Although the waters around Eilat are safe, always take the elementary precaution of not going out too far alone, keeping in mind that depth is deceptive and that the numerous sharks are not particularly hungry for you; stepping on spiny sea urchins and getting your feet filled with their spines is the major danger.
North Beach is a sandy beach in front of the Sheraton Eilat Hotel that extends as far eastward as the Dan Eilat Hotel and the Sheraton Herod's Palace Hotel complex; because it's somewhat free of coral and sea urchins, this is a good beach for ordinary swimming. Water skis and boats can be rented, but make sure you know where you're going, because you don't have to ski very far to get into both Jordanian and hot water.
Coral Beach, which is a short drive or bus ride around the curve of the bay, is the better beach for snorkeling and diving. It's inundated with coral and fish, and snorkeling equipment can be rented. Much of Coral Beach is now a nature preserve, perfect for both first-time and intermediate snorkeling and scuba diving.
Dolphin Reef is certainly the prettiest beach in Eilat, dotted with palm trees and thatched-roof palapa structures for shade. Once in the water, you'll find the area designated for humans, with its sandy floor, is also the best in Eilat for swimming. The dolphins are an added attraction. The reef's institute believes in informal, personal relationships between humans and dolphins. As you swim and sun, you can watch them frolicking and being fed just beyond the roped-off human zone; you can also walk out to a wooden observation pier in the dolphins' free-swimming area for a closer look. Or, for about NIS 200 ($44) per person, you can join a guided group of snorkelers for a 20-minute swim among the dolphins. (Advance reservations are recommended.) Sometimes, this can be an expedition of wonderful close encounters; at other times, the free-swimming dolphins (which are under no obligation to perform) keep their distance. You must be a good swimmer. There are no guarantees, refunds, or rain checks. For NIS 95 ($21), you can sit right on the float while the dolphins come up to the trainers for snack and trick sessions. Dolphin Reef also hosts a program of scientific studies, as well as a program in which people with medical or emotional problems may visit and interact with dolphins as part of their therapy. From time to time you may notice participants in these programs on a raft in the dolphins' free-swim zone.
There is a reasonably priced cafeteria serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and full meals on the premises, as well as a pub and a program of films on dolphins. The whole feel of the beach is friendly, easygoing, and interesting. Many evenings, when admission to the beach is free, there is live or disco music and dancing. All in all, this is one of the best places in Eilat to spend a day or an evening.
Dolphin Reef is on Southern Beach (P.O. Box 104, Eilat; tel. 08/637-5935) and is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission is NIS 32 ($7), NIS 22 ($4.80) for children, from 9am to 5pm, with no admission fee after 5pm, when the restaurant and beach stay open, but the dolphin sessions finish for the day.
Watch Your Feet!--Always be on the lookout for spiny sea urchins and sharp, burning corals when swimming at Coral Beach and do your best to avoid them. Footwear or flippers are advisable when swimming here. Never put your feet down on the floor of the sea unless you can see that you will be standing on a clear, urchin-free space.
