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Jordan
is blessed with outstanding natural beauty, and an abundance of
historical and archaeological sites. From the superb Roman site
at Jerash to the stunning rose red city of Petra; from the dramatic
scenery of T. E. Lawrence's Wadi Rum to the spectacular coral reefs
of Aqaba - the treasures of Jordan are many. All this combined with
a people whose warm hospitality will ensure that your stay is a
truly memorable one. We have a wealth of experience and knowledge
in this area. Come and share in our passion for this beautiful country!
The
resort of Aqaba is Jordan's gateway to the wonders of the Red Sea.
There are two routes to Aqaba: Royal Jordanian fly daily from London
Heathrow, via Amman or there are a charter flights direct
to Eilat in Israel - Aqabas neighbouring resort, from Gawtick (Mondays),
Luton (Sundays) and Manchester (Mondays). As
with most holiday destinations, using a charter flight will give
you the best prices but can only offer 7 or 14 night duration.
| GENERAL
TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR JORDAN |
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Air Temperatures
can vary tremendously depending on which area of Jordan you visit
and the time of year. Aqaba on the Red Sea coast has least variation
and year-round sunshine with 20-24 C in January and February, rising
to 35-36 C in July and August. Northern Jordan is cooler due to
the increased altitude with average winter temperatures of 7-8 C
although in December and January it can snow in the capital, Amman.
Summer in the North averages about 32 C. The hottest months are
usually quite bearable as humidity levels are low.
Water temperatures
vary
only slight throughout the year. The sea is at its coolest in January
and February but the water temperature rarely drops below 20C. Suit
requirements vary according to each diver's preference but we would
advise a 5mm long-john and jacket or even a membrane dry-suit for
comfort in the Winter. Water temperatures rise to a very pleasant
26/27C in September when a 3mm suit is probably all that you need.
Visibility
averages around 35-40m throughout the area. During plankton blooms,
usually April/May, this may diminish to 10-15m but to compensate
mid Summer visibility can extend beyond 50m.
Flights:
These
are normally direct Royal Jordanian flights to Amman with same day
connecting flights to Aqaba if you are going straight down to the
Red Sea. Details will be with your confirmation invoice. If you
have special needs, such as vegetarian meals, you must request these
on your booking form. You should check in at the airport at least
2 hours before departure as airlines have been known to over book
and late arrivals have, at times, been unable to fly.
Health:
There are no compulsory inoculations if travelling from the UK but
we advise you check with your GP for up to date recommendations.
The British diet is usually compatible with Jordanian food, however
we recommend you take your favourite tummy tablets just in case.
We also recommend bottled water for drinking.
Currency:
In Jordan the currency is the Jordanian Dinar (referred to as JD)
which is divided into 100 fils. Approximately 1.100 JD = £1. It
is easy to change £ Sterling or $US locally. There is a foreign
exchange window at Amman Airport and many banks are represented
in Amman and Aqaba. Although Jordan is still mainly a cash orientated
society most hotels & some of the bigger shops and restaurants take
credit cards. A service charge is often made for credit card payments
and you are advised to check with each transaction.
Tipping:
Small
tips are an accepted gesture of appreciation and anything up to
10% would be considered normal. Electricity supply: The Voltage
in Jordan is 220v with 2 pin sockets.
Telephones:
International direct dial phones are available in all our hotels,
though we suggest you check the cost before making the call as it
can be expensive.
Food & Drink:
The quality of food in the hotels used by Scubasnacks should not
cause you any problems, though you should wash anything bought outside
of the hotels in bottled water. The climate is hot compared to the
UK and dehydration can be a problem. We recommend you drink plenty
of bottled water and avoid alcohol as a thirst quencher in the daytime
heat.
Sun Exposure:
Excessive exposure to the sun should be avoided. In this region
of the world the sun is strong and high in UV rays. Take plenty
of sun screen creams and 'after sun' lotion, or better still stay
avoid prolonged exposure.
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