- From
- $72 per person
- Duration
- Half Day · 4 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate — short walks on mostly even ground
- Max group size
- 7
- Start time
- 09:00 (flexible – choose the time that suits you)
- Starts from
- Aqaba
- Destinations
- Aqaba, Petra, Red Sea, Wadi Rum
Overview
A relaxed half-day on the Red Sea in Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city. Cruise out on a glass-bottom boat over coral gardens, then snorkel in the clear, warm water among colorful fish and reef life — perfect for beginners and families. All snorkeling gear is provided and a guide is in the water with you. A great way to add a marine day to a Petra or Wadi Rum trip, or to unwind on a cruise stop in Aqaba.
Highlights
- Glass-bottom boat cruise over Aqaba’s coral gardens
- Guided snorkeling in clear, warm Red Sea water
- All snorkeling gear provided
- Perfect for beginners and families
- A relaxing marine day on Jordan’s only coast
What to expect
Jordan’s Red Sea gateway, where the desert meets the water. Aqaba tours typically start or end here for cruise passengers and beach lovers, with time to swim, snorkel or simply relax on the coast. The town is compact and walkable, with relaxed cafes and duty-free shopping. It is most often a stop within a longer Jordan loop rather than a standalone sightseeing day, pairing naturally with Wadi Rum and Petra.
Who this tour suits
- Travellers with half a day free in Aqaba
- Cruise passengers arriving in Aqaba
- Families travelling with children
- Guests who prefer an easy pace: short walks on mostly even ground
Difficulty & pace
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate — short walks on mostly even ground
- Walking
- 2–4 km at the main site
- Driving
- See the itinerary for driving distances and times.
Itinerary
- 09:00 Pickup in Aqaba — Transfer to the marina and board the glass-bottom boat.
- 09:30 Cruise & glass-bottom viewing — Cruise over the coral gardens and watch the reef through the glass floor.
- 10:30 Snorkeling — Guided snorkeling among colorful fish and coral.
- 12:30 Return — Cruise back to the marina and transfer to your hotel.
What's included
Included
- Glass-bottom boat cruise
- Snorkeling gear
- In-water guide
- Hotel or port pickup in Aqaba
- Bottled water & soft drinks
Not included
- Entrance fees not included — we recommend the Jordan Pass (jordanpass.jo)
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Underwater camera (optional)
- Licensed guide (available on request, extra cost)
Start time, pickup & drop-off
Start time: 09:00 (flexible – choose the time that suits you) Jordan time
- Meeting point
- Hotel pickup in Amman. Meet your driver at reception — your exact time is confirmed the day before.
- Pickup areas
- Amman hotels & residences
- Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
- Madaba
- Dead Sea resorts
- Aqaba (on request)
- Pickup time
- Confirmed with you the day before.
- Drop-off
- Return drop-off at your original pickup point (or another agreed location).
Good to know
- Special instructions
- Tell us your hotel or accommodation name and address when booking. For airport or port pickup, share your arrival details.
- Meals
- Breakfast is included on multi-day tours. Lunches and dinners are not included unless stated in "What’s included".
- Summary
- Confirmation is received at the time of booking. A current passport or photo ID is required on the day of travel. Itineraries are flexible on private tours — tell us your interests and pace and we will adjust.
- Confirmation
- You will receive a booking confirmation by email immediately after payment. Final meeting-point details and pickup time are confirmed the day before your tour.
- Mobile ticket
- Mobile ticket accepted — show your confirmation on your phone.
- Accessibility
- Most day-trip sites involve some walking on uneven ground and gentle inclines. Tell us about any mobility considerations when you book and we will adjust the pace and route.
- Physical requirements
- Light to moderate — some walking on uneven ground at sites. Suitable for most travelers in reasonable health.
- Seasonal considerations
- Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions. Summer afternoons are hot across Jordan — start early. Winter is quiet and clear but cold in the desert and highlands.
- Important notes
- Jordan is a safe, welcoming destination. Dress modestly at religious and cultural sites (shoulders and knees covered). Carry cash (JOD) for small purchases and gratuities. Every tour group entering Jordan at the Arava / Wadi Araba (Eilat–Aqaba) border must be accompanied by a licensed Jordanian guide. If you are arriving at this border, we add a guiding fee of USD 175 per tour day for your whole group (not per person). Example: a 2-day tour adds USD 350.
- What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes; Sun hat, sunglasses & sunscreen; Water bottle; Light layers for the season; Cash (JOD) for small purchases & gratuities; Passport or ID
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour, or no-shows, are non-refundable. Exceptions apply only where agreed in writing by email from Jordan by Locals. Refunds (where applicable) are returned to your original payment method.
If you paid a 25% deposit, it is non-refundable within 48 hours of the tour. Exceptions apply only where agreed in writing by email from Jordan by Locals.
Local tips
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and wear a T-shirt or rash vest in the water.
- Entrance fees are not included. If you stay at least 2 nights (3 days) in Jordan, check whether the Jordan Pass suits your plan; it is bought online before you arrive.
- Carry water, a hat and sun protection; many sites have little shade.
- Start early when you can; mornings are cooler for walking.
Frequently asked questions
What does this Aqaba experience include?
A glass-bottom boat cruise over coral gardens, guided snorkeling, all snorkeling gear, an in-water guide and hotel or port pickup in Aqaba.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is perfect for beginners and families, with an in-water guide and a glass-bottom boat option for non-swimmers.
Where does the tour start?
Pickup is included from your hotel or the port in Aqaba.
How long is the experience?
It is a half-day of about four hours.
What is the Jordan Pass, and is it required?
The Jordan Pass is an official package from the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities that bundles a tourist-visa fee waiver with entrance tickets to around 40 of Jordan’s leading sites. It is entirely optional — you do not need it to travel with us, and you are welcome to pay each entrance fee individually at the gate instead. You buy it online before you arrive, show it at each site entrance, and it also waives the tourist visa fee when you stay at least 2 nights (3 days) in Jordan.
When is the Jordan Pass worthwhile, and what entrance fees does it cover?
The Pass covers entrance to Petra (one, two or three days depending on the tier), Jerash, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea resorts, Mount Nebo, Madaba, Kerak, Ajloun, Bethany Beyond the Jordan and many more sites. For most travelers it pays for itself with a single Petra visit plus the visa waiver, so any additional site is effectively free — making it the best value if you are visiting Petra and at least one other major site, or staying two or more nights. Entrance fees are not included on any of our tours, so the Pass usually saves you money. We are happy to recommend the right tier for your itinerary — just ask.
About this destination: Aqaba, Petra, Wadi Rum
Ask a question
No payment is taken now. Send your request and we confirm availability and the final price with you, usually within 24 hours.