Diving & Snorkeling in Eilat
The Red Sea's northernmost coral reef -- year-round warm water, 40-meter visibility, 270+ coral species, and shore-accessible dive sites.
Why Dive in Eilat?
Eilat sits at the northern tip of the Red Sea's Gulf of Aqaba, home to one of the world's most accessible coral reef ecosystems. The reef stretches along 12 kilometers of coastline and supports over 270 species of coral and more than 2,500 species of fish. Unlike many world-class dive destinations that require a boat, Eilat's best dive sites are accessible directly from shore -- just walk in and start diving.
Water temperature ranges from 21°C in January to 27°C in August, making diving comfortable year-round without a drysuit. Visibility typically ranges from 20 to 40 meters, with the clearest conditions from November through May. There are no dangerous currents, and the reef starts just meters from the beach -- making it ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike.
What makes Eilat truly special is the combination of accessibility, diversity, and conditions. You can do a morning dive on a pristine coral wall, grab lunch on the promenade, and snorkel with dolphins in the afternoon. Few places in the world offer this concentration of underwater experiences within such a compact area.
- Water Temp
- 21-27°C
- Year-round comfortable
- Visibility
- 20-40m
- Best Nov-May
- Fish Species
- 2,500+
- Tropical reef fish
- Coral Species
- 270+
- Hard & soft corals
Best Dive Sites
All sites are shore-accessible. No boat required. Listed south to north along the reef.
Coral Beach Nature Reserve
The protected reserve has the densest coral coverage on Eilat's coast. Marked underwater trails with identification signs guide you past pristine table corals, brain corals, and clouds of anthias. Entry ₪35. Snorkel/mask/fin rental ₪30. Perfect for snorkelers and discover scuba divers.
Highlight: Best snorkeling
Japanese Gardens
Eilat's most famous dive site and consistently rated among the top shore dives in the world. Dense coral gardens with massive table corals, soft coral trees, and an incredible variety of reef fish. Multiple entry points allow different dive profiles. Beautiful at every depth from 6m to 30m.
Highlight: Best overall site
Moses Rock
A massive coral boulder surrounded by sandy patches and smaller coral formations. A magnet for marine life: moray eels peer from crevices, lionfish hover at cleaning stations, and green turtles are regular visitors. Excellent for underwater photography with dramatic compositions.
Highlight: Marine life diversity
The Satil (Missile Boat)
A deliberately sunk Israeli Navy missile boat resting upright on the sandy bottom at 24-28 meters. Penetration diving is possible for advanced divers through the bridge and engine room. The hull is encrusted with soft corals, and schools of glassfish fill the interior. A real wreck dive without needing a boat.
Highlight: Best wreck dive
Yatush (Wreck)
A smaller sunken vessel that has become an artificial reef teeming with life. Less intimidating than the Satil for divers building wreck experience. Soft corals drape the structure, and scorpionfish camouflage themselves on the deck. Good swim-around dive at 18-22m.
Highlight: Second wreck dive
Three Sisters
Three large coral pinnacles rising from the sandy bottom, creating a dramatic underwater landscape. Each "sister" has its own ecosystem. The gaps between the pinnacles are frequented by larger fish including barracuda and the occasional eagle ray. Great for multiple dives as each pinnacle offers different angles.
Highlight: Dramatic topography
The Caves
A series of swim-throughs and small caverns along the reef wall. Dramatic light effects as sunbeams pierce through openings. Often visited by larger pelagic fish. Best experienced in morning light when the sun angle creates the most spectacular light play inside the caverns.
Highlight: Swim-throughs
Coral World House Reef
The reef adjacent to the Underwater Observatory. Rich coral coverage with easy access via a sandy entry point. Often used for training dives and intro dives, but don't dismiss it -- the marine life here is excellent, and the proximity to the Observatory creates a unique backdrop.
Highlight: Easy access
Snorkeling Guide
Best Snorkeling Spots
- Coral Beach Nature Reserve — The undisputed best. Israel's most pristine reef with marked underwater trails and identification signs. Entry ₪35, mask/snorkel/fins rental ₪30. Floating platforms for resting. Shower and changing facilities available. Allow 2-3 hours.
- Princess Beach — A quieter alternative south of the nature reserve. Some coral patches and calm, shallow water. Free entrance. Good for families with young children who want a less structured experience. Basic facilities.
- Dolphin Reef — Snorkel in the natural dolphin enclosure (₪290) where bottlenose dolphins may swim alongside you. The adjacent reef area also has good snorkeling included with the observation beach entry (₪70). A magical experience unlike anywhere else.
- The Lighthouse Reef — Free access south of the marina. Less pristine than the reserve but decent coral and no entrance fee. Popular with locals. Can be crowded on weekends.
Snorkeling Tips
- Don't touch the coral. It's alive and fragile. Even brushing it causes damage that takes years to recover. Wear a rash guard to avoid accidental contact. Maintain buoyancy -- don't stand on the reef.
- Wear reef shoes or booties. The shore entry can be rocky, and sea urchins are present in some areas. Never go barefoot on the reef flat.
- Best time: Early morning (7-10 AM) for calmest water and best visibility. Afternoon winds can stir up sediment and create choppy surface conditions.
- Sun protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen only (no oxybenzone). You will burn on your back faster than you expect. A UV shirt is better than sunscreen for both you and the reef.
- Equipment: Bring your own for the best fit, or rent at the Coral Beach reserve (₪30). The rental equipment is functional but your own mask will seal better.
- Fish feeding: Strictly prohibited. It disrupts natural behavior and habituates fish to humans. Please help protect this reef.
Dolphin Reef Eilat
A unique natural enclosure where bottlenose dolphins swim freely in the Red Sea. One of the most memorable experiences in Eilat.
Dolphin Reef is a 10,000 square meter natural sea enclosure on Eilat's south coast where a pod of bottlenose dolphins has lived since 1990. Unlike marine parks with trained shows, the dolphins at Dolphin Reef are free to interact with visitors or ignore them entirely -- all encounters are on the dolphins' terms. This ethical approach is what makes the experience genuine and unpredictable.
Beyond the dolphins, the facility includes a beautiful beach, relaxation pools (including a unique salt-water meditation pool), a seaside restaurant, and nature paths through a rehabilitated coastal area. It's a full half-day destination.
Beach Observation
₪70Watch dolphins from the beach, swim in the sea (not in the dolphin area), use the beach and relaxation facilities all day.
Snorkeling with Dolphins
₪290Enter the water in the dolphin enclosure with mask and snorkel. 30-minute session with a guide. Dolphins may approach you -- or they may not. Magical either way.
Diving with Dolphins
₪350For certified divers (OW+). Descend into the dolphin enclosure and experience these intelligent creatures up close underwater. Includes all equipment.
Relaxation Pools
Included with entrySalt-water pools, a meditation float pool, and secluded relaxation corners surrounded by nature. A hidden gem within Dolphin Reef.
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
See the Red Sea without getting wet. A world-class marine park built around a tower that descends 6 meters below the surface.
The Underwater Observatory Marine Park is built on a tower extending into the Red Sea, with panoramic viewing windows 6 meters below the surface. You walk down a spiral staircase into the observation chamber and are surrounded by the living reef through floor-to-ceiling glass panels. Tropical fish, rays, and even sharks glide past as you watch from the dry comfort of the viewing room.
Beyond the main observatory, the park features several additional attractions that make it worth a 2-3 hour visit, especially for families with children.
Underwater Observatory
6 meters below the surface with panoramic windows. The main attraction -- surreal views of the living reef.
Shark Pool
Open-air pool with reef sharks, nurse sharks, and rays. Feeding demonstrations at scheduled times.
Turtle Pool
Rehabilitation center for injured sea turtles. Educational displays about conservation efforts in the Red Sea.
Rare Fish Aquarium
Tropical species from around the world including seahorses, clownfish, and venomous stonefish.
4D Cinema
Motion-seat theater with ocean-themed films. Fun for kids, a welcome air-conditioned break for adults.
Combo tickets with Dolphin Reef sometimes available. Check at the ticket counter.
PADI Certification in Eilat
Eilat is one of the best places in the world to learn to dive -- warm water, calm conditions, excellent visibility, and professional instructors. Courses run year-round.
Discover Scuba (DSD)
No certification needed. Learn basic skills in shallow water with your instructor, then descend for your first reef dive. See tropical fish and coral on your very first dive. Perfect for testing whether diving is for you.
PADI Open Water (OW)
The full entry-level certification. Theory (online eLearning option available), pool/confined water sessions, and 4 ocean dives. Valid worldwide for life. Eilat's conditions make this course unusually enjoyable compared to cold-water training locations.
PADI Advanced Open Water
Already OW certified? Complete 5 adventure dives including a deep dive (to 30m) and underwater navigation. Expand your range to access sites like the Satil wreck. No exams -- it's all about diving.
PADI Rescue Diver
Learn to manage emergencies and help other divers. Includes stress management, rescue techniques, and EFR (Emergency First Response) first aid. The course that transforms you from a diver into a confident, safety-aware diver. Prerequisite for Divemaster.
Top Dive Operators
All operators listed are PADI-certified with professional equipment and qualified instructors. Choose based on your experience level, language needs, and specialty interests.
Aqua Star Eilat
All-Round ExcellenceOne of the oldest and most established dive centers in Eilat. Full PADI course range from DSD to Divemaster. Daily guided dives to all sites. Equipment rental fleet is well-maintained. English, Hebrew, and Russian instructors. The reliable, professional choice.
Best for: first-time divers, PADI courses
Siam Divers
Beginner FriendlyThai-Israeli operated center known for exceptional patience with beginners and outstanding customer service. Small group sizes (max 4 per instructor). Located near Coral Beach. Their discover scuba program has a near-perfect satisfaction rate. Multi-lingual staff.
Best for: nervous beginners, small groups
Manta Diving Center
Reef Ecology & PhotographyLocated at the Coral Beach, Manta specializes in reef ecology dives where you learn to identify species, and underwater photography courses. Their instructors double as marine biologists. They also run coral conservation volunteer programs.
Best for: marine biology nerds, photographers
Deep Siam Diving
Technical DivingThe go-to center for serious divers. Trimix courses, rebreather training, advanced wreck penetration at the Satil, and deep specialty courses. Also offers recreational diving but their technical expertise is what sets them apart. Equipment is top-tier.
Best for: advanced & technical divers
Red Sea Lucky Divers
Budget OptionThe most budget-friendly option in Eilat without cutting corners on safety. Popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Small groups, multilingual instructors (Hebrew, English, Russian, Spanish). Their intro dive package is the best value in town.
Best for: budget travelers, backpackers
Equipment Rental Prices
- Full scuba set (BCD, reg, wetsuit, mask, fins) $30-40/day
- Wetsuit only (3mm or 5mm) $10/day
- Mask + snorkel + fins ₪30/day
- Underwater camera rental $20-30/day
- Tank + weights (own gear) $15/dive
- Dive computer rental $10/day
Prices approximate. Most operators include equipment in their dive packages. Bringing your own mask is always recommended for comfort.
Seasonal Diving Conditions
Diving is year-round in Eilat. Every season has its advantages. The best overall visibility is November through May.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Water: 21-22°C
Visibility: 25-40m
Coolest water but excellent visibility -- often the clearest of the year. 5mm wetsuit recommended (some prefer 7mm). Fewer crowds mean more personal dive experiences. Whale sharks occasionally spotted in January. The best season for serious divers.
Spring (Mar-May)
Water: 22-24°C
Visibility: 20-35m
Water warming up nicely. 3-5mm wetsuit. Good visibility with occasional plankton blooms. Coral spawning possible in late March (spectacular if you catch it). Great balance of comfortable water and good conditions.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Water: 25-27°C
Visibility: 25-40m
Warmest water -- 3mm or shorty wetsuit, or none at all. Excellent visibility. Peak tourist season so book operators in advance. Air temperature above water can exceed 40°C, making surface intervals hot. Night dives are particularly pleasant.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Water: 24-26°C
Visibility: 20-35m
Still warm and comfortable. 3mm wetsuit. Occasional plankton blooms reduce visibility but attract manta rays and whale sharks. Post-summer quiet period with fewer tourists. Often the best time for large marine life encounters.
Book Diving & Snorkeling
Book online for guaranteed spots -- especially important in peak season (June-August) when operators fill up days in advance.
Introductory Discover Scuba Dive
Perfect for first-timers. A certified PADI instructor guides you through basic skills in shallow water, then takes you on your first reef dive (up to 12m). All equipment included. Minimum age 10. No prior experience or certification needed. You'll see tropical fish, coral gardens, and maybe a moray eel on your very first dive.
2-Dive Certified Diver Package
Two guided dives at Eilat's best sites for certified divers (OW or higher). Includes full equipment rental, weights, tanks, and a local divemaster who knows every nook of the reef. Sites chosen based on conditions -- often Japanese Gardens and Moses Rock or the Satil wreck.
PADI Open Water Certification (3-4 Days)
Full PADI Open Water Diver course in the Red Sea. Theory sessions, confined water skills practice, and 4 open water dives. Get certified to dive anywhere in the world up to 18m. The Red Sea's warm, calm, clear conditions make Eilat one of the best places on Earth to learn.
Night Dive Experience
Experience the reef after dark when a completely different cast of marine life emerges. Bioluminescent plankton, sleeping parrotfish in mucus cocoons, hunting octopuses, foraging lionfish, and the spectacular Spanish dancer nudibranch. For certified divers only (OW+). Unforgettable.
Guided Snorkeling Tour (Coral Beach)
Expert-guided snorkeling at the Coral Beach Nature Reserve with a marine biologist. Learn to identify fish and coral species as you swim the marked underwater trails. All equipment provided. Suitable for all skill levels including children 6+.
Dolphin Reef Snorkeling Experience
Snorkel in the natural Dolphin Reef enclosure where free-swimming bottlenose dolphins may approach you in the water. Includes all equipment, briefing, and 30 minutes of in-water time. A magical encounter that's unique to Eilat. The dolphins choose to interact -- nothing is forced.
Protecting Eilat's Reef
Eilat's coral reef is one of the northernmost in the world and faces increasing pressure from climate change, development, and tourism. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve protects the densest section, but the entire reef ecosystem is fragile. As visitors, we have a responsibility to minimize our impact.
How You Can Help
- * Never touch, stand on, or collect coral
- * Use reef-safe sunscreen (no oxybenzone/octinoxate)
- * Don't feed fish -- it disrupts natural behavior
- * Maintain good buoyancy to avoid fin damage to coral
- * Take only photos, leave only bubbles
- * Report any coral damage to dive operators or the Nature Reserve
Diving & Snorkeling FAQ
I've never dived before. Can I still dive in Eilat?
What's the best dive site for beginners?
Is snorkeling worth it or do I need to scuba dive?
How cold is the water in winter?
Can children dive or snorkel?
Is Eilat diving as good as the Egyptian Red Sea (Dahab, Sharm el-Sheikh)?
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