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Two scuba divers with gear exploring the deep blue ocean, captured under natural light.
📷 Sébastien Vincon · Pexels

Yatouche

3.7 — based on 13 community signals
4.3 12 species 32 contributors

Yatouche is a year-round Red Sea dive site in Israel's Eilat Coral Reserve, featuring healthy coral and abundant marine life near the historic lighthouse.

⭐ Best for beginners.

🐢 MPA · שמורת טבע ים האלמוגים באילת updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAShore entryMacroFocusPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Common octopus

Top operators here

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Map

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Yatouche location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
6.4 kn
Wave
m
Water
28.1°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NNW (34%)
Now: N (355°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.56m

Today: High 13:00 (+0m), Low 07:00 (-0.23m)

+0.2 m0 m-0.3 m
▼ 07:00 · -0.23m ▲ 13:00 · +0m ▼ 20:00 · -0.16m ▲ 01:00 · -0.04m Now +0.0m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV7.05 · high Air PM2.513 · moderate 06:27 18:41
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 14 7 0mm
09-20 13.4 7 0mm
09-21 10.7 7 0mm
09-22 11 7 0mm
09-23 13.4 7 0mm
09-24 14.4 7 0mm
09-25 16.4 7 0mm

About this spot

Yatouche sits in the heart of Eilat's marine protected area, one of the Red Sea's most resilient coral ecosystems. The site centers on the Eilat Light, a historic landmark that serves as a natural navigation point for divers and a hub for marine activity. Year-round accessibility makes it a reliable choice for both local and traveling divers. The site is known for healthy coral formations and consistent marine encounters. The area supports diverse fish species and invertebrates typical of northern Red Sea reefs. Water conditions remain stable throughout the year, though exact depth and visibility parameters vary seasonally. The protected status ensures minimal human impact and strong conservation of the reef structure. Diving here means entering a working marine reserve where research and observation are ongoing. The lighthouse serves as a visual reference and historic point of interest. Community divers have documented 12 species observations and shared video records of the site, giving new visitors a clear sense of what to expect. Access requires awareness of local regulations and permit requirements tied to the Eilat Coral Reserve. Planning ahead ensures smooth entry and respect for this protected ecosystem.

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Common octopus

Dive types

ReefShore

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/H/M · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 3800km · ~874kg · €16

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 65/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 8h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 7h east · 5 days recovery

FAQ

Can I dive Yatouche year-round?

Yes, Yatouche is accessible year-round. Conditions vary seasonally, but the site remains open and diveable across all months.

What marine life is found at Yatouche?

The site supports 12 documented species observations typical of northern Red Sea reefs, including reef fish and invertebrates. Healthy coral formations provide habitat for diverse marine communities.

Is Yatouche in a protected area?

Yes, Yatouche lies within the Eilat Coral Reserve (שמורת טבע ים האלמוגים באילת). This marine protected area status ensures strong reef conservation and low human impact.

What permits or access requirements apply?

As a site within a marine protected area, Yatouche requires compliance with local reserve regulations and permit requirements. Check with local authorities before diving to confirm current access rules and any special conditions.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

מועדון צלילה סנובה

1 km
Dive centre
Hours: Mo-Su 09:00-17:00

כפר הצוללים

0.7 km
Dive centre
Hours: Mo-Su 08:30-16:00

אקווה ספורט

1.1 km
Dive centre

Marina Divers

1.4 km
Dive centre

אתר צלילה -סטי"ל (24 מטר)

1.4 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

32 records · 19 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Clanculus pharaonius

Gastropoda · Trochidae
GBIF
Last seen:
15 Feb 2026
×4records

Clibanarius signatus

Malacostraca · Diogenidae
GBIF
Last seen:
15 Feb 2026
×3records

Phyllidia undula

Gastropoda · Phyllidiidae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Feb 2026
×4records

Plerogyra sinuosa

Anthozoa · Plerogyridae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Feb 2026
×2records

Octopus cyanea

Cephalopoda · Octopodidae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Feb 2026
×2records

Fromia ghardaqana

Asteroidea · Goniasteridae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Feb 2026
×1records

Choriaster granulatus

Asteroidea · Oreasteridae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Feb 2026
×1records

Vir philippinensis

Malacostraca · Palaemonidae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Feb 2026
×1records

Gomophia egyptiaca

Asteroidea · Ophidiasteridae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Feb 2026
×1records

Pagurus hirtimanus

Malacostraca · Paguridae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Feb 2026
×1records

Nerita sanguinolenta

Gastropoda · Neritidae
GBIF
Last seen:
12 Feb 2026
×2records

Grapsus granulosus

Malacostraca · Grapsidae
GBIF
Last seen:
12 Feb 2026
×2records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Isrotel Yam Suf Hotel, Eilat, Israel | Travel With Medha

Travel With Medha

Herbert Samuel The Reef Eilat, Israel | Travel With Medha

Travel With Medha

U Coral Beach Club Eilat Hotel - Ultra All Inclusive, Israel | Travel With Medha

Travel With Medha

Local knowledge

OpenStreetMap Notes
  • "https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/722004342/history is this area accurate? is there actually building under construction here?"

    Mateusz Konieczny · 2023-01-27
  • ""Forwarding anonymous report from #Mapy.cz user, please verify: "Somewhere at these places is located Paskot restaurant"."

    Tajtrdlik · 2023-04-13

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