leisure: Aqaba
Aqaba
DIVING
Aqaba’s mild climate makes it an ideal location for year-round scuba diving, with the water temperature averaging 22.5¡C. The prevailing northern winds from Wadi Araba keep the water surface shimmering clean, while the Gulf waters are refreshingly cool and clear.
The Jordan Royal Ecological Diving Society is the main organisation responsible for research, observation and protection of the marine life in Aqaba, whose waters host about 110 species of soft corals, 120 species of hard corals and over 1,000 species of fish.
The shores of the Red Sea are also frequented by friendly sea turtles that swim amongst the swirling schools of fish. Whales, dolphins, and sea cows are often spotted visiting the area, and nocturnal animals such as the crab, shrimp and lobster come alive in search of food at night - ideal for night dives.
There are some 45 dive sites in the area and at least six sub aqua diving centres. All diving is conducted through licensed dive operators and a guide must accompany all divers.
Ideal for: Group activity for divers and sunbathers
Group size: 10 - 30
Timings: Day and night dives can be arranged
Top tip: Be sure to advise delegates of activity in advance so they can bring PADI certification if qualified
MARINE PARK
The protected area of the Aqaba Marine Park was established to conserve and manage the natural marine environment of the Aqaba south coast area with its rich biodiversity, while allowing for limited tourist access at sustainable levels.
The Aqaba Marine Park Visitor’s Centre caters to all visitors including education and outreach programmes to generate awareness of the fragile nature of the marine environment and the need to protect it. Activities include displays, lectures, and slide shows in addition to focused marine activities.
The visitor centre also includes an auditorium, four exhibition halls, gift shop and a restaurant. Within the parameters of the Aqaba Marine Park there are four facilities offering services including the Marine Science Station, the National Camp, the Royal Diving Centre and Club Murjan.
Ideal for: Green meetings looking for green activities
Group size: 10 - 50
Timings: Open all day
Top tip: Take part in an outreach programme to really make a difference
AYLA
Built during the early days of Islam, the walled city of Ayla provides a rare example of early Islamic habitation. Its layout is marked by axial streets leading to four gates, which converge on a tetrapylon (four interconnecting arches).
It is believed Ayla was a favoured stop-off point for those making the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. The city prospered until the 12th century, when it is believed to have fallen victim to a series of earthquakes, Bedouin raids and Crusader attacks.
The site at Ayla was discovered in the early 1980s by an American- Jordanian archaeological team. The remains of this once grand city are found along the main beach road, close to the hotel district.
Ideal for: Half day walking tour from the hotel
Group size: 10 - 30
Timings: Open all day
Top tip: Ensure delegates are wearing comfortable shoes to walk around the remains
MAMLUK CASTLE
Mamluk Castle, also known as Aqaba Fort, was built in the 16th century by one of the last Mamluk Sultans, Qansweh Al Ghuri.
It has been altered several times since it was first built, and has weathered the rule of the Ottoman Empire and a famous World War I attack in 1917, when the town, and fort, came under siege by the Arab Army of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, the Hashemite Leader of the Great Arab Revolt, and T. E. Lawrence, or Lawrence of Arabia.
Located adjacent to the castle is the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, once the residence of Sharif Hussein, the great grandfather of King Abdullah II. The Hashemite coat of arms hangs over the entrance.
The museum houses artefacts from Ayla featuring items dating from the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid and Fatimid periods representing Islamic culture from the seventh to the 12th century.
Among the exhibits is a Kufic inscription from the Qu’ran, which sat above the Eastern Gate of Ayla, and a hoard of gold Fatimid dinars from Morocco.
Ideal for: Half day tour in cooler months
Group size: 5 - 50
Timings: 8am to 7pm in summer, 8am to 4pm in winter
Top tip: Hire a tour guide and allow time for delegates to explore at leisure
RED SEA CRUISING
Cruising aboard a luxury yacht exploring the many attractions of the Red Sea is a perfect chill-out activity. Private charters can take groups to Taba in Egypt and back, crossing the waterways of four countries, namely Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Egypt.
Staying closer to Aqaba, a fullday itinerary can include sailing to Pharaoh Island in Egypt where the group can enjoy snorkelling and swimming with a BBQ lunch on the beach, as well as a visit to the famous Salah Al Din castle.
Beach activities can also be arranged, if you want to add a teambuilding element to the day. Alternative cruising options include glass bottom boats, dinner cruises and sunset cruises.
Ideal for: Team building day out
Group size: 20 - 100
Timings: Check with tour operators
Top tip: Ensure all delegates carry a photocopy of their passports, and check with the tour operator in case original passports are required for sea travel
SKYDIVING
See Aqaba from a totally different perspective. The Royal Aero Sports Club of Jordan offers small groups the chance to skydive over the Gulf of Aqaba in tandem with an experienced instructor.
Tandem jumping is the easiest way to get an introduction to skydiving with minimal training. It takes approximately one hour from start to finish for your first parachute jump.
Skydivers are hooked to a highly qualified instructor for the entire trip. Soaring to an altitude of 3,000 metres, courageous delegates will jump, experiencing a 30-second freefall. At 1,500 metres, the instructor will deploy the parachute, and instructor and delegate will then enjoy a peaceful 10-minute parachute descent, taking in the magnificent views of Aqaba and the Red Sea.
Videotaping is available to capture every moment of the adventure.
The Royal Aero Sports Club of Jordan is a non-profit organisation that was established in 1997, with the vision of providing a wide variety of aero sports. The club was ratified as a member of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), the official world air sports federation, in 2005.
Ideal for: Adrenalin junkies
Group size: 5 - 10
Timings: Check with Royal Aero Sports Club
Top tip: For those left on the ground arrange a viewing of the skydive videos, guaranteed to entertain all
