If you have dived in Eilat before, please share your experiences: Dive spots you would recommend, which Dive Center you used, Fishes & Diving, Visibility, Currents, etc. Please post your comments in the section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next trip
Eilat diving is mainly shore-based, with coral reefs and the Satil wreck accessible during a land-based stay. Almost all of the dive sites are reachable from the shore, which limits the logistics of organising a boat trip and allows a more flexible schedule. Japanese Gardens is the notable boat-dive option in Manta’s programme.
The reef slope drops away close to shore, so easy access does not mean every profile is shallow. Choose the site and depth for your certification and recent experience. Divers and non-divers can share a hotel holiday without needing the same daily programme.
Travel planning: check your government’s current advice, flight operation and insurance conditions. The UK advisory warns that regional tensions may cause travel disruption; shore access is not a guarantee that a trip will operate.
Coral Reef © Nicolas Barraque
In this page you will find more detailed information about scuba diving in Eilat.
Table of contents
Best Dive Review
Reefs and wrecks: which Eilat sites suit your trip?
A very interesting area is the Nature Reserve, where Moses Rock gives a shallow introduction to the coral landscape. Manta’s site descriptions distinguish that roughly 8 m profile from deeper dives along the reserve slope.
- Satil wreck: Manta describes a guided dive to about 24 m. It is a deeper dive for appropriately qualified divers, not an introductory shore splash. Wreck penetration is a separate overhead activity and is not implied by a recreational tour.
- Japanese Gardens: the operator offers guided boat dives, with a shallow profile to about 10 m and a deeper wall profile to about 30 m. Confirm the boat, permissions and programme before choosing a booking around it.
- Neptune Tables: a deeper coral-slope dive, described by Manta at roughly 25 m.
- Moses Rock, Veronica and Three Sisters: shallower alternatives in the operator’s catalogue; the exact dive still depends on conditions and the guide’s assessment.
These are published operator profiles, not depths that every diver should attempt or proof of the maximum seabed depth.
Satil Wreck © Geraldine Pahaut
How to dive Eilat?
Documents and the six-month check
Manta’s published requirements ask certified divers for a recognised certification, valid diving insurance and proof of a dive within the previous six months. If that evidence is missing or the last dive was longer ago, the centre requires a refresher. Bring your logbook or ask what electronic evidence it accepts before arrival.
The Israeli Diving Federation also states that diving insurance is mandatory. Have your operator check the document’s cover for the planned activity rather than assuming an ordinary travel policy will suffice. Ask separately about medical forms, age limits and any additional centre requirements.
A guided-dive quote should specify equipment or tank-and-weights only, transfers, reserve fees and refresher costs. An Egyptian Red Sea liveaboard listing does not establish an Eilat departure: local shore diving and an Egyptian cruise are different bookings with different travel arrangements.
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.
Best time to dive in Eilat
Eilat welcomes divers throughout the year, when local conditions and access allow. Summer brings warmer water and intense heat on land; winter calls for warmer suits and layers between dives. Autumn can be a comfortable compromise, but public holidays may change the atmosphere and accommodation demand.
FunDive’s seasonal guide gives roughly 21–22°C in winter and 26–28°C around the summer peak. These are planning ranges, not a temperature guarantee for your dive. Ask for recent readings and choose exposure protection for repeated dives rather than a single short swim.
Top liveaboards in Eilat according to divers reviews
Dive courses
Beginners can take a course rather than treating a deep shore site as an easy first dive. As one dated price example, Manta lists its five-day Open Water course at NIS 1,400, with theory and six dives; its advertised November–February offer is NIS 1,150 excluding holidays. Checked 24 October 2026, this is one operator’s published price, not an Eilat-wide average. Confirm the applicable season, language, equipment, certification charges, medical paperwork and accommodation total in writing.
The same operator lists a minimum course age of 12 and additional medical forms from age 45. These are its published registration conditions; contact the centre for the requirements applying to your course and circumstances.
Scuba Diving conditions
Shore entries and a sheltered gulf are part of Eilat’s appeal, but wind, waves and current still affect the choice of site and exit. Visibility changes with conditions, so use the day’s briefing when planning your dive. Keep within your qualification, stay aware of the slope and follow the local briefing.
For longer gaps between dives, arrange the refresher before reserving a demanding profile. Confirm the emergency plan and oxygen availability with the operator. Leave a suitable no-fly interval at the end of the holiday; the Eilat travel guide links DAN’s guidance.
Snorkelling in Eilat
Travelling with a non-diver?
The Coral Beach Nature Reserve provides designated bridges for access beyond the reef, plus beach facilities and snorkelling-equipment hire. Use the designated access and never stand on coral. The official admission tariff checked 24 October 2026 is NIS 40 per adult or NIS 25 per child; rental, guiding and transport are not a complete package at that price.
Manta offers guided snorkelling for companions who prefer an instructor-led activity. Confirm the fare, swimming requirements, age conditions and inclusions. Non-diver acceptance and a fare on the Japanese Gardens dive boat have not been verified, so do not assume a companion can board free or receives a discount. Shore snorkelling and the observatory are useful alternatives without that boat dependency.
Fishes and Coral
The coral reefs are a diverse living world, with branching and table forms, anemones and sponges giving the shallow reef much of its texture. Reef fish and smaller creatures reward a slow look rather than a race towards the deepest point. The reserve authority emphasises access that protects the reef and its inhabitants.
Larger animals are occasional visitors, not a scheduled attraction. Do not book around a promise of a whale shark every summer, and never chase wildlife to turn a possible encounter into a photograph.
© Nicolas Barraque
Diving Safety
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.
Eilat diving questions
Can I dive Eilat without a boat?
Yes. Most local recreational outings are shore dives; Japanese Gardens is a separately arranged boat option in Manta’s programme.
What if I have not dived for six months?
Expect a refresher and tell your centre in advance. Bring proof of your most recent dive as well as certification and insurance.
Is Satil suitable for a first introductory dive?
The published guided profile is around 24 m, so it needs appropriate certification and experience. Beginners should choose an introductory activity or course at a suitable shallow site.
Can my non-diving partner join me?
A land-based stay offers independent or guided snorkelling and other activities. Confirm boat acceptance and price separately if you want the same boat outing.
Are whale sharks guaranteed in summer?
No. Wildlife sightings are unpredictable and should not determine whether the trip has delivered what was booked.
Original review written with the help of Claire from U Dive Eilat. Original photo credits are retained. Practical information and linked operator requirements checked 24 October 2026.
Photos Eilat
Travel Guide
Now that you know all about the underwater world, you might want to start planning your scuba holiday! Check out our Eilat Travel Review for information about how to get there, activities and excursions, where to stay, and more.
Diving Reviews for this region
Dive spots reviews in Eilat
Liveaboard Reviews in Eilat
MV Blue Melody
Photos: Blue Melody gallery supplied through LiveAboard.com.
I am really would like to thank Shulamit’s Eilat Diving Adventures for their service. Dives with Shulamit went smoothly and nicely. Shulamit always keeps her eyes on divers.
The equipment is new and not cheap – just perfect.
You do not need to bring with you anything. Shulamit has everything for high quality diving.
Brihg with you just your certificate (if you have it) and your smile and good mood.
Also, separate thanks to David – Shulamit’s instructor. He is perfect and patient guide and instructor. David can explain nicely and clearly existing issues and helps to eliminate them painlessly.
what is the cheapest diving company for a first time dive?
In my experience, the cheapest is not the best. More often than not, the “cheapest” company will charge you for other things that other companies will not. Ask around when you get to Eilat. In my experience, many of the locals know what dive companies have good reputations and which ones exist only to separate tourists from their money.
I had been snorkelling in Eilat for the last thirty years repeatedly,in the summer, always enjoying amazing experience. Over the years I had been observing some of the changes in the structure and development of the reef, together with sighting of amazing creatures, many species of fish and coral, octopuses, different kinds of eels, spotted rays, a few beautiful sightings of sea turtles.
My favourite part of the beach for snorkelling is from Aquasport to the Princess Hotel, done with the north wind which helps cover the distance which includes some of the sights mentioned (the Coral Reserve) and more. Like an long snorkelling walk along the best sights, including the underwater observatory from the outside.
Have you dove the red sea from israel and Egypt.? How do the compare to each other? For Egypt is it better to do a live-abroad?
Hello Eric,
Eilat, the southernmost city of Israel, is a unique oasis on the coast of the Red Sea. Eilat is blessed with everything that makes a perfect vacation – beautiful mirror-like sea, lively beaches, seafront bars and restaurants, first-rate hotels, all kinds of water sports, spectacular underwater world and coral reefs, diving clubs, desert treks, camel tours and even swimming with dolphins. Flights to Eilat arrive daily to the International airport located in the city.
Eilat- The Red Sea
Eilat lives by the rhythm of the sun, the desert, but mostly the sea. The water of the Red Sea hide a delightful surprise – breathtakingly beautiful Coral Reefs and an enchanted under water world, featuring thousands of varieties of fish and other marine life forms. The astonishing fish and corals of the temperate gulf waters are unique in their color and variety, and Eilat boasts the northernmost coral reef in the world. On shore, there is a Dolphin Reef facility where visitors can observe dolphins, and even swim and dive with them. Eilat’s famous Underwater Observatory is also a must. It is only one of four such facilities in world. A spiral staircase in the round observatory takes you below the water surface allowing you to comfortably observe actual life along the coral reef. If you are wondering about the name, the Red Sea is not actually red. Like all seas is blue. Its’ original name is the “Reed Sea” (Yam Suf, in Hebrew). Its’ modern name is the result of a mistake in translation changing “reed” to “red”. Even though, in the sunset the stunning red mountains to the east are reflected in the water painting it beautiful red color. So, some mistakes are meant to happen!
Nature Attractions
Eilat has many attractions accommodating any kind of vacation. If you are looking for adventure, Eilat offers scuba diving, windsurfing, trekking, climbing, snorkeling and much more. If you are looking to relax and lay back, Eilat’s luxurious hotels and relaxed beaches offer the perfect setting to do just that. But there is more to Eilat than the azure waters of the red sea. Eilat is a haven for bird observation. It’s the only land bridge between Asia and Africa and of the world’s most important bird migratory routes. Fall and spring are the main migratory seasons, but birds can be seen crossing continents every month of the year. In addition Eilat is surrounded with spectacular mountains – the Eilat Mountains from the west and the Jordanian Edom Mountains from the east. One famous place in the area is the Timna Park – the site of ancient copper mines. Today the place is known for its beautiful colored rocks, stunning cliffs and canyons. The Desert Mountains surrounding Eilat contrast beautifully the stunning blue of the red sea.
Thank you again Claire and Serge for the superb diving that you organised last week. I found your “more technical” course (wrech, deep, NitrOx) very useful and professionaly run. But I have to confess you that the course I have enjoyed the most was the Digital Underwater Photograpy: it is clear that you have a passion for the topic, besides the fact that you are an superlative underwater photographer! Love to comeback next years. Love Eilat, Love Udive. XOXO
Satil is nice wreck in north Red Sea
I went diving with Marine Divers just last week and had a fabulous time. While I do have to say that the rental equipment was a bit worn (I had some fin problems and a seal issue) – the people that worked there were INCREDIBLY nice! They didn’t nickel and dime you like a lot of other SCUBA outfits that I’ve patronized. They charged me 1200 Shekels for a private Advanced Adventurer course (six dives and equipment was included, to include Nitrox) – and offered me the chance to dive in a couple of different locations that appealed to me.
Hi, I’ve dived for many years in Eilat, I dived with the Dolphin Reef, Marina Divers,
The Dolphin Ref are excellent people, and I know everyone there after all this years. I used to dive all over Eilat with them, and one of the best places I still think is the Nature Reserve.
Last year also dived with Marina Divers, they treat you very well and ask where you would like to dive, and they give you a choice, they really look after you.
Also have dived with Aqua Sport, and they where fantastic.
I’ve been diving in Eilat since 2001.
Hope you enjoy and have a great time.
I dived on the Satil wreck off Eilat this summer, and it was fascinating. I went with Aquasport, who were very good, but have to say extremely busy, so not really my cup of tea. The beaches were very crowded, and there were hoards of other divers in the water, so if you prefer a quieter life, as I do, pop over the border into Egypt, and dive from the Taba Hilton, where things are much calmer, and very much cheaper too!
Hello,
I have been in Eilat a few times since I have family living in Israel, I have only done snorkelling there and I was wondering if there is a possibility to get my divers license/bufet there. I will go there again in Januari and after that i’ll go to Australia, so it would be nice if I could get my divers license here since it is very expensive in Australia.
Anybody who knows if this is possible here?
In Eilat you can ask Serge or Claire from Udive.org, 99% they can help you. GoodLuck. Eilat is Fun Fun Fun …
Hi there.
I have many times in Eilat, and you can do your Open Water and Advanced Open Water course in Eilat in 7 days, You have Eilat Divers, and Eyal Sayag Master Instructor and Course Director at Deep Siam.
You also have Aqua Sport, and Marina Divers.
Give me a message if you want to know more about diving in Eilat.
Good Luck
thanks for the info,
I now finally have exact dates in when i’m visiting israel and eilat. I will go in February, and i know this isn’t one of the warmest months in isreal but is there still diving lesson oppurtunity in this month? is everything still open in eilat?
Do I have to book diving lessons more than a week before i want to do them or should i just contact them and make an arrangement?
Thanks in advance for the answer
Price for one day of diving for 2 persons(cours of diving for one person)?
Have not yet firmed up an Israel-Jordan trip. Want to include a diving/snorkeling site—either Eilat at start of trip or Aqaba at the end for 4 days. Which site is better for first-time visit.
I think the Israel side as more snorkelling and diving oportunities, but the jordan side have a few big wrecks. In Israel Eilat you have the Dolphin Reef, where you can dive with Dolphins, and also have Marina Divers, and they have a wreck just at the back of the dive centre. Or as well you have Aqua Sport, next to the Nature Reserve.
in Eilat you have a lot of options for diving ( dive sites). Marina divers is a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge. One of the most famous diving sites ( Satil) here in Eilat is literally in our back yard, a wreck of sixty meters length at a depth of 24 meters. The “Caves” is a good option, too.Definitely you can combine the trip with dive in Aqaba for one day. The dive center can organize this for you
Dive in Eilat is one of the famous activities. My last dive in Eilat were with Marina divers ,located a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge. One of the most famous diving sites ( Satill ) here in Eilat is literally in back yard of the dive center, a wreck of sixty meters length at a depth of 24 meters.
Definitely you can combine the trip with dive in Aqaba for one day. The dive center can organize this for you
may i know how much for diving in eilat and how to book it? i have licence for open water and advanced open water of padi!
Hi Simon
I’ve just came back from Eilat, and I’ve spent probably about 200 pounds for a week diving 3 dives a day, you have over there Marina Divers or Aqua Sport, Deep Siam and also Eilat divers, they are about a couple of miles out of town towards the Taba Border.
hi peter,
thank you for your infomation,do u know which diving centre is the best =)
Hi Simon
You have Aqua Sport is really good, it’s on the beach, you have a bar where you can drink and eat as well, and they will take you around diving in a few of the places. in Eilat.
Diving the wreck “Satille” that is a 5 minute walk, the caves and also the University, just a few to mention. In front of Aqua Sport you have a few Hotels as well. and Just next to it there is Marina divers, and ask for Dror, the dive guide, she is really nice.
Next door to there is a very nice restaurant “The Ship Wreck”
When you get there, you just book the dives, it’s also good the if you want to do a Dive with the Dolphins, At the Dolphin Reef. In Eilat. a bit Expensive, but you spend a all day there.
Many years ago (1982) I dived Red Sea, doing shore-dives whilst on Landrover safari. We started in Eilat. I remember diving on abandoned underwater habitat. But, I cannot find any mention of it. It was not very far from Eilat. Any ideas or is my mind “going”
I am on a group tour visiting archeological sites. I am considering visiting Eilat (on my own) to scuba dive and recuperate from fast paced tour when it is over. I hold PADI certificate, but have not been diving in years. I understand that I need a refresher course. Given this background, where should I stay, and who should I dive with and how should I get there? (My group tour ends in Tel Aviv) What should I expect to pay for these things? Going end of Sept. 2016.
Hi Sam,
You can get from Tel Aviv to Eilat by bus, by rental car or by plane whatever suits you best.
Shulamit from Shulamit diving adventures would be happy to answer all your questions about your dives and for a a relaxing place to stay after your fast paced tour Cactus B&B in Eilat would be an option to consider if you don’t want to stay in those big hotels.
Hi . I want to go to Eilat for diving . pleas can someone help me with a good dive center (PADI) Eilat and a good accomodation ?
Thanks
Qualified BSAC CLUB DIVER. Not very confident but Aqua Sport r brilliant going back next May. Moses rock has to be seen to be believed. Always dived with one buddy Richard Hatrick but he has now moved to Sharm so who knows which poor person will draw the short straw.
It was a mesmerizing experience. Huge variety marine creatures, colors hard to visualize unless experienced. I can’t find right words to describe coral reef.
Initially water felt cold but in few minutes it was very comfortable and relaxing.
Its hard to believe that I swam with dolphins. Just wanted to hold them but couldn’t.
Also saw a piece of sunken ship.
Bottom line; I would like to do it again
Regret; why didn’t I agree to full session video taping to enjoy later
Perfect and save place for living and snorkeling.
Hi! Thanks for your input! Indeed it must be great living there! Safe bubbles, always!
Yes, I dived with Manta, they had great guides, experienced, enthusiastic and nice patient folks too, will return to them
Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience in Eilat, I’m glad you’ve had a great time!
Best bubbles!
Glad to see your reply to my comment, I have rebooked to go diving in Eilat yet again (quite a good trade off while my wife just sits in the sun all day – how boring, but everyone wins. 10 days preplanned dives there means 24 seperate dives including 3 wrecks. The great thing is these sites are accessible from the coast. Manta has jeeps waiting to take you to them, farthest distance is 10 mins away, while coral beach is on the opposite side of the road.
The hardest part of all this for me is having to patiently sit here in London for another week and wait, just pretending to be getting on with life while my heart is pounding inside thinking of the diving!!
Amazing! Enjoy! Hopefully we will get to read more reviews from you on Divezone! Best bubbles!