Tala Bay

Tala Bay is a resort town on the Red Sea in Jordan, 15km south of Aqaba.

Understand
Tala Bay is a fairly new development and consists entirely of holiday apartments and upscale hotels, built around a large marina. It's too expensive for most locals, so occupants tend to be foreign tourists.

Compared to Aqaba, a stay in Tala Bay is likely to be quieter and more relaxing. The flip side is that you'll pay tourist prices for everything and miss out on some of the local flavor.

By taxi
From the centre of Aqaba, a taxi will cost around 10-15JD, from the airport expect to pay 25JD. Per kilometre this is expensive for Jordan, but taxi drivers will assume (probably correctly) that you can afford to pay the "tourist price".

By boat
If you happen to own a yacht, you're in luck: the is fully equipped for border formalities. If not, you'll have to go to Aqaba, as there are no ferry services.

Get around
Tala Bay is around 1km end-to-end, so on foot.

If you're walking to or from the Mövenpick hotel at the southern end of Tala Bay, Google Maps will send you along the highway. This isn't necessary; just cross on the beach instead. When heading into the Mövenpick, a security guard stationed on the beach might check that you're staying at the hotel and not smuggling in any alcohol.

Go diving
for details of other dive centers in the area.

Outside Tala Bay
These dive centers are nearby but not within walking distance of Tala Bay. Some dive centers offer pick up from your hotel, if not then you'll need to take a taxi.



Around the Marina
Along the southern edge of the Marina there are 3 restaurants, all with fairly similar menus. Expect to pay around 8-12JD for a main course, and 6JD for a cocktail.

Drink
All the hotels have bars, expect to pay fairly high prices.



Connect
Free wifi is available throughout Tala Bay, but is often slow. Cellular coverage is very good.

Stay safe
Watch out for venomous fish if swimming or snorkelling. The sea around Tala Bay is home to stonefish, lionfish and various other creatures that are best viewed from a distance. Consider wearing sandals when you go in the water.

Go next
Aqaba is worth a visit, although you can easily see all the sights in a day.

Wadi Rum is a spectacularly scenic desert valley that is around 1h15 from Tala Bay. In summer, trips tend to depart around 3pm to avoid the worst of the desert heat; this leaves the morning free to lounge on the beach.

Petra is around 2 hours' drive. A pre-booked taxi will cost around 120JD return, perhaps slightly higher if booked through your hotel.