The main site for snorkeling and diving along Eilat's southern shore, protecting one of the world's northernmost coral reefs. The reserve covers about 1.2 kilometres of coastline where the reef begins almost immediately offshore. You can wade in from the beach and be among reef fish within minutes. The underwater visibility is typically excellent — often 20 metres or more — and the coral formations are dense and varied, with sea fans, brain corals, and forests of branching staghorn corals.
Entry to the reserve requires a modest fee, which funds active conservation work. Snorkeling equipment is available for hire at the entrance. The deeper sections are best explored by scuba — a number of dive centres operate from the reserve's car park. The reef is most alive in the morning before afternoon currents pick up.