Eilat: The dolphin reef, glass ships & underwater observatory

Nine months have passed since October 7th and we are still far from done. Even if you don't live in the south or the north, there is no doubt that the war still affects our daily lives. It also changed world orders in everything related to the way we plan and spend our vacations this summer. While at this time last year millions passed through the airport on their way to vacation abroad, this year it is only tens of thousands. And it is true that it seems that all of Israel is now in Cyprus and Greece, this year actually more Israelis prefer to stay close to home and support local businesses.

The natural option for Israelis looking for a holiday in Israel is of course Eilat

So after most of the evacuees left the hotels in the southern resort town, it seems that they are once again filled with families of vacationers, and the prices, of course, have risen according to the demand.

For those who want to come to Eilat at this time of the year without breaking the bank, there are other accommodation options in the city - from tents, through glamping to guest apartments. The last option has been perfected and developed in recent years, and is very suitable for families with children who want to enjoy everything the city has to offer at reasonable prices.

One of the options in the field of holiday apartments is Almogim Complex - a building complex located in the heart of the city, 5 minutes' drive from the lively boardwalk and the beautiful beaches. The complex offers a harmonious combination of space and privacy, along with a variety of services that you are used to receiving in hotels, all at a more attractive price.

The complex is built so that it has a central building with a lobby, a small supermarket, a restaurant and a gym. Adjacent to it is a pool with a cocktail bar. Around the central building there are buildings, where there are decorated apartments and suites. The apartments have well-equipped kitchens, including dinnerware and espresso machines, they also have TV screens, wireless internet and spacious bathrooms.

The rooms, most of them renovated, are spacious and inviting. There is an emphasis here on modern and modular design, for maximum comfort.

Another advantage is the variety of room types, such as: a gallery apartment that is suitable for a couple with three children, or a two-room apartment that can suit two couples with two children or a large family, apartments with a connecting door, penthouses, garden apartments for families and even a romantic B&B.

Also, unlike some of the hotels in the city, free parking is attached to each building, which is especially necessary, since the complex is not near the tourist centers and it is necessary to move the car to reach the attractions.

As mentioned, one of the reasons to choose vacation apartments over a hotel is the price issue. And although the prices change depending on the capacity and the season, the prices are still reasonable. For example, in the test we did (via Booking), a studio apartment with a balcony that is suitable for a couple plus a child at Almogim Holiday Apartments, for two nights on a weekend in July, costs about NIS 2,400. Without a doubt a low price, by Eilat standards in the summer.

For more details: https://almogimsuiteseilat.co.il

And if you come to Eilat during this period, you will quickly realize that the only way to survive the heat is on the beach or in the pool. If you still want to move around a bit, there are some attractions that you never get tired of.

From the wonders of the dolphin reef

As the sun glimmers over the clear waters of Eilat, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike - the Dolphin Reef. This marine paradise, located at the southern tip of Israel, offers a unique experience to visitors of all ages.

Across a beautiful stretch of beach, at the Dolphin Reef you can see a pair of dolphins up close that are occasionally happy to approach the floating observatory located near the beach, and the divers who go on an introductory dive near them. The staff at the dolphin reef prioritizes the well-being and conservation of the dolphins, so you won't see any acrobatic stunts here. Here they make sure to let them live their lives peacefully and with minimum disturbances.

Entrance price: adult - NIS 69, child (ages 3-15) - NIS 48.

The secrets of the depths in the underwater observatory

Every sea lover who visits Eilat must visit the underwater observatory at least once to understand what is hidden under the surface of the water. This iconic attraction, a marvel of marine conservation and education, beckons every visitor - big or small - to explore the wonders of the underwater kingdom.

The underwater observatory, located at the edge of the Red Sea beach, invites guests to see the marine life in its natural environment from a touching distance without getting wet. From colorful coral reefs to schools of exotic fish, every view through the windows of the unique observatory that can only be found in Israel. The observatory provides a panoramic picture of life under the waves.

Beyond the observatory that rises above sea level, the park is divided into several spaces - some outside and some inside. Outside you can find shallow pools with local fish, large turtle pools and a playground for children. In the closed spaces you can find, among other things, the "Aqua Dome" - a movie theater where you can watch a 3D movie about the life of whales. Near it is the "Shark World" - a structure where you can see the most intriguing animal in nature, watch it being fed by a diver and learn closely about the lives of sharks.

Prices: entrance to the observatory and "Aqua Dome" - NIS 125 for an adult, NIS 105 for a child.

The glass ships "Israel Sea"

Sailing is one of the favorite activities of families, and besides a light breeze and beautiful views on the coastline, there are those who offer more than that. One of the attractions that can be suitable for families with small children is sailing in glass ships, which allow you to get a glimpse of life under the surface of the water. The cruise, which usually takes about two hours, can be ideal for those who want to see fish but don't like snorkeling.

The ships are large, containing four halls over three air-conditioned floors. The ship also has two glass domes, adaptations for accessibility needs, background music and explanations from the ship's captain. The cruise passes through the border lookout, the fish and coral reserve, the dolphin reef, Eilat port and the navy.

Prices: NIS 45 per child, NIS 60 per adult.

Open all days of the week, by appointment - 050-5310090, 08-6332325.

Light up the boardwalk

And if you have already exhausted all the attractions and are walking along the boardwalk in the evening, you should know that in the area surrounding the marina, 15 colorful and beautiful lighting installations were recently installed. The installations were designed by the international light artists Anat and zion Farage, and were produced by MK Illumination.

The sculptures are made of recycled aluminum and energy-saving green LED lighting, and are even resistant to the extreme heat of the southern city.

Among the sculptures you can see blue dolphins, photo booths in the shape of hearts, a wishing tree, colorful flower bouquets and more.