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Port of Eilat

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Port
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Port of Eilat (Israel)

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The Port of Eilat is Israel's sole maritime gateway to the Red Sea, located at the country's southernmost tip in the Gulf of Aqaba. Opened in 1952, it provides a crucial strategic link to the Indian Ocean and markets across East Asia and Africa, bypassing the need for the Suez Canal. The port specializes in the importation of vehicles from manufacturers in Japan and South Korea, as well as the exportation of potash and other minerals. Geographically, it is tucked away between the rugged mountains of the Negev Desert and the maritime border with Jordan's Port of Aqaba. Due to the ecological sensitivity of the nearby coral reefs and limited water depth, the port operates on a smaller scale than Israel's Mediterranean ports. In recent years, its development has been a subject of debate regarding environmental preservation and the proposed rail link to northern Israel. Nevertheless, Eilat remains a vital logistical asset for diversifying Israel's trade routes and ensuring energy security through its oil terminal. The facility supports both commercial cargo operations and small-scale naval activities.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C111316202427282826231713
Rain mm9115410002365

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Port of Eilat is Israel's only port on the Red Sea, providing direct maritime access to the markets of Asia and East Africa. For the south of the country, it is an important gateway for international trade, especially for the export of minerals from the Dead Sea.
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Visiting
The port area is not accessible to the public for security reasons, but the waterfront promenade along the Gulf of Eilat features a good view of the facilities. Occasionally, organized boat tours are offered that allow a close-up view of the ships.
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Where to view it
The best public viewpoint is the waterfront promenade at North Beach, from where the port basins and incoming ships can be clearly seen. The Eilat promenade along the coast also provides an unobstructed view of the port operations.
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Local products
No goods are sold directly to visitors at the port itself. In the nearby pedestrian zone of Eilat, one can buy imported souvenirs such as coral and shell jewelry, as well as spices from Yemen and African fabrics.
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Active season
Port operations are active year-round, with the shipping season almost unrestricted by the year-round warm climate. Activity becomes especially lively during the winter tourist high season, when cruise ships also dock.
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Nearby
A visit to the Port of Eilat can be excellently combined with a snorkeling trip to the coral reef, located just a few kilometers away. The nearby Timna Park with its impressive copper mines and geological formations is also worth a detour.

Geography

Coordinates
29.53940, 34.95410

Facts

  • Established in 1952 to provide a southern maritime outlet for Israel.
  • The only Israeli seaport with direct access to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
  • Handles a significant percentage of Israel's Asian car imports.
  • Located in the Gulf of Aqaba, adjacent to the Jordanian border.
  • Operations are carefully managed to avoid damaging nearby coral ecosystems.
  • Serves as the southern terminus for the Eilat-Ashkelon Pipeline (EAPC).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

EilatEilat2 km · EExplore →
Eilat Botanical GardenEilat Botanical Garden3 km · NEExplore →
Aqaba Bird ObservatoryAqaba Bird Observatory5 km · NEExplore →
Underwater ObservatoryUnderwater Observatory5 km · SWExplore →
AqabaAqaba5 km · NExplore →
Gulf of Aqaba CoastGulf of Aqaba Coast7 km · NWExplore →
Aqaba Container TerminalAqaba Container Terminal8 km · NWExplore →
King Hussein International AirportKing Hussein International Airport10 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Port of Eilat (11)

Ink Flag🏺 historical

A bronze sculpture commemorating the 1949 raising of a handmade ink flag that marked the capture of Eilat.

#S4🎡 recreation

A pebbly beach on Eilat's southern shore, known for its clear Red Sea waters and nearby coral reefs.

Eilat Gallery🏛 museum

A local art gallery showcasing works by regional Israeli artists and creative crafts from the Eilat area.

Imax 3D Theatre📍 landmark

A striking pyramid-shaped building housing a high-definition 3D cinema in Eilat's main tourist area.

Har Assa🌿 nature

This desert peak in the Eilat Mountains provides sweeping views across the rugged rocky landscape of the southern Negev.

Ramat Yotam🌿 nature

This volcanic plateau near Eilat provides panoramic views overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba.

Nin Beach🎡 recreation

A relaxed pebble beach on the Red Sea, known for its clear waters and proximity to coral reefs.

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jumping ball📍 landmark

This Eilat thrill ride catapults brave riders high into the air inside a spherical capsule over the beachfront promenade.

Amphi Theater🌿 nature

This viewpoint features a broad vista overlooking the amphitheater area and the adjacent Gulf of Eilat.

Um Rash-Rash Beach🎡 recreation

This beach is the historic site where the hand-drawn Ink Flag was raised in 1949 to mark the founding of Eilat.

Dolphin Beach📍 landmark

This section of beach borders the famous Dolphin Reef, often offering chances to spot dolphins near the shore.

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What characterizes the Eilat Port?
Israel's only gateway to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
What is mainly imported there?
Primarily cars from Japan and Korea, as well as agricultural goods.
Can you visit the port?
It is a secured industrial area without public access.
Why is it strategically important?
It enables trade without using the Suez Canal.
Are there nature parks there?
Coral reefs are right next to it; the port focuses on environmental protection.
Port of Eilat: where is it located?
Port of Eilat is located in Israel.
Port of Eilat: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ink Flag, #S4, Eilat Gallery.
Port of Eilat: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Port of Eilat: why is it worth visiting?
The Port of Eilat is Israel's sole maritime gateway to the Red Sea, located at the country's southernmost tip in the Gulf of Aqaba.
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History & landmarks

Makhtesh Ramon — Port of Eilat (Israel)
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Nature

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Timna Park — Port of Eilat (Israel)
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Timna Park in the Arava Desert impresses visitors with spectacular rock formations and the remains of the world's oldest known copper mines.
Hai-Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve — Port of Eilat (Israel)
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Kibbutz Lotan — Port of Eilat (Israel)
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Mount Karkom — Port of Eilat (Israel)
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Paran Valley — Port of Eilat (Israel)
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Negev Desert — Port of Eilat (Israel)
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