Things to Do in Eilat
From coral reefs to desert canyons — Eilat packs an extraordinary range of experiences into one sun-drenched city.
Top Attractions
Eilat's biggest draws, from underwater wonders to family-friendly parks.
Coral Beach Nature Reserve
Israel's best snorkeling. A 1.2 km reef with marked trails, floating platforms, and hundreds of fish species. Bring your own or rent equipment at the gate.
₪35 entry
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
Descend 6 meters below the Red Sea surface through panoramic windows. Shark pool, turtle rehabilitation, stingray feeding, and a film theater.
₪99 adult
Dolphin Reef
Natural enclosure where bottlenose dolphins swim freely. Watch from the beach, snorkel alongside them, or take an assisted dive. Relaxation pools on-site.
From ₪69
Ice Mall
An Olympic-sized ice skating rink in the middle of the desert. Also has bowling, shops, and restaurants. Great escape from the midday heat. The surreal experience of skating in sub-zero temperatures while it's 40°C outside is pure Eilat.
₪55 skating
Kings City
Biblical-themed amusement park with 3D rides, cave mazes, and a pharaoh's palace. Fun for families, especially with kids aged 5-12.
₪119 adult
IMAX Theater
The largest IMAX screen in Israel, located at the Underwater Observatory complex. Nature and ocean documentaries in stunning resolution.
₪49
Night Market on the Promenade
Seasonal open-air market along the North Beach promenade featuring local artisans, jewelry, Dead Sea products, street food, and live music. A pleasant evening stroll even if you don't buy anything. Typically runs spring through autumn — check locally for current schedule.
Free entry
Water Activities
The Red Sea is the main event. These are the best ways to experience it.
Snorkeling at Coral Beach Nature Reserve
Israel's best reef: hundreds of fish species, vibrant coral formations, and crystal-clear water. Equipment rental available at the entrance. Allow 2-3 hours.
Introductory Scuba Dive (No Experience)
Discover scuba diving with a PADI instructor in the Red Sea. See tropical fish and coral on your first dive. All equipment included. Minimum age 10.
Glass-Bottom Boat Reef Tour
See the coral reef from a glass-bottom boat without getting wet. Ideal for families with young children or non-swimmers. 1-hour cruise from North Beach.
Parasailing Over the Red Sea
Soar 100 meters above Eilat's coastline and get a bird's eye view of the Red Sea, mountains of Jordan, and the city below. Single or tandem flights available. The 15-minute flight lets you take in all four countries visible from Eilat — Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia — from the best possible vantage point.
Banana Boat & Water Sports at North Beach
North Beach is the hub for casual water sports — banana boat rides, tube towing, jet ski rentals, kayaks, and SUP boards. Multiple operators line the beach with equipment for rent. Great for families and groups looking for quick thrills between sunbathing sessions. No booking needed — just walk up.
Desert & Land Adventures
Beyond the beach, the Negev desert delivers stunning landscapes and adrenaline.
Desert Jeep Tour & Red Canyon
Off-road adventure through the Negev's dramatic landscapes: red sandstone canyons, ancient Nabataean inscriptions, Bedouin tea stop, and an unforgettable desert sunset.
Camel Ranch Sunset Ride
Ride a camel through the desert hills surrounding Eilat as the sun sets over the mountains. Includes Bedouin tea and traditional snacks.
Timna Park Full-Day Tour
Visit Solomon's Pillars, the Mushroom rock, ancient Egyptian copper mines, and the recreated Tabernacle. Just 25 minutes north of Eilat. Stunning desert geology.
Red Canyon Hike
A short but visually spectacular slot canyon hike through narrow red sandstone walls carved by millions of years of water erosion. Located just 20 minutes north of Eilat off Route 12, the trail is a 1-2 hour loop that includes metal ladders, narrow squeezes, and stunning layered rock formations in deep shades of red and orange. One of the best short hikes in southern Israel and completely free.
Mount Tzfachot Hike
A rewarding 2-hour hike that climbs the mountain directly above Eilat, offering one of the most extraordinary panoramas in Israel: four countries visible simultaneously — Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The trail starts from the city itself, winding through desert terrain to a summit viewpoint at 305 meters. Best done early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Bring at least 2 liters of water.
Timna Park
Timna Park is a geological wonderland just 25 minutes north of Eilat. The park covers 60 square kilometers of dramatic desert landscape, including:
- Solomon's Pillars: Massive sandstone columns carved by erosion over millions of years.
- The Mushroom: An iconic balancing rock formation that looks impossible.
- Ancient copper mines: Egyptian mining operations dating back 6,000 years.
- The Tabernacle: A full-scale recreation of the biblical Tabernacle.
- The Lake: An artificial lake perfect for pedal boats and picnics.
Visitor Info
- Entry: ₪52 adult, ₪39 child
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (winter), until 5:00 PM (summer)
- Duration: 3-5 hours to see the highlights
- Getting there: Route 90, 25 min north of Eilat
- Best time: Early morning or late afternoon (desert heat)
- Tip: Bring water, hat, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes
Free Things to Do in Eilat
Eilat doesn't have to be expensive. These experiences cost absolutely nothing.
Public Beaches
North Beach and South Beach (HaDekel, Migdalor) are free to access. Clean sand, calm water, lifeguards on duty. South Beach is less crowded and better for snorkeling right off the shore.
Sunset at South Beach
Walk past the port to the quieter southern beaches and watch the sun set behind the Egyptian mountains of Sinai. The light turns the Jordanian mountains pink and gold. Bring a picnic.
Promenade Walk
The North Beach promenade stretches along the waterfront with public art, performers (weekends), playgrounds, and people-watching. Especially lively on warm evenings.
Duty-Free Window Shopping
Eilat is VAT-free (17% off everything). Browse Mall HaYam, the Ice Mall, and BIG Center. Even if you don't buy, the air conditioning alone is worth it in summer.
Red Canyon & Mt Tzfachot Hikes
Both trails are free. Red Canyon (20 min drive north) is a stunning slot canyon, and Mt Tzfachot starts from the city with views of four countries from the summit.
Birdwatching Park
Eilat sits on a major migration route. The Eilat Birdwatching Park (north of town) is free and especially spectacular during spring (March-May) and autumn (Sept-Nov) migration seasons.
Nightlife & Dining
Eilat's nightlife centers around the North Beach promenade and hotel zone. It's more resort-style than Tel Aviv but has its own laid-back Red Sea charm.
North Beach Promenade
The main strip for nightlife. Bars, restaurants, and live music venues line the waterfront. Busiest Thursday-Saturday nights. Dress code: casual beachwear is fine.
Vibe: Mainstream, tourist-friendly
Hotel Bars & Clubs
The big resort hotels (Royal Beach, Dan Eilat, Herods) have their own bars and occasional DJ nights. Some are open to non-guests. Often the best cocktails in town.
Vibe: Upscale, relaxed
Three Monkeys Pub
Eilat's most popular pub for years. Live music, sports on TV, pub food, and a big selection of beer. Attracts both tourists and locals.
Vibe: Pub, live music
Beach Bars
Seasonal beach bars pop up along the coast, especially in summer. Cocktails with your feet in the sand, DJ sets, and Red Sea sunsets.
Vibe: Seasonal, chill
Duty-Free Shopping
Remember: Eilat has no VAT. That's 17% off everything, automatically.
Mall HaYam
Fashion & General
Eilat's largest shopping center, right on the promenade. International brands, food court, cinema. H&M, Zara, Castro, Fox.
Ice Mall
Entertainment & Shopping
Beyond the ice rink: shops, bowling, restaurants. Good for a half-day when it's too hot outside.
BIG Eilat
Electronics & Big Box
Big-box shopping center with electronics (duty-free prices on gadgets), supermarket, home goods, and chain restaurants.
Don't Miss: Petra Day Trip
The ancient Nabataean city is just across the border in Jordan — one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Read Our Petra Guide →