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The coastal city of Aqaba communicates to the visitors 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. A boat ride to the center 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 and over 1000 species of fish. The city of Aqaba itself is a natural haven for scuba diving, snorkeling 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 Spectacular Coral Reefs 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 from almost invisible species to huge fish and mammals. The warm waters of Aqaba provide a perfect habitat for an array of unique and dazzlingly colored fish. Due to Aqaba's clear waters, this rainbow of colors 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 Overfishing, industrial activities, improper diving attitudes like stepping on coral and feeding fish, and careless anchoring create a threat to the natural balance and 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: Aqaba is 3 1/2 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 taxi trips are not scheduled. Taxis start their trips as soon as they are full with passengers.
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VISIT
OTHER CITIES (JERASH - DECAPOLIS ERA - JORDAN - PETRA - WADI RUM - AQABA - THE DEAD SEA - MUJIB WILDLIFE RESERVE - DANA NATURE RESERVE - SHAUMARI NATURE RESERVE - AJLOUN NATURE RESERVE - AZRAQ WETLAND RESERVE - BIRD WATCHING - THE GULF OF AQABA - BETHANY BEYOND JORDAN) |
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