How to Use This Guide

Everything below is geared to free or popular beaches you can reach from the city area and promenade with a short taxi/transfer, bus, scooter, or a longer seaside walk. “Free” means entry is free; renting a lounger, shade, or snorkel gear costs extra. We also flag traveler-friendly details (shade, food, easy entry), snorkeling etiquette, and family tips. If you want to add guided experiences (snorkeling, boat rides, or day trips) around your beach time, compare options on our Eilat tours page.

Beach Etiquette & Safety in Two Minutes

• Reef respect: float, don’t stand on coral; keep fins up; never touch wildlife. This keeps the reef alive for your next visit.
• Sunscreen: use reef‑friendly lotion and apply 20 minutes before water time so it absorbs.
• Flags & signs: always follow posted guidance. Lifeguard coverage varies by beach and season; if there’s no guard, stay within your comfort and keep an eye on kids.
• Hydration: carry water, especially from late morning through mid‑afternoon.
• Footwear: water shoes help with pebbly entries; flip‑flops for the hot promenade.

Princess Beach — Southernmost, Wild Feel, Excellent Snorkeling

If your perfect Eilat day involves slipping into clear water and floating over coral gardens, start here. Princess Beach sits at the far southern end of Eilat, near the border, and is widely known for easy access to healthy coral patches and schooling fish close to shore. The vibe is “nature first”: simple setup, big underwater pay‑off, and a sense that you’re snorkeling in a living aquarium rather than a built‑up resort zone.

Why travelers love it: shallow reef ledges and scattered coral heads sit just off the beach—great for first‑timers who want color without a long swim. Keep your body horizontal, kick gently, and let the fish come to you. Bring water shoes for the rocks, a rash‑guard for sun, and a dry bag so you can relax between dips.

Snorkel tip: keep hands by your sides, look slightly ahead, and breathe slow. You’ll see more and disturb less.

Migdalor (Lighthouse) Beach — Chill Vibe, Easy Snorkeling, South of Town

A few minutes north of Princess, Migdalor/Lighthouse Beach blends a relaxed beach day with reliable snorkeling. Expect clear water and fish life close to shore. Many travelers come for a mellow swim, then float along the gentle reef edge with a mask and fins. Facilities and a beach hangout vibe keep non‑snorkelers happy too. The beach is widely recommended for its accessible reef and low‑stress entry.

Dekel Beach — Active Beach, Restobar, and Occasional Events

Dekel Beach brings a more social energy: a sea‑view restobar, space to spread out, and a program of occasional happenings. It’s a practical stop for families and couples who want “easy beach plus food” in one place, and it’s close enough to the city promenade to fold into a half‑day walk. The official city listings and social feeds highlight Dekel as a go‑to for laid‑back dining and, at times, beach events (think music, holiday happenings, even weddings).

Mosh’s Beach — Eco‑Chill Vibe with a Vegetarian Menu

If your beach day is equal parts sea breeze and slow lunch, Mosh’s Beach is your spot. The city describes it as a beautiful ecological beach with a chill‑out vibe; menus focus on vegetarian and vegan‑friendly plates—fresh salads, juices, and relaxed, home‑style dishes. The scene is unhurried: sandy feet, happy kids, and a feeling that you’ve found a pocket of calm just south of town.

Using the Official Eilat Beaches Directory (Kite, Windsurf & the North Shore)

Beyond the southern snorkel strip, Eilat’s north‑shore promenade is lined with city beaches where you can split your day between sand, sea, and cafés. If you’re chasing wind and boards rather than coral, the official Eilat beach directory is your friend: it lists spots such as Kite Beach and Windsurfing Beach, along with practical notes (public access, clubs, showers). Use it to match the day’s wind to your plan; on calm days, the north shore is a classic walk‑and‑swim zone.

Which Beach Fits Your Day?

Sample Half‑Day & Full‑Day Plans

Morning Snorkel + City Swim (Half Day)

Taxi to Migdalor by 08:30, before the breeze picks up. Float above the reef for 45 minutes, rinse, and grab a drink. Around noon, head back toward the promenade and finish with an easy city swim and a shaded lunch. If energy allows, browse our Eilat experiences for a short glass‑bottom boat ride or sunset lookout.

Family Slow Day (Full Day)

Late breakfast, then Mosh’s Beach for a calm mid‑morning: one parent swims while the other orders juices and sets up shade. After lunch, nap time back at the hotel or a pram walk along the north promenade. Toward evening, wander to Dekel Beach for a simple dinner and a no‑rush sunset dip. If there’s an event or music on the sand, you’re already in place.

Wind & Water (Half Day)

If the forecast favors you, check Kite Beach first for conditions and availability with a club. After a few hours on the water, cool down with an easy city swim, then an ice cream stroll on the north shore.

Promenade Basics: Getting Around

The promenade is flat and walkable. You’ll find water fountains, shaded benches, and cafés spaced at easy intervals. For longer hops, taxis and rideshares are efficient; if you’re using scooters, ride defensively and park where permitted. At night the walkway fills with families and street performers—budget a little extra time for snacks and detours.

What to Pack (and What You Can Rent)

Rentals: on popular southern beaches and city sands you’ll typically find loungers and shade for rent; snorkel gear is commonly available near the snorkel‑friendly strip—ask locally on the day.

Snorkeling 101 for Eilat’s Southern Strip

The Red Sea’s clarity makes it tempting to kick fast and chase color. Don’t. Float slowly, give the reef space, and let your eyes adjust. You’ll pick out details—a parrotfish nibbling coral, a darting wrasse, a ray ghosting over sand—that you’d otherwise miss. Enter and exit only where allowed, use channels between coral heads, and never stand on living rock. If wind or waves pick up, regroup on shore and try again later or the next morning. The reef is patient; you can be too.

Season, Time of Day & Crowd Patterns

• Morning: gentler seas for snorkelers; shade lasts longer; easier parking at southern beaches.
• Midday: bright water color for photos but hotter sand; plan real shade breaks and hydration.
• Late afternoon: softer light, calmer mood, great for families and golden‑hour swimmers.
• Weekends & holidays: arrive earlier for shade and space; consider city beaches for easy facilities if the snorkel strip is busy.

Accessibility Notes

The north‑shore promenade and several city beaches have paved access and shaded seating. Southern snorkel spots vary: entries can be pebbly or via marked points and may not suit all mobility levels. If accessibility is key, start on the north shore and ask staff on site about the smoothest entries that day. For water time, a snug snorkeling vest can add comfort and buoyancy for cautious swimmers.

Budgeting a Beach Day

Most of the beaches listed here are free to enter. Expect small costs for shade beds, loungers, and any rentals. Food and drinks range from simple kiosks to sit‑down menus (Mosh’s and Dekel both make it easy to graze without leaving the sand). When you plan a longer southern‑strip day, stock water and a few snacks in case you find your perfect patch and don’t want to move.

FAQs

Which free beach is best for snorkeling?

Princess for the wild feel and coral patches; Migdalor/Lighthouse for a mellow setup and easy access. Both are favorites for first‑timers and casual snorkelers.

Where can we get food without leaving the beach?

Mosh’s Beach (vegetarian/vegan‑friendly, eco chill) and Dekel Beach (restobar vibe).

What if it’s windy?

Swap the snorkel for a wind day: check Kite Beach or Windsurf Beach via the official directory and go with a local club.

Is there shade?

Yes—parasols and loungers at many popular spots (often paid). On “wild” sections, bring your own hat and time your swim for morning or late afternoon.

Can we walk the whole promenade?

You can cover long stretches at an easy pace with frequent café stops. For southern snorkel beaches, plan a short taxi/transfer rather than a full walk.

Want to Add a Guided Experience?

Many travelers pair a free beach morning with a guided activity in the afternoon—a Dolphin Reef session, a reef‑friendly Coral Beach snorkel, or a sunset lookout over the Eilat Mountains. See what fits your dates on the Eilat tours & activities hub.