Eilat is a wonderful city in Israel with miles of stunning beaches and warm climate. It is a popular tourist destination for travelers and offers a variety of activities to suit all tastes.
For example, you can try snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing. You can also visit one of the many nature parks and birdwatching sites.
Red Canyon
Red Canyon is one of the more popular hiking trails in Israel and offers a wonderful chance to see some of the desert's most unique features. This narrow gorge is dominated by gorgeous rock formations that are a mix of red tinged sandstone and oxidized minerals.
There are two trails to choose from - a shorter, family friendly Green Trail and a longer Black Trail that offers more of the natural scenery but is also slightly more challenging and is for the more experienced hiker.
You can visit the canyon on your own or as part of a tour. Most tours include hotel transfer, transportation and a local guide to make your trip hassle-free.
Underwater Observatory Marine Park
Eilat is the perfect place to relax on a beach or explore the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea. There are several exciting attractions to choose from, including the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, which is an excellent choice for families.
This park is a unique and fascinating experience that will be sure to delight young and old alike. With a spectacular display (over 800 species) of fish, coral, sharks, molluscs, stingrays, and turtles, it’s an attraction that will be a highlight of your vacation in Eilat.
The Underwater Observatory Marine Park offers a range of activities, including underwater observatories and a nature museum. You can also take a cruise on a glass-bottom boat or visit the Oceanarium, which plays a 4D movie about sharks.
Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve
Eilat Mountains Nature Reserve is a great place to go hiking with stunning views. With a series of trails that wind their way up the mountain, you can see Israel, Egypt, and Jordan, along with the Gulf of Aqaba.
Red Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in the reserve and offers beautiful rock layers that are rich in colour. This sandstone gorge is home to several different hiking trails and offers a range of challenges.
Alternatively, you can visit the Hidden Lake in Timna National Park, which features a contrasting reddish cliff and turquoise lake water. Located about 20 minutes from Eilat, you can explore this secluded spot on a small-group tour.
Dolphin Reef
Dolphin Reef is a unique ecological site for both Israel and the world, where visitors can enjoy a natural atmosphere, magical views, a secluded beach together with the unusual opportunity to observe and interact with dolphins in their natural habitat.
It is home to Cindy, Shy, Dana, Nana, Yampa, Luna, Nikita and Sheba – bottlenose dolphins that live their daily lives here: eating, playing, hunting, mating and socializing with other animals. At times they choose to engage with the people around them, but they are never coerced into doing so.
It offers a 'Support Experience with the aid of the dolphins' for children ages 6 to 16. The program is geared towards youngsters who are going through difficult periods in their lives, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Autism, Dyslexia, Down-Syndrome and depression.
Desert Animal Reserve
Located just 30 km north of Eilat, the Desert Animal Reserve is a sanctuary for some of Israel’s most endangered animals. Endangered animals mentioned in the Bible - including Arabian oryx and red-necked ostriches – are bred here for possible reintroduction to the Negev Desert.
Aside from ostriches, there are also leopards, hyenas, foxes, gazelles and ibex living here. You can ride on a jeep tour to spot these creatures and their habitats.
A great day out for wildlife fans, Timna National Park is a must-see in southern Israel. It’s home to ancient copper mines, smelting furnaces and archeological sites – plus gorgeous desert landscapes and awe-inspiring rock formations in shades of burnt red, pink and tan.
