I don’t visit Eilat that often - living in Tel Aviv, I have pristine beaches and the glorious Mediterranean just five minute’s walk from my house, but on the rare occasion that I do head south, there’s one spot in Israel’s most southern city that I always want to return to - the Dolphin Reef.
Eilat, down the Red Sea, is famous for its dive spots, its cocktail bars and the two borders it shares, with Egypt and Jordan, making trips to the Sinai and Petra easy-peasy. But the Reef, in my opinion, is something quite special and - in a city like Eilat, which can feel little tacky at times - is the perfect place to spend a day. A unique ecological site, and a place which adults and children can enjoy in equal measure - it’s also a chance to encounter these incredible creatures up close and personal.
How does it work? Well the dolphins that live at the Reef, live there freely. There’s little intervention in their daily lives, and there’s also an “Open Gate” to the sea - which they are free to swim through if they choose. It is up to them to stay or leave. Marine biologists there will only intervene if they feel the dolphins are in some kind of danger - the general ethos is to provide them with an environment that is as good for them as compared to a life in the wild.
Here’s what they have to say:
“The responsibility for such a tension-free encounter lies with us, the humans, since as long as we can control the dolphin’s primary needs (provision of food, controlling its’ habitat area, intervening in its social life and more...) the dolphin can “only” offer itself and his friendship.”
The Dolphin Reef costs 69 NIS (about $19) to enter, and as well as cushions to lie on (whilst you watch the dolphins splash about), there’s a beach restaurant (which isn’t excessively costly) and additional services - ‘relaxation pools’ (I haven’t tried them) and the opportunity to snorkel or dive with the dolphins.
I’ve yet to actually swim with them - some people I know say it’s wonderful, other’s say the water can be murky and it’s better just to lie back (or stand at the observation piers) and watch them at close quarters.
Petting of the creatures is not allowed (for obvious reasons) but they do swim incredibly close to you - sometimes as near as a metre. There’s also a beach area, which comes with chairs, umbrellas and showers, and the whole set-up is extremely clean and organised. When I first visited the reef, over a decade ago, there were at least nine dolphins there. Now there may be fewer, but it’s still very easy to spot one and watch it - and in general they show up for feeding time! The staff are also very friendly, and more than happy to answer your questions.
It is, without a doubt, my favourite place in Eilat - a fantastic place to go and relax, lie on the floating pontoons, read, watch dolphins swimming around, grab a chilled beer and soak up the atmosphere. The scenery is also to die for - the Red Sea in front of you, and mountains behind you. Most of all, it’s comforting to know that these animals - who really do have a mind of their own - are not in the least constrained.
My advice? Go early (although I’ve been told that as the sun sets, lots of birds appear - including a white peacock) and make a day of it.
Southern Beach Eilat, tel: 972 (0)8 637-1846