Eilat
Red Sea coral reefs, year-round sunshine, duty-free shopping, and the gateway to Petra. Israel's ultimate resort city.
Explore EilatEilat (population 55,000) is Israel's southernmost city, perched on the northern tip of the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba. Famous for year-round warm water (21-27°C), the Coral Beach Nature Reserve, and world-class diving, Eilat is also Israel's only duty-free zone — meaning no VAT (17% savings) on all purchases. Served by Ramon Airport (ETM), the city borders both Jordan (Petra is a day trip away) and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula (Taba crossing), making it a unique three-country crossroads. From Tel Aviv, Eilat is approximately 4.5 hours by car or a short domestic flight.
By Sebastian · Travel Writer
📍 Based in Tel Aviv, Israel · Last updated
Explore Eilat
Diving & Snorkeling
Red Sea coral reefs, PADI courses, Japanese Gardens, Moses Rock, and crystal-clear visibility.
Things to Do
Coral Beach, Underwater Observatory, Dolphin Reef, Ice Mall, desert jeep tours, and more.
Where to Stay
Beachfront luxury, mid-range resorts, and budget hostels along the Red Sea coast.
Petra Day Trip
Cross into Jordan for a day at the ancient Nabataean city — one of the New Seven Wonders.
Desert Adventures
Jeep tours, camel rides, Timna Park, and the dramatic landscapes of the southern Negev.
Nightlife & Dining
Promenade restaurants, beach bars, hotel clubs, and the famous North Beach strip.
The best coral reef on the Israeli Red Sea
Coral Beach Nature Reserve is Israel's marine crown jewel: 1.2 km of protected shoreline with a coral reef you can literally walk into from the beach. Snorkel over 270 species of coral and 1,200 species of fish — angelfish, clownfish, moray eels, sea turtles. Entry is $10 and includes a marked snorkel path. For scuba divers: the Japanese Gardens, Moses Rock, and the Satil shipwreck (38 m) are minutes from shore, and visibility is 20–40 m year-round. Eilat's water stays 22–26°C all year, so diving never stops.
Top 10 Things to Do in Eilat
From coral reefs to ancient wonders — the essential Eilat experiences.
Snorkel at Coral Beach Nature Reserve
Israel's most spectacular reef stretches along the southern coast. Rent a mask and fins at the entrance and float over hundreds of species of tropical fish and vibrant coral formations. Entry ₪35.
Dive the Red Sea
World-class diving with year-round visibility of 20-40 meters. The Japanese Gardens, Moses Rock, and the Satil shipwreck are top sites. Intro dives from $80, certified 2-dive packages $80-120.
Day Trip to Petra, Jordan
Cross the border at the Yitzhak Rabin terminal and visit the ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs. One of the New Seven Wonders. Organized tours $120-180 all-inclusive.
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
Walk beneath the Red Sea without getting wet. The observatory descends 6 meters underwater with panoramic windows. Also features shark pool, turtle pool, and stingray feeding. ₪99 adult.
Swim with Dolphins at Dolphin Reef
A unique natural enclosure where bottlenose dolphins swim freely. Watch from the beach (₪69) or swim/dive alongside them (₪290). A magical experience for all ages.
Explore Timna Park
Just 25 minutes north of Eilat, this desert park features Solomon's Pillars, the Mushroom rock formation, ancient Egyptian copper mines, and a recreated Tabernacle. Entry ₪52.
Desert Jeep Tour
Off-road adventure through the Red Canyon and Negev desert. See dramatic rock formations, meet Bedouin communities, and catch a desert sunset. Half-day tours from $65.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
See the coral reef from above without snorkeling. Hour-long tours depart from North Beach and cruise over the reef. Great for families with small children. From ₪59.
Shop Duty-Free
Eilat is Israel's only VAT-free zone. Save 17% on everything from electronics to fashion. The Mall HaYam, BIG Eilat, and Ice Mall are the main shopping centers.
Beach & Nightlife on the Promenade
North Beach is the main beach strip with bars, restaurants, and water sports. The promenade comes alive at night with live music, cocktail bars, and seaside dining.
More tours in Eilat
Handpicked tours from top providers — book online, cancel free up to 24h before.
Red Sea Introductory Dive (No Experience Needed)
Discover scuba diving in the Red Sea with a certified PADI instructor. See tropical fish, coral gardens, and marine life on your first-ever dive.
Snorkeling at Coral Beach Nature Reserve
Guided snorkeling tour at Israel's most pristine reef. Equipment included. See hundreds of fish species and vibrant coral formations in crystal-clear water.
Desert Jeep Tour & Sunset in the Negev
Off-road adventure through the dramatic landscapes of the southern Negev. Red canyons, ancient inscriptions, Bedouin hospitality, and a stunning desert sunset.
Eilat = Duty-Free Shopping
Eilat is the only city in Israel exempt from VAT (Value Added Tax). That means 17% savings on everything you buy — from hotel rooms to electronics, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. Prices are already VAT-free; no forms to fill out.
Pro tip: Even if you fly domestically, you save. Eilat's duty-free status applies to all purchases made within the city limits.
Where to Stay in Eilat
From luxury Red Sea resorts to budget-friendly hostels with desert views.
Quick Practical Tips
🚌 Getting There & Around
- * Ramon Airport (ETM): Domestic flights from TLV (~50 min). Also some international charters.
- * Bus: Egged bus 394 from Tel Aviv (4.5 hrs, ₪70). Comfortable with AC.
- * Driving: Route 90 or Route 12 through the Negev. Scenic but long.
- * In town: Eilat is compact. Buses, taxis, or rent a bike along the promenade.
- * Rental car: Recommended for Timna Park and desert excursions.
💡 Insider Tips
- * No VAT: Prices displayed already exclude VAT. No paperwork needed.
- * Best months: Oct-Apr for pleasant temps. Jul-Aug can reach 45°C.
- * Coral protection: Don't touch or stand on the coral. Fins with care.
- * Jordan border: Open Sun-Thu 6:30AM-8PM, Fri-Sat until 4PM.
- * Hydration: Desert climate. Drink 3-4 liters of water daily minimum.
✈️ Flights to Eilat
Fly direct into Ramon Airport (ETM) — 18 min north of Eilat — with Wizz Air, Ryanair, and seasonal European carriers. Or fly to Ben Gurion (TLV) and connect.
Powered by Skyscanner. Ramon (ETM) is VAT-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Eilat?
Is Eilat expensive?
Is the water warm enough to swim year-round?
Can I do a day trip to Petra from Eilat?
How hot does Eilat get in summer?
What does Eilat cost?
Real prices verified April 2026 — diving, hotels, Petra trips. Remember: Eilat is VAT-free (17% savings).
| Category | 💰 Backpacker budget conscious | 💰💰 Mid-range comfortable | 💰💰💰 Luxury premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🛏️ Hostel dorm | $25–40 | — | — |
| 🏨 Hotel (per night) | Budget $70–110 | $130–220 | Royal Beach $300+ |
| 🤿 Intro dive (PADI) | $70–90 | $80–110 | $150+ |
| 🐠 Snorkel rental + entry | $15–25 | $25–40 | — |
| 🐡 Underwater Observatory | $32 adult | $32 | $32 |
| 🐬 Dolphin Reef | $25 | $25 | — |
| 🏛️ Petra day trip | $120 group | $150 small group | $300+ private |
| 🍽️ Restaurant dinner | $15–25 | $30–50 | $60–100+ |
Updated April 2026 · prices in USD
Distances & Travel Times
From Eilat to other major destinations in Israel.
| Destination | Distance | 🚗 By car | 🚆 By train | 🚌 By bus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tel Aviv | 350 km | 4 hr 30 min | — | 5 hr (Egged 394) |
| Jerusalem | 310 km | 4 hr | — | 4.5 hr ($20) |
| Dead Sea (Ein Bokek) | 180 km | 2 hr | — | 2.5 hr |
| Mitzpe Ramon (Negev) | 150 km | 1 hr 45 min | — | 2 hr |
| Petra (Jordan) Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin crossing | ~140 km | ~3 hr (border) | — | tour from $120 |
| Aqaba (Jordan) Wadi Araba crossing | ~10 km | 15 min + border | — | taxi only |
| Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt) Taba border crossing | ~250 km | ~5 hr (Taba) | — | tour available |
Climate by Month
When to visit Eilat — temperature, rainfall, and our seasonal rating.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21°C | 10°C | 2 | ★★★★☆ |
| Feb | 23°C | 11°C | 1 | ★★★★★ |
| Mar | 27°C | 14°C | 1 | ★★★★★ |
| Apr | 32°C | 18°C | 0 | ★★★★★ |
| May | 36°C | 21°C | 0 | ★★★★☆ |
| Jun | 39°C | 24°C | 0 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Jul | 41°C | 26°C | 0 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aug | 41°C | 27°C | 0 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sep | 38°C | 24°C | 0 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Oct | 33°C | 20°C | 1 | ★★★★★ |
| Nov | 27°C | 15°C | 1 | ★★★★★ |
| Dec | 22°C | 11°C | 2 | ★★★★☆ |
Avg high/low in °C. Sea stays warm year-round but Jul–Aug is brutal on land.
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Continue Exploring
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Combine with Eilat — 1.5 hr north
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Eilat is VAT-free!