View from Underwater Observatory Park to Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve in Israel.; Shutterstock ID 1296502384; purchase_order: 65050; job: ; client: ; other:
1296502384

Shutterstock / Kety.V

Coral Beach Nature Reserve

Top choice


The crystal-clear waters of this 1km-long reserve are the best place on the Israeli Red Sea coast for snorkelling. Access to the reef wall is by two wooden footbridges and one swim lane; snorkelling areas are marked off by buoys. Snorkelling kit can be rented for 23NIS (100NIS deposit). For picnic supplies, head to the supermarket across the street.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Village Beach

0.34 MILES

Situated just north of Coral Beach, this section of South Beach has free umbrellas, clean water for snorkelling and a bar hosting loud parties during…

2. Underwater Observatory Marine Park

0.56 MILES

The stand-out feature of this aquarium complex, hugely popular with families, is the observatory, which takes you 12m below the surface of the Red Sea…

3. Dolphin Reef Eilat

1.38 MILES

This privately run beach is famous for its abundant shade trees, free-range peacocks and resident pod of semi-wild bottlenose dolphins. Originally from…

4. Dekel Beach

2.51 MILES

Wedged between the port and the naval base about 1.5km south of the city centre, Dekel is less crowded than North Beach and is a popular snorkelling spot.

5. Eilat Museum

3.41 MILES

Tells the fascinating history of Israel's Red Sea outpost. Exhibits cover the capture of Eilat in 1949 and include some great photos of the city's…

6. North Beach

3.41 MILES

Pebbly North Beach and its promenade are often very crowded – for some people, that's one of the main draws. This is by far the most popular place in…

7. Aqaba Heritage Museum

4.8 MILES

This free museum, in the shadow of the giant flagpole, is moderately diverting. There are some fascinating period photos of Aqaba, including at the time…

8. Aqaba Museum

4.81 MILES

The museum, closed in 2017 for renovation of the Aqaba Fort complex, was previously the home of the great-great-grandfather of the present king, Abdullah…