Eilat, the southernmost city of Israel, is widely considered to be the best destination in Israel for sea lovers. With hot and dry weather all year round, stunning beaches with incredible marine life, and numerous water activities, Eilat is certainly a must-see site for those who are looking for a great seaside experience. Here, we have made our list of the best Eilat beaches, which will give you great opportunities to enjoy this southern coastal paradise city.
Best Eilat beaches for marine life
The Red Sea in general and the Gulf of Eilat in particular features an abundant and diverse marine life scene. This incredible phenomenon, alongside the beautiful corals of Eilat’s Reef, makes it a tremendous place for diving and snorkeling. But even beyond the world-class diving spots, are several great beaches, where you can experience the unique marine life of the Red Sea simply by swimming in the sea. Here are two of the best Eilat beaches to visit for those who are looking to experience the incredible marine life of Eilat.
Dolphin Reef Beach
The Dolphin Reef of Eilat is undoubtedly one of the main and best attractions in Eilat, but next to the reef, you can find Dolphin Reef Beach: a beach built on a small bay, which is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Eilat. Here, you will get the chance to swim with the dolphins, in one of the best experiences you can ever get.
In addition, Dolphin Reef Beach is a quiet beach that is surrounded by impressive vegetation and looks like a little paradise at the end of the desert. On the beach, you will also find a cafe, dedicated areas for children, a family of peacocks, sunbeds, and of course – dolphins. It is highly recommended to come and spend a day there with kids, for a special experience to remember.
Opening Hours: every day between 09:00 and 17:00.
Entrance fee:
Adults: 67 ILS
Kids: 46 ILS.
Coral Beach Nature Reserve
The Coral Beach Reserve is a wonderful place to spend a few hours or even a whole day. This is the northernmost tropical coral reserve in the world, and during your visit here, you can see a huge amount of marine animals, such as corals, fish, shellfish, crabs, sea turtles, and more. The reserve is open all year round and is well equipped with beach services, such as showers, shade sheds, chairs, and beach beds, but it is important to note that there are no lifeguard services here. Two small bridges that were built here over the reef allow you to view the corals and colorful fish on foot, and provide safe access to the water for divers.
Opening Hours: Summer: 9:00 – 18:00; Fridays and holiday eves: 8:00 – 17:00
Winter: 9:00 – 17:00; Fridays and holiday eves: 8:00 – 16:00
Entrance fee:
Adults – 35 ILS
Kids – 21 ILS
Best Eilat beaches for water sports
In addition to diving and snorkeling, the Eilat beaches offer numerous water sports, fit for every age and experience. From kite surfing to kayaking, there truly is something for everyone on the beaches of Eilat. Here are some of the best beaches to visit for those who are looking for water sports activities of any kind.
Hahashmal Beach
The Hahashmal Beach is widely considered to be the best place for extreme water sports in Eilat. The beach offers all the attractions you can think of in this context, including paragliders, motor boats, tubes, jet skis, windsurfers, pedal boats, SUP, and many more. The beach is located south of the naval base in Eilat, and apart from countless water sports attractions that you can enjoy here, you can also just sit and have a snack, watch the Gilead Mountains, the Red Sea, and the countless visitors who enjoy numerous water activities here.
Hananya Beach
Hananya Beach is a declared and organized bathing beach, which includes sunbeds, umbrellas and showers, a lifeguard, and a first aid station. The beach offers many varied marine attractions, from cruises to water sports, including Self-driving motor boats, pedal boats, kayaks, tubes, water skiing, parachutes, jet skis, and much more. In addition, From here, you can go on a cruise to the coral beach reserve and the well-known site of the Japanese gardens, where you can see colorful fish through panoramic windows submerged in the sea.
Other great beaches in Eilat
Hadekel Beach
Hadekel Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Eilat, mostly because it’s home to huge productions and events, and is the largest event complex in the city. The beach is located in the southern part of the Gulf of Eilat, an area that is great to visit for those who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the hotels. On days when there are no big events, this is a quiet and calm beach, which is highly recommended for families who will be able to enjoy the grassy lawns and the wooden pier that allows easy access to the water.
At Hadekel Beach, you can also find a diving club, a water sports center, authentic Bedouin accommodation tents, showers, toilets, and a large and tidy parking lot. At the beach restaurant bar, located right on the water’s edge, you can enjoy a rich and varied menu of food and drinks.
Avenue Beach
The Avenue beach is located on the north coast of Eilat, adjacent to the Azrieli Eilat Mall. The beach is accessible to the hotel area, which makes it a convenient and attractive location for those who want to have a cup of coffee in the beach area, on armchairs overlooking the sea and the red Gilead Mountains. Access to the water here is very convenient, and in the restaurant by the beach, you will find a varied kitchen with a rich menu, which is most known for serving high-quality fish.
Dan Beach
A beach located at the foot of the Dan Eilat Hotel made entirely of a wooden dock, on which you will find several comfortable sunbeds (free for hotel guests, and 12 ILS for passers-by). The beach itself is mostly sandy, with very easy access to the water, making it ideal for children. Although the beach is located right by the Eilat Promenade, it still manages to provide a peaceful atmosphere in the surrounding hustle and bustle of the touristic area of Eilat.
Opening Hours: every day between 08:30-18:30
HaShchafim Beach
A neat, clean, and quiet beach with soft sand mixed with fine gravel and a breakwater that creates a pleasant area for swimming. There are several umbrellas scattered along the Hashchafim Beach, as well as sunbeds to relax on. The beach has lifeguard services, open showers, and toilets. In addition, it’s located right by several cafes, so it’s a great place for those who are looking to get a takeaway and dine at the seaside.
