Aqaba with Our Baby: Ferry Choices, City Walks, and the Red Sea

Julie

2025-05-16

Aqaba with Our Baby: Ferry Choices, City Walks, and the Red Sea

Exploring Aqaba with our baby—ferry plans, city strolls, and Red Sea fun.

Main Journey

We left the heat of Wadi Rum behind to head toward Aqaba, the port city in southern Jordan, from where we would eventually cross into Egypt. Our plan was to catch the ferry from Aqaba to Nuweiba later that night.

But before that, we had one more full day to fill—and it turned out to be an unexpected highlight of our Jordan journey.

After a sweaty night in our Wadi Rum tent (even with both the window and door open, it was hard to sleep), we woke up at 7 AM for a simple breakfast: bread, cheese, jam, and a few slices of sausage. Not fancy, but enough to get us going.

Sayyed, our amazing Wadi Rum guide, came to say goodbye. From the first moment we met him, he had shown genuine care not only toward us but especially toward Sweetie. He wasn’t married yet, but he said he hoped to have a family like ours one day.

Just before we got into the taxi he arranged for us, he handed Sweetie a small bag. Inside were juice boxes, milk, biscuits, and bread—gifts he picked up while we were grabbing water at a market. It must have cost more than the tip we gave him. We were deeply touched.

Sayyed didn’t just guide us through the desert. He made the experience warmer, more personal. We left Wadi Rum feeling full—not just from food or scenery, but from kindness.

Events

We got into the taxi for the hour-long journey to Aqaba. Our driver told us he’d been driving in Aqaba for 17 years. Halfway through, he casually pulled over and, without a word, bought a watermelon. That kind of local confidence somehow reassured us.

He started chatting, asking where we were from and where we were going. When we told him we were heading to Egypt by ferry, he was surprised. He suggested we cross the border to Eilat in Israel and then enter Egypt by land, saying it was faster and cheaper. We’d be in Sharm El Sheikh by 3 PM instead of waiting until midnight for the ferry.

It sounded tempting, but there was a complication. If we entered Israel, even briefly, we could be denied entry to other Arab countries in the future. We already had plans to visit Abu Dhabi and Dubai at the end of the year.

After making a few phone calls for us, the driver advised against crossing into Israel. So, we decided to stick to our original plan: take the ferry.

Then he offered an alternative that truly changed our day.

He suggested we explore Aqaba city instead of waiting for 12 hours at the port. For just 5 more dinars, he would drop us in town, hold our bags, and meet us at a designated place at 7:30 PM to drive us to the ferry terminal. It was a perfect solution.

Buying the Ferry Tickets

Before wandering around town, we stopped by the local ferry company office to buy our tickets to Nuweiba.

Surprisingly, even though we’d seen a ticket counter inside the port when we arrived in Jordan, the driver insisted we buy tickets here. The price was the same: 75 USD per adult. Cards weren’t accepted, so we paid in Jordanian dinars.

And then came a small piece of unexpected joy—Sweetie’s ticket was free. At the port, we were told her fare was 65 USD, but at the city office, the same company issued her ticket at no charge.

Small wins make big memories.

Aqaba City Time

We asked to be dropped off near the McDonald’s across from the public beach. The driver agreed to meet us there again at 7:30 PM.

McDonald’s in Jordan—just like in Egypt—had a playground. Sweetie was thrilled and didn’t hesitate to jump right in. She instantly made friends. A group of local girls even took turns hugging her and playing together. One of the older girls called the rest over so we could take a group photo together.

It was heartwarming to see how quickly children connect, regardless of language or background.

The Red Sea Surprise

After lunch, we decided to walk to Aqaba’s public beach—just a five-minute stroll from McDonald’s.

We didn’t have high expectations, but as soon as we saw the water, we were stunned. The beach was beautiful. Crystal-clear waves met the bright sun, and the Red Sea glistened like glass.

We couldn’t resist.

With our big backpacks already in the taxi’s care, we just ran into the sea wearing our regular clothes.

Sweetie was once again the center of attention. Other kids offered her toys, inflatable rings, and wanted to play with her. She laughed and splashed in the cool water, completely in her element.

I lifted her into the air, airplane-style, and she soared above the Red Sea, laughing loudly with each dip and lift. Those sounds will stay with me forever.

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Split Travel Days into City Exploration

If you’re facing a long wait (like us, with a midnight ferry), use the time to explore the nearest city. Babies need movement, not waiting rooms.

Trust Kind Strangers, But Plan Ahead

Sayyed and our driver showed us such genuine kindness. But we also made sure all communication—like ferry tickets and taxi fees—was clear. It helps avoid surprises.

Avoid Overpacking for Day Adventures

Since we left our large backpacks in the taxi, we had so much more freedom to explore and swim. Keep a small day bag with essentials and leave the rest behind when you can.

Look for Baby-Friendly Chains

Places like McDonald’s may not be glamorous, but they often have indoor playgrounds. In hot cities like Aqaba, a cool, familiar stop can be a lifesaver.

Local Travel Tips

Ferry Tickets: Buy in Town

Buying ferry tickets in Aqaba city, not at the port, may save you money on child fares and avoid long lines.

Confirm Baby Ticket Policies

Ticket offices often differ in their rules. Don’t hesitate to ask twice. Sweetie’s free ticket saved us $65.

Use Trusted Taxis for Flex Days

If you find a reliable driver, ask about city tours. Local drivers often have flexible, affordable offers that aren’t advertised online.

Public Beach Is Worth It

Aqaba’s public beach is clean, scenic, and within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Bring swimwear—or don’t. The water is too tempting.

Travel Reflections

Our day in Aqaba was completely unplanned, and maybe that’s why it was so memorable.

We came expecting a long wait at a ferry terminal. Instead, we got a day of play, connection, and surprise beauty by the sea.

Sweetie ran barefoot across the beach, swam in the Red Sea, and made friends without saying a word. For her, the world is full of people to smile at and places to play.

For us, it was a reminder: sometimes flexibility leads to the best parts of world travel.

The Red Sea looked different here than it had in Egypt. And in a few days, we would meet it again in Sharm El Sheikh. But this Aqaba version—unexpected and joyful—will always be our favorite.