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Where is Aqaba?
Aqaba is the nearest Jordanian city to Eilat. The border passage point of Rabin, where you can cross the border quickly and comfortably, is 10 minutes from the center of Eilat.
There are more than 100,000 citizens in Aqaba and if the predictions of the tourist offices are reliable, there will be three times more in three years.
The tourist possibilities in the city have improved since it became an independent district some years ago and hopefully will become a real tourist center soon.
What is to be seen in Aqaba?
Aqaba bears the signs of an eastern city. The city center has the appearance of an oriental market where you can find souvenirs, cheap restaurants and exotic baked goods.
Near the city center, on the east side, there is a closed market, the size of a football field. There you can find pichipiks, cheap clothes, sunglasses etc. This market is also open all days of the week.
The coast strip with the newest hotels and a tourist promenade with many restaurants, is on the south west side of the city.
Here you’ll find an archaeological museum in which archeological artifacts found in the region are represented. The artifacts can tell you the region's story and that of the different peoples who dominated it.
As you walk along the promenade you’ll arrive at the giant Jordanian flag waving proudly high above, which is also clearly seen from Eilat.
Driving south, you’ll quickly arrive at one of the new tourist complexes of the city - Aqaba Gates, a popular family destination.
Besides all of the restaurants and cafes, you’ll also find an enjoyable attraction - an impressive audiovisual trip to an artificial canyon from the time of Ancient Jordanian rule.
The excursion ends with a three dimensional film with a moving stage and spectacular effects.
Continuing south, you’ll see the giant and bustling Aqaba port. It’s the only port of Jordan.
Info taken from the site
http://www.ereverev.co.il
Why is it worth scuba diving in Aqaba? How many diving sites are there in Jordan?
Aqaba's coastal strip is nearly 20 km wide (double the width of Eilat's coastal strip). Similar to the sea of Eilat, the sea of Aqaba is also calm, waveless and the water temperature is pleasant all year long including the winter.
In spite of it’s vicinity to the giant port of Aqaba, the sea is clean and clear. Tourist diving began in Aqaba not long ago, but since it began the cleanliness of the sea and the ecological properties have been well guarded.
Therefore, one has a clearer view while diving in Aqaba compared to the Israeli side, in Eilat.
The laws regarding environmental protection are severe and strict, so diving is permitted only if accompanied by a local diving instructor.
In the Aqaba region there are nearly 30 beautiful diving sites, which are accessible directly from the coast, without the need of a boat. All along the coast there are reefs full of animal life and fish. The coast and the diving clubs dispersed along it are easily accessible by taxi from the border terminal.
If previously arranged, the diving clubs can send a special car service to pick you up from the border. In these clubs you can rent all of your diving equipment if you don’t want to bring it all the way from Eilat.
For those who are anxious, it’s important to know that there is a pressure cabin for up to six divers a half hour drive from the diving sites in Aqaba. It is open 24/7.
Info taken from the site:
http://www.ereverev.co.il
Is it possible to go to Jordan by car and how much does it cost?
The car driver must be registered as it’s owner. Alternatively, the owner’s accreditation, signed by a lawyer, must be presented.
A special insurance policy (valid for Jordan and Sinai) may be acquired in the Memsi office at the border terminal for 300 NIS for a year. A common driving license is valid.
Contact numbers for Memsi:
Memsi at the Arava terminal: 086338542.
Memsi at the Nahar HaYarden terminal (Sheikh Hussein): 066586422, dept 6.
At the Jordanian side of the border, Israeli license plates are exchanged for Jordanian ones.
The exchange costs 35 dinars. In addition, the mandatory insurance for the car must be arranged for the period of 14 days to one year. The insurance cost for the shortest period is 20 dinars.
Fuel: the fuel quality in Jordan is decent, despite the relatively low prices (1.5 NIS for 1 liter). In Jordan there is no lead-free petrol.
How are the buses in Jordan?
The public transportation in Jordan is amazingly efficient and cheap. Its biggest disadvantage is its "flexible" schedule; the buses usually do not depart until they are full.
If you have time, it’s an excellent way to acquaint yourself with the local population. Buses, are infrequent along the Dead Sea Highway and Arava.
Buses to the main tourist attractions:
Amman – Jerash, 0.25 dinars, each half an hour from the Abdali station. High frequency.
Amman – Madaba, 0.25 dinars from the Wahadat and Raghadan stations. Two to three daily buses from the Wahadat station.
Amman – Petra, 1.70 dinars. The first bus departs between 6.00 and 6.30 am.
Amman – Aqaba, 3 dinars, departs hourly from the Wahadat and Abdali stations.
Aqaba – Petra, 3 dinars, every two hours, beginning at 8.30 am.
Aqaba – Ram, 1.5 dinars, two buses a day (6.30 and 11.00).
Can I take a rent a car in Jordan and how much does it cost?
A trip to Jordan in a rental car is a comfortable way to become acquainted with classic Jordan (historical and archaeological sites) in the most efficient way.
Although there are crazy drivers in Jordan, there are not that many cars on the highways and therefore traffic is low. In addition, the highways are well maintained and most of the road signs are also written in English. The driving is on the right side of the road.
Official rental companies exist only in Amman and Aqaba, but for an additional payment they will be glad to bring a car to the border terminal. Rental fees begin at 20 dinars a day (nearly 30 dollars).
Is it possible to make the trip to Petra and to Wadi Ram in the same day? And how much will it cost?
Yes. You may depart for Petra at 8.00 am with a jeep (about a 3 hour drive), stay in Petra until 15.00 and then depart for Wadi Ram.
After the excursion in the Wadi and in the springs' zone you may eat a Bedouin style dinner at sunset and then return to Aqaba. The cost of the trip is 55 dinars per person, in a 4 person jeep, including meals. The entrance fee to Petra is not included. It is 21 dinars per person.
How much does the border passage cost?
The border passage costs 75 NIS on the Israeli side and 5 dinars (nearly 30 NIS) on the Jordanian side.
Despite common unpleasant experiences at the Egyptian border, the Jordanians are more polite, and it usually only takes 15 min. to cross the border.
Is it safe to go to Jordan?
90% of the Jordanian population are Muslim, practically all are Sunnite and a small minority are Shiite. Nearly 6% are Christians from different denominations. Druze, Chechens and Cherks also live in Jordan. In Jordan there is freedom of religion.
At the time of King Hussein's death, he was known to be one of the most experienced politicians in the world. Among his achievements are rapid and successful economic development, political stability, a stable political system, a peace treaty with Israel, and 43-years of Middle Eastern history.
Shortly before his death, he appointed his son Abdallah as heir to the throne, moving his brother, Hasan, out of the center of the political map.
It seems as though Abdallah is continuing his father's legacy, preserving his achievements and safeguarding stability within Jordan and good relations with its neighbors. Nothing has changed in terms of the inner problems of Jordan, possibly due to the strengthening of the Palestinian base of Jordan; Abdallah marriage to a Palestinian reinforces the stability of his reign.
What are the working hours of the border terminal Israel - Jordan?
Sun-Thurs: 06.30-22.00
Fri: 08.00-20.00
Where is it possible to get diving insurance?
Diving insurance must be arranged in Israel before the departure for diving in Aqaba. It’s possible to arrange insurance for 5 days via the Internet. See the link: http://www.idive.co.il/insurance/
Where is it most profitable to change money?
Money should be changed at the border terminal on the Israeli side, at the same counter where the passage fee is paid. That is because the taxes are higher at the Jordanian side of the border terminal.
What are my accommodation options in Aqaba?
Rooms in the Adventure Divers club
Crystal Hotel - 3 Star hotel
Coral Bay - 4 Star hotel
Golden Tulip - 4 Star hotel
and more...
Who decides where to dive?
You decide where to dive in Aqaba. The guides will be more the happy
to assist you choosing the best dive sites but at the end its up to you.
Why should we dive with GODIVE?
Its true that there are different companies that organize groups to dive in Jordan, but the crucial difference is that diving in Jordan is our only and principal specialty, to which we dedicate our time so that each client of the club will be satisfied.
Here are some reasons to dive in Jordan with GoDive specifically:
1. We have contact with the local staff on a daily basis. We are acquainted with all its members who will take care of each client. We have checked and found that each and every one of the staff members are professional and experienced instructors. They know how to direct the diving and do it in the most pleasant way, so that you’ll have the unique experience under the water and not be troubled by anything. You may relax and enjoy the diving and the beauty that Aqaba's Sea Park offers its visitors.
2. The modern equipment in the club is of high quality so that there is no need to take yours with you.
3. The club chief manager, Talal, has all necessary diplomas and certificates, and has done all diving courses that are given.
4. The club's staff members are Bedouin. Therefore, you will receive royal treatment at its best.
5. At the end of the each dive, the staff will wash the equipment and you need only decide what to drink, coffee or tea.
6. At the border control, each guest of our club will be welcomed with a private taxi waiting specifically for him/her.
7. At the diving club you will be able to choose the diving site to go to. We can also take you to unknown sites which are absolutely unvisited by the tourists until now! This service is exclusive to the guests of our club!
8. Even if you choose not to sleep in the club's accommodations, we can pick you up from all the hotels in Aqaba free of charge. This is done as a service to the club guests and to those who are interested in diving with us.
9. Our prices are the best among all those existing today in Jordan.
Hope to see you soon,
The GoDive Staff
Are there private tours to Petra?
Tours to Petra depart almost daily. There is no problem if you are a couple or a small group- if you want a private tour, we will arrange one for you. The trip to Petra will begin and end according to your preference.
What happens at the border control? Is it necessary to obtain a visa beforehand?
With regards to the Israeli-Jordanian border passage (near Eilat): a visa is not needed. The border taxes are as follows: when entering one must pay 75 NIS and when departing 5 dinars (30 NIS).
You must reach the border by yourself. If you arrive by car it's possible (and even recommended) to leave the car in the parking lot near the border terminal. The lot is supervised 24/7. If you are arriving without a car, you can take a taxi from Eilat to the border for about 30 NIS.
In the guide book it says that guided tours at Petra last 2 hours. will he leave after 2 hours.
There are several possibilities regarding guided tours:
a. personal guide for a full day - helps you at the border, gives explanations on the road and obviously at Petra itself.
b. guide only at Petra- 2 or 4 hours. Of course, it’s possible to continue touring Petra by yourself. You must remember that the Petra touring site closes at 16.00, and the border passage closes at 20.00.
Recommendation regarding the guide – it is highly recommended to hire a guide for Petra. 2 hours of guided excursion is enough.
What time does one have to leave Petra by car in order to return to the border?
If one arrives at the border early enough then it is possible to visit both Petra and Aqaba in one day.
