Snorkeling in Eilat 2026 — Where, How Much, and What to Bring

Short answer: The most convenient place for snorkeling in Eilat is the Coral Beach Nature Reserve on the South Beach — entrance is 40 ₪ for adults and 25 ₪ for children, and a mask, snorkel, and fins set can be rented separately for 50 ₪ (according to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority price list, checked October 2026). The reserve is open during summer hours from 9:00–18:00 and winter hours from 9:00–17:00, with last entry one hour before closing.

Want to go without an entrance fee? Princess Beach at the southern tip of the city is free, but there is no lifeguard. Want to swim near dolphins? Dolphin Reef offers guided snorkeling from age 10.

Where to go snorkeling in Eilat? A comparison of the three locations

All three locations are on the southern coastline, on the way to Taba — not near North Beach and the promenade.

Table: Snorkeling spots in Eilat — Price, Age, and Hours (checked October 2026)

Sources: Reserve page on Israel Nature and Parks Authority website; Official Dolphin Reef website; Princess Beach page on karamel.co.il; eilat.city (beach status in the reserve).

Coral Beach Nature Reserve — The choice for beginners

Coral Beach Nature Reserve is a nature reserve managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Bridges built over the reef allow entry into the water without stepping on corals, and also to view the reef from above without getting wet. No diving experience is needed for snorkeling — just knowing how to swim and use a mask and snorkel is enough.

What you'll see: According to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority — branched corals, soft corals that look like flowers, sea anemones with the Eilat clownfish (the children's "Nemo"), and butterflyfish that feed on coral polyps.

On-site facilities: Snorkeling equipment rental, chair and sunbed rental, a snack bar, and a souvenir shop (according to eilat.city). Wheelchairs for water entry are provided free of charge, with a deposit of an ID or driver's license.

Please note: The beach within the reserve is not a declared bathing beach, and therefore has no lifeguard. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority offers advance registration to guarantee a spot in the reserve, and on holiday eves, the reserve closes early. We've compiled upcoming holiday dates in the Eilat Holidays and Vacations Calendar.

Want to be in the water when the reserve opens at 9:00, without a drive from the city? Properties in Shahamon and South Eilat, near Coral Beach Reserve.

How much does snorkeling equipment cost at the reserve?

Table: Equipment rental price list at Coral Beach Nature Reserve (Israel Nature and Parks Authority, checked October 2026)

For those planning several days in the water — a personal mask that fits your face is more comfortable than a rented one.

Dolphin Reef — Snorkeling with dolphins

At Dolphin Reef, a pod of dolphins lives in a netted marine enclosure — they are not free-roaming dolphins in the open sea. Entrance to the site costs 74 ₪ for adults (age 15+) and 55 ₪ for children (3–15), and children under 3 enter for free (according to the official website, October 2026).

Guided snorkeling with dolphins:

• Age: From age 10 only. Under 18 requires an adult over 21 present at the site (not participating in the activity).
• Price: 295 ₪ for adults (age 15+), 265 ₪ for children (age 10+).
• Duration: Approximately 25 minutes swimming in the dolphin enclosure, plus about half an hour for briefing and preparation.
• Requirements: Good health and confidence in deep water.
• Site entry: Those who booked the activity in advance (by phone, online, or at the ticket booth) are exempt from the entrance fee on the same day.
• Booking: The site recommends booking at least a week in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

Hours: Mon–Thu 9:00–16:30, Fri–Sat 9:00–17:00. The site is closed on Sundays, except for holiday breaks and part of the summer vacation.

Princess Beach — Free snorkeling

Princess Beach is the southernmost beach in Eilat, near the Taba border crossing. Entry is free, and two built piers lead directly from it to the deep water and the reef.

Before you enter the water:

• No lifeguard — The beach is unsupervised. Snorkel only in pairs and only if you are confident swimmers.
• Water shoes are a must — There are many sea urchins on the beach.
• Bring your own snorkeling equipment, water, and shade.

Which month is best? Water temperature by month

You can snorkel in Eilat all year round. According to GoSurf's monthly averages (measurements from 2019 onwards; this is not an official source from the Meteorological Service), the water is coldest in February — about 21.2°C — and warmest in August, about 27.6°C.

Table: Eilat sea water temperature by month (GoSurf average, 2019 onwards)

Autumn (September–November) combines warm water with more comfortable heat than summer. In winter, the water is around 21–22°C, and those planning to spend a long time in the water will feel more comfortable with a short wetsuit.

What to bring for snorkeling in Eilat?

• Water shoes — Entry to the sea on the southern beaches is rocky, and at Princess Beach, they are a must.
• Your own mask and snorkel — If you have them; otherwise, rent them at the reserve.
• Sunscreen — Prefer reef-friendly sunscreen and apply before entering the water.
• Water, hat, and towel — And in summer, shade, especially on beaches without facilities.
• Buoyancy vest — For children and those who are not confident swimmers (available for rent at the reserve, 15 ₪).

Snorkeling with children — From what age?

Coral Beach Nature Reserve has shallow pools near the beach, and buoyancy vests are rented for children from age 7 (according to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority). Younger children can view the reef from the bridges. Snorkeling with dolphins is suitable for ages 10 and up only. More ideas for different ages — in Eilat Attractions for Kids. Coming with the kids for a few days? Apartments and villas for families in Eilat.

Safety rules and reef preservation

• Do not touch — Not corals, not fish, and nothing else on the reef. It is also forbidden to pick or move anything.
• Snorkel in pairs — None of the three locations has a lifeguard.
• Check the sea before entering — On a windy day, swimming back to shore is harder.
• Keep your distance from corals even when taking photos — No picture is worth damaging the reef.

How much does a snorkeling day in Eilat cost?

Table: Cost of a snorkeling day at Coral Beach Nature Reserve (Israel Nature and Parks Authority prices, October 2026)

Those who bring their own equipment only pay the entrance fee. And at Princess Beach — snorkeling is completely free.

Planning a few days of sea and snorkeling? Send us a WhatsApp message with your dates and number of people — and we'll help you choose accommodation in Eilat.

After a morning in the water — a private pool with a dolphin mosaic in a villa advertised on Livo.