Discover Eilat: Top Things to Do in Israel’s Southern Resort

Discover Eilat: Top Things to Do in Israel’s Southern ResortEilat sits at Israel’s southernmost tip where the desert meets the Red Sea. Bright sun, warm water, and an easygoing resort vibe make it a favorite for beachgoers, divers, families, and adventure seekers. This guide presents top things to do in Eilat, practical tips for getting around, seasonal notes, and suggested itineraries so you can make the most of your stay.

Why visit Eilat?

Eilat offers reliable sunshine almost year-round, calm turquoise waters, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving. Beyond water activities, the area combines striking desert landscapes, unique nature reserves, cultural attractions, and a lively promenade of cafes, shops, and nightlife. It’s compact and tourist-friendly, making it easy to plan short trips or longer stays.

Top water activities

• Snorkeling at Coral Beach Nature Reserve

  • See colorful corals and abundant reef fish right off the shore. Coral Beach is protected and ideal for beginners and families. Rent gear nearby or join a guided snorkeling tour.

• Scuba diving — Coral Gardens & Japanese Gardens

  • Eilat is renowned for excellent dive sites with clear water and diverse marine life. Options range from shallow reefs to deeper wreck dives; there are many PADI-certified dive centers for all skill levels.

• Dolphin Reef (Shchuna HaDolphin)

  • A unique, controlled environment where bottlenose dolphins live in a sheltered cove. Visitors can watch from observation decks, swim with dolphins under supervision, or simply relax on the beach. Note: ethical opinions vary; check recent reviews and welfare reports if this matters to you.

• Glass-bottom boat trips and glass-diving tours

  • Great for non-swimmers and families — view reefs and schools of fish without getting wet. Evening boat trips offer sunset views over the gulf.

• Water sports: windsurfing, kiteboarding, jet-skiing, paddleboarding

  • Eilat’s calm waters and steady winds make it a playground for water-sport enthusiasts. Rental shops and schools along the north beach cater to all experience levels.

Desert and nature experiences

• Timna Park

  • About a 25–30 minute drive north of Eilat, Timna offers dramatic sandstone formations, ancient copper mines and rock art, and family-friendly walking and cycling trails. Highlights include Solomon’s Pillars, the Mushroom, and a small visitor center and museum.

• Red Canyon (Shvil HaAdom)

  • A short drive from Eilat, the Red Canyon features narrow, colorful sandstone walls and short hiking routes suitable for most visitors. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes; some scrambling may be required.

• Eilat Mountains and viewpoints

  • Scenic overlook points (e.g., Mount Yoash) provide panoramic views across the Gulf of Aqaba and neighboring Saudi and Jordanian shores. Sunrise or sunset visits are especially rewarding.

• Birdwatching at the Eilat Bird Observatory

  • Eilat is on a major migratory flyway between Africa and Eurasia. The migratory seasons (spring and fall) draw large numbers of birds; guided walks and the observatory offer excellent opportunities for birders.

Family-friendly attractions

• Underwater Observatory Marine Park

  • A large complex with a submerged observatory tower overlooking coral gardens, aquarium displays, a shark pool, and educational exhibits. Good for kids and adults who want to learn about Red Sea ecology without diving.

• Kings City (amusement park — check current status)

  • Historically a family theme park with shows and water attractions. Confirm current opening status and hours before planning.

• Eilat Promenade and beaches

  • The promenade is lined with cafes, playgrounds, shallow sandy beaches and calm swim areas suitable for children. Lifeguards are usually on duty during high season.

Culture, food, and nightlife

• Local cuisine and seafood

  • Fresh fish and seafood restaurants are plentiful along the marina and promenade. Try Mediterranean-style grilled fish, mezze platters, and local specialties.

• Markets and shopping

  • The Eilat central market and nearby shopping streets offer crafts, textiles, spices and duty-free shopping. Bargaining is common in market stalls.

• Nightlife and bars

  • Eilat’s compact size concentrates bars, clubs, and live music venues; nightlife typically picks up after sunset and continues late into the night, especially on weekends and holidays.

Practical tips

• Best time to visit

  • October–April: mild, comfortable temperatures ideal for sightseeing and water activities without the intense summer heat.
  • June–August: hot and dry; excellent for beach time and night activities but bring sun protection and plan midday rest.
  • Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and prime bird migration viewing.

• Getting there and around

  • Ramon Airport (nearby) serves domestic and some international flights; Eilat also has bus connections and is reachable by car. Taxis and local buses serve the city; renting a car is convenient for visiting Timna Park or surrounding desert sites.

• Currency, tipping & practicalities

  • Currency: Israeli new shekel (ILS). Credit cards are widely accepted; small vendors and markets may prefer cash. Tipping of ~10–15% in restaurants is customary. Bring sun protection, reusable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes for desert excursions.

• Safety and border notes

  • Eilat borders Jordan and Egypt across the Gulf; border crossings have specific hours and visa requirements—check current rules before attempting cross-border trips. Stay aware of local regulations and any travel advisories.

Sample itineraries

• 2-day quick break

  • Day 1: Beach and snorkeling at Coral Beach; evening promenade and dinner at the marina.
  • Day 2: Morning Underwater Observatory; afternoon Timna Park half-day tour or Red Canyon short hike.

• 4–5 day active trip

  • Day 1: Arrival, relax on the beach, sunset boat trip.
  • Day 2: Full-day diving or snorkeling excursion (two dives or guided reef snorkel).
  • Day 3: Timna Park and Eilat Mountains viewpoints.
  • Day 4: Dolphin Reef visit, Underwater Observatory, shopping and nightlife.
  • Day 5: Birdwatching or optional day trip to Aqaba (check border/visa) or leisure day.

Conservation and responsible travel

Respect protected areas and marine reserves: follow marked paths, avoid touching coral or wildlife, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Support local guides and eco-friendly tour operators. Keep water consumption low in desert areas and carry water for hikes.

Eilat blends Red Sea marine life, dramatic desert scenery, and a lively resort atmosphere. Whether you want to dive colorful reefs, hike surreal rock formations, or relax with family on sandy shores, Eilat offers a compact, varied destination for many kinds of travelers.