Greatly cherished as the only outlet to the sea, the port city of Aqaba located at the southern western point of Jordan provides a breath of fresh air and the only real beach resort to Jordanians and tourists alike who flock there in their droves. Best known for its clean sandy beaches, Aqaba also boasts nine months of mild summer weather during autumn, winter and spring. When temperatures reach a chilly 10 degrees Celsius in Amman, the temperature in Aqaba can be an envious 25 degrees Celsius. Summer is hot though and activities should adapt to the climate, slowing down in midday and reviving in the cool of the evening.
 

There is lots to do and see in Aqaba but its main appeal lies in its coral reefs. It hosts some of the best marine diving and snorkeling sites in the world and divers can submerge themselves to see a thriving world of stunning varieties of marine life. There are many diving centers at Aqaba and even the novice can take lessons, hire gear, dive alongside qualified divers and enjoy the stunning underwater world. The best known centers include the Royal Diving Centre, the Aquamarina Hotel & Diving Centre and the Al-Cazar Hotel which organizes dives at night as well as day. Besides diving visitors can experience the fun of other water sports such as windsurfing, water skiing, sailing and fishing.

You don't have to get wet to familiarize yourself with Aqaba's marine life. The Marine Sciences Centre houses an aquarium which introduces you to some of the exotic underwater species that live in the Red Sea. Besides the joys of sun, sea and sand, Aqaba also hosts interesting sites which include the Mamluke Fort at the end of the corniche, the remains of the medieval town of Ayla opposite the Miramar Hotel and the castle of Saladin (Salahudeen) which is situated on an island in the middle of the Gulf. There is also the museum of the Department of Antiquities dedicated to the preservation of artifacts in the area.