Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To/From the Ferry Terminal & Southern Coast
Minibuses (JD1) leave from near the entrance to Aqaba Fort on King Hussein St for the
Saudi border via the southern beaches, camps, dive sites and Royal Diving Centre,
passing the ferry terminal for boats to Egypt. Minibuses returning to Aqaba can be full of
construction workers heading off shift from 2pm to 3pm. A taxi from central Aqaba to the
ferry terminal costs around JD8 (JD12 to the southern beaches).
Taxi
Hundreds of private (blue-green) taxis cruise the streets beeping at any tourist (Jordanian
or foreign) silly enough to walk around in the heat rather than take an air-conditioned taxi.
Taxis are unmetered so prices are entirely negotiable, and the drivers in Aqaba enjoy the
sport. Most rides cost between JD1 and JD2. A horse-drawn 'taxi' costs around JD25 for a
30-minute ride.
South Coast
There is only 27km of Jordanian coastline between Israel and the Palestinian Territories
and Saudi Arabia. Much of the northern section of shoreline is paved over by the town
and container ports of Aqaba. The shore south of the port is protected within the Red Sea
Marine Peace Park, and is run in cooperation with Israel and the Palestinian Territories; it
is managed locally by the Aqaba Marine Park. Resorts and dive centres are scattered
along this precious seaside and the reefs here are in good condition.
While it's probably fair to say that the barren, treeless South Coast is not the prettiest
place on earth, it's sufficiently pleasant to relax and enjoy the sunshine or, better still, take
a dip or a dive in the clear, warm waters. The Red Sea in this northern end of the Gulf of
Aqaba is highly saline; this, together with winds from the north and minimal tides, means
the water stays crystal clear, while the average water temperature is 22.5°C in winter and
26°C in summer.
