Freediving Vacation in Eilat: How to Plan the Perfect Dive Trip

2 days ago

5 min read

Updated: 10 hours ago

Eilat, Israel's southernmost city, is known for its crystal-clear water, colorful coral reefs and beautiful underwater world, which make it a perfect destination for freediving. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Eilat offers a wide range of fascinating diving experiences. In this article we go over the different options for a freediving vacation in Eilat.

Why is Eilat a perfect destination for divers?

Eilat is considered one of the leading freediving destinations in the world, thanks to a unique combination of spectacular coral reefs and breathtaking scenery.

Calm sea conditions and a stable temperature for most of the year make the city ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. These are the advantages of freediving in Eilat:

Rare coral reefs – The Coral Beach Nature Reserve is one of the northernmost coral reefs in the world, with a wide variety of colorful fish, corals and invertebrates.
A variety of freediving sites – From beginner spots to deep dives, Eilat offers sites such as Tamar Reef, the Satil wreck and many more, which we describe below.
Different ways to dive – You can choose between freediving, snorkeling or technical diving.
Freedive Israel – Eilat is home to Israel's leading freediving club, offering a wide range of freediving courses in Eilat, breathwork workshops and more.
Easy access – Eilat's coastline gives easy access to most dive sites, with parking, restrooms and facilities close by.

Top dive sites in Eilat

Eilat has a wide range of dive sites for every level:

Yatush Wreck (Nets) – Depth: about 30 m. A ship sunk in 1986, about 12 m long, sitting with its bow facing east.
Garden Eels – Depth: 6-18 m. A sandy slope full of garden eels, alongside beautiful coral heads.
Tamar Reef – Depth: about 8 m. An artificial reef of concrete blocks that attracts fish and corals. Excellent for freediving.
Moses Rock – Depth: about 8 m. The largest and best-known coral head in Eilat.
Japanese Gardens – Depth: 12-30 m. A beautiful coral strip with shallow and deep gardens, ideal for freedivers.
The University / Lighthouse – Depth: 6-18 m. A gentle slope with corals, fish and marine research equipment.
Three Sisters (Three Rocks) – Depth: about 8 m. Three huge, shallow coral heads surrounded by sand.
The Caves – Depth: 6-8 m. A long fringing reef with caves and underwater passages.
Neptune Tables / Veronica – Depth: about 24 m. Impressive table corals and a sandy bottom full of life.
Satil Wreck (INS Sufa) – Depth: 18-24 m. A missile boat sunk in 1994, now rich in corals and marine life.
Katza (EAPC Pier) – Depth: about 18 m. A pier with large pillars covered in corals and fish.
The Canyon – Depth: from 20 m. A deep underwater wadi with spectacular corals, for experienced divers.
The Underwater Restaurant – Depth: 6-12 m. A former underwater restaurant surrounded by thriving corals.
Paradise – Depth: 24-30 m. A stunning site with a huge variety of corals and marine animals.
The Pyramid – Depth: about 30 m. An artificial pyramid covered in red sponge corals.
Sun Boat – Depth: about 15 m. A sunken ship surrounded by amphibious vehicles that are now home to marine life.

Tips for planning a freediving vacation in Eilat

Choose a freediving club – Pick a professional, well-known club that offers courses and guided dives that match your level. Check the club's website and its Google and TripAdvisor reviews to get an overall picture of students' experiences.
Book accommodation – We recommend staying close to the dive sites and clubs, for example Yam Suf Hotel, Club Inn or Orchid Hotel, all perfectly located near the dive sites.
Plan ahead – In peak seasons such as summer and holidays, demand for dives and accommodation is high, so book in advance and compare prices on sites like Trivago or Booking.
Health check – Before taking a diving course, make sure you are in good health. Some clubs require a medical certificate.
Diving equipment – If you have your own gear, bring it. That said, the clubs in Eilat rent out quality equipment, so check with the club you choose.

Where to eat in Eilat

Fortuna – An intimate pizzeria with a warm atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed evening with a bottle of wine and great pizza.
Branja – A unique café in the tourist area with a varied, high-quality menu and a laid-back vibe.
Breuteman – An excellent bakery with sandwiches and sourdough pastries, popular with locals all day long.
Pastori – An excellent Italian restaurant with quality dishes and precise flavors.
Thai Story – An authentic Thai restaurant with flavors that take you back to Bangkok.
The Ethiopian restaurant – Authentic Ethiopian food, great for vegetarians and vegans too.
Saga Sushi / The Thai Corner – Recommended for fans of Asian food. Saga Sushi serves fresh sushi and excellent Asian dishes, and The Thai Corner serves authentic Thai food with great service.
Papi – A great restaurant for meat lovers. Prices are high, but it is well worth it.

Where to drink in Eilat

Eilat Wines – Especially recommended on Friday mornings, with an elegant atmosphere and fine food.
Wine Garage – A bar in the industrial area that opens only on Sundays, with a young and special vibe.
HaBardak – Can make for a great night out, though it usually plays techno and mostly draws tourists.
The Brewery – A brewpub with a selection of craft beers, great food and a pleasant atmosphere.
Messy – A classic rock bar with good music, tasty pizza and friendly staff.

Parties in Eilat

Dekel Beach (Friday afternoons) – A regular party with techno and trance music and a true sense of freedom.
White Night at Mush Beach – A unique live music event. Check the beach's Facebook page for dates.
Abraham Hostel – Quality parties with a changing lineup. Check upcoming events in advance.

Which beach to go to in Eilat

Katza – A natural, clean beach, ideal for snorkeling, with a chance of seeing dolphins.
Princess Beach and the Lighthouse – The most impressive coral reefs in the city.
Mush Beach – A magical atmosphere, great food, and jam nights around a bonfire in winter.
North Beach – Perfect for special sunsets and a different experience from Eilat's other beaches.
Aqua Sport – A family beach with all the facilities you need and easy entry into the water.

Places you shouldn't miss

The Stella Bet at Dolphin Reef – A peaceful corner with a breathtaking view. Free entry after 17:00 (closed on Sundays).
Elad Theater – A local theater with varied shows and activities. Follow it on Instagram for updates.

Desert hikes and trails

Red Canyon – A short, spectacular trail suitable for the whole family.
Nahal Gishron – A short loop or a longer hike with amazing views.
Shehoret Canyon – An easy trail with special scenery.
Tsfachot – An impressive lookout where you can see four countries, especially recommended at sunrise.
Timna Park – Unique desert scenery. We recommend hiking Nahal Alaxon and Mount Timna.
Kasui Sand Dunes – Soft sand dunes for a fun, energetic experience.
Ma'avar Tzafra – A short, impressive gorge that connects to Nahal Gishron.
Yotam's Knife – A short trail with amazing panoramic views.

Views without the effort

Mount Yehoram – Easy access to the summit, especially good for breathtaking sunsets.
Tsfachot lookout – A perfect stop for coffee with a magical panoramic view.

Summary

A freediving vacation in Eilat offers an unforgettable experience, with a wide range of spectacular dive sites and a unique combination of coral reefs and rich marine life. The perfect dive vacation combines comfort, professionalism and easy access to the city's best dive sites, so it is worth preparing for it properly.