A Visit To Eilat

Eilat is where sea meets desert and boredom disappears. Explore the Eilat Underwater Observatory, get close at the Eilat Dolpin reef, then ride into golden landscapes at the Eilat Camel Ranch. Add sunshine, great food and beaches, and you’ve got a full-on Eilat adventure in one perfect escape.

Written by Zvika Gasner Koheleth 12-December-2024 (Originally 7-January-2020, Edited 24-March-20121) Photography by Angela Hechtfisch

How To Get To Eilat

The traveling to the city of Eilat may be called a “journey”. It’s a full 5-hour drive from Tel Aviv. The journey is as fascinating for its desert view but as difficult and challenging. There are 3 main ways to reach Eilat: From Tel Aviv taking road #1 to Jerusalem and then road #90 alongside the North part of the Dead Sea through the “Bikaa”. Either, taking #6 road (a toll road), then continuing with road #31 to the city of Arad, and then turn to #90 at the “Bikaa”. Also, and most likely the most eye-catching BUT more challenging drive is from #6, switching the injunction at the city of Beer-Sheva and driving to the town of “Mizpe Ramon”, stopping at the Mizpe-ramon observatory looking at the Ramon crater, and then driving to it though road #40 through this enormous crater, all the way to Eilat. Altogether, these 3 driving roads to Eilat have simply unbelievable desert scenery, where the 1st is with wild Dead Sea view, the 2nd with “Habikaa” view and the 3rd tops with crater watch. However, if you are looking for a much more comfortable trip you may choose an inland flight from “Ben Gurion” airport to the new “Ramon” airfield, a 25 minutes flight with an extra 10 minutes taxi drive to Eilat city.

Well, it took some time, more precisely NOT less than 5 hours, and here we are, in the city that the sun shines in 355 days out of 365 a year. The city is the escape route for American’s and European’s of the cold November till December winter. The Israelis will do Eilat mostly in April through October, so the winter is off-season prices. When it comes to a type of vacation, whereas the Dead Sea strip is mostly for a health-relaxing-quite tour which will involve more mature and elderly personals, Eilat is more family (with kids) oriented where any type of water activity or sport that exists on earth is available.

Eilat’s Underwater Observatory

Just 2.5 km from Eilat’s main hotel strip, the Underwater Observatory is one of the city’s must-see attractions. The highlight? The giant shark tank—where twice a day, at 11:00 and 15:00, you can watch divers feed these amazing creatures up close.

Another unmissable stop is the open-sea observatory, set 50 meters into the Red Sea and reaching 6 meters deep. Walking inside feels like stepping into another world, surrounded by colorful coral reefs and marine life.

Every hour, there’s something new to experience—feeding the giant sea turtles, discovering mysterious deep-sea fish, or even seeing pearls formed inside live shells.

Tickets are $25 for kids and $30 for adults. Opening hours: 09:00–16:00, seven days a week.

Eilat sea observatory a look at the shark tank

Eilat’s Camel Ranch

Just a kilometer from the Underwater Observatory, a short desert drive brings you to the Camel Ranch—a Bedouin-style ranch where you can (mostly, but not only!) ride camels into the desert. The first few minutes may feel a little awkward, but soon the rhythm grows on you, and the ride becomes surprisingly comfortable—especially with the wild desert scenery all around.

We joined the 2-hour program: a one-hour camel ride with a group of calm, gentle females, followed by classic Bedouin hospitality. Freshly brewed tea, fire-baked bread with cheese and vegetables, all inside a traditional tent—while the desert sky slowly filled with stars. A million stars plus one. The peace and beauty were unforgettable. Special thanks to our lovely guide, Eden, who made the experience even better.

The 2-hour program costs around $70 per person and starts at 16:00 (arrive 15 minutes early). There’s also a longer 4-hour program where you’ll actually learn how to control a camel!

Eilat’s Dolphins Reef

The morning after the Sylvester fireworks—lighting up both Eilat and neighboring Aqaba—was a true highlight: a short ride brought us to the famous Dolphin Reef. This private beach is home to five dolphins (four of them born here in the second generation) that swim in daily from the open sea to interact with visitors and grab an easy meal.

The reef offers two unforgettable programs: a 30-minute snorkeling session or a guided dive alongside these playful mammals. No license or advanced swimming skills needed—just suit up, get your snorkel or gear adjusted, listen to the instructions, and off you go! Diving is done in pairs with an instructor, while snorkeling is in small groups. Activities run from 9:00 to 16:00, with prices of $85 for snorkeling and $100 for diving.

If your focus is more on corals than dolphins, the nearby Coral Beach National Park (just 1 km away) is a must. It’s the only wild coral reef in Israel, thriving thanks to Eilat Bay’s steady year-round water temperature of 22–24°C. Snorkeling gear is available on site, and entry is only $10 per person. A guaranteed peaceful escape under the sea.

Feeding the dolphins at Eilat Dolphins reef

Eilat – Where to eat & stay

Eilat has always been about sun, sea, and relaxation. The city’s bay is perfect for swimming and tanning, and while summer temperatures can hit 45–50°C, the air is dry, so you won’t be dripping in sweat. Beyond the beach, you’ll find endless water sports, yacht cruises with glass floors for spotting fish, and plenty of great spots to eat and drink—like the Italian favorite Pastory on Tarshish Street or the lively Monkey’s Bar along the promenade.

For our stay, we chose the Club Hotel Eilat, an ideal pick for families. It offers a rich buffet, multiple pools, and water activities for all ages, day and night.

When your time in Eilat sadly comes to an end and you head back north (by car, not plane), make sure to stop at the Dead Sea—just 210 km away—for one last unforgettable experience before reaching Tel Aviv or the center.

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Eilat is where sea meets desert and boredom disappears. Explore the Eilat Underwater Observatory, get close at the Eilat Dolpin reef, then ride into golden landscapes at the Eilat Camel Ranch. Add sunshine, great food and beaches, and you’ve got a full-on Eilat adventure in one perfect escape.