All About Diving in Eilat

This page contains information relating to diving in Eilat, including the Israeli Diving Law and how it might impact you. I've also included some information on Eilat's non-diving activities.

Click here for info on the Israeli Diving Law

Click here for the medical form (worthwhile before you come)

Click here for info on non-diving activities

What makes Eilat such a great place to dive?

The short answer: Warm water, beautiful coral reef, easy shore entries, wide choice of accommodation options, reliable weather.

Here's the longer answer:

• Warm water

Water temperatures here in Eilat allow you to dive comfortably all year 'round. In summer the water temperature goes up to 27 °C. (80-81 °F) and down to around 21°C (70 °F) in winter. I'll provide the appropriate wetsuit for every season to make sure that you're comfortable.

• Easy shore entries

In Eilat, you won't have to go through the hassle of diving from a boat. We simply walk into the sea. All entries are easy. This is especially perfect for beginners who can still feel some land under their feet until they disappear under the water surface for the first time.

• Lots to see — corals, fishes and wrecks

In Eilat, we have a coral reef with vibrant and exotic fish life and lots of other interesting creatures like crabs, octopuses and even occasional turtles. In fact, the Red Sea is renowned for the richness and variety of fish species and invertebrates. There are also 2 wrecks which attract a lot of sea life. All of the photos on this site were taken in Eilat by me or my diving partner.

• Reliable weather

The sun shines and the sea is calm nearly every day of the year. Even winter has only a few cloudy days.

• Resort atmosphere

Eilat is a resort town and offers lots of activities for non-diving family members. There are plenty of restaurants, kosher and otherwise, something for every taste. Visitors to Eilat enjoy the beautiful landscape of a deep blue sea surrounded by colorful mountains.

• Wide range of accommodations

In Eilat, you can choose from a wide range of accommodations to suit any budget. Hotels range from the fanciest hotels in the country to simple hostel-type accommodations. More information is available on the accomodations page.

What you need to know about the Israeli Diving Law

1. Diving insurance is mandatory by law for every certified diver who wants to dive in Israel. Unfortunately, this includes certified divers enrolled in Advanced Open Water or Specialty courses. Students in Open Water Diver or Scuba Diver courses, as well as Discover Scuba Diving program participants, are completely covered by the dive center's insurance.
   
   Don't panic - If you don't bring proof of diving insurance, I can arrange it for you when you get here. Short-term insurance of 5 to 14 days, covering the period of your trip, can be had for about $19-22. I would recommend, however, that any traveling divers take out insurance before leaving home. Divers Alert Network (DAN) offers excellent insurance coverage. See the websites of DAN America and DAN Europe as appropriate.
   
   
2. The minimum age in Israel for all diving courses, including Discover Scuba Diving, is 12. For some reason, younger children are permitted to take 'intro' dives, a practice I personally find irresponsible.
   
   
3. Independent diving (buddy pair without instuctor or divemaster) is allowed only for 2 divers with Advanced Open Water certification and above. Solo-diving is prohibited by law!
   
   
4. All Open Water Diver courses must include diving over 5 different days, and must include a total of 6 open water course dives. (PADI sets no time limits on courses, and requires 4 open water dives).
   

Medical Form - Read before you go

All course participants must submit a complete medical statement form before beginning the course. If you'd like to read over the form (and possibly consult with your physician) before you come, you may download the form here (adobe pdf).

Please note that if you are over 45 years of age, and answer yes to any one of the following questions, you must obtain your physician's OK to dive:
• currently smoke a pipe, cigars or cigarettes
• have a high cholesterol level
• have a family history of heart attack or stroke
• are currently receiving medical care
• high blood pressure
• diabetes mellitus, even if controlled by diet alone

What to do in Eilat when you're not diving

Other than eating and sleeping, there's lots to do in Eilat when you or your traveling companions are not diving. Here's a brief overview of my recommendations.

Snorkeling: best in the Coral Beach Nature Reserve (with admission fee, or free from the fence at Ben-Harush Beach opposite Isrotel Manta if you don't mind finning the 400 meters/yards to the famous Moses Rock) or at various places along the South Beach, especially at Lighthouse Beach (migdalor in Hebrew), opposite Snuba, or opposite the Princess Hotel. Be sure to use sun protection - a lycra shirt is best. In the winter months you might want a light wetsuit.

Hiking: The area around Eilat is blessed with natural beauty that isn't found in too many places in the world. Colorful hills and rock formations, canyons, and marked hiking and walking trails make for a wonderful hourlong, half-day or full-day excursion from November to April, when the weather is fantastic for walking. You can go hiking in May or October in the early morning, but unfortunately it can be too hot from June to September, even at dawn.

Even if you don't have a car, there is magnificent hiking right opposite the South Beach, leading up to Mt. Tzfahot with fantastic views - ask me for directions. You can also hire a guide to take you to the amazing Timna Park only half an hour north of Eilat. Some nearby popular hiking destinations are appropriate for the entire family. I recommend the Red Canyon and Amram's Pillars. You can get there by car or with a guide, and enjoy outworldly scenery without too much effort.

People used to enjoy taking a day-trip over the border to visit Petra but the Jordanians recently and inexplicably decided to double the entrance fee for day-trippers, putting it beyond the reach of many.

Attractions: The most popular attractions in Eilat are the Coral World Observatory and the Dolphin Reef. The Coral World Observatory is an Eilat landmark and features a look out on the coral reef through underwater windows. The facility also includes typical and atypical aquarium exhibits, including live feeding shows. It may not be the ideal day activity in the summer, as most of your time will be out of doors, but otherwise it can be an enjoyable experience, especially for the non-divers in your group. The Dolphin Reef houses a pod of captive dolphins in an underwater enclosure and offers snorkeling and diving experiences in the presence of dolphins. The beach is very nice and some may enjoy the snorkeling experience, but unfortunately I must say that just about every customer of mine who has ever gone for an intro dive or guided dive has been disappointed by the experience - complaints include short dive times, shoddy or ill-fitting dive equipment, and rude or incompetent dive instructors.

Other attractions in Eilat include a 3-D IMAX theater, a family theme park called Kings' City (the theme derives from King Solomon's copper mines), and even ice skating.

Have you tried windsurfing yet?