Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, Israel is the link between two completely different underwater worlds. The region of Eilat, bathed by the warm and crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, is arguably the country's leading snorkeling destination. Here you can swim above unspoiled coral reefs, surrounded by a multitude of tropical fish. If the Mediterranean seabed is less spectacular, it nevertheless shelters other treasures, in particular ancient archaeological sites waiting to be explored under the waters.
Both the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts of Israel can be snorkeled, but their underwater environments and sea life watching opportunities are totally different from each other.
The best snorkeling spots in the country are located near Eilat, in the Gulf of Aqaba. The Red Sea, with its calm, warm, gin-clear waters, lovely corals, and colorful underwater life, is truly one of the world’s best snorkeling regions.
However, the number of snorkeling spots in this area can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Of the 7.5 miles of Israeli coast edged by the Red Sea, less than a mile is bordered by a coral reef. Elsewhere, the seabed is mostly sandy, with scattered coral patches.
Coral Beach is the best-known and most snorkeled location in the area. Here, the beach is bordered by a coral reef, which is protected by a marine reserve.
Groupers, parrotfish, emperors, and octopus are common around its vibrant drop-off. There is a fee to explore Coral Beach, and the snorkeling area is restricted to the outer edge of the reef.
A bit further south, don’t miss Migdalor Beach. While its’ shallow reef is not really spectacular, it gives you the chance to observe large and inquisitive wrasse and parrotfish just a few steps from the beach. Less than half a mile south of Migdalor Beach, The Caves shallow dive site is another must-visit location for snorkeling enthusiasts.
A few hundred yards from the Egyptian border, Princess Beach is also a great option. Snorkelers can spot lots of fish around the piers and patch reefs that edge the beach, including lionfish, parrots and schools of sergeants.
Ever dreamed about swimming with dolphins in the wild? Head to EAPC Beach at sunrise, where the bottlenose dolphin from neighboring Dolphin Reef frequently pop up. The pillars of the pipeline crossing the beach are also great environments to explore, as lots of fish, including lionfish and burrfish, like to gather around the pillars.
New Open Beach, near the Coral Beach resort area, is also worth a visit. Its sandy bottoms are visited by bluespotted ribbontail rays and two-stick stingfish.
If you like atypical underwater sceneries, the Underwater Restaurant is another must-visit location. This abandoned structure, which seems straight out of a science fiction movie, is called home by lots of colorful fish.
Besides these locations, you’ll also find decent snorkeling at Dekel Beach, which hosts sporadic small coral patches. You can also try in front of the Bar Beach and the U Coral Beach Club (formerly Club Med).
On the Mediterranean coast of Israel, there are several snorkeling spots north of Tel Aviv, between Netanya and Haifa. The best known is the Caesarea National Park, which offers an absolutely unique experience.
Located on the outskirts of the ancient city of Caesarea, it hides the underwater archaeological remains of King Herod’s harbor.
About 9 miles further north, Neve Yam rock pools and HaBonim Beach creeks are also good options. Other small, wild coves, also fine for snorkeling when the sea is calm, are located just south of the beach.
About 3 miles from the border with Lebanon, near Nahariya, Achziv is another prime spot, perhaps the best on this part of the coast. With its beaches and rocky areas protected by a marine reserve, it is an ideal place to discover Mediterranean marine life.
The closest snorkeling location to Tel Aviv is probably Bat Yam, where a shallow rocky pool is found in front of HaSela Beach.
Further South, the several rocky bays included in the Palmachim National Park are sometimes visited by stingrays and guitarfish (to be snorkeled only when there are no waves).
The Mediterranean and the Red Sea are two completely different marine ecosystems, with distinct environments and species.
It is undoubtedly in the Red Sea that underwater life is the richest and most spectacular. Its warm waters have allowed the development of coral reefs, home to colorful fish, many of them endemic to the region.
When snorkeling the Red Sea coast of Israel, you’ll easily spot the emperor and the regal angelfish, several species of butterflyfish and wrasse, lionfish, as well as the very photogenic Red Sea clownfish in its anemone. Encounters with eagle rays or green sea turtles are exceptional.
On the Mediterranean side, there is no coral, just mostly sandy beds, rocky areas and rare Posidonia meadows. The fish are less colorful, and there is a lesser number of species.
During your snorkeling on this side of the country, you will come across white seabream, ornate wrasse, and occasional small moray eels, flounders, or stingrays. However, these species tend to be replaced by Red Sea immigrants such as spinefoot, Red Sea goatfish, and dozens of other species that invaded the country’s shore waters.
In Israel, the climate varies widely depending on the region, especially between the north and south of the country.
In the Eilat region, the climate is arid, with hot air and almost no rainfall. You can snorkel there all year round, although the temperatures drops and the wind can be strong between December and February.
The water temperature never falls below 70°F/21°C, and can reach almost 86°F/30°C in midsummer. However, it is often recommended to avoid this period (June to August), as the heat can be stifling, with high temperatures reaching 104°F/40°C during the day.
On the Mediterranean coast, the climate remains mild, but winters are more marked, with an average temperature of 57°F/14°C between December and February, and water around 61°F/16°C. On this side of the country, snorkeling takes place mainly in summer. From July to September, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea temperature rises to around 81-82°F/27-28°C.
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Common on all reef spots
Found in all Okinawa reef areas; abundant at Furuzamami Beach
Frequently sighted at Ama Beach at high tide; occasionally seen at Furuzamami Beach
Found in all Okinawa reef areas; common at Furuzamami and Aharen
Frequently sighted chasing on Furuzamami Beach reef
Common on the reefs of the Red Sea coast, including Coral Beach and Princess Beach.
Common on the reefs and seagrass meadows of the Red Sea coast, for example in Princess Beach.
On all Red Sea reef spots
Common on the Mediterranean rocky spots
On all Mediterranean spots
Deep sandy beds with dolphins and pillars colonized by marine life
Level: Free shore access
Narrow fringing reef with large and colorful fish
Patch coral reefs with many colorful fish
Small patch reefs with lots of fish
Huge immersed structure with coral and fish
Level: Free shore access Resort nearby
Marine reserve with coral reef and fish
Level:
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