The coastal city of Aqaba communicates to the visitor both striking beauty and grace. Touching the Red Sea are a series of peaceful mountains and a riveting desert reflecting onto the clear blue waters. Stretching along the northern right part of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba measures a length of 180 KM and expands to a width of 25 KM with 27 KM of the shoreline belonging to Jordan. The rest of the shoreline is shared with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. A boat ride to the centre of the Gulf provides a visitor with an outstanding view of all four shoreline countries. The Gulf of Aqaba is renowned worldwide as a tourist's paradise overflowing with wildlife and adventure. It hosts about 110 species of soft corals, 120 species of hard corals and over 1000 species of fish. The city of Aqaba itself is a natural haven for scuba diving, snorkelling or scientific exploration, and is bound to keep any visitor busy. Aqaba's average water temperature of 23 degrees Celsius allows the water-activity oriented tourist to enjoy the sea year round.

Marine Life The absence of stormy weather, along with the mild water currents contribute to clear waters, one of Aqaba's exceptional environmental conditions. Warm, clear waters provide a hospitable environment for the growth of corals, and favourable salinity levels provide an environment for myriad varieties of marine-life forms. Spectacular Coral Reefs Contrary to what many people think, corals are not plants but very delicate animals. Due to their slow rate of growth (About 1 cm/year), the corals that are seen today in the Gulf are centuries old. Besides being a main tourist attraction, the coral reef plays an important role in supporting the survival of various life forms. Thousands of marine creatures coexist in a complex ecosystem ranging form almost invisible species to huge fish and mammals. The warm waters of Aqaba provide a perfect habitat for an array of unique and dazzlingly coloured fish. Due to Aqaba's clear waters, this rainbow of colours can be experienced without even having to enter the water. The shores of the Gulf are also frequented with friendly sea turtles that spend their time swimming amongst the swirling schools of fish. Whales, dolphins, and sea cows are also often spotted visiting the gulf. Corals, coral fish, reptiles and mammals are only a few to be named of the countless marine creatures living in the waters of Aqaba. Nocturnal animals such as the crab, shrimp and lobster come alive in search of food in the dark hours of the night. Preserve Aqaba Although the Gulf of Aqaba provides the perfect habitat for more than a thousand species, the existing marine ecosystems are fragile and in danger. Over fishing, industrial activities, improper diving attitudes like stepping on coral and feeding fish, and careless anchoring create a sustainability of the reef's ecosystem. Concerned divers, tourists and even the everyday beach goer can chip in and do their bit in protecting this natural treasure created of centuries. By simply abiding to general common sense rules, they and you can help preserve the marine life of Aqaba for generations to come.

Getting there: Take the Airport Highway, or the King's Highway, and head south continuously. Road signs will indicate your route. Aqaba is 3 ½ hours away from Amman by car. Organized bus tours as well as daily flights to Aqaba are available. You can take a taxi from Al-Sharq Al-Awsat roundabout in South Amman. These taxis start their trips as soon as they are full of passengers.