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Dekel Beach, located halfway between the city center and the port of Eilat, is one of the busiest beaches on the Israeli Red Sea. Unlike the southern beaches, such as Coral Beach or Migdalor Beach, this area does not have a coral reef. Snorkeling in Dekel Beach is  limited to the small coral patches scattered on a sandy slope which, even so, features surprisingly rich viewing opportunities.

Dekel Beach, Eilat
Dekel Beach, Eilat.

How to go snorkeling in Dekel Beach

Dekel Beach, or HaDekel Beach, is a beach on Israel’s Red Sea coast. It is one of the only beaches located north of the port of Eilat, and closest to the city. It is bordered by two beach restaurants, Dekel Beach and Mosh Beach.

To reach the beach, head south towards the Egyptian border. The beach, well indicated, is located about 875 yards after the Aria hotel (formerly the Méridien). There are parking spaces nearby. Access to the beach is free.

Dekel Beach snorkeling map, Eilat

Water entrance for snorkeling Dekel Beach

It is recommended to enter the water next to Dekel Beach restaurant, in front of the coral patches that can be seen from the beach through the surface.

Dekel Beach snorkeling exploration tips

Dekel Beach features extensive sandy beds, scattered with small coral patches. The seabed is less spectacular than on the reefs facing the southern beaches, such as Coral Beach, Migdalor Beach, or Princess Beach, but there’s still plenty to see around the corals.

Group of lionfish under a coral outcrop in Dekel Beach.
The coral outcrops offer shelter to the many lionfish calling Dekel Beach home.

In the shallows next to the beach, take a look at the rubble areas, which are visited by yellowtail surgeonfish, seabream and mullets (↕2ft).

From there, swim to the coral patches. Although they are quite small, they attract lots of sea life. You’ll see hard and soft corals, sea anemones, and many fish. Common sightings here are the Red Sea clownfish, sea goldies, and several species of surgeonfish, triggerfish and parrotfish.

Coral reef at Dekel Beach
One of the reef patches found in Dekel Beach. Most of the corals are still in very good condition.

Dekel Beach is also a good place to spot lionfish, either hiding under coral outcrops or swimming in the open water.

About 50 yards from the beach, the sandy slope descends to the depths. It features larger coral areas, but the depth is too great to enjoy them from the surface.

Red Sea anemonefish at Dekel Beach.
The Red Sea anemonefish is easy to spot in Dekel Beach.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

Dekel Beach and Mosh Beach bars/restaurants are located on the beach

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth12ft/4m
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach
  • Visitor numbersHigh
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes, on the beach

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.