Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sindbad
CRUISE
( 2050077;
www.sinbadjo.com
; Marina)
This local company operates a number of pop-
ular cruises around the Gulf of Aqaba. Prices range from JD15 per person for a two-hour
sunset cruise, to JD29 for a half-day trip with snorkelling (equipment included) and barbe-
cue. The cruises operate on a daily basis and depart from the end of the pier. Most hotels
can book you on these trips, or simply turn up 30 minutes before departure (1pm for bar-
becue trip; 6pm for a sunset cruise) and buy a ticket from the Sindbad staff.
Saif Marine Transport
(3hr cruise JD12 per person, with dinner JD25)
Runs a three-hour coffeeshop cruise each
evening, or take the barbecue dinner cruise. There is no need to call or book - just turn up
at sunset.
CRUISE
Glass-Bottom Boats
If you don't have time to go diving or snorkelling, the next best thing is a glass-bottom
boat. The ride is fun, but the amount of fish and coral on view is usually disappointing un-
less you get away from central Aqaba. This entails hiring a boat for at least two to three
hours.
Boats, which operate between 6am and sunset, congregate along the central public
beach or at a jetty in front of Aqaba Fort. The rate for a boat (holding about 10 people) is
JD15 per 20 minutes, JD25 for 40 minutes and JD35 for an hour. A three-hour trip costs
JD100 and a half-day trip is around JD150. During any of the trips, you can swim, snorkel
or fish (bring your own equipment) and it makes a great excursion if you can get a group
together.
Hammam
Aqaba Turkish Baths
( 2031605; King Hussein St; 10am-10pm)
Offers the full works - massage, steam
bath and scrubbing - for a very reasonable JD12. Women are theoretically welcome to at-
tend, but as 'special arrangements' need to be made (single men are evacuated for the ses-
sion and a female attendant found), entry isn't guaranteed. Book a couple of hours ahead
on a quiet day and you could be in luck. Couples can make similar arrangements.
BATHHOUSE
