‘Where else?’ That’s right, ‘WHERE ELSE’ is an Israel Tourism Conference organized each year by Ortra that helps travel agents from around the world learn about everything Israel has to offer and some top things to do in Eilat at the Southernmost tip of Israel.
I had the opportunity to be a part of this amazing journey, and it was well worth it!! Here are a few places to visit on your trip to Eilat!
Naturally Eilat – Visiting the southern-most tip of Israel
As part of the group that did the Southern circuit of Israel, I visited Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Eilat, Masada, and Jerusalem over a period of 7 days. Eilat, at the Southern-most tip of Israel is a different experience from the rest of Israel, which is more religious and historic.
Eilat on the other hand is the place where people come for rest and relaxation. I have been to Eilat before, but this time I enjoyed traveling to Israel even more. We visited the Dolphin Reef Eilat on the shores of the Red sea, a major tourist attraction for snorkeling and diving, and the infamous Ice Mall.
Dolphin Reef Eilat
Dolphin Reef Eilat is open all days of the week from 9 am to 5 pm, except weekends and holidays which close a half-hour earlier and has an entrance fee for both adults and kids. They are closed on Yom Kippur and Israeli National memorial day.
Kids below 15 yrs have to be accompanied by an adult. The entrance fee gives you access to the facilities for the entire day and they do have some additional activities that are payable. You can choose from packages for snorkeling, scuba diving, and more.
Whilst there, I experienced the restfulness of the relaxation pools, where one is pampered by calming underwater music while floating and assisted by the water team people. They catered to the guests by giving you lavish massages. (Each of the 3 pools has a different soothing music theme.)
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Above the relaxation pools was a VIP area where one can lounge around and taste the variety of meals and drinks. They do have a restaurant and a cafe/bar and even a souvenir shop.
There were also a few cats and peacocks hanging around, that gave you a sense of being closer to nature.
There was a splendid view of Aqaba (Jordan) in the distance, especially beautiful from the upper levels.
Later in the day, we had a chance to interact with the dolphins staying at the reef.
These dolphins have the freedom to come and go as they please, and the choice and free will to interact with humans too.
The dolphins also help children with learning disabilities. It was a fun and educating experience at the Dolphin Reef Eilat!
Information about Dolphin Reef Eilat:
Eilat, Israel
Phone: +972- 8- 6300111
Website: https://www.dolphinreef.co.il/
Dolphin Reef Opening Hours:
Sunday – Thursday 09:00-17:00
Friday-Saturday & Holidays 09:00-16:30
Closed on the Israeli National Memorial Day and Yom Kippur.
Ice Mall Eilat
That evening we visited the Ice Park and Mall which is open from 9:30 am to 11 pm on all days except Friday when they close at 10 pm and Saturdays till 12 am.
It is one of the few malls in the world with an Olympic skating rink, another great experience. (Although considering the brands there, it was more a place for the rich and famous…)
We watched a lovely skating and saxophone performance, after which we had time at leisure to shop. Well, more so window shopping for me, couldn’t afford it! 😉 But for those who could, it was a VAT free experience. Hmm!
It does offer a wide range of options from restaurants, coffee shops, and food stalls, and a whole bunch of interesting attractions, rides, and games as well.
After returning to my room at the luxurious Queen of Sheba Hilton Eilat later that evening, I was treated to an amazing view of the sunset over the reef. Beautiful!
After a good night’s rest, the next morning we headed to the airport for our flight to Jerusalem, the Eternal city, but more about that later…
Information about Ice Mall:
8 Kampen St., Eilat, Israel
Mail: info@icemallwhat-to-do-in-eilat.co.il
Phone: +972 -8-6379552
Website: https://icemallwhat-to-do-in-eilat.co.il/
Other Info And Things You Might Need
- Or you can always join specialized tours that help you discover the city!
- And you can always choose to visit Petra and Wadi Rum on a short tour.
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Sarah has worked in travel for 11 years and specializes in Africa. She caters to clients looking to travel to niche destinations across the globe, whether it’s climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, rafting on the Zambezi River, viewing seals and penguins in Antarctica or walking Safaris in Africa…..
She loves music, wine, food and travel. Her love for nature and wildlife makes her work even more enjoyable and satisfying. Armed with her camera, she likes to take photographs and write stories that inspire you to pack your bags and run off to a faraway destination.
I’m ashamed to admit that I knew NONE of these things were in Israel until your post. I hadn’t even heard of Eilat. I mean a dolphin reef? A mall with a skating rink? This definitely seems like a place I will add to my bucket list for the future!
You’re not alone, I’ve heard that before. There’s a lot of interesting places to visit in Israel, bucket list for sure!
It’s good to read about a different place in Israel, I’ve never heard of Eilat on the southern tip. The dolphin reef looks fantastic, I wouldn’t have imagined there were dolphins in Israel. Jordan looks so close in your image, incredible, you could swim there!
Its a country you must visit. A lot of different experiences, horse riding, wine tasting, skiing and a lot more
Israel is high up on my wishlist!
I haven’t heard of Eilat. It looks beautiful! The place is a total natural beauty!
To see peacocks just roam around like that is incredible! The Dolphins are just so gorgeous!
There is a lot to Israel that people don’t know about. Did you know you can also go skiing in the north ? It is an amazing country, a lot of diversity.
This seems to be a lesser know destination of Israel to me. I like such places tucked away at corners but capable of satisfying a traveler and tourist both.
Dolphins are such pleasing creatures, love the friendliness captured in these pics. Last time I interacted with one was in Singapore.
Yeah, most people believe Israel is only about religious and historical sites, but there is a whole lot more to see. They have a lot to offer.
I saw Eilat from the Jordan side. I saw the view from Aqaba side. I was in Jordan in May, 2016 and I was craving to cross the border. I could see Israel from so many places. That didn’t happen. Never mind, after seeing your blog, now I know whta Eilat is all about.
Glad to be of help, but I think you should still visit Israel. It’s a totally amazing experience!