Travel writing based on first-hand experience
Planning to visit Eilat during your stay in Israel and wondering what to do in this vibrant city? You’ve come to the right place! This detailed travel guide will help you discover everything you need to know about Eilat: from the best things to do and explore in the city and its surroundings, to the perfect places to stay, where to eat, and some useful tips and recommendations to make the most of your trip.
Ready to dive into the wonders of Eilat? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
What to Do in Eilat and Around the Red Sea
Eilat sits at the southern tip of Israel, squeezed between the Red Sea, the desert mountains, and two international borders. Jordan is only a few kilometers to the east. Egypt is a short drive west. On a clear day, the surrounding landscape makes the city feel less like a standard beach resort and more like a small outpost at the edge of several very different worlds.
At first glance, Eilat looks like an easy place to understand: beaches, hotels, sunshine, cocktails, and warm water. That is certainly one way to spend your trip, and nobody will judge you for doing almost nothing more ambitious than moving between a sun lounger and the sea. However, the city becomes much more interesting once we look beyond the promenade.
The Red Sea is the obvious star of the show, with snorkeling, diving, dolphins, coral reefs, and underwater attractions. Just beyond the city, the scenery changes abruptly. The beaches give way to the Eilat Mountains and the Negev Desert, where you can hike through narrow red canyons, follow part of the Israel National Trail, ride through the desert on camelback, or take a jeep tour into landscapes that feel far more remote than the city map suggests.
This guide covers the best things to do in Eilat, practical transport tips, day trips, and the most useful areas to stay. Whether your ideal holiday involves floating above coral, hiking through sandstone, or finding a hotel pool and refusing to leave it, you will find something here.
Important travel note: Conditions in Israel, at airports, and at land borders can change quickly. Before booking, check your government’s latest travel advice for Israel, confirm your airline’s current schedule, and verify opening hours directly with attractions and tour providers. This guide is designed to help you plan a trip when travel is possible.
Planning your Eilat trip? Book these popular experiences first
The most useful advance bookings are the Underwater Observatory Park, a guided snorkeling session at Dolphin Reef, a desert activity at Camel Ranch, and a jeep tour in the Eilat Mountains. Petra tours also need planning because of the international border crossing.
Enjoy the Red Sea in Eilat
The Red Sea is Eilat’s main attraction, and it is easy to see why. The water is warm for much of the year, the coastline is lined with beaches, and the coral reef begins surprisingly close to shore. You do not need a complicated itinerary here. Some of the best days in Eilat are simply a mix of swimming, snorkeling, lunch by the water, and one more dip before sunset because leaving the sea suddenly feels unnecessary.
Swimming on One of Eilat’s Beaches
Eilat developed along Israel’s short stretch of Red Sea coastline, so beaches are never difficult to find. Many are equipped with sun loungers, shaded areas, cafés, and bars. Some have easier entry points into the water, which is useful because the rocky seabed can be uncomfortable under bare feet. Water shoes are a small investment with an unusually high holiday happiness return.
If your only plan is to spend a lazy day sipping something cold, reading half a book, and slipping into the water whenever the sun becomes too enthusiastic, Eilat makes that very easy. Central beaches are convenient if you want restaurants and nightlife nearby. For clearer water and a quieter atmosphere, head southwest toward Coral Beach and the Egyptian border.
The sun is intense, even outside midsummer. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. During the hottest months, avoid spending long periods in direct sun around midday. The desert climate is not interested in whether you remembered to be sensible.
Snorkeling Around Eilat
You do not need a diving certificate to see why the Red Sea is special. A mask, snorkel, and a short bus ride from central Eilat are enough to reach a bright underwater world of coral, fish, and clear turquoise water. Even if snorkeling is not usually the highlight of your holidays, give it an hour or two here. The reef has a strong habit of changing people’s plans.
The best-known place to snorkel is the Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve, southwest of the city center. The protected reserve provides easier access to the reef as well as useful beach facilities, including showers, toilets, shade, and places to sit. Because the reserve protects a fragile marine environment, follow the marked access routes and never touch or stand on coral.
If you want a free alternative, Almog Beach is nearby. It can be busier, and the facilities are less structured, but it still gives you access to beautiful water and marine life.
From central Eilat, take bus 15 toward the southwestern beaches and get off near the Field School or Coral Beach Reserve. Bus 16 runs in the opposite direction back toward the city. Check a live route-planning app before leaving, as schedules and stop names can change. Several diving clubs around Almog Beach and Coral Beach rent snorkeling equipment if you do not want to travel with your own.
Scuba Diving in Eilat
Photo credit: Elche74 / Tripadvisor
If snorkeling leaves you wanting more, scuba diving opens up a much wider slice of the Red Sea. Eilat has wrecks, artificial underwater structures, coral-covered remains, rays, turtles, and fish in enough shapes and colors to make a standard aquarium feel mildly underdressed.
One of the practical advantages of diving in Eilat is that many sites are accessible from the shore. You do not always need to spend half the day arranging a boat trip before seeing anything interesting. The best-known dive areas are concentrated around Coral Beach and Almog Beach.
Diving clubs are easy to find along this part of the coast. Marina Divers is one option near Almog Beach. Before choosing a dive, check whether it is suitable for your certification level and ask what equipment, insurance, transport, and supervision are included.
See Marine Life at the Underwater Observatory Park
Photo credit: CoralWorld.co.il
If you want to see the Red Sea without putting your face underwater, visit the Underwater Observatory Park. Its viewing tower extends into the reef, allowing you to descend below sea level and watch coral, fish, and other marine creatures moving through their natural environment without getting wet.
The park also includes aquariums, sea turtles, rays, and sharks. The scheduled feedings make the visit more interesting, especially with children. The current published program includes shark feeding at 11:30 AM and turtle feeding at 12:30 PM, but check the official schedule before your visit because timings may change.
The park is southwest of central Eilat, on the road toward the Egyptian border. Bus 15 runs from Eilat Central Bus Station to the observatory. The official website currently lists opening hours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, seven days a week, but confirm the latest hours before you leave your hotel.
Booking online is sensible during weekends, holidays, and busy travel periods. It saves time at the entrance and makes this an easy half-day family activity, especially if the heat has made your original hiking plans look increasingly fictional.
Check Underwater Observatory Tickets
Visit Dolphin Reef in Eilat
Dolphin Reef is one of Eilat’s most memorable attractions. Dolphins live freely in the sea here, rather than inside a closed performance pool. Visitors can watch them from floating piers, relax on the beach, or reserve a guided snorkeling experience in the water.
Ordinary entrance tickets are purchased on arrival and include access to the beach and dolphin observation areas. Guided snorkeling is a separate activity and should be booked in advance because group sizes are deliberately small. Participants need to be at least ten years old, comfortable in deep water, and prepared for the fact that dolphins choose whether to approach. This is not a staged encounter, and that is exactly what makes it more special.
The guided snorkeling session includes equipment and a briefing before entering the water. The official website currently lists adult snorkeling at 295 NIS and children aged 10–14 at 265 NIS, but always confirm the live price when booking. Advance reservations are particularly important during weekends and holidays.
Dolphin Reef also has a quieter beach area, shaded corners, food options, and relaxation pools for adults. To reach it from central Eilat, take bus 15 and get off at the Dolphin Reef stop.
What to Do Around Eilat if You Love Nature
Eilat may be Israel’s best-known seaside resort, but the landscape surrounding the city is far more dramatic than the hotel promenade suggests. The Eilat Mountains rise almost immediately behind the coast. Within a short drive or bus ride, you can trade beach bars for dry riverbeds, red rock walls, desert ridges, and trails with views toward Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
If you enjoy an active holiday, do not make the mistake of treating the desert as background scenery. It deserves at least one full day of your itinerary.
Explore the Red Canyon
The Red Canyon is one of the best short hikes near Eilat. The trail squeezes through narrow sandstone walls in warm shades of red, orange, and rust. It is compact enough to fit into a half-day trip, but distinctive enough to feel like a proper desert adventure rather than a polite stroll around a scenic parking area.
Some descriptions call the route easy. That is only partly true. Sections of the trail involve metal footholds, narrow passages, and short climbs. Younger and reasonably fit visitors should manage without difficulty, but anyone with limited mobility, a fear of heights, or very young children should check the route carefully before committing to the full loop.
Bus 392 connects Eilat with the Red Canyon stop, but it is not a frequent city shuttle. Check the current timetable before leaving and plan your return journey carefully. Bring water, sun protection, and shoes with grip. Do not rely on finding shade once you are out in the desert.
Climb Mount Har Cfachot for a Four-Country View
Mount Har Cfachot is a popular hike for travelers who want a big panorama without committing to an all-day expedition. The walk usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you stop at viewpoints.
The summit is only 272 meters above sea level, but the location does the work. From the top, you can look across the Red Sea and surrounding desert toward Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The view is especially beautiful late in the day, although you should begin your descent before darkness unless you have a flashlight and know the trail.
The route begins near the Eilat Field School, along Road 90 toward Egypt and close to Coral Beach. From central Eilat, take bus 15 and get off near the Field School stop. The trailhead signage can be easy to miss, so ask for directions if the small roadside markers are not obvious.
A longer loop can bring you back toward Camel Ranch and Route 90. This is a good option if you want more walking, but check your map before setting off and leave enough daylight for the return.
Hike Part of the Israel National Trail
Eilat is one end of the Israel National Trail, a long-distance route stretching more than 1,000 kilometers through the country. You are unlikely to complete the entire trail during a beach holiday unless your definition of “relaxing break” is unusually ambitious. However, the southern sections around Eilat are well worth exploring.
The trails above the city give you expansive views of the Red Sea, desert ridges, and the neighboring coastline. On a clear day, you can look toward Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
One route begins near the dolphin roundabout at the northern edge of Eilat, where Road 12 starts. Walk uphill for several hundred meters and follow signs toward Wadi Roded and Wadi Netafim. The Israel National Trail is marked with white-black-white stripes.
Continue until the path reaches a junction of wider tracks. From here, you can follow the national trail deeper into the Eilat Nature Reserve or turn toward a blue-marked route that climbs through a narrower canyon. The ascent becomes steeper near the top, but the reward is a broad viewpoint over the desert, Eilat, and the mountains beyond the border.
Depending on the route you choose and how long you linger at the viewpoints, allow around four hours. Use a reliable hiking map, download the route before leaving the city, and bring more water than you think you need. Mobile signal and common sense do not always arrive at exactly the same moment.
Go Mountain Biking in the Eilat Mountains
The Eilat Mountains also have marked mountain-bike routes. Some trails begin near the hiking paths described above and continue through wide desert tracks with panoramic views. This is a good option for experienced riders who want to cover more ground than they would on foot. Before setting out, ask a local rental provider which route suits your ability level and check the heat forecast carefully.
Explore the Desert on Camelback
If hiking is not your thing, or you simply want a different way to experience the desert, book a camel ride at Camel Ranch Eilat.
The ranch offers short introductory rides as well as longer guided treks into the mountains. The shortest options are useful for children or first-time riders who want the novelty without spending half the afternoon negotiating with a camel. Longer routes give you more time away from the road and a much better sense of the surrounding landscape.
Departure times depend on the season and weather, so reserve ahead rather than arriving with a fixed plan and a hopeful expression. The ranch’s official website lists available activities and booking options. From Eilat, you can reach the area by bus 15 and then walk from the Camel Ranch stop, or ask the ranch about current transport arrangements when booking.
Explore the Desert by Jeep
A jeep tour is one of the easiest ways to reach more remote desert viewpoints without spending the day hiking under the sun. Compared with a camel ride, you cover much more ground and reach landscapes that feel properly removed from the resort strip.
Desert Eco Tours offers private jeep trips from Eilat, including daytime excursions and night tours focused on desert wildlife. A night tour is particularly interesting if you want a different side of the desert and a chance to look for nocturnal animals such as jackals and hyenas.
Book ahead if you are traveling during a busy period or want a specific departure time. A private desert trip also works well for families or small groups because you can ask questions, stop for photos, and tailor the pace more easily than on a large coach tour.
Other Things to Do in Southern Israel Near Eilat
If you have extra time, use Eilat as a base for a few longer excursions. Timna Park is the easiest addition to a nature-focused itinerary. The Dead Sea works better as a full-day trip or as a stop on the journey between Eilat and Jerusalem. Petra requires an international border crossing, but it is one of the most tempting reasons to extend your stay.
See the Geological Formations at Timna Park
Photo credit: ParkTimna.co.il
Timna Park lies around 25 kilometers north of Eilat and is one of the best desert day trips in the region. The park is filled with unusual sandstone formations, ancient mining sites, walking trails, cycling routes, and family-friendly activities.
The best-known landmarks include the Mushroom, the Arches, and Solomon’s Pillars. Some viewpoints are accessible with relatively little walking, while other trails give you a more active half-day in the desert. This makes Timna easier to adapt to your energy level than a single fixed hiking route.
A car is the simplest way to explore the park properly because the attractions are spread out. Public buses stop at the junction rather than inside the park, so do not assume you can step off a bus and immediately begin wandering between the rock formations. The official Timna Park website currently lists line 991 from Eilat as one transport option to the junction.
The park’s official ticket page currently lists opening hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and notes that visitors can remain inside until sunset. Check live information before leaving, especially during hotter months or holiday periods.
Visit the Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve
Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve is north of Eilat and can be combined with a visit to Timna Park if you have a car. The reserve focuses on desert wildlife and conservation. It may appeal to families and animal lovers, but Timna is the stronger choice if you have time for only one excursion because the scenery and walking options are much more varied.
Float in the Dead Sea
Floating in the Dead Sea is one of those experiences that sounds slightly overhyped until you try it. The water is so dense with minerals that your body rises effortlessly to the surface. Swimming is not really the point. You simply lean back, float, and try not to splash salty water into your eyes unless you enjoy learning lessons the sharp way.
If you are traveling between Jerusalem and Eilat, the easiest option is to stop around Ein Bokek or Ein Gedi along the route. With a rental car, you can build the stop into your journey. By bus, check the current Egged schedule carefully and make sure the onward connection leaves enough time for a relaxed visit.
You can also visit the Dead Sea as a day trip from Eilat. The journey is long enough that a rental car or an organized tour makes more sense than attempting a rushed visit with several transport connections. A combined Masada and Dead Sea tour is often the most worthwhile version because you see two major landmarks in one day.
Reserve tours and long-distance transport in advance. Routes can be busy, timetables may change, and a last-minute plan is not the clever shortcut it appears to be while you are still standing comfortably inside your hotel.
Check Masada and Dead Sea Tour
Visit Petra from Eilat
Photo credit: Azurfrog / Wikimedia Commons
Petra is across the border in Jordan, but Eilat is one of the most practical bases for visiting it. The Yitzhak Rabin border crossing, formerly known as the Arava crossing, lies only a few kilometers north of the city and connects Eilat with the Jordanian side near Aqaba.
Although independent travel is possible, an organized tour is the simplest option for most visitors. The logistics are not impossible, but they are inconvenient. Rental cars from Israel generally cannot simply be driven into Jordan, public transport between Aqaba and Petra is limited, and border procedures can add uncertainty to the day.
A guided day tour usually includes hotel pickup in Eilat, border assistance, transport through Jordan, and time inside Petra. It is a long day, but it allows you to see the Treasury, walk through the Siq, and explore part of the ancient Nabataean city without arranging every step yourself.
If your itinerary allows it, a two-day tour is a better experience. Petra deserves more than a hurried circuit between the entrance and the Treasury. Staying overnight gives you more time to explore and makes it easier to see the site in softer early-morning light, before the busiest groups arrive.
Border opening hours, entry rules, visa requirements, and tour availability can change. Check the latest information before booking and reserve far enough ahead to provide passport details when required.
Where to Stay in Eilat
The best area to stay in Eilat depends on what you want from the trip. The city center is more convenient for restaurants, shops, nightlife, and the main promenade. The western beaches toward Egypt are quieter and better for snorkeling, diving, Dolphin Reef, and the Underwater Observatory. The residential areas outside the busiest center can offer better value if you do not mind walking or taking a bus.
Stay Near the Western Beaches for Snorkeling and the Red Sea
If your main priorities are snorkeling, diving, and quiet beach time, stay closer to the western beaches toward the Egyptian border. This area feels calmer than the central promenade and puts you near Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Dolphin Reef, and the Underwater Observatory.
Isrotel Yam Suf is the most practical choice for a Red Sea-focused stay. It places you close to the coral beaches and works well if you would rather begin your morning with a snorkel than a taxi ride.
If you prefer a more resort-style experience with easier access to central Eilat, compare rates at Herods Hotels & Spa.
Stay Near Coral Beach for Sea and Mountain Access
If you want to balance hiking with time by the sea, choose accommodation between the western beaches and the mountain trails. You will have a quieter base, easier access to the Eilat Field School area, and a shorter journey to Coral Beach. The trade-off is that central restaurants and nightlife are less convenient.
Prima Music Eilat is a useful choice if you want to stay close to both the beaches and the southern hiking routes.
Stay Near the Promenade for Restaurants and Nightlife
If you want restaurants, beach bars, shops, and evening entertainment within easy walking distance, stay closer to central Eilat and the main promenade. This is the liveliest area and the most convenient choice if you do not want to plan every evening around a bus timetable.
For a more comfortable central stay, compare rates at Astral SeaSide Hotel. For a simpler budget base close to the action, look at Little Prince Hostel.
Check Little Prince Hostel Rates
Stay Outside the Busiest Center for a Quieter City Base
If you want peace and quiet without moving too far from the beach, look at the residential areas outside the busiest part of central Eilat. You may need to walk a little farther or take a short taxi ride, but the atmosphere is calmer and prices can be more forgiving.
Guest House Custo is worth comparing if you want a more relaxed base with a pool for the hottest part of the day.
Where to Eat and Drink in Eilat
Eilat has no shortage of casual restaurants, bars, and quick places to eat. The promenade is the easiest area for an uncomplicated meal after the beach. However, the city is more about convenience and atmosphere than planning an entire trip around destination restaurants.
Where to Eat in Eilat
Along the promenade, you will find plenty of casual places serving burgers, pizza, falafel, hummus, and easy holiday food. These restaurants are useful when you want something quick after swimming and do not feel like launching a research project before ordering lunch.
For a quieter sit-down meal, try Les Sardines at HaMayim 3. It is known for seafood and works well if you want a more relaxed evening away from the busiest casual eateries.
Where to Have a Drink in Eilat
For a relaxed drink, head to Three Monkeys on the promenade. It is a casual pub with sports screens, beer, live music, and occasional dancing.
If you want a later night with DJs and a stronger party atmosphere, check what is happening at Selena Club at Carmel 8. Opening times and event nights change, so confirm the current schedule before making a special trip.
How to Get to Eilat
Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city, and reaching it requires a little planning. There is no passenger train line to Eilat. The main options are a long-distance bus, a rental car, or a domestic flight to Ramon Airport.
Traveling from Tel Aviv to Eilat
By Bus
Egged operates long-distance buses between Tel Aviv and Eilat. The exact routes and departure points vary, so use the official journey planner rather than relying on an old timetable copied into a travel guide. The journey generally takes several hours and crosses a large stretch of desert.
Reserve your seat in advance, especially before weekends, holidays, and busy travel periods. Egged now provides online booking for reserved-seat routes to Eilat, which is much more pleasant than arriving at the station and discovering that your supposedly spontaneous desert adventure has no available seat.
By Plane
Domestic flights connect Ben Gurion Airport with Ramon Airport, around 19 kilometers north of Eilat. Flying can be useful if your itinerary is tight, although airport transfers and security procedures reduce some of the time advantage. Check the current flight schedule before planning around this option.
Traveling from Jerusalem to Eilat
Long-distance buses also connect Jerusalem and Eilat. The journey takes several hours, so reserve ahead and bring water, snacks, and something to occupy yourself once the desert scenery has finished being impressive for the third consecutive hour.
If you are driving, consider stopping at the Dead Sea along the way. This turns a long transfer into a useful sightseeing day and saves you from making a separate round trip later.
How to Get Around Eilat
Eilat Central Bus Station is around a ten-minute walk from the promenade and central beaches. If you stay in the center, many restaurants, shops, and beach areas are easy to reach on foot. However, the city stretches farther than it initially appears, and the terrain becomes hilly away from the coastline.
For the western beaches and attractions toward Egypt, use bus 15 outbound and bus 16 for the return journey. These routes serve Dolphin Reef, Coral Beach, the Underwater Observatory, and stops near some hiking areas.
For the Red Canyon, bus 392 is the useful route, but it is less frequent and should be planned carefully. For Timna Park, buses stop at the junction rather than inside the park, making a rental car much easier if you want to explore properly.
A live route-planning app such as Moovit is useful for checking stop names and current departure times. Since January 2026, Egged has also been piloting direct credit-card and digital-wallet payment on buses in Eilat, which makes local travel easier for visitors without a Rav-Kav card.
Things to Know Before Visiting Eilat and Israel
Check Current Travel Advice Before Booking
Security conditions in Israel and the surrounding region can change quickly. Do not rely on an older travel article, a social-media post, or the fact that a particular attraction appears bookable online. Check your government’s current travel advice, monitor airline updates, and confirm whether border crossings and tours are operating before committing to non-refundable bookings.
This is particularly important if you plan to cross into Jordan for Petra or travel near the Egyptian border. Even when daily life in Eilat appears calm, transport and border arrangements can change at short notice.
Apply for ETA-IL if You Are Visa-Exempt
Travelers from visa-exempt countries now need an approved ETA-IL electronic travel authorization before traveling to Israel. The official system is intended for eligible visitors planning a stay of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
Apply through the official government website rather than a third-party service charging unnecessary fees. Entry approval does not guarantee admission at the border, and requirements can vary depending on nationality and travel history.
Plan Around Shabbat
Eilat has supermarkets, convenience stores, and shopping centers, but opening hours vary during Shabbat and religious holidays. Buy water, food, and any essentials in advance rather than discovering at the least convenient moment that your preferred shop is closed.
Budget for Higher Prices
Israel can feel expensive, and Eilat is a resort city. Drinks, restaurant meals, attraction tickets, and taxis add up quickly. If you are traveling on a tighter budget, choose accommodation with a fridge or simple kitchen facilities, use supermarkets for some meals, and reserve the experiences that matter most rather than trying to book everything.
Use the Tourist Information Office
Eilat’s tourist information office is near the marina and can help with local attractions, maps, and practical questions. It is useful if you arrive without a fixed plan or want to confirm which desert activities are operating during your visit.
Choose the Best Time to Visit Eilat
Eilat is warm and sunny for much of the year, which makes it a popular winter escape. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons if you want to combine beaches with hiking. Summer temperatures can climb above 40°C, making desert activities uncomfortable or unsafe during the hottest part of the day.
For a balanced trip with swimming, snorkeling, and outdoor exploration, aim for spring or autumn. If you visit in midsummer, treat hiking as an early-morning activity and plan the middle of the day around shade, water, and a pool with excellent strategic value.
- Visiting the Qumran Caves (2026): An Amazing Journey Through Ancient Mysteries
- Places To Visit In Israel: Top Cities, Holy Sites & Natural Wonders (2025)
- 5 Essential Things To Do In Acre, Israel [2026 Updated]
- Ultimate Street Food in Israel Guide (2026): What to Eat & Where to Find It
- Ein Gedi in Israel Guide: Oasis Adventure by the Dead Sea [2025 Updated]
