If it’s diving that you’re after, the Red Sea provides one of the best options on a worldwide scale. It offers what is considered to be one of the richest underwater environments in the world, with its extended coral reef and diverse marine fauna. And while there are many spots and beaches along the Red Sea shores where you can just jump right into the water to begin your diving, some of the finest are located in Israel’s greatest resort town of Eilat, which features many designated spots for Red Sea diving.
With Eilat's rich underwater kingdom, you just have to go diving in Eilat. With or without a guide, professional or beginner, Eilat's marine life is among the most beautiful in the world and shouldn't be missed. We've collected a few recommendations for diving sites in Eilat. Note: You don't have to take diving courses to enjoy Eilat's underwater world. From age 8 and up, introductory dives are also available.
Scuba Diving Sites – With Equipment
Dolphin Reef
Come dive with the dolphins. A private diving guide will introduce you to these marine mammals from up close. Age 8 and up; for divers of all levels. Includes an introductory dive. Reservations required.
Almog Beach Reserve
The labyrinthine reef is rich in crevices and canyons that serve as perfect hideaways for reef fish. The fact that the entire area is a nature reserve allows divers to witness rare sites. For all levels.
The Caves
1.5 km north of the Taba Crossing lies one of the most popular diving sites, thanks to the reef's proximity to the shore and shallow waters (up to 6 meters), making it especially suitable for inexperienced divers.
Eel Park
One of the most underappreciated diving sites in Eilat, “Gan HaZlofahim” is home to numerous eels who resist the tides on the sea floor. The site is located about 100 meters north of the Coral Beach Nature Reserve and is suitable for divers of all levels.
Statue Garden
A number of impressive underwater sculptures, built by the artist Dan Rapaport, can be found about 300 meters east of the underwater restaurant Red Sea Star on Eilat's northern shore. The statue garden is only accessible by boat and with a guide who has been there before. For experienced divers only.
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The Missile Ship (HaSatil)
In 1994, a missile ship was sunk off Almog (Coral) Beach, opposite the southern marina Tur Yam, and has since become a popular attraction for divers. For all level divers.
The University
The site earned its name due to its location adjacent to the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences. It frequently hosts students and groups carrying out various marine experiments. The underwater landscape has seen better days, but projects encouraging coral growth have created a number of rich reefs, which are definitely worth a visit. For all levels.
Lost Paradise
One of Eilat's most fascinating sites, “Paradise” features stone reefs with rare and peculiar shapes. On clear days, Paradise offers divers stunning views. Deep diving, for experienced divers only.
HaYatush (The Mosquito)
The Yatush diving site is equipped with an old navy boat that was brought here by a local diver in order to offer an additional diving attraction at Almog (Coral) Beach. The site is very popular, although we recommend diving with an instructor first, or at least with someone who is familiar with the site. For experienced divers only.
Table Reefs
Neptune Tables, also known as the Table Reefs, can be found along Eilat's southern shore, approaching the Taba border crossing. The site sprawls over a relatively large area and features numerous table reefs. The entire area is well preserved and enjoys good visibility year-round. For all level divers.
Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens are located at the southern tip of the Almog (Coral) Beach Reserve, between the southern bridge and the Underwater Observatory. The Japanese Gardens are considered to be Eilat's largest and best preserved diving site, boasting a continuous 500 meter belt of reefs, at two depths. The site shows what all Eilat's reefs could have looked like if we understood the importance of preservations 40 years ago. For certified divers with at least 17 stamped dives.
Inexperienced Divers
Snuba Diving – A guided underwater adventure for inexperienced divers at the beautiful Cave Reef. The heavy oxygen tank stays on a small boat that floats above the divers, who are accompanied by a certified instructor. The dive reaches a maximum depth of 6 meters. For age 8 and up; preliminary course and dive lasts about 1.25 hours.