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 coloured 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
coloured 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 centre 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 Centre, 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:
Aquamarina Diving Centre, Sea Star Diving Centre, Red Sea Diving
Centre and the Royal Diving Centre 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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