Quick Answer: Eilat in 2026 offers 27+ top attractions. The best attractions are the Coral Beach Nature Reserve for snorkeling (starting from 40 ₪), Dolphin Reef (starting from 74 ₪), Underwater Observatory (starting from 129 ₪), and Timna Park (starting from 49 ₪). Average daily budget for a family: starting from 350 ₪. Best time to visit: March-May or October-November. Recommended number of days: 3-4 nights.
Last updated: October 2026 · Terminal Park, the Marina area, and boat trips were checked in October 2026 · Prices and hours are set by each operator and vary by season
Livo — an Israeli platform for vacation rentals and local experiences. This guide is part of the content our team writes to help Eilat guests plan a complete vacation — not just accommodation. At the end of the guide, there are links to purchase discount vouchers for attractions on Livo and to purchase tickets for shows in Eilat 2026.
What to do in Eilat — the most frequently asked question before any trip to the Red City. And the answer is long: from Dolphin Reef, through a breathtaking coral reserve, to desert off-road trips and evening entertainment in the bustling marina. This guide covers it all — with prices and opening hours according to operators (check with them before arrival), 4 ready-made itineraries by vacation type, and a list of 11 free activities.
Nature Reserves and Sea — The Heart of Eilat
Dolphin Reef
Entrance Fee: Starting from 74 ₪ adult | Starting from 55 ₪ child (ages 3-15) | Swimming with dolphins: Starting from 295 ₪ Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00-16:30, Friday-Saturday 9:00-17:00 (Closed on Sunday, except holidays and summer vacation)
Dolphin Reef is one of the most unique attractions in the world — dolphins living in an open, net-fenced marine complex, where visitors can swim alongside them and observe them from just a few meters away. No cages, no shows — the dolphins choose whether to approach.
Tip: Arrive at opening (9:00) for the quietest hours. During holidays and summer — book in advance. Children aged 10 and up can participate in swimming with the dolphins.
Coral Beach Nature Reserve (Coral Beach)
Entrance Fee: Starting from 40 ₪ adult | Starting from 25 ₪ child | Soldier: Starting from 25 ₪
The most beautiful marine nature reserve in Israel — a living coral reef, hundreds of fish species, and visibility of up to 20 meters. Simply put on a mask and snorkel and enter the water — and within minutes you'll find yourself in a completely different world.
Important: Stony ground — water shoes are a must. Equipment for rent is available on site. Arrive before 9:30 — it fills up quickly during peak seasons.
Suitable for ages: 6+ (with adult supervision up to age 10).
Underwater Observatory
Entrance Fee: Starting from 129 ₪ adult | Starting from 119 ₪ child Ticket valid for 3 consecutive days Hours: 9:00-16:00 all week
The observation tower descends 6 meters below sea level — huge windows facing a living coral reef, colorful Red Sea fish, and you can see everything without getting wet at all. The park also includes fish tanks, an aquapark, and the Shark World.
Especially recommended: For hot afternoons (12:00-15:00) when it's impossible to stay outside. Completely covered and air-conditioned.
Sea Activities — For Water Lovers
Independent Snorkeling
The clear waters of the Red Sea (20-30 meter visibility) make Eilat one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world. A simple mask and snorkel are enough. Comparison of locations, equipment price list, and water temperature by month — in the Snorkeling in Eilat guide.
Where:
- Coral Beach Nature Reserve (starting from 40 ₪) — the best corals, suitable for beginners
- Dolphin Reef (starting from 74 ₪) — depth, variety of fish, dolphins around
- North Beach (free) — sandy bottom, suitable for small children and beginners
Equipment: Mask and snorkel for purchase starting from 60 ₪ — worthwhile after two days. For rent: at the Coral Beach Nature Reserve (mask 20 ₪, snorkel 10 ₪).
Boat Trips and Cruises
Eilat's Marina offers several boat trip options:
- Glass-bottom boat — windows in the hull of the boat through which you can observe corals and fish without getting wet; the cruise lasts about two hours
- Sunset cruise — one of the most beautiful experiences in Eilat; departure time changes throughout the year with sunset time, so check with the operator for your specific date
- Night cruise — with music
Recommendation: On a sunset cruise, the sun sets behind the Eilat mountains to the west, and the Edom mountains opposite are painted pink — unforgettable colors. Prices and hours vary between operators and seasons — check with the operator before booking.
Diving — For Those Who Want to Go Deeper
Eilat is one of the Red Sea's diving capitals. For diving enthusiasts:
- Introductory dive (no license required): Starting from 250 ₪, suitable for ages 8+
- Open Water course (international license): From 880 ₪, 3-4 days
- Guided dive for licensed divers: Starting from 250 ₪ per dive
Leading dive clubs: Lucky Divers, Nautilus, Exodus — all located along the South Beach.
Off-Road and Desert Trips
Jeep Tours
The Eilat mountains are among the most beautiful in the Israeli desert — orange wadis, breathtaking wilderness landscapes, and sunsets in incredible colors.
Types of tours:
- Evening/sunset tour (2-3 hours): Starting from 160 ₪ per person — most popular
- Morning tour (3-4 hours): Starting from 160 ₪ per person
- Full day: Price according to operator and route
Important: In summer — evening tour only (depart at 17:00). In winter — morning is preferable. Children aged 4 and up can join.
Timna Park
Distance: 25 km north of Eilat (about a 20-minute drive) Price: Starting from 49 ₪ adult | Starting from 39 ₪ child (3-14) | Open 8:00-16:00 Ticket valid for one consecutive week
One of the most spectacular geological parks in the world — the rocky "Timna Mushroom," ancient rock paintings, an artificial lake, and about 14 hiking trails. Suitable for all ages.
Recommendation: Arrive at 8:00, complete by 12:00 — before the heat becomes intense. Bring plenty of water.
Family Attractions
Bird Park
Eilat's bird migration route is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Israel — hundreds of thousands of migratory birds pass through the Negev each year. The park offers:
- Guided tours with observation equipment
- Workshops for children and bird interaction
- Recommended seasons: March-April and October-November
Especially suitable for nature education for children aged 5 and up.
Terminal Park — Including the Ball (Slingshot): What's in the Park and How Much Does it Cost
In Terminal Park — on the site of the old airport, at 3 Ha'arava Street — there is a Slingshot (ball), which appears on the park's website in the list of attractions. The park's website does not publish a price for the ball: according to the website, each attraction is operated independently and sets its own prices, discounts, and terms of use — therefore, the current price should be checked at the facility's ticket booth on site (checked in October 2026). Prices appearing online without an official source may be outdated.
The Slingshot is a ball with passengers that is launched upwards like a catapult. According to a mako article (April 2026), the ball in Terminal Park is a "sibling" of the well-known jumping ball from the promenade — meaning it is a facility in the park, and not necessarily the same ball you remember from the promenade. We were unable to verify the current status of the ball on the promenade.
What you need to know before arriving (according to the park's website, October 2026):
- Entry: Entry to the park and staying in public areas is free; you only pay for the attractions, and there is no single ticket for all of them.
- Hours: Public areas are open 24/7 (except in exceptional cases). In summer, most attractions usually operate between 19:00 and 01:00, and hours vary between facilities — it's advisable to check before heading out.
- Discounts: Some attractions offer discounts for Eilat residents, groups, or through consumer clubs — ask at the ticket booth.
| Attraction in Terminal Park | What it is |
|---|---|
| Slingshot (the ball) | A ball with passengers launched to a height |
| Zipline | An aerial (extreme) experience |
| Trampolines | A jumping complex |
| Green Extreme | A karting complex |
| Aria Luna Park | Extreme amusement park rides, like Tarantula and Booster (according to mako) |
| Tipo Park | Bumper boats |
| Bumper Cars | A bumper car complex |
| Park Train | A train within the park |
| Ferris Wheel | Not yet — according to the park's website, a Ferris wheel with air-conditioned cabins is "expected to open later" |
List of attractions according to Terminal Park website, checked in October 2026; names of rides in Aria Luna Park (Tarantula, Booster) according to mako article from 28.04.2026.
Tip: In summer, most attractions operate in the evening, so plan your day like this: sea in the morning, rest in your apartment in the afternoon — and Terminal Park after sunset.
Ice Mall
In a city where temperatures exceed 40°C in summer — the Ice Mall is a refuge. Real ice skating, suitable for all ages. Recommended for afternoons (12:00-16:00) — the time when it's impossible to stay outside.
Evening and Nightlife
The Marina and North Beach Promenade — The Heart of the Evening
The North Beach Marina and its promenade are Eilat's evening hub: waterfront restaurants, bars, and yachts docked in the marina. (Eilat Port itself is the city's cargo port — the entertainment is in the marina.) Walking along the promenade is free, and you can sit at Monkeys Pub on the Royal Beach promenade (open every evening from 20:00 according to Isrotel) or at Mike's Place on King Solomon's promenade facing the marina. The full guide to bars, clubs, and what's open in winter: Eilat Nightlife.
Recommendation: Arrive an hour before sunset, sit at a cafe with a sea view, and watch the changing sky.
Top Restaurants (with advance reservation)
- Tulum Beach — luxurious beach restaurant, perfect for sunset
- The Lawrence — upscale and diverse, seasonal specials
- Pedro — meats and fish, one of the oldest and most beloved
- Pastory — European atmosphere, diverse menu
- Whale — burgers on the North Beach promenade
Book a table in advance — especially on weekends and peak seasons.
Recommended Schedule — 4 Days in Eilat
Day 1 — Sea and Marine Nature
- 9:00-12:00: Coral Beach Nature Reserve — snorkeling
- 12:00-15:00: Rest / Ice Mall / Mall
- 15:00-16:30: Dolphin Reef — observation and beach time
- Before sunset: Sunset cruise (departure time varies by season)
- 20:00: Dinner at the Marina
Day 2 — Deep Sea and Culture
- 9:00-12:00: Underwater Observatory (ticket valid for 3 days — make the most of it!)
- 12:00-16:00: Property — pool, rest
- 16:30-18:30: North Beach — sea
- 19:00: Dinner on the promenade and at the Marina
Day 3 — Desert and Off-Road
- 8:00-12:00: Timna Park — hiking trails and geology
- 12:00-17:00: Property — heat break, pool
- 17:00-20:00: Sunset jeep tour
- 20:30: Dinner
Want a pool at your property for afternoon breaks? Properties with a private pool in Eilat.
Day 4 — Free Beach and Shopping
- 8:00-12:00: North Beach — last swim
- 12:00-14:00: Big Mall — shopping and indoor meal
- 14:00: Drive back
By Age — What's Suitable for Whom?
| Group | Recommended Attractions |
|---|---|
| Toddlers (0-4) | North Beach, Terminal Park |
| Children (5-12) | Dolphin Reef, Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Underwater Observatory, Timna |
| Teenagers (13-17) | Diving, Jeeps, Snorkeling, Ice Mall |
| Adults | Sunset Cruise, Diving, Jeeps, Marina Restaurants |
| Seniors | Underwater Observatory, Timna Park in the morning, Marina Promenade |
How Much Does a Day in Eilat Cost — Cost Table
| Activity | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Coral Beach Nature Reserve | Starting from 40 ₪ | Starting from 25 ₪ |
| Dolphin Reef | Starting from 74 ₪ | Starting from 55 ₪ |
| Underwater Observatory | Starting from 129 ₪ | Starting from 119 ₪ |
| Timna Park | Starting from 49 ₪ | Starting from 39 ₪ |
| Sunset Jeep Tour | Starting from 160 ₪ | Starting from 160 ₪ |
| North Beach | Free | Free |
| North Beach Promenade and Marina (walk) | Free | Free |
Note: Eilat is a free trade zone — sales and services by local businesses for consumption in the city are exempt from VAT.
4 Ready-Made Itineraries by Vacation Type
Don't know where to start? Choose the itinerary that suits you. Already chosen an itinerary and need suitable accommodation? Send us a WhatsApp with your dates and number of people — we'll get back to you with available accommodation options.
Family Itinerary — 3 Days (Budget ~starting from 3,200 ₪ for a family of 4)
Accommodation for this itinerary: Apartments and Villas for Families in Eilat.
Day 1 — Arrival and Sea
- Morning: Check-in at vacation apartment, breakfast in the kitchen (saving starting from 200 ₪)
- Afternoon: North Beach, tubes for kids
- Evening: Stroll on the promenade, dinner at a family restaurant
Day 2 — Main Attraction
- Morning: Underwater Observatory (3 hours, ticket valid for 3 days)
- Afternoon: Rest at the apartment / pool
- Evening: Ice Mall
Day 3 — Nature
- Early morning: Timna Park (before it gets hot)
- Afternoon: Meal on the way back
- Evening: Shopping at the mall, check-out
Romantic Couple's Itinerary — Weekend (Budget ~starting from 2,400 ₪ for a couple)
Day 1
- 14:00 — Check-in at an apartment with a sea view
- 16:00 — Spa at a hotel (external entry)
- Before sunset — Sunset cruise with wine (time varies by season)
- 21:30 — Dinner at a chef's restaurant
Day 2
- 09:00 — Breakfast on Dekel Beach
- 11:00 — Snorkeling at Coral Beach Nature Reserve
- 15:00 — Rest
- 17:00 — Sunset viewpoint at Mount Yoash
- 20:00 — Beach bar
Friends' Itinerary — Active Weekend (Budget ~starting from 1,800 ₪ per person, group of 4)
Day 1
- Sea at North Beach (tubes, banana boat)
- Check-in at a large friends' apartment
- Evening: Promenade bars and club
Day 2
- Morning: Jeep tour in the Samar dunes
- Afternoon: Meat meal at the market
- Evening: First dive / live shows
48 Hours in Eilat — Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Dekel Beach ← Meal on the promenade ← Underwater Observatory ← Free evening at the Marina Day 2: Breakfast on the beach ← Red Canyon ← Lunch ← Short cruise ← Way back
11 Free Things to Do in Eilat
You don't have to spend money to have fun. Here's a list of completely free activities:
- North Beach — Free, excellent for families
- Dekel Beach — A calm public beach
- Princess Beach — Relatively quiet
- North Beach Promenade — Evening walk along the sea
- The Marina — Yachts, atmosphere, street performances
- The Red Canyon — A 90-minute hiking trail
- Mount Yoash Viewpoint — Spectacular sunset
- Bird Sanctuary (transition seasons) — March-April and Oct-Nov
- Mount Tzfachot — A hiking trail of about 4 km in a nature reserve, free entry, and from the summit you can see Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia
- Terminal Park — Basic free area
- 101 Free Experiences Initiative (winter) — Eilat Municipality event calendar
Host's Tip: Our hosts recommend downloading the Eilat Municipality app at the beginning of your vacation — daily free events that don't appear anywhere else are published there.
When is the Best Time to Visit Eilat?
| Season | Months | Advantage | Disadvantage | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec-Feb | Desert hikes, less crowded, lower prices | Sea less recommended for swimming | Couples, hikers |
| Spring ⭐ | Mar-May | Perfect weather (24-30°), pleasant sea | Prices rise during Passover | Everyone |
| Summer | Jun-Aug | Warm sea, nightlife | Extreme heat (38°+), high prices | Those not afraid of heat |
| Autumn ⭐ | Oct-Nov | Pleasant weather, prices drop | — | Couples, friends |
Ideal time: April-May or October-November. The weather is pleasant, the sea is still warm, and it's less crowded than during holiday weeks.
How Many Days Do You Need in Eilat?
- 48 hours — enough to unwind: sea, restaurant, and one attraction
- 3-4 nights ⭐ — the optimum: sea, 2-3 attractions, desert trip, free evening
- A week — a real relaxing vacation with spa, pool, and no pressure
- 10+ days — for large families in summer or for onward trips to Petra/Sinai
Our hosts report that 3-4 nights is the average in 2026 — enough to change the atmosphere but not exhausting.
Discount Vouchers and Tickets on Livo for Your Eilat 2026 Vacation
One of the best ways to plan your Eilat vacation in advance is to purchase discount vouchers for activities and attractions before you even board your flight. This situation offers two advantages: the price is fixed in advance (and you can't be surprised by price increases during the season), and coordination with the business is usually faster when you arrive with a valid code in your pocket.
Livo operates in 2026 with local businesses in Eilat that offer discount vouchers in various categories:
- 🎢 Attraction Vouchers in Eilat — tours, jeeps, snorkeling, off-road activities
- 🍽️ Restaurant Vouchers in Eilat — chef restaurants, street food, Mehadrin kosher and non-kosher
- 💆 Spa Vouchers in Eilat — body treatments, jacuzzi, couple's spa
- 🌊 Water Sports Vouchers in Eilat — jet ski, catamarans, razor
- 🎫 Tickets for Shows and Events in Eilat 2026 — concerts, performances, festivals
Every voucher on Livo is purchased online with secure Israeli clearing, arrives in your email within seconds with a unique code and QR for redemption, and is redeemed directly at the business. The voucher is one-time use and verified — the code is automatically canceled once the business redeems it. Most vouchers are valid for 6-12 months, so you can buy now and redeem when you arrive.
Planning a vacation with a Miluim voucher? What can be paid with the vacation voucher and what with a Fighter card — all in the Miluim Voucher and Fighter Card Guide.
Local Tip: A smart combination of a vacation apartment through Livo with pre-purchased discount vouchers for attractions greatly simplifies planning — especially in summer (July-August) when crowds are large and local availability is limited.
Vacation Planning — Next Steps
After you've chosen what to do, you also need a place to sleep. A vacation apartment with a kitchen allows you to save on eating out, and a villa with a private pool allows you to rest between attractions.
- Search for a vacation apartment or villa in Eilat — apartments, villas, and suites for booking on Livo (an Israeli vacation rental platform).
- Deciding on a last-minute vacation? Last-minute Eilat vacation — enter upcoming dates in the search and see only properties available then.
- All recommended attractions in Eilat — the detailed guide by attraction.
- Ready-made Eilat vacation itineraries — 3-7 days, built by vacation type.
Further Reading
- Eilat Weather by Month 2026
- Recommended Restaurants in Eilat
- Eilat on Shabbat — What's Open, Where to Eat
- Eilat Beaches — The Complete Guide
- Snorkeling in Eilat
- Timna Park — The Complete Guide
- Attractions in Eilat for Kids
- Couple's Vacation in Eilat
- Eilat with a Baby
- All Discounts in Eilat in One Place — Cheap Attractions
FAQ
What is the best thing to do in Eilat?
Top attractions: Coral Beach Nature Reserve for snorkeling (starting from 40 ₪), Underwater Observatory (starting from 129 ₪), Dolphin Reef (starting from 74 ₪), and Timna Park (starting from 49 ₪). A combination of sea in the morning, one main attraction in the afternoon, and a sunset desert trip is considered the ideal itinerary for most visitors.
What to do in Eilat with kids?
With kids: Dolphin Reef (starting from 55 ₪ child), Coral Beach Nature Reserve for snorkeling (starting from 25 ₪), Underwater Observatory (starting from 119 ₪ child), Timna Park (starting from 39 ₪ child), and a glass-bottom boat trip. North Beach is free and suitable for all ages. For hot afternoons, an air-conditioned attraction like the Ice Mall is recommended.
How much does a visit to Dolphin Reef in Eilat cost?
Entry to Dolphin Reef costs starting from 74 ₪ for an adult and starting from 55 ₪ for a child (ages 3-15). Swimming with the dolphins themselves costs starting from 295 ₪ for an adult and starting from 265 ₪ for a child aged 10-15. The Reef is closed on Sundays. During peak season, it's essential to book two weeks in advance.
What to do in Eilat in one day?
In one day: Morning — snorkeling at Coral Beach Nature Reserve (starting from 40 ₪). Afternoon — Underwater Observatory (starting from 129 ₪, valid for 3 days). Late afternoon — North Beach. Evening — stroll along the North Beach promenade and Marina, and dinner. A 48-hour itinerary allows you to add a sunset cruise on the second day.
What to do in Eilat for free?
North Beach, Dekel Beach, and Princess Beach are completely free. North Beach Promenade and the Marina — walking, restaurants, and yacht watching. The Bird Sanctuary — free all year, especially beautiful during transition seasons. Mount Yoash viewpoint for sunset. In winter, the Eilat Municipality's '101 Free Experiences' initiative offers tours, shows, and activities.
Which is better — Dolphin Reef or Coral Beach Nature Reserve?
Both are different experiences: Coral Beach Nature Reserve (starting from 40 ₪) — independent snorkeling with live corals, suitable for ages 6+. Dolphin Reef (starting from 74 ₪) — entry to a marine complex with a pod of dolphins, a beach, suitable for all ages. If possible — do both.
What are the prices at Timna Park 2026?
Timna Park (25 km north of Eilat): Adult starting from 49 ₪, child (3-14) starting from 39 ₪. Open 8:00-16:00 all week. The ticket is valid for one consecutive week. It's recommended to arrive early in the morning before the heat. In the evening, night tours with a special light show are available for an additional fee.
When is the best time to fly to Eilat?
March-May and October-November are considered the ideal seasons: pleasant weather (24-30 degrees), warm sea, less crowded, and lower accommodation prices. January-February is ideal for desert hikes in the Red Canyon and Eilat mountains. In summer, the sea is warmest but the desert heat is extreme (38°+).
How many days do you need in Eilat?
3-4 nights is the optimal time. In 48 hours, you can manage the sea, a restaurant, and one main attraction. In 4 days, you can combine the sea, 2-3 attractions, a free evening, and a desert trip. A week is suitable for a true recovery vacation with a spa and pool. 10+ days is recommended for large families in summer or for onward trips to Petra/Sinai.
How much does the ball in Eilat cost?
In Terminal Park, on the site of the old airport at 3 Ha'arava Street, there is a Slingshot (ball) — according to mako (April 2026) it's a "sibling" of the well-known ball from the promenade. The park's website does not publish a price: each attraction in the park is operated independently and sets its own prices and discounts, so the current price should be checked at the ticket booth on site (checked in October 2026). Entry to the park itself is free, and in summer, most attractions usually operate between 19:00 and 01:00.
Can I consult with someone before booking accommodation?
Yes. Send a WhatsApp message or call 050-780-1370 with your dates, number of people, and type of vacation, and we will help you choose accommodation in Eilat that suits your itinerary.
עודכן לאחרונה: October 3, 2026