Eilat's Coral BeachAbout Eilat's Coral Beach
Coral Beach Nature Reserve in Eilat, Israel, is a protected fringing coral reef on the northern Gulf of Aqaba and one of the most accessible reef sites on Israel’s Red Sea coast. It functions as a marine reserve and popular recreational shoreline for underwater activities.
Shallow coral gardens and reef edges lie within easy swimming distance of the sand, making the area widely used for snorkeling and beginner scuba diving. Buoyed snorkel trails and moorings separate swimming zones from dive-boat activity, and local operators run guided dives and snorkel tours.
The site is managed to balance recreation with protection; the Israel Nature and Parks Authority oversees the reserve and enforces rules aimed at limiting damage to live coral. Educational signage and nearby visitor facilities support low-impact visitation.
The reserve sits on the northern shore of the Gulf of Aqaba adjacent to the city of Eilat at Israel’s southern tip on the Red Sea coast. Access is via Eilat’s coastal roads and local tourism operators based in the city.
- Access: Equipment rental, dive operators and guided snorkeling trips are available from the city of Eilat; shore access is the most common way to see the reef.
- Conservation: Marked snorkeling areas and moorings are used to concentrate visitor activity away from more fragile coral patches; avoid touching or standing on corals.
What to See#
- Fringing reef: A fringing coral reef running close to the shoreline that forms the marine feature protected by the reserve; accessible from the beach for snorkeling and shallow dives.
- Beach and day-use area: A sandy beach and day-use area with pathways and basic visitor facilities that provide access points to the reef.
- Underwater observatory (nearby): A nearby marine attraction with underwater viewing facilities and aquarium displays located within a short distance of the reserve.
Nearby Attractions to Eilat's Coral Beach
Best Time to Visit Eilat's Coral Beach
Winter months (November-March) offer the most comfortable temperatures and excellent underwater visibility for snorkeling.
Weather & Climate near Eilat's Coral Beach
Eilat's Coral Beach's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 7° - 18° | 12° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 3.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Excellent | 8° - 19° | 14° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 51% | 3.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.0h |
| March | Excellent | 11° - 23° | 17° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 45% | 4.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 15° - 28° | 22° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 38% | 4.4 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 19° - 33° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 34% | 4.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.5h |
| June | Ideal | 22° - 36° | 29° | 0 mm | clear | 36% | 4.3 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.9h |
| July | Ideal | 24° - 37° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 37% | 4.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.7h |
| August | Ideal | 23° - 37° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 41% | 4.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 22° - 34° | 28° | 0 mm | clear | 46% | 4.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 18° - 30° | 24° | 1 mm | clear | 48% | 3.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.3h |
| November | Ideal | 12° - 24° | 18° | 3 mm | clear | 51% | 3.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.6h |
| December | Excellent | 8° - 19° | 13° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 3.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.2h |
How to Get to Eilat's Coral Beach
Coral Beach is located a short drive north of central Eilat along Highway 90; local taxis and organized tours regularly visit. Parking is available near the reserve entrance; follow signage to the protected beach area.
Tips for Visiting Eilat's Coral Beach
- Visit the Coral Beach Nature Reserve early (before 9:00) to see quieter reef snorkeling and fewer day-trippers.
- Snorkel from the designated entry points to protect coral; look for the marked underwater trails and information boards.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a light reef shoe-the shore can be rocky in places.