Keen to visit Eilat? View my advice and tips for where to go, what to do and how to have the most fun experience in this popular destinations.
Getting to Eilat
There are 4 buses a day from Jerusalem. The bus takes 4h and 30 minutes and stops in several places. There are 15 min. stops in Ein Boqeq and somewhere between ein Boqeq and Eilat. It’s possible to get off in Massada (the bus goes right to the park entrance), Ein Gedi, Timna Valley (does not go to park entrance, it’s a 3 km walk).
From Tel Aviv there are much more buses. They take also 4 h 30 minutes, 57 NIS.
Getting Around Eilat
Bus
Bus 015 leaves the central bus station every 20 minutes going to the Marine Observatory and Coral Beach and further to Taba (4.30 NIS).
Taxi
While waiting for the bus, taxi’s will stop and if you share with others, it’ll be as cheap as the bus. Taxis charge extra for a piece of luggage when going to your hotel (2 NIS per piece), and 2 NIS extra if you phone them from your hotel.
Boat
There’s a boat starting from the bridge on the Marine and going to the Marine Observatory 3 times a day. Price is steep: 25 NIS pp.
Car
Plenty of opportunities to rent a car, see my guide to driving in Israel for more info.
Scooter or Bike
Okay its pretty touristy, but getting around via scooter is a lot of fun. Bikes can be rented locally too.
Where to Stay
If you want to have a splurge, the Dan Eilat is a good place to do it. It’s a fantastic hotel, with a tasteful modern design, great pool area and incredible breakfast. Rooms have AC, minibar, TV and luxurious bathroom. Best to book through a travel agent at home or on the internet, will be cheaper.
The Regatta on the promenade near Dan Eilat is a good low key Italian restaurant. 40 NIS for a spagetthi or pizza.
Wang’s Grill is an excellent Chinese restaurant, but more expensive and they will also try to make you consume more. Reservations necessary.The restaurant at the Marine Observatory is OK for a quick lunch, and not too expensive (10 NIS for a burger, 26 NIS for a regular meal).
What to Do in Eilat
Make the most of Eilat’s setting by spending time on its beautiful beaches or having a go at the many water sports enjoyed on its tropical waters. Those who like to get below the surface can partake in world-class diving on the coral reef, which is located to the south of Eilat.
If sitting on the beaches of Eilat and looking at the mountains sparks an interest, there are plenty of things to do in the landscape behind the city. Whether it is nature, beauty spots, archaeology or hiking that appeals, the Eilat Mountains can offer it all. Exploring by Jeep or even camel also helps to open up the area and allow visitors to get a sense of this incredible landscape.
Make the most of Eilat’s Red Sea setting and choose to sit outside at one of the waterfront bars or restaurants. Bar Beach, next to Coral Beach has a little terrace that juts out over the sea, putting customers in close proximity to the stunning turquoise of the water. It’s perfect for lunch, with the likes of ikra – a fish roe spread – hummus and calamari on the menu.
Here are some of the top things to do in Eilat.
Snorkelling
You can either go to Coral beach (take bus or taxi). Entrance is 15 NIS, rental of material is possible (8 NIS fins, 7 NIS mask and 6 NIS snorkel). They have lockers, some are big enough for a backpack (5 NIS). The snorkelling is quite good but the coral could be better (not as good as Sulawesi f.i.) but the fish are really good.
You’ll see plenty of really big fish (70 cm), and they don’t seem to be afraid. If you just want a beach to swim, don’t come here because it’s forbidden on most places in order not to damage the coral. Another option are the beaches to the North. They are for free, and you can also snorkel there wherever you want (so no protection of the coral).
Marine Observatory
Non-divers still have the chance to see the incredibly creatures that live under the waves, as the Underwater Observatory is open to visitors.
Just south of Coral beach is the Marine Observatory, it’s quite nice, but also very expensive:
- Usual entrance 63 NIS
- Including Oceanarium 76 NIS
- Including Yellow Submarine 255 NIS
You’ll see an enormous number of great fish (you won’t see all these while snorkelling). The coral around the underwater observatory is better then at Coral Beach.
The Oceanarium was worth it I think, you get a film, and your chair is moving so you get the impression that you’re really in the submarine they show on the screen.
A taxi to the Marine Observatory costs 16 NIS.
Timna Valley
This is a beautiful valley, but again it’s quite expensive to visit it:
- Either you join grandma and take an Egged tour at 48 US$ for the day (this includes a visit to a Kibbutz).
- Either you take a 4 hour jeep safari at 35 US$.
- Either you rent your own car or motorbike.
- Entrance to the park is another 25 NIS pp.
You can go by motorbike which is a really nice way to see it, but the way to get is a long 30 km, and that takes about 40 minutes up, and 30 minutes back. So, if I would do it again, I’d probably go for the rented car.
The lake is nothing special. The presentation on copper production there is every hour from 11 am till 4 pm, but it’s in Hebrew.
Mitzpe Ramon
It’s best to do this on the way to Eilat, since it’s about midway from Tel Aviv to Eilat.
The crater itself is quite nice, but the observatory next to it is not worth the 15 NIS they charge. They just have a small exhibition on plants an animals in the crater, some films and an observatary room (but you have the same view from outside).
Try to go there at sunset, but don’t go too late, becaus sun goes under quite early, and I thought the best colours where about 45 minutes before the actualk sunset.
Ein Avdat
Contrary to Mitzpe Ramon, Ein Avdat nature park is definitely worth a visit.
By bus you should get off at “Ben Gurion College – Negev University” and walk down for about 4 km till the entrance of the park. Entrance 15 NIS, Green Card accepted.
By car you could miss the sign for Ein Avdat, since it’s a bit hidden amoung all the signs for the Ben Gurion College – Negev University.
The walk is really pleasant and will take a bit more then 1 hour (return). You could also climb the steps, but then you need to come back by the road to get to your car. So it’s better to do the return trip, and then drive with your car to the upper parking, so you’ll have the same view.
Food and Eating Out in Eilat
Dining options in Eilat are very international with lots of choice for those who are keen to have a different type of cuisine each day. One dining experience that must not be missed while in Eilat, however, is Red Sea Star.
This restaurant has been carefully designed to ensure the maximum effect is gained from being positioned under the water. Each table has no fewer than two window views of the coral reef outside with its fish swimming past and at night this scene is gently illuminated.
Prices were correct at the time of writing this but they change regularly. You might also like to view my Jerusalem travel tips.