EILAT AND THE RED SEA

Eilat, the city in the extreme south of Israel, is located in the arid district of the Negev and the city is bordered by the Egyptian Taba to the south, Saudi Arabia to the southeast and the Jordanian city of Aqaba to the east.

The reason why most tourists decide to go so far south of Israel is the wonderful coral reefs of Eilat. The city provides interesting paths for hiking through the desert, has a marine observatory founded in 1974 by the zoologist David Friedman where you can see more than 800 species and also makes swimming with dolphins in the Dolphin Reef.

For a change in this area, there is no unanimity regarding the toponymic origin of the Red Sea. Until the 20th century the sea was known thanks to Greek translations as the Arabian Gulf. On the other hand, one of the narratives that generates greater acceptance is the one that maintains that the Red Sea inherits its name in allusion to the seasonal blooms that at certain times of the year appear on the surface of the water, staining it red.

In another narrative, the Red Sea seems to have chosen inspiration for its toponymy in the mountains that surround it, rich in red minerals, which have subsequently led to its name. Known in Hebrew as the Ruby Mountains.

Other theories that refer to the search for the origin of why the Red Sea is known as red is the one that argues that the color red and black are colors with a geographical connotation. This theory is based on the fact that some Asian languages ​​use colors to refer to the orientations of impressive numbers of compasses. Thus, black corresponds to the North and Red to the South..

Eilat offers much more to visitors after not only being a transit point to other destinations they have planned to reach such as Sharm el Sheik, Aqaba or Petra. In recent years, the great offer of hotel services and the good climate have made many Israelis and internationals see Eilat as an alternative to relax and enjoy adventures in full contact with nature.

In Eilat you can do diving and Snorkeling in its coral reef in the middle of the Red Sea, Visit the wonderful Timna Park where geology and landscape come together astonishingly or you can do a trekking in the red canyon with night camping enjoying the stars.

The city offers a wide variety of experiences in full contact with nature, and all the ingredients to disconnect.

The Red Sea Eilat Beach offers an extraordinary adventure for diving. it is a gulf where you can dive; the sea in turn is shared at the same time by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan and Sudan.

The Sudanese Red Sea

It is an underwater paradise of turquoise color, in which the coast is surrounded by the Jordanian mountains and which is less than 30 kilometers from the Negev desert.

Our underwater journey starts from the bustling little Eilat, where there are more than 100 types of coral and 800 varieties of marine life: octopus, rays, dolphins, barracudas, groupers, sea snakes, turtles, parrot fish, angelfish, butterfly fish, even whale sharks sometimes. Keeping aside its aquatic flora and fauna, expert divers come to the shores of the Red Sea in Israel also to visit unrivaled wrecks.

The best known diving spots are: the Japanese garden, next to the Underwater Observatory; the Dolphin Reef where you can dive and swim with the dolphins and the Caves, with two underwater passages and hundreds of fish called sweepers. It is recommended for all activities to have the guidance and help of professional and specialized divers, with knowledge of the territory.

The Japanese Garden Located in a nature reserve and strictly controlled by the Israeli Department of Sanctuaries. The number of divers in this place should not exceed 32 people in shallow water and 32 people in deep water per day. The dives are made from special platforms and boats. Although the enclave can be reached without a boat, the journey to the reserve takes 40 minutes between round trips. So it is better to use a boat.

The cave takes its name from two passages that appeared naturally in the coral formation. Recently one of them was closed due to its narrowness and the fear that diving could have further damaged the ecosystem. The second cave, on the other hand, is still accessible and is much wider. In its form the landscape resembles a great arch.

The most practiced water sports in Eilat include: snorkeling, common diving and or free diving, an original modality that requires special mental preparation. With an average water temperature of around 21-25 ° C, little or no currents and clear waters, Eilat provides good visibility down to an average of 20-30 meters.

Here are some of the places where you can snorkel in Eilat and rent equipment.

Lighthouse Beach or Migdal It is the beach after the Submarine Observatory. There you can rent snorkeling equipment and enjoy its facilities. You literally go into the water and without further effort, the fish are already there. The place has a bar and restaurant.

Aqua sport beach Located practically in front of the Isrotel Yam suf. It is a free enclave and you will also find where to rent the equipment.

The Coral Beach Nature Reserve is an option in which the entrance costs money but highly recommended.

Any more questions concerning the visit to Eilat? Contact us soon.