In anticipation of the soon to be trip to the Maldives, The Gallivanting Goldies equipped themselves with fins, snorkels and masks (one went all the way with a full face mask) and together with the latest GoPro 7 Black headed south to The Red Sea to trial run the equipment! The fins, snorkels and masks, particularly the full face one, passed the test with flying colors….still working on the GoPro! The best surprise however was what we saw. A stunning coral reef with an abundance of multi-hued fish!
The Coral Reef in Eilat is probably the northernmost coral reef in the world. The temperature of the Red Sea is a constant 22 – 24 degrees year round, one of the factors together with the geophysical structure of the Gulf of Eilat, which help protect the coral and reduce the catastrophic results of global warming.
eilat coral beach nature reserve:-
The Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve is home to the coral reef which is a protected nature reserve situated south of Eilat. The coral reef is shallow and extremely accessible making snorkeling there a glorious experience.
The reef is very close to the shore. At the Nature Reserve there are two bridges jutting out to the sea from where you enter the sea. Once in the water you are virtually on top of and next to the reef. There is also a rope with floating logs between the two bridges – one can rest on the logs and swim next to the rope so as not to get disorientated or tired. The reef is really not very long at all so very doable.
Close to the shore there is a cordoned off shallow section for children. Actually one can see the coral and fish with the naked eye and without even having to get into the water!
The Coral Beach Nature Reserve charge an admission fee. When we were there (mid October 2018) the fee for Adults was N.I.S 35, for Senior Citizens N.I.S. 18 (Israeli Senior Citizens) and for Children N.I.S. 21.
On site at the Nature Reserve :- outside snack bar with superb view of the sea; restrooms; shop; shaded areas; loungers and chairs. One can also rent snorkel equipment.
Mose’s Rock – Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve
The current usually is from north to south – so if you enter the reef at the northern bridge you basically float your way to the southern bridge with the help of the current. If you don’t want to swim back against the current hop out at the southern bridge and start again at the northern bridge. The advantages of a small reef!
isrotel yam suf hotel:-
We spent two fabulous nights at the Isrotel Yam Suf Hotel which is situated almost directly opposite The Coral Beach Nature Reserve. Opposite the Hotel on the other side of the road is the beach where the Hotel have loungers for hotel guests. This beach is adjacent to The Coral Beach Reserve and once in the sea you can swim between the two.
Getting there:-
We drove from Tel- Aviv and took, both there and back, Road 40, via Sde Boker and Mitzpe Ramon. We stopped at Sde Boker and then later at Pundak Neot Smadar – a roadside cafe/restaurant where one can also purchase their home grown and home made products.
From Road 40 you cannot miss what from far resembles a phallic symbol – this is the tower of The Art Center at the Neot Smadar Kibbutz designed and built by the kibbutz members over a period of 15 years! The present day kibbutz (it was previously abandoned by the original founders) was established over 30 years ago with the focus on creativity in daily life. They promote organic farming, some rather strange architecture (as is evident of the Art Center), have a winery and run the lovely pundak (roadside restaurant).
Tips:
Water shoes are recommended – the beaches in Eilat are not soft and sandy;
Remember to drink lots of water – the water in Eilat is drinkable;
If you drive down check the weather forecast and be aware that in the winter there can be floods on the roads;
One can rent snorkeling gear – but honestly I suggest that you have your own personal snorkel… for the rest, fins and mask – you can rent them at the Nature Reserve. I have the Aria full face mask and snorkel which I highly recommend.
All the photos are mine taken with my iPhone or newly purchased Gopro 7 Black (which I am still learning how to use!)
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