Alexander river & the turtles bridge
Just 7 km from the Viker Bird Observatory sits the charming Turtle Bridge, overlooking the Alexander River — a place famous for its African softshell turtles. These incredible creatures lay their eggs here between May and June, though you can spot them throughout the year. The African softshell turtle, also called the Nile softshell (Trionyx triunguis), once thrived across the region, but today its main population in Israel is centered in the Alexander River. Unfortunately, their numbers have dropped sharply over the last 50 years due to heavy river pollution.
To help the species recover, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority has been working hard to clean and rehabilitate the river, protect nesting sites, and boost the turtles’ chances of survival. One dramatic event happened in 1991 when heavy rains caused the river to overflow, washing dozens of turtles into the sea — a fatal environment for them, as they can only survive in fresh water.
A fully grown African softshell turtle is an impressive sight: it can reach 1 meter in length, weigh up to 50 kg, and live for nearly 100 years. Their diet includes worms, small fish, and river vegetation. The entire Israeli population is estimated at only 150–200 turtles — roughly one-third of the global population in the Mediterranean Levant, spanning Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. That makes the Alexander River a truly important sanctuary.
The walk from Turtle Bridge along the Alexander River to Yanai Beach (named after the ancient Jewish king Alexander Yanai) takes about 45 minutes each way — a relaxed 90-minute round trip, not counting stops. Much of the route overlaps with the famous Israel National Trail, offering a peaceful blend of water, greenery, and open landscapes.
Along the way, it’s worth pausing at the Samara Ruins, perched on a hill with stunning panoramic views. These remains once served as an Ottoman tax station for watermelons exported from local farmers to Egypt via a small port that once operated at Yanai Beach. Whether you’re enjoying a scenic walk, snapping photos, or hosting a BBQ picnic, this area delivers plenty of nature, history, and charm in every step.
