Coral Beach Nature Reserve
Coral Beach, Eliat, ISR
Home to some of the world’s most northerly tropical coral reefs, Coral Beach Nature Reserve offers Eilat’s—and likely Israel’s—best snorkeling. Seagrass patches draw hawksbill turtles, seahorses, and more; hundreds of different coral species lure aquarium favorites including lionfish, angelfish, and clownfish.
A network of bridges extend over the reef at Coral Beach Nature Reserve, allowing travelers to appreciate the Red Sea from above. But to truly experience the coral, get in the water. Hire snorkel gear from the beach and head on out; join a boat trip that includes a guided snorkel or book a scuba experience, either a discovery dive, a training course, or a dive package. Landlubbers can soak up the rays on loungers and deckchairs.
- The Coral Beach Nature Reserve has bathrooms, lockers, and a store.
- There is a charge to visit the reserve. Entry is included in the Israel Pass.
- Wear a wetsuit or long-sleeve top to protect your skin while diving or snorkeling: sunscreen can harm the reef.
- While not the cheapest, Eilat is one of the best Red Sea destinations to learn to dive, with excellent safety standards and well-maintained equipment.
- Older children will love the chance to snorkel and maybe even dive the reef. Shallow pools near the shore are perfect for little ones.
- The reef bridges are not wheelchair-friendly but some Eilat dive operators cater for travelers with disabilities.
The Coral Beach Nature Reserve lies about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Eilat, roughly 2 miles (3 kilometers) north of Egypt’s Taba border crossing. The #15 and #30 buses run from Eilat’s central bus station along the coast road: alight at the Har Tsefahot campsite.
Coral Beach Nature Reserve is open seven days a week, with earlier closing during winter, on Fridays, and before Israeli holidays. September through November is the perfect time to dive or snorkel Eilat as the waters are warm but outside temperatures are not too hot.
It takes 3–4 days of classroom and underwater training to qualify as an open water (entry-level) diver. A discovery dive (also called an introductory dive or DSD) lets you experience the underwater world without the time and financial commitment of a diving course. After learning some basic skills in shallow water, dive to a maximum of 40 feet (12 meters) with a professional close at hand throughout.
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