A small but fascinating chunk of the Red Sea’s reef system, teeming with colorful, exotic fish and sea creatures, this nature reserve is a swimmable treasure. Because the wind and current usually move southward, all you have to do is drift and paddle a bit to observe the reef through your mask. At the southern end of the reef, you can head for shore and walk back to the starting point for another round of drifting over the reef!

On-site are comfortable changing rooms with showers, and an open-air snack bar (buy an illustrated guide to the swimming trails there). The reserve also rents snorkels, masks, and fins; there is a refundable deposit of NIS 100 for each snorkel set.

Warning: Wear some sort of foot covering every time you enter the water here. Spiny sea urchins lurk almost everywhere you might want to stand.