Introduction The Gulf of Aqaba is on of two channels of water that form the top of the Red Sea, the other being the Gulf of Suez. The much disputed Sinai peninsular sits between the two channels and the Gulf of Aqaba forms its eastern coast and is also the farthest eastern point in Egypt itself, this is where the African influences of Egypt merge with what used to be called the Holy Land by scholars. Geographically the gulf is an integral part of the Great Rift Valley, a massive fault line that runs from Central-East African through the Red Sea and on northwards to form the valley containing the Dead Sea and River Jordan. Whilst being only 24 kilometres at its widest point and 160 kilometres long, the Gulf is a large shallow water coastal environment with four countries sharing ownership. Almost the entire western coast of the waters belongs to Egypt and the opposite side to Saudi Arabia. Near the top of the gulf both Jordan and Israel border these coastal waters as well.
The Environment The Gulf of Aqaba, and the countries that border it, has a difficult task on its hands. Most of the cities on the coast are vital ports, especially Eilat, which is the only Israeli port outside the Mediterranean, and Aqaba, which is the only port Jordan possesses. The balance between the shipping, which is a massive part of the economy, tourism and the environment, is always a difficult one to juggle. Many areas of the gulf are marine parks and nature reserves and this helps to control any activities such as diving, fishing and boating that takes place there. As the waters are so shallow and there are a large amount of coral reefs, it is important that these warm expanses of sea are protected as they form the home to a staggering collection of marine life. For the tourist these shallows are easy to visit. Whilst you can scuba dive or take glass bottom boat trips to explore these myriad wonders it is often as easy as hiring a snorkel and mask and floating around in two to three feet of water to be rewarded with this multi-coloured water world show. Even those of little or no swimming ability will find that this expanse of marine life is open to them.
Towns, Cities and Resorts Taba - Egypt. If it were not for its location on the Egypt-Israeli border, Taba would be a Bedouin village instead of the bust small town that it is. As Israeli tourists are able to easily obtain a 48-hour pass to Egypt, this border town has become that gateway. There are a number of hotels here but the main resort is further south at Taba heights.
Taba Heights-Egypt. Not far south from Taba is Taba Heights. There is no actual town at here only a large collection of quality hotels. If you want to experience the northern end of the gulf, then this is your best bet for accommodation. Still being developed, eventually to include a golf resort, Taba Heights contains the usual big name hotel chains, Sofitel, Marriott and Hilton included. It has a fantastic shallow beach, ideal for snorkelling beginners and sun worshippers alike. All hotels are right on the beach, the furthest being no more than ten minutes easy walk, though regular shuttle buses run all day. Also nearby is a water sports and boating marine, which can be used for everything from away trips to paragliding to diving. The downside of Taba heights is that it is a bit to quiet for some, night life is a bit limited, though that is changing all the time as the resort grows, but for now its quiet drinks in the bars rather than partying until dawn
Dahab - Egypt Further south again is Dahab, a real desert town. Built on a mixture of hippy commune traveller culture and traditional Bedouin lifestyle, this town has become the water sports haven for the area. It has a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery set as it is in a fantastic bay. The outskirts of the town may be a bit off putting, a bit run down and not the pleasantest of aromas at times, but that's the nature of the real Egypt I'm afraid. Once past that though the town front is wonderful. A nice mix of traditional shops, tourist traps and a few bars sit along a gorgeous sea front where surfers and locals mix freely. Here is also the famous Blue Hole, a natural drop in the sea floor right on the beech which is home to not only the most marvellous coral build up but also to an amazing amount of sea life. Anyone of moderate swimming ability should visit it, its ease of access and fantastic rewards make it one not to miss.
Sharm el Sheik - Egypt If Taba and Dahab are the quieter end of the Egyptian Red Sea experience, then "Sharm" is the party end of things, though there is still a lot more on offer. More aimed at the younger or at least young at heart this is the corporate party town with names like Hard Rock and Planet Hollywood jostling with more local experiences in an attempt to get your money. Situated on the southern tip of the peninsular there is still a good selection of beaches for the family, water sports for the more adventurous and bars and restaurants. Bear in mind though that due to its popularity this is probably the least authentic of the Egyptian resorts, but still somewhere where you can have a good time.
Eilat - Israel Being a larger settlement than those so far features, Eilat has everything you could want. It combines a wide range of accommodation and culture with the calm and clear reef filled waters familiar to the area. Here the added feature of being able to arrange to swim with dolphins is a major attraction and it is also a gateway to Israel's wealth places worthy of your time, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea for example.
Aqaba - Jordan Being Jordan's only port, the city has to be all things to every one. It is a major industrial port, dealing with not only its own trade but also that of many of its neighbouring countries. It is a cosmopolitan town, friendly and stylish. Playboys yachts sit side by side with rusty cargo vessels, tourist boats share waters with oil tankers through these crystal waters. Aqaba's oil terminal spreads south of the city and at night its lights create a carnival show that can be seen half the length of the Gulf. The port area was given to Jordan by Saudi Arabia in an exchange for land, which soon yielded a fortune in oil for its new owners. But as the Jordanians say "oil will one day run out. The sea will always be there"
Places to visit No mater which country you are based in, travel to sites in the others are relatively easy and where necessary all the relevant paper work can be sorted out via your tour operator or a hotel manager. If the coast is a joy to behold, then the interior can just as easily match it for wonders and beautiful experiences.
Egypt. From the Egyptian coast there are a number of sites that should be on your list. In the south is Mount Sinai, famed for being the place where Moses climbed to receive the Ten Commandments. Whether you are a believer or not, a night time climb to the top of the mountain is worth the effort, though only recommended to the moderately fit and mobile as its quite a climb. But the cool night air and the regular stops make it a pleasant experience and to watch the sun come up from the highest peak is an amazing site. At the foot of the mountain is St Catherine's Monastery, the home of a large collection of religious icons, sumptuously decorated rooms, not to mention the "Burning Bush"
The Blue Hole Safari is a multiple experience, which runs from a number of hotels. It consists of a jeep safari through the Wadis and canyons of the Sinai interior. Don't expect the rolling sand dunes and flat stretches that the films lead you to believe exist here; this is a Martian landscape but all the more interesting for it. A camel ride then takes you to Dahab where you will eat and then snorkel the famous blue hole and then there is just enough time to hit the shops before returning to your hotel
It shouldn't be forgotten that although you are on the far east of the country, Cairo itself is within reach, especially if you pace yourself and arrange a two-day visit. The Pyramids, mosques, markets and nightlife are all worth the amount of travelling you have to do to get there. I don't recommend a one day visit if based on the Red sea, it's a killer.
Jordan Petra is the most famous place in Jordan from a tourist point of view and if you are travelling from outside the country it can take a while to get there, the journey is a scenic delight and it is certainly worth the effort. If based more locally, this ancient rock hewn city is worth spending a couple of days exploring at leisure.
Israel Eilat is the only opening to Israel from the gulf but is the gateway to all of the other destinations the country has to offer. If using this as a base there are a massive amount of cultural and family orientated activities. If time is available Jerusalem, The Dead Sea and Nazareth are all within easy reach.
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has little or no tourist activity on this part of the coast and any interest in holidaying there should be approached through a different starting point.
In general the Red sea resorts of the Gulf of Aqaba provide good bases to travel from to explore the region, or just to act as a place to soak up the sun and expend little effort. But although the cloudless hot days and warm clear waters may be enough for many how just want to "chill out" there is a lot to be gained by putting a bit of thought and effort into your visit and travelling around a bit. In a two-week holiday even if you vegetate on the beach one day and get mobile the next you will nicely combine a relaxing break with a wondrous range of experiences. Visit now before everyone gets to here about the region.
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