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, and in particular ancient archaeological sites swallowed up by 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.
The best snorkeling spots on the Red Sea coast of Israel
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, its corals, and its colorful underwater life, is indeed one of the world’s best snorkeling regions.
Here, however, the number of snorkeling spots can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Of the 7.5 miles of Israeli coast edged by the Red Sea, only 1200m are 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, protected by a marine reserve. Groupers, parrotfish, emperors, and octopus are common around its vibrant drop-off. You’ll nevertheless have to pay a fee to explore it, and the snorkeling area is restricted to the outer edge of the reef.
A bit further south, you shouldn’t miss Migdalor Beach: if its shallow reef is not really spectacular, it nevertheless allows observing large and inquisitive wrasse and parrotfish, a few steps only from the beach. Just 600m south of Migdalor Beach, The Caves shallow dive site is another must-visit location for snorkeling enthusiasts.
A few hundred meters 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 use to pop out. The pillars of the pipeline crossing the beach are also great environments to explore, as lots of fish, including lionfish and burrfish, use to gather around them.
Apart from these spots, you’ll also find decent snorkeling at Dekel Beach, which hosts sporadic small coral patches, as well as in front of the Bar Beach and the U Coral Beach Club (formerly Club Med).
The best snorkeling spots on the Mediterranean coast of Israel
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 fifteen kilometers 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 found just south of the beach.
Located 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. In Herzliya and along Tel Aviv seafront, days with calm seas may allow exploring the surroundings of the breakwaters.
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 rays or green sea turtles are occasional.
On the Mediterranean side, there is no coral, but mostly sandy beds, rocky areas and Posidonia meadows. The fish are less colorful, and the number of species is less significant.
During your snorkeling on this side of the country, you will come across two-banded seabream, ornate wrasse, painted comber, and sometimes small moray eels, sole, or stingrays.
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 drop and the wind can be strong between December and February.
The water temperature never drops 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 maximal temperatures approaching 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 is mainly practiced 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 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
Marine reserve with coral reef and fish
Level:
Patch coral reefs with many colorful fish
Rock pool with fish and nudis
Small coral patches scattered on sandy slopes
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