships scheduled in port today.

Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Aqaba

Overall Aqaba is rather expensive as a port of call. The graph below shows the monthly average cost per day for cruises visiting Aqaba. Cruises visiting Aqaba during the peak seasons of winter and spring are significantly more expensive than the the low season of fall.

Jan
$506
Feb
$462
Mar
$479
Apr
$518
May
$537
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
$301
Oct
$624
Nov
$305
Dec

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