Jordan's only sea port sits where four countries meet at the tip of the Red Sea. From this compact resort city you can reach Petra's rose-red ruins and Wadi Rum's otherworldly desert — or simply snorkel pristine coral reefs steps from the shore.
Ships dock at the dedicated Aqaba Cruise Terminal, a modern facility opened in 2023 with a 700-metre pier — but it sits inside a large commercial port where pedestrians cannot walk freely.
💡 Pro move: The port terminal has a passenger hall, Wi-Fi, shops and F&B — useful if you arrive early or need to wait for your shuttle.
All cruise ships use the dedicated Aqaba Cruise Terminal pier; no tendering required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Aqaba Cruise Terminal (opened 2023), ~4 km south of city center📍 | Docked |
| Small expedition ships | May use commercial quay within same port complex📍 | Docked |
Aqaba is Jordan's gateway — the iconic sites of Petra and Wadi Rum are within reach, while the city itself offers history, markets and some of the Red Sea's best snorkeling.
Walk the Siq gorge to emerge before the Treasury facade, then explore Royal Tombs, the Roman Theatre and Qasr Al Bint. A full day is needed; count on 5 miles of walking on packed sand.
Find Petra day-trip tours →A Bedouin driver takes you through the 'Valley of the Moon' — towering sandstone pillars, Lawrence's Spring, Al-Khazali Canyon inscriptions and sweeping red dunes. Often combined with a camp lunch.
Find Wadi Rum jeep tours →A full-day express hitting both UNESCO sites. Fast-paced but satisfying — morning at Petra, afternoon jeep safari in Wadi Rum, back to port by sunset.
Find Petra and Wadi Rum combo tours →Aqaba's southern coast has pristine coral reefs often just metres from the waterline. Day passes at Berenice Beach Club or Tala Bay include pool, beach and snorkel gear; independent South Beach is free.
Find snorkeling and diving tours →Downtown Aqaba is walkable once the shuttle drops you off. Visit the Mamluk-era Aqaba Fort, the ruins of Ayla (early Islamic city), the Aqaba Archaeological Museum and the Great Arab Revolt Plaza with its towering flagpole.
Find Aqaba city walking tours →The old souk is a compact warren of spice shops, jewellery and local treats. Afterwards stroll the Al-Ghandour seafront promenade for Red Sea views and a cold fresh juice.
Find Aqaba food and culture tours →Once the shuttle drops you in downtown Aqaba, the historic core is compact and easy to explore on foot.
From Arab Revolt Square, walk to the Great Arab Revolt Plaza flagpole, then to Aqaba Fort (Mamluk Castle), the Ayla ruins next door, and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. End with a stroll along the seafront promenade.
Dive into the back streets behind Arab Revolt Square for Aqaba's traditional market — spices, textiles, silver and street food. Best in the morning before heat peaks.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Aqaba, Aqaba Governorate, Jordan (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 68°F / 20°C | 50°F / 10°C | 1 | 7:35 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Feb | 72°F / 22°C | 52°F / 11°C | 2 | 7:19 AM | 6:29 PM |
| Mar | 78°F / 26°C | 58°F / 14°C | 2 | 6:49 AM | 6:48 PM |
| Apr | 87°F / 31°C | 64°F / 18°C | 0 | 6:13 AM | 7:06 PM |
| May | 95°F / 35°C | 71°F / 22°C | 0 | 5:47 AM | 7:25 PM |
| Jun | 100°F / 38°C | 75°F / 24°C | 0 | 5:39 AM | 7:41 PM |
| Jul | 103°F / 39°C | 79°F / 26°C | 0 | 5:50 AM | 7:41 PM |
| Aug | 103°F / 39°C | 79°F / 26°C | 0 | 6:08 AM | 7:20 PM |
| Sep | 98°F / 37°C | 76°F / 24°C | 0 | 6:24 AM | 6:44 PM |
| Oct | 90°F / 32°C | 70°F / 21°C | 0 | 6:41 AM | 6:09 PM |
| Nov | 80°F / 27°C | 62°F / 17°C | 1 | 7:04 AM | 5:44 PM |
| Dec | 72°F / 22°C | 54°F / 12°C | 1 | 7:27 AM | 5:42 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
City Sightseeing Aqaba operates hop-on hop-off tours. Contact locally or check citysightseeingaqaba.com for current schedules and pricing.
Many cruise lines provide complimentary shuttle buses from the terminal to downtown Aqaba. Check with your ship before disembarking.
Taxis are readily available at the port. The city center is roughly 4–8 km away — always agree on a fare before getting in.
Bolt operates in Aqaba and offers metered fares via app, a more transparent alternative to street taxis.
Pre-booked private transfers are available and practical if heading straight to Petra or Wadi Rum from the port.
Upcoming cruises that call at Aqaba, Aqaba Governorate, Jordan. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.