Travel to Jordan

Day 8 Wadi Rum - Red Sea - Aqaba (109 Km.)

After enjoying our breakfast at the Wadi Rum Star Beds camp, our 4WD takes us back to Wadi Rum village. There, on the way out of the park, we stop at the Tourist Police office to report the first night's camp. After explaining the case, they called the owner of the accommodation and forced him to come to the office to refund the money we had been overcharged. Congratulations to the Tourist Police for their treatment and for upholding Jordan's good reputation in the face of a scammer trying to cheat tourists.

(83 km. away) Aqaba: Aqaba is a city in the southernmost part of Jordan, on the Gulf of Aqaba, and is Jordan's only port. Its name comes from ‘al-’aqabat Aylah’, meaning “the mountain pass of Ayla”. From 106 A.D. The Romans used it as a trading port under the name of Aila, and in the 4th century it came under Byzantine control. It was conquered by Muhammad in 630/631 and became important for Muslims on the pilgrimage to Mecca. Conquered by the Crusaders in 1116, it regained Muslim control in 1187. Aqaba declined under the Ottoman Empire and by the 20th century was a small fishing village. During World War I it was a strategic outpost and was captured by Arab irregulars led by Thomas Edward Lawrence (‘Lawrence of Arabia’) in July 1917.

Snorkelling in Aqaba (Red Sea): Aqaba is an important city for tourism in Jordan, with its gulf being the only outlet to the sea. Its year-round warm climate attracts many people looking to enjoy the sea and city life. The Red Sea offers some of the most impressive seabed in the world, famous for its coral and marine life, although the Egyptian coast is better known. For snorkelling, we recommend staying south of the city, where the public beaches and best reefs are located. In our case, we stayed at the Arab Divers Dive Center, which in addition to equipment rental, offered diving courses.

The public Yamaniya beach is a good option, as some beaches are private. We parked in the car park of the Aqaba Marine Park Visitor Centre, which has a variety of facilities. It is advisable to wear booties to protect your feet when entering the water, as the coral can cause cuts. You don't need to walk far to start snorkelling, as there is plenty of depth just a few steps from the shore. The Rainbow Reef and Japanese Garden are beautiful and close to the beach. In addition, the Cedar Pride shipwreck, at a depth of ten metres, is an attraction for divers and snorkellers. Submerged artefacts such as an M42 Duster tank and a C-130 Hercules aircraft can also be explored at the Underwater Military Dive Site located at the north end of Yamaniya Beach.

The Japanese Garden Reef, famous for its beauty and biodiversity, is located in the warm waters of the Red Sea and is noted for its incredible variety of corals that form garden-like structures with vivid colours and intricate shapes. It is home to tropical fish, rays, seahorses and other marine life that move among the corals, creating a spectacle of life and colour. Ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike, the crystal clear visibility of the water allows you to fully enjoy this vibrant ecosystem. Some divers are lucky enough to spot sea turtles or small reef sharks in this protected area, which has remained a natural treasure of Jordan.

(13 km. away) Aqaba downtown: Downtown Aqaba is a place full of history, culture and vibrant atmosphere, ideal for exploring before dinner. A highlight is the Aqaba Fort, an Ottoman fortress that offers a glimpse into the city's past. Nearby is the Shariff Hussein bin Ali Mosque, an impressive place of worship with its white dome and elegant minarets, which are magically illuminated at sunset. The traditional souks are perfect for strolling around and discovering handicrafts, spices and local produce, infused with Jordan's characteristic aroma and bustle. Not far away is the Late Roman Church, considered one of the oldest churches in the world, a vestige of Aqaba's rich history. In addition, as a free port, Aqaba has numerous liquor stores, where alcohol prices are considerably lower than in the rest of the country, attracting both locals and tourists who take advantage of this uniqueness.

(13 km. away) Arab Divers Aqaba, Arab Divers: After dinner at the Khubza & Seneya Restaurant, we return to our accommodation.