Most of the Dive sites are reef sites and all recreational diving spots are reachable right off the shore. There are practically little to no boat dives in Eilat as the dive territory is quite small and the slope drops off so close from the shore meaning that in a few minutes you can reach depths between 20 to 40 meters.
SCUBA Diving and Open Water Diving Courses in Eilat offer the perfect way to get to dive in the world-class coral reefs in the Red Sea off of Eilat’s shores. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced diver looking to dive in new surroundings, the diving courses in Eilat are run by super experienced and top-notch professional dive centers. For example, Shulamit Diving School. Eilat and the surrounding region of the Red Sea is one of the world’s best diving regions, and whether you are interested in SCUBA or open water diving, you will not be disappointed.
Diving Options in Eilat
In Eilat, there is a large selection of diving courses. You will find in Eilat something to appeal to everyone. However, if you are looking for something a little different, do get in touch I will be happy to help you find the perfect dive in Israel. A very interesting dive site is the Coral Reef Nature Reserve where Joshua and Moses Rocks are located. Moses rock is a big coral head: it’s a magnificent reef containing exceptional biodiversity. As the northernmost reef in the world, it took a unique mixture of natural elements for this incredible reef to thrive. The gulf’s long shape with the surrounding towering mountains and high, stable water temperature were essential factors in its making.
CORAL BEACH NATURE RESERVE EILAT
Furthermore, there are few wrecks in Eilat. The top one is a shipwreck, very well preserved. This missile boat is about 45 meters long and lies between 20 and 25 meters in depth with a lot of soft corals around. At all of the different spots, you could come across turtles, eagle rays, stingrays, blue-spotted rays, all kinds of coral reef fishes. For example, butterflyfishes; parrotfishes and gracious lionfishes, scorpionfishes. Sometimes dolphins and exceptionally whale sharks (during the summer only but every summer). So there is plenty to see!
Beginner divers can learn in quiet and controlled environments while more advanced divers can enjoy deep water dives and/or technical dives. Almost all of the dive sites are reachable from the shore which limits the logistics of organizing a boat trip and allows a much more flexible schedule.
The average price for a guided dive is 125 NIS.
The average price of Open water is 1400 NIS.
What is the Best Time Diving in Eilat?
So first, divers are welcomed to Eilat all year long! But you should note that the high season is between July – August. Then Eilat is packed when the water can get to 29 degrees Celsius. If you have flexibility, September and October is the best time to come diving. Then Eilat is much more relaxed. Moreover, the water is still really warm. On the other hand, January and February are the low seasons the water temperature can reach 19 degrees Celsius. In other words, very cold! During the summer, you might have the chance to approach a Whale Shark that comes every year, usually a female with her baby.
Eilat is a paradise for snorkelers. All the coast from Coral Beach until the Egyptian border is covered by corals and directly from the shore, at a few meters depth, you can snorkel and see as much as scuba divers do.
Snorkeling in Eilat
The Nature Reserve beach is specially organized for snorkelers with snorkeling equipment rental and 2 pontoons from where you can jump directly in the sea. One of them is located just in front of Moses Rock a huge and magnificent coral head with a reef containing exceptional biodiversity.
Introductory Dive in Eilat
If you never dived in the past and you want to get to know the maritime world an introduction dive is the best option. Introductory dives are available ALL week long, between 09:00-16:00. In these dives, you will see the wonders of the underwater world, the coral reef, the diverse marine life you can find in Eilat, and much more! In addition, all dives are accompanied by experienced guides and go to a depth of 6 meters The guides operate all equipment for you. But remember this is not a diving course. It’s a dive designed for those who would like the experience of diving. The dive is not long and usually lasts about 1.5 hours with a dive duration of half an hour.
Diving in Eilat: Requirentes
Diving Courses and Introductory dives include equipment rental. All dives will be accompanied by an experienced PADI diving guide. To participate in a PADI diving course you need to be a minimum of 12 years of age. In addition, to participate in an introductory dive you’ll need to have a minimum of 8 years of age. Last, to participate in a diving course please read the PADI medical questionnaire to ensure you are medically fit to dive.
Experienced divers must have personal diving insurance – may be purchased at Aqua Sport. Any certified diver who has not been diving in the previous 6 months (proven by stamped logbook or personal dive computer) must participate in a refresh dive – $65.00. Dives are led by Dive Masters. Equipment hire is about $30.00 per day. Divers must bring with them – log book or personal dive computer/dive card and dive insurance if they have.