Dolphin Reef is an interactive marine sanctuary on the southern Eilat beachfront — a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins that live in a semi-open enclosure of the Red Sea, with shore-based observation decks, dolphin-encounter swims and dives, a network of floating relaxation pools, and an unusually quiet beach atmosphere. The site combines marine wildlife observation with adult-focused relaxation more naturally than most beach destinations.
This guide covers the dolphin sanctuary (what makes the enclosure different from a traditional dolphinarium), the encounter swim options, the floating relaxation pools that make Dolphin Reef distinct, practical visit logistics, and how the site pairs with the rest of an Eilat trip.
What is Dolphin Reef?
Dolphin Reef opened in 1990 as a private marine sanctuary on a 10-acre site at the northern end of the Coral Beach district. The site holds a resident pod of approximately 30 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in a 10-acre enclosure formed by floating barriers anchored on the natural reef floor — the dolphins live in actual seawater that exchanges freely with the Red Sea through permeable barriers rather than a closed concrete pool.
The sanctuary is widely studied for its dolphin-welfare practices. The dolphins are not trained for performance and there are no scheduled shows; observation and supervised encounter swims work on the dolphins’ terms, with the animals free to approach or ignore visitors as they choose. The encounter swims are conducted in a smaller marked area within the larger enclosure.
The site also runs a wider beach environment with floating relaxation pools (saltwater pools floating in shallow water with shaded canopies, lounge chairs, and an adults-only atmosphere) and a small quiet beach.
Visiting Dolphin Reef Today
Hours: typically 09:00 to 17:00 winter and 09:00 to 18:30 summer. Open daily including Shabbat.
Tickets: approximately 75 ILS adult, 50 ILS child for basic beach entry. Dolphin observation from the shore is included. Encounter swims (350 to 600 ILS depending on duration) book separately. The floating relaxation pools cost extra (typically 80 to 120 ILS for an afternoon pass) and have age restrictions (adults only in some areas).
Getting there: drive south from central Eilat for 5 minutes along Highway 90, or walk along the tayelet from southern beachfront hotels. Local bus line 15 stops at the entrance. Parking is available.
Atmosphere: Dolphin Reef is noticeably quieter than the central Eilat beachfront. Background music is acoustic and low-volume; the relaxation pool zones are explicitly quiet; mobile-phone use is discouraged in the pool areas. Mornings are quietest; afternoons fill with families.
Top Things to See and Do
The Dolphin Observation Decks
A network of wooden observation decks extends from the beach over the dolphin enclosure, with viewing platforms at multiple heights. The decks are continuously accessible during park hours. The resident pod is most active in the morning (feeding times around 09:30 and 14:00) and in the late afternoon when the water is calm. Observing the dolphins from the shore costs nothing beyond the basic entrance fee.
Dolphin-Encounter Swims and Dives
Three main encounter options: a 30-minute observation swim (snorkel mask only, supervised, no certification required) at the lower price point; a 45-minute introductory dive (with scuba gear and supervisor, no prior certification required); and a certified scuba dive in the dolphin enclosure for divers with open-water cards. All encounters are supervised by sanctuary staff and conducted in a designated zone of the enclosure where the dolphins choose whether to approach.
Books fill 4 to 8 weeks ahead in peak season (December to April). Book online before travel for high-season visits.
The Floating Relaxation Pools
The signature non-dolphin feature of Dolphin Reef — three large floating saltwater pools moored in shallow water along the beach, with shaded canopies, lounge chairs and an adults-only atmosphere. The pools are warm year-round (heated in winter), with views over the dolphin enclosure. A typical afternoon pass includes pool access, lounge chair, beach towel and a meal at the on-site restaurant.
The Small Beach
A small quiet beach faces the dolphin enclosure — narrow sand strip with shaded areas, kayak rental, and a calm protected bay. The beach is less crowded than the central Eilat tayelet and the supervised swimming zone is suitable for children.
Nearby Attractions
Coral Beach Nature Reserve sits 3 km south along the same coastline. Underwater Observatory is 4 km south. Central Eilat marina is 3 km north for sunset bars and seafood restaurants. Eilat Marina hotels (Royal Beach, Crowne Plaza, Hilton) are walking distance along the beachfront promenade.
Practical Tips
Book encounters ahead — particularly for December to April peak season. The walk-in queue often fills before 10:00.
Bring quiet — the relaxation pools have explicit quiet-zone signage. Phones and conversations dialled down. Families with very young children may find the central beachfront a better fit.
Sun protection still applies — Dolphin Reef is on the open Red Sea; reef-safe sunscreen is good practice though not strictly enforced (Dolphin Reef is outside the Coral Beach Reserve boundary).
Bring waterproof gear — for the encounter swims, the floating pools, the kayak rental and general beach use. The on-site shop sells the basics.
Combine with the marina — Dolphin Reef in the afternoon pairs naturally with sunset drinks and dinner at the central Eilat marina restaurants, a 5-minute taxi ride.
Why Visit
Dolphin Reef is the most unusual marine experience in Eilat — a sanctuary that genuinely prioritises dolphin welfare over performance, a relaxation environment that few beach destinations replicate, and a controlled wildlife observation site that works equally for families, couples and solo travellers. The combination of meaningful animal contact and adult-focused calm distinguishes it from both the Underwater Observatory’s family bustle and the central Eilat beachfront’s resort intensity.
For travellers seeking a slower-paced day during an Eilat visit, Dolphin Reef is the natural choice. Combine with the Underwater Observatory and Coral Beach for a complete Red Sea three-attraction day if your trip allows.
