Eilat: coral reef, dolphins and warm sea all year round

Eilat sits at the very southern tip of Israel, at the northern end of the Red Sea. It is the country's last city before the Egyptian border. Desert mountains come right down to the water here, and the beaches are busy even in January.

Eilat's climate is hot and dry, but the sea softens the heat. In winter the air stays around 21 °C, in summer it often climbs above 40 °C, and the water remains warm all year round: 20-26 °C (according to Wikipedia). Rain is rare, with about 28 mm of precipitation per year.

People come here for the warm sea in winter, for diving, and for dolphins. If you're planning a trip, below you'll find information on the climate, beaches, coral reserve, and travel tips.

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Where Eilat is located

💡 In short:

• Eilat is located at the northern end of the Red Sea, in Israel's Southern District.
• Beach season here lasts all year round.
• The main spots in the south of the city: the coral reserve, dolphins, and the underwater observatory.

Eilat sits at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba. To the south lies Egypt's Taba, to the east Jordan's Aqaba, and across the gulf you can see Saudi Arabia. About 56,000 people live in the city, and almost its entire economy is tied to the port and tourism (according to Wikipedia).

The city is compact, so it's easy to get around on foot. From the promenade in the north to the coral reserve in the south, it's a half-hour trip by bus or car. The south is where all the most interesting things for visitors are concentrated: the reef, dolphins, and the underwater observatory.

When to go: climate and weather

Eilat is called the city of eternal summer: the sun shines here about 360 days a year, and rain falls only a few times each winter (according to Wikipedia). In winter the air stays around 21 °C. In summer it easily tops 40 °C. The water in the Red Sea doesn't cool down much, so you can swim in any month.

The best time for the beach and the sea is from October to May. During these months it's warm during the day, cool in the evening, and the water stays warm. You can swim in summer too, but the heat is hard on children and older people. Walking is more comfortable early in the morning and after sunset.

Bring a hat and water. The dry air keeps you from noticing dehydration. At night the desert gets cold, so even in summer a light jacket comes in handy. The beaches have loungers and umbrellas, and the promenade has cafes and gear rentals.

Beaches and the coral reserve

Eilat's coastline is divided into several beaches: from the city's North Beach with its promenade to the coral south. North Beach is convenient for families because it has sand, a gentle entry, and bars and hotels nearby. But the main attraction is further south.

© Yoav95179 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Yoav95179, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Coral Beach Nature Reserve stretches along the shore for about 1.2 km and was established back in 1964 (according to Wikipedia). It is the northernmost shallow reef in the world and Israel's only reef, which is why divers come here from all over Europe.

Most of the lagoon is closed to swimming: only three small areas near the shore are open (according to Wikipedia). This protects the reef from trampling. Feeding the fish is also prohibited. The reef used to stretch for almost 12 km, but human impact has greatly reduced it.

• How to get there: by bus or taxi to the south of the city, to Coral Beach.
• Cost: entry is paid, check the exact price on site or on the reserve's website (as of 09/2026).
• Who it's for: divers, snorkelers, and those who want to see the reef from the shore.
• The catch: you can't swim freely across the whole lagoon, only in three small shallow pools near the shore.

Coral world underwater observatory

At the very southern end of the reserve stands the Coral world underwater observatory. It is the world's first underwater observatory and the largest public aquarium in the Middle East (according to Wikipedia). The halls go underwater, and through wide windows you can see the reef and fish up close.

© Dr. Avishai Teicher · CC BYPhoto: Dr. Avishai Teicher, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5), Wikimedia Commons

The observatory was included in The New York Times list of the best destinations of the year in 2019. It works well for both adults and children, because you don't need to dive to see the underwater world. Tickets are best bought in advance, since there are lines at the ticket office during the season.

Dolphin Reef: swimming with dolphins

Dolphin Reef has been operating since 1990. It is home to Black Sea bottlenose dolphins that are not trained: the marine enclosure covers about 10,000 m², with an average depth of 12 meters (according to Wikipedia). There is no trick show, and the dolphins swim up to observers and swimmers on their own.

© Idomeir · CC BY-SAPhoto: Idomeir, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

You can watch the dolphins from the shore and from the piers. If you want to get closer, book snorkeling or a trial dive with an instructor. Besides dolphins, there are relaxing pools, a beach cafe, and dedicated programs for people with disabilities.

• Who it's for: families with children and anyone who wants to see dolphins without a circus.
• The catch: this is not a dolphinarium with performances; the animals swim up on their own terms.
• Opening hours and tickets: check the Dolphin Reef website (as of 09/2026).

Where to stay in Eilat

Eilat has plenty of hotels: from basic three-star city hotels to beachfront resorts. Prices depend on distance from the sea, so the closer the beach, the more expensive the night.

Book in advance. In winter and during holidays, there are almost no rooms left. If you want quiet, choose a hotel in the south, near the coral reserve. If you want restaurants and shops within easy reach, look at the promenade and North Beach area.

Most hotels offer sea views, but you pay extra for them. Check whether breakfast is included in the rate and whether there is a bus stop nearby. See hotel prices in Eilat on Trip.com.

What else to see

Besides the sea, Eilat has plenty to do. The promenade and the marina are packed with bars, restaurants, and shops. Those who like it cool head to Ice Mall, where an ice rink is set up in the middle of the shopping center.

Outside the city, desert routes begin: Timna Valley and the Eilat Mountains, which rise to almost 900 meters (according to Wikipedia). People come here for sunset and for jeep tours through the canyons.

There are also options on the water: boats, sea cruises, and snorkeling along the reef. Tours and diving in Eilat on GetYourGuide cover almost all options, from a city overview to dives for beginners.

How to get to Eilat

The fastest way is by plane. The city has its own Ramon Airport (ETM), which serves domestic and international flights. Another option is a bus from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem; the journey takes several hours through the desert.

In southern Eilat, there are border crossings into Egyptian Taba and Jordanian Aqaba. They make it easy to arrange a day trip, for example to Petra or Sinai.

The easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel is by taxi or a pre-booked transfer.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Eilat?

The most comfortable period for a trip runs from October to May. You'll find details about the weather in the "When to go: climate and weather" section.

Where in Eilat can you swim with dolphins?

Dolphins live at Dolphin Reef in the south of the city, see the "Dolphin Reef: swimming with dolphins" section for details. Check tickets and opening hours on the park page (as of 09/2026).

Can you swim in the coral reserve?

Swimming is only allowed in three shallow areas near the shore. You'll find details in the "Beaches and the coral reserve" section.

What to see in Eilat besides the beach?

Walk along the promenade, visit the marina, check out Ice Mall, or head into the desert. All the options are listed in the "What else to see" section.

How to get from the airport to the hotel?

The most convenient way is by taxi or a pre-booked transfer. You'll find details in the "How to get to Eilat" section.

In short: what to book

Eilat works for both a winter beach trip and diving. If you have a week by the sea, pick a hotel near the coral reserve and sign up for a dive. If you're traveling with kids, stay near North Beach and set aside a day for Dolphin Reef and the underwater observatory. If you want restaurants and shopping, look at the promenade area.

Book a hotel in Eilat on Trip.com