In the extreme south of Israel, on the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea, lies the popular resort of Eilat, whose unique climate allows you to relax on the beaches even in the midst of the New Year holidays. The sea in Eilat never cools below + 20 ° С and does not heat up more than + 25 ° С. Despite the intense heat in summer, there are always a lot of vacationers on the beaches of the Israeli resort. The reason is the unique climate of the resort, where even high temperatures are easily tolerated, thanks to low air humidity and sea breezes.
Whole coral gardens grow in the waters of Eilat. Corals form reefs of unique beauty and size, and in 1966 the coast along the Israeli resort was declared a national nature reserve.
Choosing a beach
Almost every corner of the Red Sea coast in Eilat is refined and adapted for recreation. The beaches stretch for 12 km, and the coastline is conventionally divided into two parts:
- The north coast is within the city limits. Its beaches are covered with both sand and pebbles, so you can choose a sunbathing spot according to your preference. The beaches of the northern part of Eilat belong to hotels, but everyone can sunbathe on any of them. You will have to pay only for the rent of a sunbed. Families with children feel comfortable and comfortable in this part of the resort, as the entrance to the water is gentle and safe.
- Coral Beach on the southern part of the coast is an opportunity to snorkel and observe the rich underwater world of the Red Sea. In this part of Eilat, reefs come close to the coast, and therefore you have to dive into the water from the piers or use special shoes when swimming. In some areas of Coral Beach you will be asked to pay an entrance fee, in others you can freely walk to the sea and even use sun loungers and umbrellas.
The cost of renting beach equipment on the coast of Eilat can range from 15 to 20 shekels, and an entrance ticket to paid sections will cost 35-70 shekels.
Eilat for babies
You can relax on the sea with children in any part of the resort, but if your child is crazy about dolphins, choose a hotel in the southern part, near the port. It is here that the Dolphin Reef is located - a unique amusement park, the main inhabitants of which are not in vain considered one of the smartest mammals on the planet.
The coral reef, in the waters of which dolphins live, is shaped like a horseshoe. There are observation towers and pontoons above it, from where it is convenient to watch bottlenose dolphins. Dolphins swim to the reef without fear and those who want to swim with them can take advantage of the opportunity to communicate with the tailed owners of the Red Sea.
Dolphin Reef in Eilat recommends dolphin therapy and diving training for everyone. If you are not an active tourist, you can sunbathe on the amusement park's own beach or choose the best local cuisine in the restaurant by the water.
From time to time, parties are held on the beach near Dolphin Reef, where local bands perform in front of the audience.
Divers note
As you know, the Red Sea can compete with the distant southern oceans in terms of the diversity and beauty of underwater flora and fauna. That is why divers from all over the world come to Eilat to dive to the local seabed. The coral reef off the coast of the Israeli resort is full of interesting natural features, and therefore it is included in the must-visit lists even for seasoned athletes.
The Gulf of Aqaba has scenic marine gardens for beginners and challenging sites for experienced divers. On the reefs you will find sheer walls several meters high and wrecks.
Dive schools have been open in Eilat for a long time, and their instructors have considerable experience in working with beginners. It is very easy to find Russian-speaking teachers here, and therefore you can learn the basics of diving even without knowing foreign languages. Israeli instructors are distinguished by special care and accuracy and literally hold the beginner's hand on test dives, avoiding dangerous situations. Thanks to this approach, the sea in Eilat becomes comfortable and friendly from the very first acquaintance with it.
