Tala Bay | Aqaba

Information

Landmark: Tala Bay
City: Aqaba
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Tala Bay, Aqaba, Jordan, Asia

Tala Bay is a 2.7-million-square-meter integrated residential and tourism destination located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. It is a self-contained resort community centered around a circular man-made marina and a 2-kilometer private beachfront.

Visual Characteristics

The architecture follows a unified "modern Mediterranean" aesthetic characterized by earthy tones (ochre, terracotta, and beige), domed roofs, and arched windows. The landscape is heavily irrigated, featuring manicured lawns, rows of date palms, and bougainvillea-lined pathways. The marina is the focal point, enclosed by tiered apartment complexes and a stone quay where private yachts and tour boats are moored.

Location & Access Logistics

The resort is situated on the South Beach Highway, approximately 14km south of Aqaba city center and 10km north of the Saudi Arabian border. Access is controlled via a security gate on the main coastal road. A regular shuttle bus connects the resort to downtown Aqaba and King Hussein International Airport. Private vehicles use the onsite parking lots; boat access is possible via the marina’s designated entry channel.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Developed as a joint venture starting in the early 2000s, Tala Bay was designed as the first planned resort community in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. The project involved significant coastal engineering, including the excavation of a circular basin to create the inland marina. The surrounding environment is an arid coastal plain at the foot of the granite Aqaba Mountains.

Key Highlights & Activities

Water activities include scuba diving and snorkeling at the fringing reefs directly offshore, accessible via jetties. The marina serves as the primary departure point for sunset cruises and glass-bottom boat tours. Terrestrial activities include beach volleyball, motorized water sports (jet skiing, parasailing), and dining at the various international restaurants lining the marina boardwalk.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The resort functions as a mini-city with high-density infrastructure, including a pharmacy, mini-markets, ATMs, and multiple swimming pools. High-speed 5G cellular signal is available throughout the property. Restrooms, freshwater showers, and changing facilities are located at the beach clubs and hotel common areas.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal months for weather are October through April. For photography, the late afternoon provides light that accentuates the earth-toned architecture against the blue of the marina. The resort is most active during the weekends (Friday and Saturday) when local residents and international tourists occupy the beach clubs.

Facts & Legends

A logistical oddity of the site is its "microclimate" created by the high density of vegetation and water bodies, which keeps the ambient temperature inside the resort slightly lower than the surrounding desert. It is the only location in Jordan with a private residential marina where homeowners can moor vessels directly in front of their properties.