Wadi Rum & Dana Nature Reserve
Your can obtain information about these extraordinary reserves for camping and escorted tours and hiking by checking with The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature website (www.rscn.org.jo), which contains specific information about ecotourism to the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, south of Petra, and about the wild, mountainous Dana Reserve, north of Petra, as well as about other nature and wildlife reserves in the Kingdom of Jordan.
Aqaba
Aqaba is much quieter than Eilat, but at press time, it is going through the kind of frantic reconstruction of its tourism infrastructure that Eilat went through in the early 1990s. For the moment, the beaches are less friendly than Eilat's for women traveling alone, but that will likely change as Aqaba becomes more of an international tourism destination. The reefs are less damaged than in Eilat, prices are lower, and Aqaba can be a relaxing stop for an overnight or a day or two en route between Petra and Eilat.
Where to Stay--By far, the top-quality choice in Aqaba is the new Mövenpick Aqaba Resort (tel. 03/203-4020; www.moevenpick-hotels.com). The architecturally interesting property meets international luxury standards, and has a set of swimming pools, a private beach, nine restaurants, a bar, and fitness and health facilities. Comfy rooms have an array of amenities ranging from high-speed Internet access to makeup mirrors in the bathrooms. You can get bargain rates as low as $110 to $140 for a double.
The best moderate hotel choice is the modern, 192-room Aqaba Gulf Hotel (tel. 03/201-6636; http://aqabagulf.com), on the Beach Corniche, just beyond the downtown center. A double room with air-conditioning, TV, and fridge -- comfortable, but nothing special -- officially runs $124 plus 13% tax and 10% service; discount rates (a good travel agent can get them) can cut the price in half. The pool is large and the location is close to downtown restaurants.
An inexpensive hotel choice is the centrally located, 32-room Shweiki Hotel, Hammamat Street, town center (tel. 03/202-2657; fax 03/202-2659). A standard double room is $45 to $60, plus 13% tax and 10% service; all major credit cards are accepted. Guest rooms all have private bathroom, air-conditioning, minibar, and TV; guests receive a free voucher for the large pool at the nearby Aqaba Gulf Hotel. As at most Aqaba hotels, bargains are available.
Diving Centers--The Royal Diving Center is located 17km (11 miles) south of Aqaba (tel. 03/201-7035; fax 03/201-7097). With a private beach beside a superb reef, this is the best-run snorkeling and diving center in Aqaba, offering equipment rentals, lessons, dives and diving tours. It's open daily 9am to 5pm in summer; 9am to 4pm in winter. Admission is JD 2 ($2.80); mask, fins, and snorkel rental is JD 3 ($4.20). A taxi here from town costs JD 3 ($4.20).
