Eilat - Dolphins, Ibex, Coral Reef and More

After blogging about Ein Gedi, I found some fantastic videos and pics of a trip we did to Eilat. I know it's a long way from Ramat Beit Shemesh, but it's well worth the travel. The amazing color contrast between the blue of the Red Sea and the reddish brown of the ancient mountains of Edom is awesome.

(As an aside, I would suggest that Frum folks visit Eilat only between December-February. The weather is pleasant, but cool....so things are relatively Tzanuah, and just about all activities can be done in an appropriate environment.)

My favorite place to visit in Eilat is the Dolphin Reef. You can hang out on their huge deck getting up close with the dolphins, scuba dive or snorkel with them, or just collect shells and beautiful rocks at their private beach. You can spend hours there with the whole family. Check out the amazing "conversation" this staff member has with one of the dolphins on the video above.

8 year old kid scuba diving at the Dolphin Reef in Eilat

Next up is the Underwater Observatory. Here you can view the incredible, natural beauty that exists a few feet under the surface of the Red Sea. With gorgeous coral and exotic fish, you will be blown away by the Niflaot HaBoreh! This too is a great family trip and one can easily spend several hours going thru all their water exhibits with sea turtles, sharks being fed, colorful and fascinating fish and much more.

Other water activities include snorkeling and scuba diving in a coral reef area, wind-surfing, and para-sailing.

Moving inland, you can do some amazing hikes (like the Red Canyon), go rappelling, go camel riding, or visit Kings City. Even sightseeing in hotels like Herod's Palace is a tourist attraction, with their super-luxurious lobbies and historical interior design.

There is so much to do in Eilat, that you will definitely find something fun for everyone!

Chilling at Ein Gedi Spring

Ramat Beit Shemesh is great....but sometimes, especially when things get hot (like right now in August), finding a cool pool can be the thing to do.

So when I saw this refreshing pic we took at Ein Gedi a few years ago, I just had to post it.

friendly Ibex in Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi springs, besides featuring in Tanach, is also a great family hike. With wildlife (Ibex, Hyrax, etc.), and lots of waterfalls and pools, your family will have an awesome time.

The main thing is to get there early and beat the crowds. From Ramat Beit Shemesh, I'd suggest leaving at 7:30AM or 8AM at the latest. The drive down (near the Dead Sea) is about 1.5 hours.

Private Pool on Moshav Yishi

It’s summertime, it’s mega-hot and the kids are going bonkers.

For my family, the best place to chill out and beat the heat is the gorgeous, private out-door pool on Moshav Yishi. The pool is owned by Menachem and Deena Mendlowitz (originally from Monsey, NY and Toronto respectively), and is availale for families on an hourly basis.

The pool itself, the beautifully landscaped grounds, and the showers/changing rooms are clean and perfectly maintained.

Pool on Moshav Yishi

With shade, great views, comfy lounge chairs and even a BBQ, the poolside ambience really allows a family to unwind and feel like they are on vacation somewhere in Southern California (or 5 minutes from Ramat Beit Shemesh-whatever floats your boat).

In addition, Mendlowitz has a lovely guest house that can host about 60 guests. It’s perfect for large family get-togethers, school Shabbatonim and other events. Everything is tastefully designed and fits with the rustic Moshav atmosphere.

For more info, call Menachem at 052-595-5073.