Coral Beach Nature Reserve

Start of your day

Show your ticket at the gate and choose a shaded spot on the beach. If you need equipment, rent a mask, snorkel, and fins at the beach kiosk, then get a quick briefing on the marked routes and reef rules.

First snorkel: the easy loop

Enter the water from the northern floating pier and follow the buoyed trail along the reef drop-off. Drift with the typical current to the second pier for a short, relaxed loop (≈130–150 m), watching for butterflyfish, parrotfish, bannerfish, and more along the way. Exit by the steps, rest, and review your footage—or head right back in.

Breaks & beach time

• Shaded seating, restrooms, and freshwater showers for rinse-offs between snorkels
• Lifeguard coverage during opening hours in designated zones
• Snacks/drinks available nearby (seasonal); bring water and reef-safe sunscreen

Second snorkel: go a little farther

Ready for more? Do the longer drift (≈250–280 m) along the buoy line to a natural channel south of the beach. Expect hard-coral formations on the drop-off (brain, fire and finger corals) and frequent sightings of tangs, groupers, wrasses and clouds of anthias. Stay outside the buoy line to protect the reef and follow lifeguard instructions.

Family-friendly shallows

Non-swimmers and kids can explore the designated shallow “wading” areas (clearly buoyed) near shore to spot fish without hovering over coral. Floatation vests are recommended for beginners.

Landscape & setting

Between sessions, soak up views of the Eilat Mountains and the Gulf of Aqaba. This reserve protects one of the world’s northernmost shallow-water coral reefs, stretching roughly 1.2 km along the coast—remarkably close to shore and easy to access.

Before you go

• Opening hours are seasonal; last entry is typically about an hour before closing.
• Do not touch or stand on coral; keep fins up and follow the marked routes.
• Sea conditions vary; if currents/waves pick up, shorten the route or wait for calmer water.