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Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve
This isn’t just a patch of sand—it’s a living, breathing underwater metropolis. The coral reef here is Israel’s only one, and it’s a riot of color and movement: parrotfish nibbling, clownfish darting, and the sunlight fracturing into kaleidoscopic patterns just below the surface. The entry is easy, with wooden walkways leading you right to the action. Bring your own snorkel or rent on-site. Early morning is best, before the crowds and wind pick up. Entry is about 35 NIS, and you’ll want at least two hours to do it justice. The salt on your lips and the hush of the water make the city feel a world away.
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
This is the rare aquarium that lets you step inside the sea’s own living room. The observatory’s glass tunnels and underwater … read more 👉
This isn’t just a patch of sand—it’s a living, breathing underwater metropolis. The coral reef here is Israel’s only one, and it’s a riot of color and movement: parrotfish nibbling, clownfish darting, and the sunlight fracturing into kaleidoscopic patterns just below the surface. The entry is easy, with wooden walkways leading you right to the action. Bring your own snorkel or rent on-site. Early morning is best, before the crowds and wind pick up. Entry is about 35 NIS, and you’ll want at least two hours to do it justice. The salt on your lips and the hush of the water make the city feel a world away.
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
This is the rare aquarium that lets you step inside the sea’s own living room. The observatory’s glass tunnels and underwater … read more 👉
Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve
This isn’t just a patch of sand—it’s a living, breathing underwater metropolis. The coral reef here is Israel’s only one, and it’s a riot of color and movement: parrotfish nibbling, clownfish darting, and the sunlight fracturing into kaleidoscopic patterns just below the surface. The entry is easy, with wooden walkways leading you right to the action. Bring your own snorkel or rent on-site. Early morning is best, before the crowds and wind pick up. Entry is about 35 NIS, and you’ll want at least two hours to do it justice. The salt on your lips and the hush of the water make the city feel a world away.
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
This is the rare aquarium that lets you step inside the sea’s own living room. The observatory’s glass tunnels and underwater tower put you face-to-face with sharks, turtles, and swirling schools of fish—no wetsuit required. The real magic is the 360-degree view from the tower, where you can watch the Red Sea’s layers of blue shift with the sun. It’s best in the late morning, when the light is sharp and the animals are active. Tickets run around 100 NIS, and you’ll need at least three hours to see the exhibits and catch a feeding. It’s educational, yes, but also quietly awe-inspiring.
Eilat Musical Fountain
At night, the city’s dry heat softens and the promenade fills with locals and travelers. The musical fountain isn’t just a spectacle—it’s a communal ritual. Jets of water leap and twist in sync with Israeli pop, international hits, and the occasional classical piece, all lit by a shifting palette of LEDs. It’s free, and the shows run after dark, usually on the hour. Grab a pistachio ice cream from a nearby kiosk and let the spray cool your face. Twenty minutes is enough, but you’ll want to linger for the people-watching.
Eilat Art Gallery District (HaTmarim Boulevard)
Skip the duty-free shops and head for the cluster of small, independent galleries along HaTmarim. Here, you’ll find local artists working in glass, ceramics, and paint—much of it inspired by the desert and sea. The vibe is relaxed, and you can chat with the artists themselves. Most galleries are free to enter, and you can browse in under an hour, but don’t rush. The best time is late afternoon, when the sun slants through the windows and the air smells faintly of coffee and sea salt.
Ice Mall Eilat
It sounds like a tourist trap, but the Ice Mall is a surreal, air-conditioned escape from the midday blaze. The centerpiece is a full-sized ice rink—yes, in the desert—where you can rent skates and glide under neon lights while outside, the thermometer pushes 40°C. There are also quirky shops and local snack stalls. Entry to the mall is free; skating costs about 50 NIS for an hour. Go in the hottest part of the day, when the contrast between inside and out is most dramatic.
If you’re itching to stretch your legs beyond the city, Timna Park’s copper mines and surreal rock formations, the Red Canyon’s slot trails, and the dolphin encounters at Dolphin Reef are all within easy striking distance. Timna, with its Martian landscapes and ancient history, is my personal favorite—worth every dusty step.
This isn’t just a patch of sand—it’s a living, breathing underwater metropolis. The coral reef here is Israel’s only one, and it’s a riot of color and movement: parrotfish nibbling, clownfish darting, and the sunlight fracturing into kaleidoscopic patterns just below the surface. The entry is easy, with wooden walkways leading you right to the action. Bring your own snorkel or rent on-site. Early morning is best, before the crowds and wind pick up. Entry is about 35 NIS, and you’ll want at least two hours to do it justice. The salt on your lips and the hush of the water make the city feel a world away.
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
This is the rare aquarium that lets you step inside the sea’s own living room. The observatory’s glass tunnels and underwater tower put you face-to-face with sharks, turtles, and swirling schools of fish—no wetsuit required. The real magic is the 360-degree view from the tower, where you can watch the Red Sea’s layers of blue shift with the sun. It’s best in the late morning, when the light is sharp and the animals are active. Tickets run around 100 NIS, and you’ll need at least three hours to see the exhibits and catch a feeding. It’s educational, yes, but also quietly awe-inspiring.
Eilat Musical Fountain
At night, the city’s dry heat softens and the promenade fills with locals and travelers. The musical fountain isn’t just a spectacle—it’s a communal ritual. Jets of water leap and twist in sync with Israeli pop, international hits, and the occasional classical piece, all lit by a shifting palette of LEDs. It’s free, and the shows run after dark, usually on the hour. Grab a pistachio ice cream from a nearby kiosk and let the spray cool your face. Twenty minutes is enough, but you’ll want to linger for the people-watching.
Eilat Art Gallery District (HaTmarim Boulevard)
Skip the duty-free shops and head for the cluster of small, independent galleries along HaTmarim. Here, you’ll find local artists working in glass, ceramics, and paint—much of it inspired by the desert and sea. The vibe is relaxed, and you can chat with the artists themselves. Most galleries are free to enter, and you can browse in under an hour, but don’t rush. The best time is late afternoon, when the sun slants through the windows and the air smells faintly of coffee and sea salt.
Ice Mall Eilat
It sounds like a tourist trap, but the Ice Mall is a surreal, air-conditioned escape from the midday blaze. The centerpiece is a full-sized ice rink—yes, in the desert—where you can rent skates and glide under neon lights while outside, the thermometer pushes 40°C. There are also quirky shops and local snack stalls. Entry to the mall is free; skating costs about 50 NIS for an hour. Go in the hottest part of the day, when the contrast between inside and out is most dramatic.
If you’re itching to stretch your legs beyond the city, Timna Park’s copper mines and surreal rock formations, the Red Canyon’s slot trails, and the dolphin encounters at Dolphin Reef are all within easy striking distance. Timna, with its Martian landscapes and ancient history, is my personal favorite—worth every dusty step.
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Day Tour to Petra from Eilat
Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains
Introduction diving at Coral Reef with Instructor - 40 minutes
Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat
Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat
Timna park Jeep tour adventure
PADI Open Water Diver Course - 5 Days Scuba Diving
Introduction Diving on Coral Reef with private instructor(25 min)
Guided Dive on Coral Reefs for Certified Divers
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.