Diving in Eilat
Why dive here
Eilat offers some of Israel's richest diving, with 139+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales, octopuses, sea turtles, spinner dolphins and whale sharks.
Eilat offers straightforward Red Sea diving, mostly from shore, making it incredibly accessible. We love the convenience of just walking in and finding yourself on a decent reef without a boat trip. Visibility is generally excellent, often 25 metres plus, especially outside of the summer months when things get a bit warmer and the plankton blooms. The Satil wreck is our favourite, a former missile boat resting at about 25 metres. It’s got a great penetration opportunity through the wheelhouse if you’re comfortable, and we’ve seen Bullet Mackerel schooling around the bow, flashing silver in the sun. For something shallower, the Japanese Gardens are a good shout, especially the southern end. You’ll find big Staghorn coral formations there, and we often spot Mimic Blennies darting amongst the polyps. Early morning dives here are usually the calmest and least crowded. Yes, it’s a resort town, and the sites can get busy, but there’s still plenty to explore, especially if you venture a little further out from the main entry points.
Eilat Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Eilat
Eilat Dive Sites
62 dive sites in Eilat
Abū Daraj Reef
Abū Daraj Reef, down in Eilat, is a solid shore dive. You’ll find a gently sloping coral garden here, full of the usual Red Sea suspects like parrotfish and some impressive anemones. It’s a pretty easy entry and navigation, making it a good choice for newer divers looking to get comfortable, or anyone wanting a relaxed afternoon dip without boat logistics. We think it’s a reliable spot when you're in the area.
Al Qaţafah
Al Qaţafah, sometimes called the Japanese Gardens, offers an easy dive right off the Eilat shore. Drop down onto a sloping reef, home to healthy hard corals and a reliable spot for lionfish and schools of snapper. It’s a comfortable dive for those looking for a relaxed exploration rather than deep challenges, ideal for newer divers or a chill second tank. Keep an eye out for resident moray eels tucked into the reef structure.
AL TAIF
The Al Taif wreck, sitting upright at 16 metres, is a real favourite for us in Eilat, especially if you're keen on something more than just reef diving. This sizeable cargo ship, almost 100 metres long, has been down since 1981, and that’s given the Red Sea plenty of time to claim it. We love drifting along the deck, peeking into the holds, and navigating the superstructure. What makes Al Taif special is how open it feels, inviting you inside without being too demanding. Large schools of fusiliers often mill around the mast, flickering like silver confetti. You'll spot lionfish tucked into shadowy corners and moray eels peeking from pipes. For photographers, the light playing through the broken hull sections creates some dramatic shots, particularly in the late morning. It’s a pretty chill dive, perfect for advanced open water divers looking for a leisurely wreck exploration without strong currents or deep commitments.
AMERICANA
The Americana wreck in Eilat is a genuinely fun dive, a small tugboat that somehow ended up on its side at a friendly 16 metres. We've always appreciated a wreck that’s just, well, *there*, rather than a scattered mess. You drop down, and boom, a 26-metre long vessel, listing dramatically, inviting you to explore. It’s small enough that you can really take your time, tracing the outline, poking your head into the wheelhouse if you’re feeling brave (it’s quite open, so no real penetration needed). What makes the Americana a standout, beyond its approachable depth, is the life that’s set up shop. The deck is carpeted with fire coral, a vibrant orange against the ship’s dark hull. Look closer, and you’ll spot crocodile fish perfectly camouflaged on the sandy bottom nearby, and sometimes a stonefish if you're really paying attention. Schools of glassfish shimmer in the shadows of the superstructure, and we’ve often seen lionfish patrolling the edges. For photographers, the Americana offers some fantastic angles, especially with the light filtering through the Red Sea’s clear water onto the upright propeller. We'd suggest an early morning dive before the crowds arrive; it’s a popular spot for a reason.
An Numūsīyah
An Numūsīyah offers a pleasant reef dive in Eilat. We’ve found plenty of Red Sea regulars here – parrotfish, butterflyfish, and the occasional moray eel peeking from a crevice. It’s a good spot for a relaxed dive, particularly if you’re looking for an easy entry and minimal current, making it suitable for newer divers or a chill second dive.
ASAKURA MARU NO 12
The Asakura Maru No. 12 isn't your average Eilat wreck dive. Forget the typical Red Sea coral gardens for a moment, because this dredger tells a story. We’re talking about a vessel that took a torpedo to the gut in the Suez Canal, got refloated, then found its final resting place here in Eilat at a comfortable 15 meters. The bow, with its massive dredging arm still largely intact, faces north, and it’s where we always start. You can glide into the wheelhouse and through a few of the smaller compartments, which makes it perfect for those newer to wreck penetration. Sunlight slices through the openings, illuminating schools of glassfish that shimmer like scattered glitter. Keep an eye out for the resident morays tucked into crevices and the occasional scorpionfish blending perfectly with the encrusted metalwork. We love this wreck for its unique character and the way it balances history with marine life, offering something a bit different from Eilat's usual reef dives.
As Sab‘ Ḩaţābāt
As Sab‘ Ḩaţābāt, or "The Seven Pillars," is a well-known reef in Eilat. It's an accessible spot, good for a relaxed dive among the Red Sea corals. We often see lionfish tucked into crevices and parrotfish grazing on the reef. It’s a solid choice for divers looking for a straightforward, pleasant dive without strong currents.
Ataqa Reef
Ataqa Reef in Eilat offers a relaxed dive along a sloping coral garden. We typically find a good mix of Red Sea reef fish here, like parrotfish and butterflyfish, often with moray eels tucked into the crevices. It’s a straightforward dive, well-suited for divers wanting an easygoing exploration without strong currents or deep profiles. A good spot to stretch your fins after arriving.
Caves
The Caves site in Eilat is a straightforward shore dive, popular for its two main caverns. You'll find them at around 6 to 8 metres, easy to navigate and perfect for photographers looking for interesting light. Expect to see typical Red Sea reef fish darting in and out, but the real draw is the unique structure itself. It's a relaxed dive, good for newer divers or a second, shallower exploration.
Ceasaria Maritima Old City
Dropping into the Ceasaria Maritima Old City site in Eilat, you're looking at history more than reef. Ancient ruins, pottery shards, and remnants of the old port settlement dot the seafloor. It's a different kind of dive, appealing mostly to history buffs or those wanting a break from Eilat's usual coral sites. Don't expect big fish, but the sense of diving through time is pretty unique.
Coral Beach Nature Reserve
We’ve always had a soft spot for Coral Beach. It’s got a bit of a mixed reputation, being Eilat’s most popular spot, but honestly, it earns its crowds. Entry is easy from the beach, straight onto a sand patch that slopes gently down. We love taking our time here, just gliding over the soft coral gardens in the shallows. The reef starts around 3 metres, a vibrant explosion of branching and table corals, spilling down to about 20 metres. What makes it special for us is the sheer density of fish life right from the start. You'll swim through schools of fusiliers so thick they almost block the sun. Look closely for the smaller stuff, the peacock wrasse darting between crevices, and the surprisingly colourful crescent grunters tucked under overhangs. Our favourite game is spotting the orange-lined triggerfish, always looking a little bit grumpy as they cruise past. It’s a genuinely relaxing dive, perfect for beginners, but even experienced divers will appreciate the healthy coral and the sheer volume of fish. Go early in the morning to beat the rush; that’s when the light is best and the reef feels like your own private aquarium.
Dolphin Reef
Dolphin Reef in Eilat offers a unique chance to dive with a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. It’s a controlled environment, but the dolphins are free to come and go from the open sea. You’ll enter from shore and explore the artificial reef structures, often encountering the dolphins as they interact with divers. It’s an easy dive, suitable for all experience levels, and provides an intimate animal encounter unlike many other sites.
Eilat Dive Centres
2 dive shops and operators in Eilat
Ocean Wildlife in Eilat
139 species recorded in Eilat
Eilat Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Eilat, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:20
Sunset
18:20
Daylight
13h 0m
Golden Hour
17:48
First light (dawn) at 04:55 · Last light (dusk) at 18:45
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:44 | 17:09 | 10h 25m |
| Feb | 06:28 | 17:35 | 11h 8m |
| Mar | 05:58 | 17:55 | 11h 57m |
| Apr | 05:21 | 18:14 | 12h 53m |
| May | 04:54 | 18:33 | 13h 39m |
| JunLongest | 04:46 | 18:50 | 14h 4m |
| Jul | 04:56 | 18:50 | 13h 54m |
| AugNow | 05:14 | 18:29 | 13h 15m |
| Sep | 05:32 | 17:54 | 12h 22m |
| Oct | 05:49 | 17:17 | 11h 29m |
| Nov | 06:12 | 16:52 | 10h 39m |
| DecShortest | 06:35 | 16:49 | 10h 14m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Eilat.
Where to Stay near Eilat
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Marine Protected Areas near Eilat
2 protected areas near Eilat - please respect local regulations when diving
ים האלמוגים באילת
הים הדרומי באילת
Getting to Eilat
El Hassana
El Arish
Eilat
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