Sandwiched between Egypt and Jordan, the southern point of Israel is home to Eliat a popular resort area for both Israelis and global travellers. The town has a youthful party and beach vibe and offers some great SUP and Kite days as well as world-class diving.
The surf report for Eliat (Red Sea, on the Gulf of Aqaba) is usually flat as storms don’t move in the right direction to blow swell up the Red Sea (most wind comes from the desert). And while “flat” is the typical forecast, wind, diving and SUP conditions can get pretty epic.
Eliat is bikini and board shorts weather year round with low winter sea temps averaging 70 degrees Fahrenheit and summer sea temps peaking at 85 degrees. Keep a light wetsuit on hand for chilly breezes and winter air temps that frequently dip into the 60s. Summertime highs consistently hit the 90 degree mark.
Winds blow hardest in April through September with an 18 knot average and several 20-25 knot days. The low season for wind is winter with 14 knot averages while January and February are the most slack.
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Eliat best beaches for surfing
Eliat is home to Coral Beach, Mosh Beach and the Eliat Coral Beach Nature Reserve. All three locations are tucked away from the open water on the Red Sea and not exposed to any surf.
Eliat surf schools and lessons
The main location for all things SUP and kiteboarding in Eliot is Surf Centre. The crew has been here for more than 25 years, starting out windsurfing in the 80s and now moving into kiteboarding. Their kite program runs three days with two hours of learning each session for a total of six hours. Should you want to go retro, they still offer windsurfing lessons.
Check in for SUP and surf lessons depending on conditions. Most of their business is foot traffic from tourists, so walk-in enquiries are best. The staff have received great reviews online and are touted as being very helpful and informative.
The sea life around Eliat are the big draw for a lot of tourists because the coral reefs here are teeming with life. The art of Snuba – a cross between, you guessed it, scuba and snorkeling, allows you to breath underwater via a long hose attached to an air compressor on a guide’s boat. Since you don’t have to deal with tanks and respirators, it’s much more accessible and affordable than scuba lessons.
Eliat hotels and resorts for surfers
Located near the Egyptian border, the Kolonia Vacation Resort is a glamping complex with haute-design wood-trimmed perma-tents and lots of extras on-site like a diving club. Set at the confluence of dry dirt landscape and beautiful azure sea, the Kolonia offers all inclusive stays geared to active adventures. Rooms start at CA$240 / 150€ per night for couples and go up to CA$450 / 300€ for their big, family tents. Views are amazing at this casual, fun resort.
Nestled between the rocky hills and the deep of the sea, the Orchid Eliat is located at Almog Beach. Built out with several wings with names like the Siam Wing, The Shangri La Wing and the Shangri-La Villa, the hotel offers a wide range of rooms including hillside luxury villas. Kited out with spa, gym and swimming pool there’s everything off-beach you could want. Their deck and pool offers an amazing view of the amber hills surrounding the Red Sea. Rooms start at CA$150 / 100€.
Centrally located next to clubs, bars and restaurants, the Melony Hotel prides itself on their rich Israeli style breakfast and restaurant featuring local dishes. Rooms are done in modern desert design with reed chairs and wall hangings set off among the modern amenities. Rooms are priced starting at just CA$70 / 50€ making this budget option a good call if you want to be closer to town.
Eliat is a great vacation place for water sports activities. Alternatively, beaches along the Mediterranean also offer some good surf sports. There are a few good connecting flights through London and Paris to Tel Aviv for Canadian Travelers.
Eliat, Israel, surfing guide and tips prepared by Bryan Dickerson (wavepoolmag.com) for Dailystoke.com’s surf guides.
Photo by Zoltan Tasi
