Water Sports
The coast south of Aqaba, on the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba, is swarming with tropical fish and coral and is renowned for its brilliant year round diving and snorkelling.
The coral reefs are generally very close to shore and the water temperature rarely falls below 20 °C (68 °F). There are many dive centres at Aqaba offering PADI courses, equipment rental and boat tours.
It is prohibited to remove coral or shells, or to use harpoon guns and fishing spears. Aqaba’s beaches, notably the Aquamarine or Holiday Beach, offer great swimming. Dolphin, shark, and whale watching trips can also be arranged.
Hiking
1 of the best destinations is Wadi Rum, a large area of dry riverbeds, mountains, black hills and sand dunes, located some 50 kilometres (30 miles) north east of Aqaba, and a location for the film Lawrence of Arabia.
Camel treks and jeep trips into the desert are also possible, as are hot air balloon trips over Wadi Rum’s Valley of the Moon.
Limited hiking equipment and supplies can be rented in the village of Rum, the nearest town to here is Quweirah.
Wildlife
There are 10 designated wildlife reserves in Jordan, the best being the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve and Azraq Wetland Wildlife Reserve (whose oasis is home to over 300 species of birds).
Both reserves can be visited on day trips from Amman. Animals that can be seen include red wolves, hyenas, jerboas, gazelles, ostriches and Arabian oryxes. |
