North Beach (Laguna Beach)
חוף צפוני
A wide sandy beach in north Eilat protected by a lagoon, offering calm waters ideal for families and less experienced swimmers. The beach is backed by hotels and restaurants, making it convenient for both relaxation and water activities.
Things to do
- Snorkeling in the lagoon — Explore the calm, protected waters of the lagoon to spot colorful coral fish and small reef formations without venturing far from shore.
- Swimming and sunbathing — Enjoy the wide sandy beach with its gentle slope and shallow waters, ideal for families and those seeking a relaxed beach day.
- Paddleboarding — Rent a paddleboard from nearby vendors and explore the calm lagoon waters at your own pace, perfect for all skill levels.
- Beach volleyball — Take advantage of organized courts on the beach for casual games with locals and other visitors.
- Waterfront dining and people-watching — Sit at one of the beachfront restaurant terraces with a drink and watch the sunset over the Red Sea while observing local beach culture.
- Scuba diving nearby — Book a guided dive trip from the adjacent diving centers to explore deeper reefs and the famous underwater attractions of Eilat.
Food to try
- Grilled hammour (grouper) — Fresh Red Sea grouper grilled whole or filleted, served at beachfront restaurants with lemon, olive oil, and local spices.
- Shakshuka — A Middle Eastern breakfast or brunch staple of poached eggs in spicy tomato sauce, commonly served in the hotel restaurants and cafés along the beach.
- Hummus and mezze platters — Traditional Israeli and Arab dips and small plates, including hummus, baba ganoush, and fresh pita bread, available at casual beachside eateries.
- Red Sea seafood pasta — Pasta dishes prepared with locally caught fish and shrimp, served at upscale hotel restaurants overlooking the beach.
- Israeli salad (salatim) — A light mix of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and parsley dressed simply with olive oil, commonly served as a side at beach restaurants.
Local customs & good to know
- Beach modesty norms — While this is a more relaxed tourist beach than others in the region, modest swimwear is appreciated; avoid overly revealing attire to respect local sensibilities.
- Shabbat observance on Fridays — Some restaurants and services may have reduced hours or close on Friday evening through Saturday evening for the Jewish Sabbath, so plan accordingly.
- Water safety during red tides — Check with lifeguards or hotels about occasional algal blooms that can temporarily affect swimming conditions and visibility, particularly in warmer months.
- Midday heat precautions — Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C; most locals and smart visitors avoid peak sun hours (11am–4pm) by relaxing in shaded areas or returning during sunset.