Plan a CruiseEilat Cruise Port Guide
Eilat Port serves as Israel's southern gateway, situated at the northern end of the Red Sea. Cruise ships dock at a modern, 1,200-meter terminal. The vibrant resort city of Eilat is just minutes away, making it very accessible for independent exploration.
Eilat is Israel's southernmost city, bordering the Red Sea on one side and the Arava desert on the other. Tourism is the primary economic activity here, attracting visitors year-round. A significant advantage for shoppers is Eilat's status as a free trade zone, meaning all purchases are exempt from Israel's 15.5% Value Added Tax (VAT).
Getting Around from the Port
The city of Eilat is located just minutes from the cruise port, implying a very short taxi ride or even a walk to the nearest parts of the city. While specific public transport options from the port are not detailed, taxis would be readily available for reaching attractions within Eilat or venturing further afield. For destinations within the 50km (35 miles) radius, taxis or pre-arranged tours would be necessary as public transit may not serve all tourist spots directly. Rental cars are not explicitly mentioned as a common option for cruise passengers directly from the port.
Attractions and Activities
Eilat and its surroundings offer a diverse range of activities for a day in port:
- Coral Beach Nature Reserve & Coral World Underwater Observatory: Located at the southern tip of Coral Beach, this unique attraction allows visitors to view marine life in its natural habitat through an underwater observatory. The park also features aquariums, a museum, simulation rides, and tanks with sharks, turtles, and stingrays. This would require a short taxi ride from the city center.
- Dolphin Reef: Experience swimming and interacting with dolphins at this special marine biology and research station. It's a popular choice for families and marine enthusiasts, located a short distance from Eilat's main hotel strip, accessible by taxi.
- Diving & Snorkeling: Eilat is renowned for its Red Sea diving opportunities. Skin and SCUBA diving equipment is available for hire near all major beaches, with numerous diving clubs and schools operating year-round. Coral Beach is a prime spot for both.
- Desert Adventures (within 50km/35 miles): Within a 50km radius, you can find unique experiences like Bedouin hospitality, camel tours, and even freefall parachuting. These activities would require pre-booking or arranging transport with a local tour operator or taxi.
- Bird Watching: Eilat is situated on a major migration route between Africa and Europe, making its bird watching and ringing station an interesting stop for nature lovers, especially during migration seasons.
- Further Afield (Full Day Trips): For those with more time or specific interests, the ancient city of Taba in Egypt is nearby (though border crossing formalities should be investigated), and the iconic Dead Sea is also a possible, albeit longer, day trip destination.
Shopping
- The Promenade: Stretching along Eilat's coastline and hotel strip, the promenade is lined with local booths offering items like "sharwals" (comfortable beach pants), "longis," and inexpensive jewelry. It's a lively spot for casual browsing.
- Mol Yam Shopping Mall: Situated right at the edge of the promenade, this mall houses various Israeli clothing chain stores.
- The New Eilat Shopping Mall ("Hakenyon Hahadash"): Located near the airport, a few minutes' drive from the hotel strip, this newer mall also features Israeli clothing chains and sometimes offers better prices than Mol Yam.
Dining
- Falafel: A must-try and highly affordable street food. Made from chickpea (hummus) or broad bean (full) balls mixed with parsley and spices, served in pita bread with salad, pickles, and Tehina. If you have a sensitive stomach, it's advisable to try just one ball first.
- Shawarma: In Israel, Shawarma is typically made with turkey meat and served in pita bread with salad, Tehina, and pickles. To maximize your serving, consider asking for it without salad or pickles. It's also wise to check the pita size before ordering to ensure you get good value.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). ATMs are widely available throughout Eilat and are connected to major European and American banking systems, making cash withdrawals convenient. While Hebrew is the official language, English is widely understood in tourist areas. Visitors can generally expect to find free wireless internet access at various establishments, including popular coffee shop chains (e.g., Aroma, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Arcaffe) and fast-food restaurants like McDonald's and some Burger King branches.