Eilat

Eilat sits where the Negev desert meets the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba. A land-based holiday lets divers explore reefs from shore while companions spend time at Coral Beach, the promenade or local attractions. Choosing between a town hotel and the southern beaches shapes the daily journey to the water.

Before booking: regional security conditions can disrupt flights and border crossings. Read your government’s current advice and your insurer’s conditions; the UK travel advisory warns of possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. Check again close to departure rather than treating a hotel or dive-centre listing as confirmation that the journey will run.

In this page you will find practical information to plan a scuba diving trip to Eilat:

Where to stay?

I usually use this website to book in advance my hotels in Eilat as they usually have the lowest rates I find. I like it because it's free to cancel and change the dates.

You have a good variety of accommodation options in Eilat, from large hotels to simpler rooms and hostels. The practical choice is location: the northern hotel area suits promenade time and restaurants, while Coral Beach puts you nearer several southern reef attractions.

One verified southern example is Isrotel Yam Suf, beside the Coral Beach area with pools and the Manta diving centre. Ask for the full room-and-meal rate for your dates rather than assuming a diver package covers a companion. Manta’s accommodation conditions say guests who do not dive with the centre pay the full room price; this is not a non-diver discount.

Compare room occupancy, meals, transfers, equipment, refresher dives, reserve entry and cancellation conditions. Summer and holiday dates deserve particular attention when comparing rates.

Activities and excursions in Eilat

Travelling with a non-diver?

Coral Beach Nature Reserve offers shore-based snorkelling, so a companion does not need to join a scuba boat. Its official tariff is NIS 40 per adult or NIS 25 per child, checked 24 October 2026. This is reserve admission, not a guided excursion; equipment hire and other services are separate. Reserve a visit and check opening updates.

Manta offers instructor-led snorkelling as a separate activity. Confirm price, duration, swimming ability, minimum age and equipment before booking; there is no verified complete fare here. A companion’s acceptance or fare on a Japanese Gardens dive boat must be confirmed specifically.

The Underwater Observatory offers a way to see marine life without swimming. For a day away from the coast, Timna Park combines desert scenery and marked visitor routes; its visitor centre can explain suitable options and current conditions. Book attractions separately unless your package expressly includes them.

Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Petra and Sinai can involve long journeys or international crossings. Consider road time, border formalities where relevant, current security advice and the effect on your diving schedule.

Best time to visit Eilat

Eilat has a desert climate moderated by the proximity of the Red Sea. For people who cannot stand the heat, summer is a difficult choice: Eilat’s tourism guide notes temperatures above 40°C in the hottest period. Cooler months are more comfortable for time away from the water, while divers need warmer exposure protection.

Autumn can balance warm water with less intense heat, but holidays can change demand and prices. Check the calendar and current conditions instead of assuming September or October will be quiet. For desert outings, consult heat and flood warnings and current park instructions.

Health and Safety

Ask your accommodation where to follow local alerts and find the designated protected space. Keep travel documents and essential medication accessible, and confirm that your insurance covers your destination, scuba activities and disruption in the current circumstances. Follow official instructions if conditions change.

Certified divers should bring their certification, evidence of recent dives and suitable diving insurance; the Eilat diving guide explains the practical check-in requirements. DAN’s guidance recommends at least 12 hours before flying after a single no-decompression dive, or 18 hours after repetitive dives/multiple days, for divers without symptoms. Longer intervals reduce risk; decompression dives require longer planning. Seek medical advice and do not fly with possible diving-injury symptoms.

If you are planning an upcoming dive trip or travelling to Eilat, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Where is Eilat located in the world?

Eilat is located in Israel, in the south of the Negev desert, at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba, near the borders with Egypt and Jordan. Aqaba is a separate city in Jordan; Taba is across the Egyptian border. They are not interchangeable airport or hotel locations for a trip without border formalities.

Eilat regional map

This is the existing regional orientation map; use current airport and border-authority information for travel arrangements.

How to get to Eilat?

Fly to Ramon, then transfer to your hotel

Israel Airports Authority identifies Ramon as Eilat’s airport, about 19 km north of the city. It replaced the former city airport and Ovda’s civilian services in 2019. Search current flights to Ramon, or a connection through Ben Gurion where available; confirm the actual airline schedule and connection allowance before buying separate tickets.

Ramon has public transport, taxis and car-rental facilities. Compare your arrival time with the current service to your hotel area: Coral Beach lies south of the city centre, so a central-bus-station drop-off may leave another leg. Long-distance buses or a rental car can also connect Eilat with other Israeli cities, with fares and departure times checked for your travel date. Leave time for baggage, security checks and disruption.

Satil Wreck © Nicolas Barraque

Do I need a visa for Eilat?

ETA-IL and entry documents

Visitors from visa-exempt countries need to check the official ETA-IL system before travel. The published application fee is NIS 25, and visits are normally up to 90 days subject to admission. An authorisation is not a guarantee of entry. Other nationalities may require a visa, and special rules may apply to dual nationals or particular residency situations; use the official eligibility guidance for your own passport.

A visit to Jordan or Egypt involves separate entry requirements and a return to Israel. Do not assume a Petra or Sinai excursion is a simple domestic day trip. Confirm border opening, permits, fees, vehicle restrictions and re-entry eligibility with the relevant authorities and tour operator before paying.

Getting Around

The promenade is convenient for local walks, but the town centre and southern dive beaches are separate areas. Plan a bus, taxi, hire car or confirmed dive-centre shuttle for the trips you actually intend to make. Carrying scuba equipment along a hot road is a different proposition from an evening stroll. Ask whether transfers are included in your dive or accommodation booking.

Eilat travel questions

Which airport serves Eilat?

Ramon, north of the city. Old advice for the downtown Eilat airport or civilian flights at Ovda is obsolete.

Is Coral Beach within walking distance of every hotel?

No. Check the actual hotel and dive-centre locations and arrange transport for the southern beaches when needed.

Can a non-diver enjoy the trip?

Yes: shore snorkelling, the observatory, hotel facilities and suitable desert outings provide alternatives. Each activity has its own admission, conditions and costs.

Can I add a day in Jordan or Egypt?

Only after checking current border access, entry and re-entry rules, travel advice and the actual tour arrangements. It is an international journey.

Travel information checked 24 October 2026. Recheck flight, border and security information before departure.

Eilat Photos

Scuba diving

You will find all information about sea life, best time to visit, top dive spots, etc. in our review: Eilat Diving