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Eilat, ישראל - Things to Do in Eilat

Things to Do in Eilat

Eilat, ישראל - Complete Travel Guide

Eilat is Israel's southernmost city and premier beach resort destination, nestled between the dramatic desert mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. This vibrant coastal city serves as Israel's gateway to the Red Sea, offering world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities in one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments. The city's unique location at the northern tip of the Red Sea, bordered by Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, creates a fascinating cultural crossroads where desert meets sea. Beyond its stunning underwater world, Eilat combines luxury resort amenities with outdoor adventures in the surrounding Negev Desert. The city enjoys year-round sunshine and offers everything from high-end shopping and dining to thrilling desert excursions and water sports. With its tax-free status, beautiful beaches, and proximity to incredible natural wonders like the Coral Beach Nature Reserve and Timna Park, Eilat has established itself as both a relaxation haven and an adventure playground for visitors from around the world.

Top Things to Do in Eilat

Red Sea Diving and Snorkeling

Explore the magnificent coral reefs of the Red Sea, home to over 1,000 species of fish and 250 types of coral. The crystal-clear waters offer visibility up to 40 meters, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. Popular sites include the Japanese Gardens, Moses Rock, and the Coral Beach Nature Reserve.

Booking Tip: Dive packages cost $40-80 per dive including equipment. Book with PADI-certified operators and visit during early morning for best visibility. Many operators offer beginner courses starting around $300 for open water certification.

Timna Park Desert Adventure

Discover this geological wonderland featuring ancient copper mines, stunning rock formations, and the famous Solomon's Pillars. The park showcases 6,000 years of mining history with hiking trails, ancient Egyptian temples, and unique desert landscapes. The park's red sandstone formations create a Mars-like environment perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $12 per person with guided tours available for $25-40. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and enjoy better lighting. Rent bikes at the entrance for easier exploration of the 60 square kilometer park.

Underwater Observatory Marine Park

Experience the Red Sea's marine life without getting wet at this unique aquarium built directly into the coral reef. The observatory extends 6 meters underwater, offering 360-degree views of natural coral reefs and tropical fish. The complex also features shark pools, turtle and stingray exhibits, and an IMAX theater.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost around $25 for adults with combo packages including other attractions available. Visit during feeding times (posted daily) for maximum activity. Book online for discounts and consider the annual pass if staying longer than a week.

Dolphin Reef Beach Experience

Swim and snorkel alongside bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat at this unique conservation center. The facility allows visitors to observe and interact with dolphins in a semi-natural lagoon environment while learning about marine conservation. The beach also offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Booking Tip: Entry fees start at $20 with dolphin encounters costing $80-120 per person. Book dolphin swims well in advance as spots are limited. Early morning sessions typically offer calmer conditions and more active dolphins.

Desert Jeep Safari and Camel Riding

Venture into the dramatic Negev Desert landscape on thrilling 4x4 excursions that showcase hidden canyons, ancient petroglyphs, and Bedouin culture. Many tours include traditional Bedouin meals, stargazing experiences, and camel rides through the desert dunes. The contrast between the desert mountains and the Red Sea creates spectacular photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $60-90 per person while full-day adventures range $120-180. Choose operators that include hotel pickup and traditional meals. Sunset tours offer the best lighting and temperatures, especially during summer months.

Getting There

Eilat is accessible via Ramon Airport (ETM), located about 18 kilometers north of the city, which handles both domestic and international flights. The airport offers regular connections to Tel Aviv, European destinations, and seasonal charter flights. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv and take a domestic flight, bus, or rental car for the 4-hour drive south through the Negev Desert. Egged buses run regular services from major Israeli cities, while the scenic drive along Route 90 offers stunning desert vistas. For those coming from Jordan, the Wadi Araba border crossing is just a few minutes from downtown Eilat.

Getting Around

Eilat is a compact city that's easily navigable on foot, especially along the main hotel and beach areas. The city operates an efficient local bus system connecting major attractions, hotels, and shopping areas, with day passes available for around $8. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive for short distances within the city. Many hotels offer free shuttle services to major attractions and beaches. For exploring surrounding areas like Timna Park or the Egyptian border, rental cars provide the most flexibility, though organized tours are also popular and convenient options for desert excursions.

Where to Stay

North Beach Hotel District
Coral Beach Area
Marina and Lagoon
City Center
Taba Border Area
Eilat Mountains

Food & Dining

Eilat's dining scene reflects its diverse international clientele and coastal location, featuring everything from fresh Red Sea seafood to authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. The city's tax-free status means dining out can be more affordable than other Israeli destinations. Popular areas include the Marina for upscale waterfront dining, the hotel district for international cuisine, and the city center for casual local eateries. Don't miss trying fresh fish from the Red Sea, traditional Israeli breakfast, and Bedouin-style lamb dishes. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with sea views, and the city has numerous kosher options alongside international chains and local favorites serving everything from sushi to Italian cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Israel

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Pastory Eilat

4.6 /5
(8458 reviews) 2

Amore Mio

4.5 /5
(7676 reviews) 2

Eataliano Dalla Costa

4.5 /5
(7169 reviews) 2

Vivino

4.7 /5
(4991 reviews) 2

Cicchetti

4.5 /5
(4096 reviews) 3

Roberta Vinci

4.5 /5
(3682 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

Eilat enjoys a desert climate with over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a year-round destination. The best times to visit are October through April when temperatures are comfortable (20-28°C/68-82°F) and perfect for outdoor activities and water sports. Summer months (May-September) can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C/104°F, though this is when you'll find the best hotel deals and fewer crowds. Winter months offer perfect conditions for hiking and desert exploration, while the Red Sea maintains comfortable water temperatures year-round for diving and swimming. Spring and fall provide the ideal balance of pleasant weather, moderate prices, and good availability.

Insider Tips

Take advantage of Eilat's tax-free status for shopping, especially for electronics, jewelry, and luxury goods at the Mall Hayam or Ice Mall
Book diving and snorkeling trips for early morning when marine life is most active and visibility is at its best
Many attractions offer significant discounts for online bookings, and combination tickets can provide substantial savings when visiting multiple sites

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