 Aqaba
,, The small Red Sea port of Aqaba is unique and beautiful in a very special
way. Encircled by rugged purple mountains that subtly change in mood and color as the day unfolds. On the beaches
visitors soak up the sun before cooling off in the refreshingly cool waters. It is the secrets these waters hold that
makes Aqaba unique, for further down the coast are some of
the most spectacular coral reefs to be found anywhere in the world.
Often over many hundreds of meters wide, the reef is made up of many delicately hued corals among which live a myriad of brilliantly colored
fish. The Fortress, now a museum, was originally a Crusader Castle. It was extensively rebuilt by the Mamelukes
in the 14th Century. A stroll around the modern town will reveal the presence of some excellent fish restaurants and craftsmen
are to be found at work filling small bottles with colored sand in intricate geometric designs.
A few days spent at
Aqaba, Jordan's winter resort, is an ideal way to
relax on the beach at the end of a tour round the country.
The natural setting is impressive, with the narrow bay, the country's
only port, ringed by mountains and fringed by Palm trees.
The port area lies round to the east of the town, and Jordan receives
most of her imports from this route.
Aqaba has remained at low rise, and of the several beach hotels none
offers more than 150 rooms. The town has several mosques, all of them are
modern.
In the town center of Aqaba, the recently discovered 7th Century Islamic
Walled city of Ayla is currently being excavated. The other main monument
to see in Aqaba town is the 14th Century fort, by the port. A section of
it houses the Visitor's Center, and another section boasts a small museum.
An interesting day or half a day excursion can be made by boat to the
Pharaoh's Island, a tiny volcanic rock island 250 miles off the Sinai
Shoreline of Egypt.
Near Aqaba's port is the new ferry terminal for the vessels crossing to
Nweibeh in Egypt, twice daily.
By the ferry terminal is the public aquarium and near the aquarium is the
Royal Aqaba Yacht club with its lines of pristine yachts.
Few places can match diving in Aqaba with its clear, unpolluted and tranquil
waters. Because the Gulf of Aqaba is almost an inland sea means that,
although the water is deep, it stays warm and calm. Aqaba's air
temperatures ranging from 20°C in winter to a pleasant 34°C in summer,
though it can soar as high as 40°C. The water is even warmer, with the
temperatures ranging from 20°C in winter to 26°C in summer and is always
crystal clear. This makes conditions ideal for underwater
photography. The profusion of exotic fish and plant-life makes the region unbeatable for serious divers and snorkelers, a diving paradise. Over 140
species of coral have been identified in Aqaba's waters, among them
numerous species endemic to the region.
The four main diving centers at Aqaba are: Aqua marina Diving Center, Sea
Star Diving Center, Red Sea Diving Center and the Royal Diving Center which is the only government-run diving
organization.
There are many other aquatic activities; Paddleboats, Sailing boats, Wind
surfing, Rowing boats and canoes can be hired.
Water skiing is an exciting experience on the glass surfaced gulf. Fishing
from the shore is excellent due to deep water near the edge. Fishing by
boat can also be
arranged.
The Birthday of King Hussein on the 14th of November is marked in Aqaba
each year by a large water festival. The King usually attends the event
which involves water sport competitions. Other festivals are also held
throughout the year.
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