Aqaba (Tala Bay / South Beach)

About This Spot

Jordan's only kiteable coast, on the Gulf of Aqaba at the country's narrow Red Sea outlet. The active spot is Tala Bay on South Beach, ~20 min south of downtown Aqaba and home to H&S Water Sports — effectively the sole licensed kite center, since coastline/land regulations restrict where you may rig and ride. Expect to kite through a school/operator rather than as a walk-on. Wind: thermally driven NW 'Aqaba/Shamal' flow funneling down the gulf, blowing cross/side-shore roughly 80–90% of the time — predictable and rider-friendly. Windy season runs mid-March to mid-October, with the most consistent days Feb–June and Sept–Nov; July–Aug are typically lighter, and wind exists in some form ~75% of the year. Typical sessions are 18–22 kn (good for all levels); strong days push 30–35 kn for intermediate/advanced only. This is a DEEP-WATER spot — no standing, no shallow lagoon. Water is open and choppy (~0.5–1 m chop), wavier in the morning, choppier in the afternoon, with small wind-swell on strong days; no real wave riding. Big, uncrowded open area with land-and-launch from the beach. Best suited to riders who can already stay upwind; beginners are taught from the rescue boat in deep water. Key rule/hazard: it is NOT permitted to kite here without a rescue boat present, so independent free-riding is limited — plan to ride under the center's boat cover. Warm year-round (water ~24–29°C, air ~28–35°C in season). Other hazards are minor: deep water means self-rescue skills matter, watch for boat traffic near Tala Bay marina, and note the Saudi maritime border lies a short distance south.