Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 079 5602521; camping per person JD6, caravan JD10, s/d/t/q JD26/36/46/56; meals
JD5-7; )
Sun worshippers and dive bums alike will love this funky little spot,
which aims to bring a bit of Dahab-style Bedouin flair to Jordan. There's a clutch of cosy
rooms and camping pitches but the highlight is swapping stories with fellow travellers be-
neath the Bedouin tent. Internet use is JD2 per hour. Snorkelling gear costs JD6 for all day
use. It's only a 50m walk from a dive site, and neighbouring dive centres can assist with
water-bound activities.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Marina Plaza Hotel$$$
( 2092900;
www.marinaplazahotel.com
;
r from JD100; )
This boutique
hotel was the first property to open at Tala Bay, a large project that includes several hotels,
such as the Radison and Crowne Plaza, residences, marina, golf course and water-sports
club. The developers have worked hard to minimise their impact on the environment, as
demanded by the Red Sea Aqaba Marine Park, and the complex is well-landscaped. As is
often the case with these complexes, however, it is detached from any sense of being in
Jordan, except on public holidays when Jordanians flood in!
Getting There & Around
It is helpful to have a car if you want to head into town from the coast. However, you can
always call a cab, and hotels will pick you up in Aqaba with advanced reservations. If
you're staying in Aqaba and planning on going diving, most operators will arrange trans-
port to the dive sites.
Minibuses (JD2) 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 Club, passing
the ferry terminal for boats to Egypt. Minibuses returning to Aqaba can be full of con-
struction workers heading off shift from 2pm to 3pm. A private taxi from central Aqaba to
the ferry terminal costs JD8.
