Eilat is located to the south of the Negev desert, on the Gulf of Aqaba. It is an ideal place for scuba diving as the Red Sea offers the best conditions for diving: warm, calm water (29 degrees maximum - 19 minimum), excellent visibility all year round There are few or no currents, a huge variety of corals and thousands of colorful fishes. The underwater fauna and flora make Eilat one of the most famous scuba diving spots in the world. Visualize a map of the main diving sites, from north to south:
The underwater observatory: for those who want to view below the Red Sea without getting wet the Marine Park of Eilat is an ideal place to discover the extraordinary richness of underwater fauna and flora of the area. It is a place for information and research for scientists. The park also develops various projects for coral reefs protection.
Where to stay in Eilat
You will find a variety of accommodation in Eilat; ranging from 5 star hotels to the rudimentary youth hostels (for the tightest budgets!). One of our favorite places is the Cactus Bed & Breakfast. Make your reservation as soon as possible as this little paradise is often full. If you wish for assistance in finding accommodation, do not hesitate to contact us.
Excursions starting from Eilat
Massada: overlooks the Dead Sea. Massada (meaning fortress in Hebrew) is located at the top of an isolated cliff, in the Judaea desert. This site with its majestic beauty is the symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel and of its brutal destruction: Massada was the last pocket of resistance of the Jewish patriots facing the Roman army, in 73 of our era.
Dead Sea: fed by the Jordan River. It is the lowest point on earth (approximately 400 meters below the sea level). Owing to its high salinity, no sea life has or can develop in it. The experience of floating in the Dead Sea is unique and really funny. This unreal landscape area is strewn with salt crystal monticules and has to be experienced! Mitzpe Ramon: located on the northern edge of the Ramon crater. It is the largest crater of the Negev. This small town is the starting point for many excursions into the desert. The beauty of the landscapes and the geological phenomenas make this place one of the most magnificent spaces in Israel in which to go walking. To discover the desert differently, we recommend that you book a tour with Guide Horizon.
Petra: vast city cut into the stone by the Nabateans, an Arabic people bench in Jordan for more than 2000 years, Petra was a strategic crossroad for the commercial silk and spices routes. The gigantic red cliffs and the vast sanctuaries of the “lost city” are one of the greatest wonders ever set up by Man and Nature. Petra is at approximately 2 hours from Eilat.
The Timna Park: renowned for its spectacular sandstone formations. The valley of Timna shelters various footpaths and the famous Mines of King Solomon, the oldest copper mines of the world. The park is located 20 minutes from Eilat by car.
Eilat's diving sites
The underwater observatory in Eilat
Where to stay in Eilat
Excursions starting from Eilat
Eilat's cultural side
Eilat's desert side