Aqaba Jordan Shore Excursions

Aqaba Port opens the door to some of the ancient world's most extraordinary destinations. Shore excursions include a day trip to Petra — the legendary rose-red city carved into cliff faces by the Nabataean civilisation and one of the Seven Wonders of the World — a visit to the Dead Sea for its famous therapeutic floating experience, and a combined Petra and Wadi Rum tour taking in both the ancient city and one of the world's most spectacular desert landscapes in a single unforgettable day.

Without question. Petra is one of the most breathtaking and historically significant sites on earth — an entire ancient city carved directly into rose-red sandstone cliffs by the Nabataean civilisation over two thousand years ago. Walking through the narrow Siq gorge and emerging before the iconic Treasury is a moment that stays with you for the rest of your life. A shore excursion from Aqaba Port puts this extraordinary experience within comfortable reach.

Petra is approximately two to two and a half hours from Aqaba Port by road. Most excursions depart early in the morning to maximise time at the site, ensuring passengers have several hours to explore before the return journey to the ship. The drive itself passes through dramatic Jordanian desert scenery that sets the mood perfectly for the ancient world ahead.

Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and one of the ancient world's great trading cities. The most iconic sight is the Treasury — Al-Khazneh — a towering facade carved with extraordinary precision directly into the cliff face. Beyond it lies an entire city of carved tombs, temples, colonnaded streets, and royal monuments spread across a dramatic landscape of rose-red rock. A professional guide brings the full story of this remarkable civilisation to life throughout the visit.

Wadi Rum is one of the world's most awe-inspiring desert landscapes — a vast protected wilderness of towering sandstone mountains, ancient rock inscriptions, and sweeping red sand plains that has served as the backdrop for numerous films set on other planets. Combining Petra and Wadi Rum in a single day from Aqaba delivers two of Jordan's greatest wonders back to back, and the contrast between the ancient carved city and the raw desert wilderness makes for an extraordinarily memorable day.

The Dead Sea is one of the world's most extraordinary natural phenomena — the lowest point on earth, with water so dense in salt and minerals that floating effortlessly on the surface is an experience like no other. The mineral-rich mud is famous for its therapeutic and cosmetic properties, and a visit to the shores of this ancient body of water combines a genuinely unique physical experience with a landscape of remarkable historical and spiritual significance.

The Dead Sea is approximately three to three and a half hours from Aqaba Port by road, passing through the dramatic landscape of the Jordanian desert and the Jordan Valley. Most excursions depart early to allow sufficient time at the water before the return journey, ensuring a comfortable arrival back at the port ahead of the ship's departure.

Given the distances involved, combining both destinations in a single day from Aqaba is challenging and would leave limited time at each site. For passengers with only one day ashore, choosing between Petra and the Dead Sea — or opting for the Petra and Wadi Rum combination — is recommended to ensure a genuinely rewarding experience at each destination rather than a rushed visit to both.

The combined tour takes you first to Petra for a guided exploration of the ancient Nabataean city, then continues to Wadi Rum for a jeep safari through the desert wilderness with a Bedouin guide. The two destinations complement each other beautifully — ancient human civilisation carved into rock followed by one of the most unspoilt and dramatic natural landscapes on earth. It is one of the finest single-day experiences available on any cruise itinerary calling at Aqaba.

Petra involves a considerable amount of walking on uneven terrain, and the full site is extensive. The most iconic sights — the Siq gorge and the Treasury — are accessible to most visitors at a steady pace. Those with limited mobility may find some areas challenging, though the core experience of walking through the Siq and arriving before the Treasury is manageable for most reasonably fit visitors. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential.

Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are essential for Petra, as the site involves significant walking on rocky and uneven ground. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for the desert climate, along with a hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen. A light layer is advisable for early morning departures when temperatures can be cooler. For the Dead Sea, bring a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes, as the shoreline can be rocky and the salt water stings any cuts or abrasions.