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Aqaba waterpark gives visitors a chance to beat the heat
By Zoe Sottile, Jordan News
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AMMAN — Just a few weeks ago, the largest
waterpark in Jordan opened its doors. Jordan News took a visit to Saraya Aqaba
Waterpark — a great family-friendly choice for Jordanians hoping to relax and
have some fun. اضافة اعلان
The park uses a stoplight system to detail which rides have the most thrill. Red rides are the most challenging and best suited for adrenaline junkies, while yellow rides provide some thrill, and green rides are the most relaxed.
Some of the rides at Saraya Aqaba Waterpark are pictured in these undated photos. (Photos: Handout from Saraya Aqaba Waterpark)
Each attraction at the site is named after one of Jordan’s pieces of cultural heritage (you walk in, for example, through the “Siq”, named after the famous trail in Petra). The mildest is probably the Rum Waves pool, where you can float or swim in the cool water as much as you like. Aqua Jerash, an intensive interactive ride, consists of elaborate slides, waterfalls, and rotating water jets — and a huge bucket that periodically dumps water on unsuspecting visitors. (This ride is designed for children — though a guide confided to me that most adults want to try it too.)
The Aqaba Water Fort is what one employee offering a tour of the park called the park’s “baby.” The fort offers a magnificent view of the city from above. There are six slides accessible from this point, starting in thrill-level with the Wadi Rum Racer and ending with the Dead Sea Drop. All of the slides offer an adrenaline rush, a refreshing splash of water, and incredible views of the park.
Some of the rides at Saraya Aqaba Waterpark are pictured in these undated photos. (Photos: Handout from Saraya Aqaba Waterpark)
Despite the thrill of plummeting almost 40 feet on the Dead Sea Drop — one of the Kingdom’s tallest slides — guests can expect to feel safe and comfortable at all times. A team of 60 lifeguards keep guests safe as they swim and play. The staff were attentive and kind, and happy to offer guidance on which rides would best suit each visitor’s comfort level.
There are three small kiosks around the site that serve soft drinks, ice cream, beer, and other snacks and beverages. A chocolate milkshake from one was underwhelming — but luckily, the park has a lot more to offer.
There’s also a gift shop — the “Souq” — where visitors can pick up hats to block the sun, towels, t-shirts, and anything else they might have left at home.
For a small fee, you can rent a towel and a locker to stow your things while you enjoy the slides. There are also showers so you can rinse off easily at the end of your day.
There is no set dress code at the park: guests can feel comfortable wearing whatever they like. (Make sure to bring sunscreen and sandals, however.)
Conveniently placed sun-beds allow you to tan in between trips on the massive slides. If you’re feeling tired but still want some of the water park experience, you can float along in the Mujib Lazy River. One guest described this experience to Jordan News as pure “relaxation” with a smile on his face.
The park is open from 11am to 7pm seven days a week. An entry pass for adults is JD35, and for juniors under 12 years old JD30 (a season pass will run you JD100 all summer). If you’re planning to visit, you should make the most of the entrance fee: you could easily spend the whole day at the park, relaxing in the shade in between visits to the various attractions and meals at the Rose City Diner.
Overall, the park is definitely worth a visit in Aqaba. The rides are exhilarating, the amenities are great, and it’s an experience like no other provided in Jordan.
Read more Lifestyle
The park uses a stoplight system to detail which rides have the most thrill. Red rides are the most challenging and best suited for adrenaline junkies, while yellow rides provide some thrill, and green rides are the most relaxed.
Some of the rides at Saraya Aqaba Waterpark are pictured in these undated photos. (Photos: Handout from Saraya Aqaba Waterpark)
Each attraction at the site is named after one of Jordan’s pieces of cultural heritage (you walk in, for example, through the “Siq”, named after the famous trail in Petra). The mildest is probably the Rum Waves pool, where you can float or swim in the cool water as much as you like. Aqua Jerash, an intensive interactive ride, consists of elaborate slides, waterfalls, and rotating water jets — and a huge bucket that periodically dumps water on unsuspecting visitors. (This ride is designed for children — though a guide confided to me that most adults want to try it too.)
The Aqaba Water Fort is what one employee offering a tour of the park called the park’s “baby.” The fort offers a magnificent view of the city from above. There are six slides accessible from this point, starting in thrill-level with the Wadi Rum Racer and ending with the Dead Sea Drop. All of the slides offer an adrenaline rush, a refreshing splash of water, and incredible views of the park.
Some of the rides at Saraya Aqaba Waterpark are pictured in these undated photos. (Photos: Handout from Saraya Aqaba Waterpark)
Despite the thrill of plummeting almost 40 feet on the Dead Sea Drop — one of the Kingdom’s tallest slides — guests can expect to feel safe and comfortable at all times. A team of 60 lifeguards keep guests safe as they swim and play. The staff were attentive and kind, and happy to offer guidance on which rides would best suit each visitor’s comfort level.
There are three small kiosks around the site that serve soft drinks, ice cream, beer, and other snacks and beverages. A chocolate milkshake from one was underwhelming — but luckily, the park has a lot more to offer.
There’s also a gift shop — the “Souq” — where visitors can pick up hats to block the sun, towels, t-shirts, and anything else they might have left at home.
For a small fee, you can rent a towel and a locker to stow your things while you enjoy the slides. There are also showers so you can rinse off easily at the end of your day.
There is no set dress code at the park: guests can feel comfortable wearing whatever they like. (Make sure to bring sunscreen and sandals, however.)
Conveniently placed sun-beds allow you to tan in between trips on the massive slides. If you’re feeling tired but still want some of the water park experience, you can float along in the Mujib Lazy River. One guest described this experience to Jordan News as pure “relaxation” with a smile on his face.
The park is open from 11am to 7pm seven days a week. An entry pass for adults is JD35, and for juniors under 12 years old JD30 (a season pass will run you JD100 all summer). If you’re planning to visit, you should make the most of the entrance fee: you could easily spend the whole day at the park, relaxing in the shade in between visits to the various attractions and meals at the Rose City Diner.
Overall, the park is definitely worth a visit in Aqaba. The rides are exhilarating, the amenities are great, and it’s an experience like no other provided in Jordan.
Read more Lifestyle
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