Cruises to Eilat
Eilat - the only Israeli city on the Red Sea coast and the country's southernmost point. A resort capital wedged between the Negev desert and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, right where the borders of four countries meet. Months can pass here without rain, coral reefs reach almost to the shoreline, and the evening sun sets simultaneously behind the mountains of Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. For a city of just over 56,000 residents, it holds a remarkably prominent place on the world's tourism map.
For cruise travellers, Eilat is above all an exotic stop on Red Sea itineraries: ships call here en route to Jordan, Egypt or Oman, or as part of extended world cruises. Eilat has never been a major turnaround port like Barcelona or Hamburg — its role is different: to give passengers a few hours in an entirely different world, with desert canyons, the northernmost coral reef on the planet, and a biblical history three thousand years deep. 🐠
📋 Before you set sail on a cruise to Eilat or step ashore for a few hours in port, here's what you need to know:
🇮🇱 Country: Israel
📍 Region: Southern District
👥 Population: around 56,000 residents (2024)
📐 City area: 84.8 km² (32.7 sq mi)
🗣️ Languages: Hebrew and Arabic (both official); English is widely spoken in the tourism sector
💰 Currency: new Israeli shekel (NIS); Eilat is a VAT-free trade zone
🕐 Time zone: IST (UTC+2), IDT (UTC+3) in summer
☀️ Climate: hot desert climate with almost no rainfall and up to 360 sunny days a year; summer daytime highs exceed +40 °C (104 °F), while winters are a mild +20–21 °C (68–70 °F)
✈️ Nearest airport: Ramon Airport (ETM) — 18 km (11 mi) north of the city
⚓ Official port name: Namal Eilat (Port of Eilat)
🌊 Waters: Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea; the city's coastline runs about 11 km (6.8 mi)
🏛️ The history of Eilat — from biblical Elath to the Red Sea's resort capital
⏳ An ancient port at the crossroads of caravan routes
The history of Eilat spans more than three thousand years. In biblical times a settlement called Elath (Eloth) already stood here, mentioned in the Old Testament as a stop for the Israelites during the Exodus, while nearby, at ancient Ezion-Geber, King Solomon is said to have built ships that sailed for gold to the legendary land of Ophir. The area lay at the crossroads of trade routes linking the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and the Mediterranean, so the port on the gulf was valued long before the modern era.
Archaeologists still debate the exact location of ancient Ezion-Geber — one theory places it on Jezirat Faraun (Pharaoh's Island), south of modern Eilat. But the city's very name, “Elath,” has lived on in this region for millennia, making Eilat one of the oldest place names on the map of Israel.
🇮🇱 From border outpost to modern resort
The city's modern history began on 10 March 1949, when, during the War of Independence, Israeli forces took a deserted British police post on the shore of the gulf in Operation Uvda — the day now marked as Eilat's founding date. The settlement was granted city status in 1951.
For its first decades Eilat developed chiefly as a strategic port and industrial town, handling oil and goods from Asia and Africa that bypassed the Suez Canal. The real tourism boom began in the 1960s–1970s, when the gulf's unique coral reefs and year-round sunshine turned the city into the country's leading beach resort. Today Eilat is above all a holiday town, where hotels, dive centres and a lively promenade create an atmosphere quite different from the rest of Israel. 🏖️
⚓ The Port of Eilat — Israel's gateway to the Red Sea
📊 Scale and layout
Namal Eilat is far more modest than Mediterranean megaports such as Barcelona or Hamburg. It is chiefly a commercial harbour and a marina with around 250 berths, located just minutes on foot from the hotel promenade and the city beach. There is no large multi-berth passenger terminal here as in major turnaround ports — ships dock or anchor just off the city centre, with passengers brought ashore by tender or a short transfer.
🚢 How many ships the port can handle
Eilat has traditionally hosted one, occasionally two, ships at a time — it is a compact port of call rather than a hub built for mass passenger flow. Because of the difficult Red Sea shipping-security situation that has persisted since late 2023, calls by large international cruise ships at Eilat have dropped sharply in recent seasons: many cruise lines have temporarily dropped the Red Sea from their itineraries or swapped Eilat for Mediterranean ports. Haifa, which opened a new modern passenger terminal in 2026, is currently Israel's main cruise hub.
🏢 Which cruise lines call at Eilat
In calmer seasons, ships traditionally called at Eilat as part of world cruises and dedicated Red Sea itineraries — operators known to have visited the port include premium and expedition brands such as Emerald Cruises, along with occasional calls by larger lines during trans-regional repositioning voyages. Before planning a visit to Eilat, always check with a cruise specialist for your ship's current itinerary and the latest situation in the region. 🧭
💡 Interesting facts about Eilat and its port
A few details worth knowing before you step ashore:
🌍 From Eilat's promenade you can see the territory of four countries at once: Israel, Jordan (the city of Aqaba), Egypt (Taba) and, on a clear day, Saudi Arabia (Haql) on the far shore of the gulf.
🐠 Eilat's coral reefs are the northernmost shallow-water coral reefs in the world — a unique phenomenon at this latitude that draws divers from across the globe.
🏝️ Around a quarter of a million dives are made off Eilat's coast every year — diving and snorkelling account for about 10% of the city's tourism income.
🛂 Eilat is a free-trade zone: Israeli VAT (17.5%) is not charged here, which makes shopping noticeably cheaper than in the rest of the country.
✈️ Ramon Airport only opened in January 2019 — before that, planes landed right in the city centre, a few minutes' walk from the beach.
🕊️ Eilat lies on one of the main bird-migration routes between Europe and Africa — hundreds of thousands of migrating birds pass through twice a year.
⛏️ Copper was mined in the nearby Timna Valley as far back as roughly 6,000 years ago — one of the oldest mining sites in the world.
📍 Eilat's top landmarks — must-sees for cruise passengers
A cruise ship's call in Eilat is usually shorter than in Mediterranean ports, so it's worth setting priorities in advance. A detailed list with addresses and opening hours can be found in the “Landmarks and Places of Interest” section; below is a short overview of the key sites.
🐠 Coral Beach Nature Reserve — the world's most accessible scenic coral reef: walk straight in from the shore and find yourself among tropical fish and corals.
🐬 Dolphin Reef — a bay where wild bottlenose dolphins live in natural conditions; you can swim alongside them or simply watch from the pontoons.
🔭 Coral World Underwater Observatory — the largest public aquarium in the Middle East, with an underwater observation tower set right in the sea.
⛏️ Timna Park — a desert canyon with ancient copper mines, natural rock arches and the famous Solomon's Pillars.
🏜️ Red Canyon — a narrow, scenic gorge with red sandstone walls in the Eilat Mountains, a popular short hiking route.
⛰️ Eilat Mountains — a desert mountain range at the southern edge of the Negev, with panoramic viewpoints over the gulf and neighbouring countries.
🛥️ Eilat's promenade and marina — a waterfront strip of restaurants, duty-free shops and a yacht harbour just steps from the city beach.
✨ Why include Eilat in your cruise itinerary
Eilat is one of those rare cases where a single short call reshapes the impression of an entire cruise.
First, there's the geographic novelty: in just a few hours you can take in desert, mountains and a tropical coral reef — all within walking distance of the pier. 🏜️
Second, it's a genuine meeting point of four countries and cultures at once — views of Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia right from the promenade are hard to find in any other port in the world. 🌍
Third, Eilat's underwater world is one of the northernmost coral reefs on the planet, accessible even to complete beginners. 🐠
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group keep a close eye on the situation in the Red Sea region and will help you choose the best itinerary, cabin and dates, as well as confirm which ships are actually calling at Eilat in a given season. We work as a priority partner of the world's leading cruise brands in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance only and was accurate at the time of publication. The shipping-security situation in the Red Sea region, prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant venues for the latest information.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Eilat
Eilat sits at the southernmost tip of Israel, where the country narrows to a point on the Red Sea — on the shore of the Gulf of Aqaba. The city's cruise terminal is located in the North Beach area, a few kilometers (about a mile and a half) from downtown, and is effectively squeezed between two international borders: to the south lies the Taba crossing with Egypt, and to the north the Yitzhak Rabin crossing with Jordan. This geography is exactly what makes Eilat such an appealing port of call — in a single call, passengers can reach a Red Sea beach and, time permitting, Petra or the Sinai. Below is a verified step-by-step guide to reaching the pier, what transfers cost, and what to keep in mind when planning your day in port. 🎯
⚠️ Important — current port status: since July 2025, the Port of Eilat has officially suspended commercial operations — a prolonged Houthi blockade of Red Sea shipping and accumulated debts led to frozen accounts and a full shutdown. Israel's 2026 cruise-tourism revival is centered on Haifa, where a new terminal opened, and no confirmed calls by major cruise lines at Eilat have been found for 2025–2026. The logistics below describe the standard route to the terminal and remain relevant if calls resume — before your trip, always confirm the port's status and exact schedule with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist.
📍 Where exactly is Eilat's cruise terminal
Eilat's passenger pier is located in the North Beach area, next to the city marina — the closest cruise terminal to a city center of any port in Israel.
📌 GPS address: Port of Eilat, North Beach, Eilat 88000, Israel
🚶 Distance to downtown: about 1–3 km (0.5–2 mi), within walking distance of the North Beach hotel strip
🇪🇬 Distance to the Egyptian border (Taba crossing): about 8–10 km (5–6 mi) south
🇯🇴 Distance to the Jordanian border (Yitzhak Rabin crossing): about 4–5 km (2.5–3 mi)
❗ Important: your ship's exact berth is always listed in your cruise voucher. Because calls at Eilat are irregular, we recommend confirming terminal details and the stay time 48–72 hours before boarding.
✈️ From Ramon Airport (ETM) to the cruise terminal
Ramon Airport opened in January 2019 in the Timna Valley, 18–20 km (11–12.5 mi) north of Eilat — it replaced the former in-town Eilat Airport (closed the same day) and later took over all flights from Ovda Airport. There are currently no direct flights from Ukraine — routes connect through hubs such as Istanbul, Warsaw, or Athens.
🚕 Taxi — the fastest option
• Travel time: 20–25 minutes (about 20–23 km / 12–14 mi to the pier)
• Tariff 1 (5:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.): about 84–100 NIS
• Tariff 2 (9:01 p.m.–5:29 a.m., weekends, holidays): about 95–110 NIS
• Note: the fare doesn't always include a luggage surcharge — confirm with the driver right away
🚌 Egged bus — the budget option
• Line 30: to the Central Bus Station, every 20–30 minutes, roughly 5:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
• Line 50: to the hotel zone and the Taba border, every 20–30 minutes, roughly 5:15 a.m.–8:45 p.m.
• Fare: about 4.20–5 NIS per ride
• From there: from the hotel-zone stop to the port — a 10–15-minute walk or a short taxi ride
🚐 Private transfer
• Sedan (1–4 passengers): from 70 EUR
• Minivan (5–8 passengers): from 120 EUR
• Benefits: meet-and-greet with a name sign, fixed price, no taxi-queue wait
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for our clients — just share your flight number when booking your cruise.
🚗 Car rental: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, and Europcar desks operate in the arrivals hall at Ramon Airport.
🚌 From Eilat's bus station — if you're arriving from other Israeli cities
There is no railway to Eilat — the planned high-speed line's Dimona–Eilat segment is still at the public-consultation stage, with no confirmed construction timeline. The main overland option is an Egged intercity bus.
🚍 From Tel Aviv: lines 390, 393, and 394 from the Central Bus Station, travel time 4–6 hours, fare about 82 NIS one way
🚍 From Jerusalem and Beer Sheva: regular Egged services run daily; travel time depends on the route and number of stops
🚗 By highway: Route 90 (Israel's longest road, running along the Red Sea coast) or Route 40, which joins Route 90 about 100 km (62 mi) north of Eilat
From the bus station to the port: about 3–4 km (2–2.5 mi), a 10–15-minute taxi ride (about 20–30 NIS) or a city bus to a stop in the North Beach area.
🏙️ From downtown Eilat to the cruise terminal
Eilat's biggest advantage among cruise ports is the short distance between the pier and the tourist strip.
🚶 On foot: for North Beach hotels — a 10–20-minute walk along the seafront
🚕 Taxi: 5–10 minutes, about 20–40 NIS from most downtown hotels
🚌 Free ship shuttle: many cruise lines run their own free shuttle bus from the port entrance to downtown, usually once an hour — check the schedule onboard on the day of the call
💡 Tip: since the port grounds are industrial and not very walkable for long stretches, use a taxi or the shuttle for the last leg to the pier itself, even if you're walking in from downtown.
🚗 By private car — parking near the port (and car rental)
If you're arriving at the port by your own or a rental car, keep in mind: unlike major Mediterranean ports, Eilat has no dedicated multi-story parking structure right at the passenger pier. The most practical options are:
🅿️ North Beach hotel parking — most beachfront hotels offer paid parking for guests and, by arrangement, for visitors for a few hours
🅿️ Street parking near the marina — limited spaces, so arrive early in high season
🚗 Car rental: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, and Europcar are available both at Ramon Airport and in Eilat itself — handy if you're planning an independent trip to Timna Park or the Eilat Mountains after disembarking
🛣️ GPS route: Route 90 leads directly to the North Beach and marina area regardless of which direction you enter the city from.
♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
Israeli law requires public facilities to be fitted with ramps and elevators, and Egged buses on the airport and bus-station routes are low-floor. No dedicated, published accessibility program specifically for Eilat's cruise pier — unlike major Mediterranean ports — has been found, so passengers with limited mobility should notify the cruise line or the port agent in advance about assistance needed for boarding and disembarking.
⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
Eilat has historically functioned as a port of call within broader Red Sea itineraries, not as an embarkation or disembarkation port — the ship stays for a few hours before continuing its voyage.
🕐 All-aboard deadline: return to the ship 60–90 minutes before the stated departure time — the ship will not wait for late passengers
🕐 Typical call length: usually 7–10 hours
🕐 Extended calls: some sailings stay in Eilat for up to 12 hours so passengers can take a full-day excursion to Petra via the Yitzhak Rabin border crossing — in that case, the exact reboarding time is always listed in the ship's schedule and your cruise voucher
❗ On cross-border excursions: trips to Petra (Jordan) or to the Sinai and Cairo (Egypt) require crossing an international border, a passport, and often a separate visa fee. Book such excursions only through a verified operator and with a comfortable time margin before the ship departs.
💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
🎒 Bring your passport ashore, even if you're not planning a cross-border excursion. In this border city, you may be asked to show it even on an ordinary walk along the promenade.
💶 Carry cash in shekels (NIS), plus US dollars or euros for cross-border excursions. At the Taba and Yitzhak Rabin crossings, visa and border fees are often cash-only.
🚌 Check the ship's shuttle schedule as soon as you board. It's the most convenient, free way to reach downtown, and exploring the port grounds on foot can eat up extra time.
☀️ Protect yourself from the sun and heat. Eilat sits in the desert, and summer temperatures often exceed 100 °F (38 °C) even in the shade — a hat, sunglasses, and water are essential.
📞 Check the call status a few weeks before your cruise. Because Red Sea shipping remains unstable, the schedule of calls at Eilat can change — always confirm current information with your cruise specialist.
📞 Contacts for Eilat
Eilat Taxi (booking):+972 52 832 7781
Taba border crossing (Egypt):+972 8 636 09 99
Israel Police: 100
Ambulance (Magen David Adom): 101
Fire Department: 102
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
Getting around Eilat combines the compactness of a resort town with the quirks of a border location right next to Egypt and Jordan. When cruise calls at the port resume, these distances and routes will still hold true — and until then, the Four Gates Group cruise experts are following the situation in the region and can advise whether Eilat is worth including in your itinerary right now. Reach out to your manager — and we'll help you plan a Red Sea trip with no unnecessary risk. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Eilat's Top Attractions and Places: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Eilat is Israel's southernmost city, a resort on the northern shore of the Gulf of Aqaba — the Red Sea's northern arm — wedged between the desert Eilat Mountains and the borders of three countries at once: Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, whose silhouette is visible on the horizon. There are no Gothic cathedrals or centuries-old palaces here: Eilat's main attraction is nature itself. A coral reef just a few meters from the beach, 6,000-year-old copper mines among red sandstone cliffs, and the sandy canyons of the Arava Desert create a completely different, wild kind of beauty compared to Mediterranean ports. For cruise travelers, Eilat was historically a short but vivid stop: in just a few hours ashore, visitors could dive into the underwater world of the Red Sea, touch the desert, and even cross one of two land borders — with Jordan or Egypt. Below is a verified guide to Eilat's main attractions with prices and opening hours current as of 2026, plus tips on getting from the pier to each site. 🎯
⚠️ Important note on the port's current status: as of September 2026, Eilat's commercial port is not receiving cruise ships — operations were officially suspended in July 2025 due to the operator's financial crisis and years of declining cargo traffic caused by the Houthis' prolonged blockade of Red Sea shipping. No confirmed calls by major cruise ships in Eilat have been recorded in 2025–2026; Israel's cruise revival is currently centered on Haifa, where a new terminal opened on May 14, 2026. The material below describes attractions and practices that were relevant while the port was operating, and is intended for informational and historical reference. Before planning a trip, always confirm the port's current status and cruise call schedule with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist.
🐠 1. Coral World Underwater Observatory Marine Park
💡 Fun Facts & Background:
Eilat's flagship attraction and one of Israel's largest public aquariums — home to more than 800 marine species across a range of exhibits. 🔹 The main draw is the observatory tower itself, where visitors descend below the surface and view the living coral reef through windows right in the open sea, with no aquarium glass between them and the fish. 🔹 “Shark World” holds 3,000,000 liters (about 792,500 US gal) of water and is home to 20 species of sharks and rays. 🔹 The “Red Sea 360°” is a circular hall where visitors stand at the center, surrounded by 360,000 liters (about 95,100 US gal) of water and a living reef ecosystem. 🔹 The park runs recovery programs for green and loggerhead sea turtles — hundreds of rehabilitated turtles have been released back into the wild — and a seahorse breeding program has been running since 2002. 🔹 The glass-bottom boat “Coral 2000” offers a 35-minute cruise over the reef without getting your feet wet.
📜 History:
The observatory was founded in 1974 by zoologist and marine biologist David Fridman — one of the first underwater observatories in the world, allowing visitors to watch the Red Sea reef without diving. Over half a century, the park grew from a single tower into a full complex with aquariums, turtle pools, a shark hall, and an oceanarium with a 4D cinema, remaining the resort's leading family attraction.
🚢 Getting There from the North Beach Pier:
• Taxi: 10–15 minutes, approximately 35–45 NIS — the park sits on the southern stretch of Eilat's promenade, on the road toward the Taba border
• Bus: Egged city bus lines run along South Beach toward Coral Beach and Taba, with a stop at the entrance
• On foot: along the promenade, about 6–7 km (3.7–4.3 mi), roughly 1.5 hours
💶 Admission & Opening Hours:
• Opening hours: daily, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Children under 3 — free; tickets are valid for 3 consecutive days from first entry; 20–50% discounts apply for visitors with disabilities
• Check coralworld.co.il or your cruise specialist for current adult/child ticket prices and combo packages (entry + oceanarium) — pricing varies by season and package
🐬 2. Dolphin Reef
💡 Fun Facts & Background:
Unlike a classic dolphinarium, the dolphins here live not in a pool but in a genuine sea bay covering 10,000 m² (about 107,600 sq ft) with a depth of up to 12 meters (39 ft), enclosed by buoyed nets — effectively a slice of open sea. 🔹 The bottlenose dolphins, of the Black Sea subspecies, are NOT trained to perform — they approach rafts and swimmers purely out of curiosity. 🔹 The bay is also home to rays, cuttlefish, and butterflyfish, so there is plenty of marine life to snorkel among even without dolphin contact. 🔹 Dolphin Reef's dive center runs therapeutic dolphin-swim sessions for people with disabilities.
📜 History:
The facility opened in 1990 as a research and education project studying dolphin behavior in semi-natural conditions, without isolating the animals from the sea. The dolphins are free to swim out into the open bay, so every encounter with a visitor is voluntary rather than forced.
🚢 Getting There from the North Beach Pier:
• Taxi: 10–15 minutes, approximately 35–45 NIS — the site is next door to Coral World, on the southern promenade
• On foot: combine with a visit to Coral World and the Coral Beach reserve — all three sites are within 10–15 minutes' walk of each other
💶 Admission & Opening Hours:
• Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Friday–Saturday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., closed Sunday (except holidays and summer season)
• Admission: adults (15+) — 74 NIS, children 3–15 — 55 NIS, under 3 — free
• Dolphin swim (a separate paid activity, ages 10+) — price confirmed at time of booking
🤿 3. Coral Beach Nature Reserve
💡 Fun Facts & Background:
The easiest way to see the Red Sea coral reef without a boat — just wade in from the shore. 🔹 Wooden bridges over the reef let visitors admire the corals and fish even without knowing how to swim. 🔹 Shallow pools are set up for children. 🔹 The reserve is part of a long, nearly unbroken coral reef running along the coast of the Gulf of Eilat toward the Egyptian border.
📜 History:
The area was declared a nature reserve to protect one of the world's northernmost coral reefs — and, at the same time, one of the most accessible to mass tourism — from development and visitor overload. It is managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.
🚢 Getting There from the North Beach Pier:
• Taxi: 12–15 minutes, approximately 40–50 NIS
• Location: opposite the Eilat Field School, on the road toward the Taba border, next to Coral World and Dolphin Reef
💶 Admission & Opening Hours:
• Summer: Sun–Thu & Sat 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Fri and holiday eves 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Winter: Sun–Thu & Sat 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Fri and holiday eves 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (entry stops one hour before closing)
• Admission: adults — 40 NIS, children — 25 NIS, students — 34 NIS
• On site: mask and snorkel rental, showers, changing rooms, sun loungers
🏜️ 4. Timna Park and Solomon's Pillars
💡 Fun Facts & Background:
Timna is one of humanity's oldest industrial sites: copper was mined here almost continuously for more than 6,000 years, from the Chalcolithic period (45th–32nd century BCE) to the early Arab period. 🔹 Solomon's Pillars are natural sandstone columns rising up to 40 meters (131 ft); despite the name, they have no direct connection to the biblical King Solomon — they are a product of erosion. 🔹 Mining peaked in the 14th–12th centuries BCE, when the mines were run by Ancient Egypt under pharaohs from Seti I to Ramesses V; Israelites also mined copper here in the 10th–9th centuries BCE, and the Romans briefly revived mining in the 1st–2nd centuries CE. 🔹 Beside Solomon's Pillars stood a temple to the goddess Hathor — a shrine serving the mining workforce, where archaeologists found ritual vessels, sacrificial animal bones, and fruit remains. 🔹 The park has an artificial lake, Timna Lake, with pedal boats and desert-herb tea tastings — swimming in the lake is not permitted. 🔹 The last industrial copper mining at Timna took place from 1955 to 1984.
📜 History:
Timna lies in the Arava Desert, a 20-minute drive north of Eilat, and is today an open-air geological and archaeological park. It preserves ancient mine shafts, rock carvings from the 14th–12th centuries BCE depicting hunting scenes and animals, and striking natural rock formations — Boreg Hill with its spiral rock stairs, the “Mushroom” (a sandstone formation at a former Egyptian copper camp), and natural sandstone arches.
🚢 Getting There from the North Beach Pier:
• Car/taxi: 20–25 minutes via Route 90 north (about 25 km / 15.5 mi); taxi fare approximately 90–120 NIS one way
• An organized tour is the most convenient option, as there is no regular public transport to the park entrance
💶 Admission & Opening Hours:
• Opening hours: daily, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Tickets are valid for 7 consecutive days from purchase and include a keepsake bottle of colored desert sand
• Check parktimna.co.il or your cruise specialist for current adult/child/family ticket prices — pricing varies by season and package
🔴 5. Red Canyon
💡 Fun Facts & Background:
A narrow gorge cut through bright red and terracotta Nubian sandstone, shaped by wind and water over millennia. 🔹 At its narrowest points, the canyon walls close in to barely shoulder-width. 🔹 The trail is fitted with handrails and metal ladders to help hikers manage the elevation changes. 🔹 Two routes are on offer: an easier green trail and a more challenging black trail with steeper descents.
📜 History:
The canyon is a natural landmark of the Eilat Mountains, popular with tourists for combining easy access (no special gear required) with the spectacular scenery of the Negev Desert. It's one of the most photogenic hiking trails in southern Israel.
🚢 Getting There from the North Beach Pier:
• Car/taxi: about 25–30 minutes via Route 12 northeast of Eilat (about 20 km / 12.4 mi)
• No public transport serves the trailhead, so the best options are a rental car, taxi, or organized tour
💶 Admission & Opening Hours:
• Free entry, open 24 hours (best visited in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat)
• Bring water, closed-toe shoes, and a hat — there is almost no shade along the trail
⚓ 6. North Beach Promenade and Ayla Marina
💡 Fun Facts & Background:
The area closest to the pier is Eilat's central beach and promenade, home to hotels, restaurants, duty-free shops, and a marina. 🔹 Eilat has been a free trade zone since 1985, so most goods here are VAT-free, making shopping noticeably cheaper than in the rest of Israel. 🔹 The promenade offers views of several countries at once: Jordan's mountains to the east, Sinai's (Egypt's) silhouette to the west, and, on a clear day, the outline of Saudi Arabia's mountains at the far end of the gulf. 🔹 Ayla Marina is a modern yacht harbor and retail-and-entertainment quarter on the southern promenade.
📜 History:
North Beach developed into Eilat's main tourist zone in the second half of the 20th century, as the city — founded in 1949 as a border settlement and port — gradually grew into an international resort.
🚢 Getting There from the North Beach Pier:
• On foot: the pier sits directly within the North Beach district, with most of the promenade, hotels, and shops within a 5–15-minute walk
💶 Cost: strolling the promenade — free
🏛️ 7. Petra (Jordan) — A Cross-Border Excursion
💡 Fun Facts & Background:
Eilat borders Jordan's Aqaba almost directly, making the crossing between the two cities one of the shortest international borders anywhere in the world. That means Petra — the legendary “Rose City,” carved into the rock by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — ends up far closer to Eilat than to any other Israeli city. 🔹 The drive from the Yitzhak Rabin crossing to Petra via Aqaba is about 125 km (78 mi) and takes roughly 2 hours. 🔹 Petra was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
📜 History:
The Yitzhak Rabin (Wadi Araba) crossing opened in 1994, immediately after Israel and Jordan signed their peace treaty, and was named after Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who signed the treaty.
🚢 Getting There from the North Beach Pier:
• To the border: the Yitzhak Rabin crossing is 3–5 km (1.9–3.1 mi) from the pier, 10–15 minutes by taxi
• Crossing the border: on foot, with passport and customs checks; crossing hours are Sun–Thu 6:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Fri–Sat 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
• On to Petra: a taxi from the border/Aqaba runs approximately 70 JOD one way, or book an organized transfer or tour through a licensed operator (recommended, to avoid inflated prices); door-to-door travel one way, including border formalities, takes about 3 hours
💶 Cost:
• Border exit fee leaving Israel for Jordan — 230 NIS per person
• Petra admission for day visitors without an overnight stay in Jordan — a standard 90 JOD; a discounted rate from 50 JOD applies with a Jordan hotel booking (check terms with your cruise specialist)
❗ Important: given the length of the journey (border crossing plus about 2 hours each way), visiting Petra is realistic only during a long port stay (9–10 hours or more) and strictly as part of an organized tour with a guaranteed return before departure.
🐫 8. The Sinai Peninsula (Egypt) — A Cross-Border Excursion via Taba
💡 Fun Facts & Background:
The second land border near Eilat leads into Egypt's Sinai Peninsula — a region of exceptional Red Sea scenery and desert canyons. 🔹 The most popular day-trip destinations are the Colored Canyon (striped sandstone in every hue, similar to Red Canyon but larger in scale) and Pharaoh's Island (Jezirat Faraun), with the remains of a Crusader-era fortress later held by Saladin. 🔹 Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery are also on the peninsula but much farther away (about 230 km / 143 mi from Eilat) and effectively out of reach for a day trip during a short port call.
📜 History:
The Taba crossing opened in 1982, after Sinai was fully returned to Egypt under the 1978–1979 Camp David Accords.
🚢 Getting There from the North Beach Pier:
• To the border: the Taba crossing is 8–10 km (5–6.2 mi) south of central Eilat, 12–15 minutes by taxi
• Crossing hours: 24 hours a day, except for Eid al-Adha and Yom Kippur
💶 Cost:
• Border exit fee leaving Israel for Egypt — 106 NIS per person
• The cost of an Egyptian visa and of the excursions themselves (Colored Canyon, Pharaoh's Island) varies significantly by tour operator — check with your cruise specialist
❗ Important: independent travel deep into Sinai is not recommended due to regional security restrictions — visit only as part of an organized group with a licensed guide.
🦅 9. Other Attractions Worth Knowing About
• 🦩 International Birding & Research Center (IBRCE) — at Eilat's northern entrance, along the migration route of 500 million to 1 billion birds traveling between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Free admission, open 24 hours.
• 🐆 Hai-Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve — a reserve reintroducing animals mentioned in the Bible (onagers, oryx, ostriches), about a 40-minute drive north of the city on Route 90.
• 🥛 Yotvata Dairy Visitor Center — a roadside complex at Kibbutz Yotvata on Route 90, famous for its signature chocolate milk and ice cream; a popular stop on the way to Timna or Red Canyon.
• 🛍️ Duty-free shopping — VAT-free malls and shops along Eilat's promenade thanks to its free trade zone status: electronics, perfume, jewelry.
• 🏔️ The Eilat Mountains — a network of hiking trails in the desert mountains southwest of the city, with panoramic views over the Gulf of Aqaba and several countries at once.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Itineraries for an 8–9-Hour Day in Eilat
According to archival records, a cruise ship's call in Eilat historically lasted around 8–10 hours — enough time to combine the underwater world of the Red Sea with desert scenery, or even squeeze in a short trip across a border. Below are three sample itineraries depending on budget and activity level; always confirm with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist whether cruise calls to the port have resumed.
🥉 Itinerary 1. Beach & Sea — Budget Option
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 170–210 NIS + food
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Depart the North Beach pier
A stroll along the promenade, with photos framed by several countries at once.
🕘 9:30–11:30 a.m. — Coral Beach Nature Reserve
Taxi, 12–15 min (40–50 NIS). Snorkel right from the shore among the coral reef; mask and snorkel rental on site.
🕚 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Dolphin Reef (viewing platforms, exterior only)
Next door, a 5-minute walk.
🕧 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Lunch at a South Beach café
A set lunch runs approximately 50–70 NIS.
🕜 1:30–3:30 p.m. — Back to North Beach, free time
Duty-free shopping, coffee on the promenade, a swim at the central beach.
🕞 3:30–4:00 p.m. — Return to the ship
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Round-trip taxi: 80–100 NIS
• Coral Beach Nature Reserve admission: 40 NIS
• Lunch: 50–70 NIS
💸 TOTAL: approximately 170–210 NIS per person
🥈 Itinerary 2. The Balanced Choice — Sea, Dolphins & Desert
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: from 250–300 NIS + Coral World and Timna admission + food
🕘 8:30 a.m. — Taxi from the pier to Coral World
10–15 min, 35–45 NIS.
🕘 9:00–11:00 a.m. — Coral World Underwater Observatory
A full tour of the aquariums, the observatory tower, and the shark hall.
🕚 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Dolphin Reef
A 5-minute walk. Admission 74 NIS, with an optional paid dolphin swim.
🕧 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Lunch on South Beach
70–90 NIS for a main course with a drink.
🕜 1:30–3:30 p.m. — Timna Park
Taxi or transfer, 20–25 min north (90–120 NIS one way). Visit Solomon's Pillars and Timna Lake.
🕞 3:30–4:15 p.m. — Return to the pier
Taxi, 20–25 min.
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Taxis (all transfers): 180–230 NIS
• Dolphin Reef: 74 NIS
• Lunch: 70–90 NIS
• Coral World and Timna: check admission prices on the official websites or with your cruise specialist
💸 TOTAL: approximately 320–390 NIS per person, excluding Coral World and Timna admission
🥇 Itinerary 3. Premium — A Private Excursion to Petra (Jordan)
⏱️ Total time: 9–10 hours (pushing the limit of what a long port call allows) | 💰 Personal fees from 230 NIS + 90 JOD, plus the cost of the transfer-and-guide package by arrangement
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ Meet your private guide and driver right at the pier
• ✅ Assistance through the Yitzhak Rabin border crossing (paperwork, queue)
• ✅ A comfortable car or minivan on the Jordanian side
• ✅ A licensed Petra guide speaking English
• ✅ Skip-the-line Petra ticket processing
• ✅ Guaranteed return before the ship's departure (provided the port is operating cruise calls)
Book through your cruise manager, or reach us any way that's convenient:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
🕘 7:30 a.m. — Meet your guide at the pier, transfer to the Yitzhak Rabin border crossing
🕘 8:00–9:00 a.m. — Cross the border
Passport and customs control, border exit fee paid (230 NIS).
🕙 9:00–11:00 a.m. — Drive from Aqaba to Petra
About 125 km (78 mi), roughly 2 hours by private car.
🕚 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. — Petra with your guide
Walk through the Siq to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), then visit the amphitheater and tombs. Day-visitor admission — 90 JOD.
🕒 3:00–5:00 p.m. — Drive back to the border
🕔 5:00–5:30 p.m. — Cross the border in the opposite direction
🕠 5:30–6:00 p.m. — Return to the ship
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Border exit fee (leaving Israel): 230 NIS per person
• Petra admission (without an overnight stay in Jordan): 90 JOD
• Private transport and guide in Jordan: by arrangement with the operator
💸 TOTAL: from 230 NIS + 90 JOD in personal fees, plus the transfer-and-guide package — your Four Gates Group cruise specialist will calculate the exact cost for your specific ship and time in port
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private excursions from Eilat to Petra and other regional sites, with licensed guides, border assistance, and a guaranteed return on board (provided the port is operating cruise calls). Contact your cruise specialist, and your day in Eilat will be planned down to every detail. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Good to Know Before You Go Ashore
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure (provided the port is operating cruise calls).
🪪 Documents: for cross-border excursions (Jordan, Egypt) always bring your passport — copies are not accepted by border authorities.
💶 Cash: carry NIS in cash for small purchases, border fees, and tips; a small amount of JOD is useful for the Jordan excursion.
👟 Clothing: lightweight, breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes for desert trails (Timna, Red Canyon); a hat and sunglasses are essential.
📱 Connectivity: Israel, Jordan, and Egypt each have different mobile carriers; for cross-border trips, consider a local SIM card or an e-SIM in advance.
🔐 Safety: before planning any trip to Eilat or crossing a land border, always check current travel-safety guidance for the region from your home country's foreign ministry.
☀️ Sun protection: the climate is desert-like, with summer temperatures reaching +40 °C (104 °F) or higher; water, a hat, and sunscreen are essential, especially on the Timna or Red Canyon trails.
🕍 Saturday (Shabbat): from Friday evening through Saturday evening, most shops and government offices in Eilat are closed or run on reduced hours — plan shopping and sightseeing for weekdays.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for reference and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice, and the operating status of Eilat's cruise port should be confirmed separately. For current information, contact a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or check the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals