🏖️ Aqaba Itinerary 3-Day for Families — 2025

A simple, flexible 3-day plan for Aqaba itinerary: beaches and snorkeling on day 1, glass-bottom boats and intro diving on day 2, then a relaxed city walk with markets and Aqaba itinerary Castle on day 3. We’ve added tour booking links via GetYourGuide and hotel suggestions via Booking so you can turn this itinerary into a real trip quickly.

Day 1 — Beach & snorkeling

• Morning: public or private beach south of Aqaba (calm water and gradual depth for kids).
• Midday: easy snorkeling on the reef close to shore.
• Afternoon: fresh drink and a relaxed walk along the seafront promenade.
• Evening: light seafood dinner and early night before the boat activities.

Tip: water shoes and simple swim goggles for kids make the rocky/reef areas much more comfortable.

Day 2 — Glass-bottom boat + intro diving

• Morning: glass-bottom boat tour to see corals and fish without getting in the water.
• Midday: intro dive (Discover Scuba) with a certified instructor — ideal for beginners.
• Evening: chill time and a casual meal on the corniche, with ice cream for the kids.

If someone doesn’t want to dive, swap the intro dive for extra snorkeling or a short sunset cruise.

Day 3 — Town, markets & castle

• Morning: visit Aqaba Castle (Mamluk fortress) and enjoy the views over the gulf.
• Midday: shopping in local markets and bazaars for souvenirs and small gifts.
• Afternoon: café stop or relaxed time on the seafront promenade.
• Optional: short sunset boat trip or spa time at the hotel.

You can also turn this into a half-day trip to Wadi Rum and return to Aqaba in the evening.

🚤 Tours & boat trips — GetYourGuide

Pick the tours that match your family’s style — times and prices change with season and demand. The booking button below opens a filtered Aqaba page where you can find glass-bottom boats, snorkeling trips, intro dives and sunset cruises in one place.

Tip: in high season, reserve 24–48 hours in advance and keep your confirmation saved offline in case mobile signal is weak.

🏨 Suggested hotels — Booking Aqaba itinerary

• High-end: InterContinental Aqaba · Al Manara, a Luxury Collection · Mövenpick Aqaba.
• Mid-range / family: south beach resorts close to main water activities.

🚗 How to get to Aqaba & transport Aqaba itinerary

• From Amman: around 4 hours by private car or driver, or by flight via Queen Alia International Airport.
• From Petra (Wadi Musa): around 2 hours.
• From Wadi Rum: around 1–1.5 hours.
• JETT buses: regular inter-city buses — always check current schedules.
• Within Aqaba: taxis and apps for short hops, plus quick transfers to south beach.

For larger families, a private driver for 1–3 days is often more comfortable and cost-effective than multiple separate rides.

🍽️ Where to eat

• Ali Baba – Aqaba — popular seafood and local dishes.
• Restaurants along the marina and seafront promenade — relaxed family seating and easy access to the beach.

💡 Important tips

• Sun protection is essential: sunscreen, hats and enough water — the sun is strong most of the year.
• Light snorkeling gear for kids (mask, snorkel, fins) makes the days in the water much more fun.
• If you’re planning an intro dive, avoid very heavy meals just before going into the water.

❓ Aqaba itinerary FAQ

Is this itinerary suitable for children?
Yes. Choose shallow beaches, glass-bottom boats instead of diving for younger kids, and keep afternoon breaks for rest and shade.

Do I need to book the glass-bottom boat in advance?
In high season it’s better to reserve at least a day in advance to get your preferred time slot.

Can I combine Aqaba with Wadi Rum?
Absolutely — you can do a half or full-day trip from Aqaba to Wadi Rum and return in the evening.

🧭 Related micro-guides from this itinerary

• Aqaba snorkeling
• Aqaba glass-bottom boat
• Intro diving in Aqaba
• Seafront promenade — Aqaba guide

This section is just a hub of related guides — we’re not re-linking every keyword inside the main text.

🔗 Back to the Jordan itinerary

Add Aqaba (3 days) to your Jordan itinerary (8–12 days) together with Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman.