Dolphin Reef

דולפיניום

An interactive facility where visitors can swim with bottlenose dolphins in a controlled lagoon environment while enjoying pristine Red Sea beaches. The site combines marine wildlife interaction with quality snorkeling in an adjoining reef area.

Things to do

• Swim with Bottlenose Dolphins — Enter the controlled lagoon to interact with trained bottlenose dolphins under professional supervision in shallow, safe waters.
• Snorkel the Adjacent Coral Reef — Explore the vibrant Red Sea reef ecosystem immediately outside the dolphin lagoon with abundant fish species and coral formations.
• Dolphin Observation from Platforms — Watch dolphins from above-water observation decks if you prefer not to enter the water, with educational commentary on their behavior.
• Red Sea Beach Relaxation — Sunbathe and swim on the pristine Eilat beach adjacent to the facility with calm, clear turquoise waters.
• Underwater Photography Session — Capture photos and videos of your dolphin encounter and reef snorkeling with underwater camera equipment available for rent.
• Marine Education Briefing — Attend an informational session about dolphin behavior, Red Sea ecology, and conservation efforts before your water activities.

Food to try

• Freshly Grilled Red Sea Fish — Locally caught fish such as sea bream or grouper grilled with lemon and olive oil, commonly served at beachside restaurants in Eilat.
• Hummus and Falafel Platters — Traditional Middle Eastern fare with creamy hummus topped with olive oil and warm pita, accompanied by crispy fried chickpea fritters.
• Seafood Shakshuka — Poached eggs in spiced tomato sauce with shrimp or fish, a hearty local variant of the classic Israeli breakfast dish.
• Israeli Salad with Tahini — Finely chopped fresh vegetables with tahini dressing, a refreshing accompaniment to main courses throughout Eilat.
• Fresh Juice and Smoothie Stands — Vibrant pomegranate, mango, and watermelon juices blended fresh at beach vendors, ideal for rehydration after water activities.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Dolphin Boundaries — Follow all instructions from handlers regarding interaction distance and behavior, as these are wild animals in a managed environment deserving of respect.
• Sun Protection is Essential — The Eilat sun is intense year-round; bring high SPF sunscreen, reapply frequently, and wear a rash guard or wetsuit during water activities.
• Hebrew and Arabic Signage — Most facility signs appear in Hebrew and Arabic as well as English; learning basic Hebrew greetings like 'Shalom' enhances your experience with local staff.
• Modest Beach Attire Recommended — While swimwear is appropriate at the beach, cover-ups are respectful when moving around the facility, reflecting local customs in this diverse region.