Aqaba Car Rental

Aqaba is best known for the Red Sea. With warm water all year round, this is a true paradise for lovers of water sports. Scuba diving is very popular here, both for experienced divers and newcomers to the sport. If you don't like going quite so deep underwater, you can always put on your snorkel and inspect the shallow areas. Either way, you'll be stunned by the colorful coral reefs. Visit the Japanese Garden dive site to see adorable turtles or the impressive Taiyong Wreck, now a playground for over 1,000 species of fish. Finally, there are also plenty of options for those who'd rather sit back and relax, including glass-bottom boat trips.

Of course, there's plenty to see in Aqaba without getting your feet wet. This has historically been a major trading outpost, and the souks - the traditional Arabian markets - are still the lifeblood of the city. One of the best is the Souk by the Sea, which opens on Friday nights and sells handicrafts. Elsewhere, you'll find souks that specialize in food, spices, blankets and more. Remember, bargaining is a way of life for Jordanian traders. Don't be afraid to join in the fun by haggling over the price.

The main historical sight in town is Aqaba Castle, also known as Mamluk Fort. This building tells a fascinating story: it was built in the 1100s by Christians during the Crusades. Later, Muslim armies destroyed it before rebuilding it in the 1500s. It played a key role in the 1917 Arab Revolt when Jordanians and other Arabs fought against the occupying Ottoman Empire. Take a look inside, and you'll be mesmerized by its intriguing history.

Renting a car in Aqaba lets you explore the rest of Jordan. The famous desert of Wadi Rum is just an hour away. Here you can stay in a Bedouin camp, sleeping under the stars. The immensity of the desert is hard to imagine until you're there, gazing up at the enormous rock formations and seemingly endless sands. All kinds of tours of the eerie desert landscape are available, with something to suit every budget, from camel rides and 4x4 tours to hot air balloon trips that take you high above the blazing sands.

You can also use a rental car or van in Aqaba to visit the Aqaba Bird Observatory, beside the border with Israel. This is a man-made wetland zone built to attract migratory birds on their annual journeys around the world. Over 400 species are known to visit, making it a delightful place to spend a morning.

You'll find several free parking lots in the center of Aqaba, close to Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque. If you can, try to leave your car under the shade of a tree, particularly on hot days. Aqaba is a popular tourist destination, so you can expect to find more traffic on weekends. Be aware that in Jordan, the weekend runs from Friday to Saturday.

Aqaba is Jordan's resort city, and it's easier to buy alcohol here than in other parts of the country (though, given the eye-watering prices, you might prefer to stick to soft drinks). It's important to remember that Jordan has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. There is no legally permitted blood alcohol level. If you drive after a single glass of beer, you are breaking the law, and you will be fined if the police stop you.

If you are driving from Aqaba to Wadi Rum, you will probably pass a police checkpoint along the way. This is nothing to be afraid of, as it is a normal part of daily life in Jordan. The police may ask to see your documents, but they are unlikely to do anything more than this.

Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to drive in the desert of Wadi Rum. Even if you have four-wheel drive, the desert is extremely inhospitable. There are no signs or road markings. The locals might be able to find their way around by landmarks they have known all their lives, but visitors will quickly become lost. Phone signals are sporadic in the desert, making the situation even more dangerous. When you arrive at Wadi Rum, park your car in the village and wait for transportation from your camp.

Watch out for animals on the roads. Camels, donkeys and goats are very common and show little fear of cars. Don't honk your horn in an effort to hurry them - they might try to attack your vehicle.

Aqaba is very close to the border with Israel. However, you don't need to worry about crossing by accident. This is a heavily defended border, with armed guards on both sides. Unlike many other countries in the region, Jordan allows travel to and from Israel. If you are planning an international road trip, be sure to discuss this with your Enterprise Rent-a-Car agent, as border crossings in the Middle East can be complicated.