The beaches of the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and Lake Kineret
are ideal for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, diving, and
water skiing. Most of the large hotels have swimming pools and there are
public swimming pools in the large cities and towns.
Swimming
The
beach season on the Mediterranean coast begins in April and ends in
October. During the season lifeguards are on duty on all the main public
beaches. The beach season at Lake Kineret, the Red Sea, and the Dead
Sea continues all year long.
People should swim only at beaches where there is a lifeguard on duty.
The
colored flags next to the lifeguard station indicate swimming
conditions: white - safe for swimming, red - dangerous, and black -
swimming is forbidden.
Diving
The bay of Eilat is the northernmost point in the world where there are coral reefs .
Its isolation from the ocean and geological structure have created
optimal conditions for the development of unique populations of maritime
wildlife and plants. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve
in the bay of Eilat includes a narrow strip of beach and sea that
contains the only coral reef in Israel. The rich variety of fish and the
colorful coral reef are a rare wonder that can be enjoyed while
snorkeling or diving.
The
Red Sea is considered one of the most beautiful diving sites in the
world, and part of it can be seen in Eilat. Diving clubs are scattered
along the coast that offer diving courses and sponsor dives accompanied
by a professional diver. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent, and
licensed divers can rent equipment and dive unaccompanied. Other
recommended diving sites are in Haifa, Akhziv, and Rosh ha-Nikra.
Surfing and Windsufring
The
beaches along the Mediterranean have waves and conditions suitable for
surfing. There are surfing schools in Tel Aviv and Haifa that offer
courses in a variety of surfing sports, and which rent and sell
equipment. Eilat also has conditions for windsurfing.
Water Skiing and Other Water Sports
Eilat
and Lake Kineret offer a wide variety of challenging water sports,
including water skiing, parachute surfing, water bicycles, and banana
boats.
The
Jordan River has many sites that rent kayaks, rafts, and inner-tubes.
Routes vary from leisurely rowing and floating to challenging
adventures.
Fishing
There
are many centers along the Mediterranean and the Red Sea that rent and
sell fishing tackle. Fishing in the Red Sea is limited to specific
spots, since it is a protected area.