Underwater Observatory Park (Coral World Marine Park) | Eilat

Underwater Observatory Park (Coral World Marine Park) - View Large Image

Information
Landmark: Underwater Observatory Park (Coral World Marine Park)
City: Eilat
Country: Israel
Continent: Asia

Underwater Observatory Park (Coral World Marine Park), Eilat, Israel, Asia

The Underwater Observatory Park is a marine biology research and public education facility situated at the southern tip of Eilat. It is built directly into a natural coral reef system in the Gulf of Aqaba.

Visual Characteristics

The landmark's primary feature is a white, circular tower connected to the shore by a 100-meter wooden footbridge. The structure extends 12 meters below the sea surface into two underwater viewing halls with large glass windows. The park includes several outdoor circular pools, including a massive shark tank with an underwater tunnel, and a separate "Amazon" exhibit featuring dark-water flora and fauna.

Location & Access Logistics

The park is located on Highway 90 at the Coral Beach area, approximately 8km south of the Eilat city center. Access is via the main coastal road towards the Taba border crossing. It is served by municipal bus line 15 from the central bus station. On-site parking is provided in a gravel lot adjacent to the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Opened in 1974, the observatory was the first of its kind in the world, designed to allow the public to view a coral reef without diving. It was founded by Morris Kahn and the Coral World International group. The facility was engineered to be "anchored" to the seabed without the use of concrete foundations on the reef itself to preserve the delicate ecological balance.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors observe over 800 species of fish, corals, and invertebrates in their natural habitat from the underwater galleries. The Shark World complex offers a 15-meter transparent tunnel for viewing various shark species and rays. Additional activities include the "Oceanarium" flight simulator, glass-bottom boat tours departing from the park's pier, and scheduled daily feedings of turtles, sharks, and stingrays.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility contains two restaurants: a self-service cafeteria and a coffee shop with outdoor seating. Public restrooms are available at the entrance and within the main tower complex. The entire park is accessible via ramps and elevators. High-speed 5G cellular signal is available, though it may drop in the lower underwater halls. Gift shops selling jewelry and marine-themed souvenirs are located at the exit.

Best Time to Visit

Optimal viewing occurs between 10:00 and 12:00 when the sun is directly overhead, providing maximum light penetration into the deep-water coral walls. The park is most crowded during the Israeli school holidays and weekends; visiting on weekdays (Sunday–Wednesday) is recommended for unobstructed views.

Facts & Legends

The observatory's tower weighs approximately 2,500 tons and was constructed on land before being towed out to sea and submerged in a precise 12-hour engineering operation. A local tip for visitors is to check the feeding schedule upon entry, as the "active" reef life increases significantly during these times, particularly in the shark and turtle pools.