Suggestions For Visitors To The Gulf Of Elat BACK

Carry with you and consume more drinking water than you crave dehydration is the biggest health hazard of the desert.
Avoid overexposure to direct sunlight wear protective clothing and a head covering apply sun screen.

The swimmer is advised to wear protective foot covering (e.g., sneakers), and to use a diving mask when entering the water. There are stinging corals and poisonous fish, as well as sea urchins that can cause painful injuries. Try to avoid bodily contact with all corals.

Sharks may be stimulated to attack by shiny objects, erratic movements, and fresh blood in the water. If you spot sharks near the reef, do not fish, swim, or snorkel if sharks approach while you are in the water, remain calm and slowly seek the protection of reef or beach.

Boating requires licensing and equipment according to law. Don't boat near swimmers don't approach the reef by boat, as you may endanger divers. In any case, please inquire in which areas boating is permitted. Care should be taken near the Egyptian coast of Sinai.

Eat fresh fish, but be sure it's fresh. The heat of the desert promotes rapid spoilage. Don't eat unfamiliar species - some may be poisonous.

Sources Of Additional Information

Tourist Information Centre on Arava/Yotam junction. Tel. (07)372111.

Nature Reserves Authority

Jerusalem: 78 Yermiyahu St. Tel. (02)6536271.
Elat: Coral Beach, P.O.B. 667. Tel. (07)373988.
The Israel Diving Federation, 94 Hayarkon St. P.O.B. 3404 Tel Aviv. Tel. (03)5236436. Fax: (03)5222877.
Aqua Sport, Coral Beach. Tel. (07)344404.
Tel Aviv Port Tel. (03)457432. P.O.B. 6110, Tel Aviv.
Elat office (07)373145, 373146, 373147. Located at Caravan Hotel.
Information also available at all hotels and diving centres, and the Elat Field School.

A Note For Divers The Red Sea is one of the best spots in the world for scuba diving.

What To Bring

Your diving card stating experience and qualifications. Israelis are safety-conscious (though you wouldn't believe it from the way they drive) and their standards are high. By law, you cannot hire scuba gear or get air for your cylinders if you don't have a diving card.

Small personal diving equipment - regulator, depth gauge, buoyancy-compensator vest, compass, etc. Weight belts and cylinders, as well as other equipment, may be rented.