Diving in Israel

* Achziv Canyon, Mediterranean – This prominent submarine canyon just south of Israel’s northern border is offshore in the Achziv National Park. Usually done as a boat dive, you drop onto the top of the canyon, which starts at about 10 metres/33 feet and reaches depths of 30 metres/100 feet. The walls are covered with sponges and soft corals. Look for rays, sea turtles and large fish to swim by. * Rosh HaNikra Caverns, Mediterranean – Waves and currents have carved these unique caverns from the soft chalk cliffs and rocks in the Rosh HaNikra reserve. Because it’s close to the border with Lebanon, divers need Israel Defense Force Navy clearance and a guide for this shore dive. During this shallow dive, you explore amazing underwater caverns and grottoes. * Caesarea, Mediterranean – This unique underwater archaeological park is built around the remains of one of the Mediterranean’s most important historical areas. You explore a variety of guided underwater routes and swim past the remains of a 2000-year-old breakwater, see “negatives” of the wooden forms ancient engineers used to build the breakwater’s foundations, check out the massive foundations of the port entrance guard towers and experience a collection of anchors of varying age. * Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Red Sea – This easily accessible reef just off Coral Beach Nature Reserve drops down to 3 meters/10 feet and gives way to a sandbar where you can find two huge rocks known as Joshua and Moses. Resplendent garden-like coral formations harbor a multitude of reef fishes and invertebrate life, while farther out to sea, a coral wall plunges to 35 meters/115 feet. At the southern end of the reserve, Japanese Gardens is perhaps the best-protected site in Eilat because the number of divers is controlled to preserve the reefs. * Wreck of the Satil, Red Sea – One of the most accessible wrecks in the Red Sea, the Satil is just 20 metres/65 feet off Coral Beach, upright and parallel to the beach. At a depth 25-30 metres/75-100 feet, you can cruise the bridge, engine room and missile launching area along her 46 metres/150 feet because she was prepared especially for divers. Look for several species of lionfish hiding in the ship. * Eel Garden, Red Sea – Alive with hundreds of sand eels poking their heads and bodies up from the sea bed, this dive site should not be missed. With a depth of 14 metres/45 feet, you can spend a lot of time here slowly approaching the eels for a better look and exploring the area.