Aqaba
Aqaba, Aqaba Governorate, Jordan
Sports: Kitesurfing, Wingfoiling, Windsurfing, Parawing
Best time to go: April–October
Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea. The kite and windsurf area lies along the South Beach coast between the town and the Saudi border, about 15 km south of the centre. The gulf runs north to south between high desert mountains, and northerly to north-westerly winds are funnelled down it, blowing roughly along the shore. They are strongest from about April to October and usually build through the day, with the best sessions in the afternoon.
The water is clear, warm and choppy, with a sandy beach at the launch. Much of this coast is fringed by coral reefs and lies within the Aqaba Marine Park, so launch and land only in sandy, permitted areas, never ride over shallow reef, and keep clear of divers and snorkellers. The wind can be gusty near the mountains. The Saudi border lies a short way south, so do not drift downwind along the coast. Water temperatures range from about 21 °C in winter to 28 °C in summer; check local rules.
Spots near Aqaba
- Dahab – Lagoon (117 km)
- Ras Sudr (215 km)
- El Gouna (257 km)
- Hurghada (265 km)
- Tel Aviv – Hilton Beach (297 km)
More: All spots in Jordan · Kitesurfing in Jordan · Wingfoiling in Jordan · Windsurfing in Jordan · Parawing in Jordan