The Underwater Observatory in Eilat: Seeing Israel from a different point of view

   The Underwater Observatory in Eilat looks at Israel from a different point of view- from the sea.

   Shmuel and I went to see it when we were down in Eilat with a group. Shmuel had not been to see it in 20 years and thus the experience reminded him of his childhood. In another way, the Underwater Observatory took us all back to our childhoods because of the brightly colored fish and beautiful aquariums.

   Over the last 20 years, the Eilat Underwater Observatory has changed a lot, with various new sections added. We were excited to be able to wander through the new rare fish exhibit, as well as the Amazon forest water exhibit and the shark tank.

   There was a 3D movie about sharks which was very enjoyable. The movable seats made it feel as if we were on the boat with the actors as we watched their trip and learned about sharks and shark migrations.

   It was a lot of fun to be able to go out to the underwater observatory to see even more, walking down the stairs to look out at the underwater view of Israel. We also enjoyed going up to the top of the observatory and feeling the wind as we looked at Israel and Jordan. Remember however- hold on to your hat and camera tightly. They will get blown away if you are not careful!

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at http://www.israelexperts.com/ or contact us for more information.

The Organic Botanical Gardens of Eilat

The Organic Botanical Gardens is a new, peaceful way to spend the morning of your Eilat vacation. Shmuel and I were down there last month and were thrilled to be able to walk through a lush green chemical-free rainforest in the middle of the desert.

The gardens just opened this past June, after 12 years of hard work.
We walked in through the main gates and the sand. A twisted tree greeted us and the guide informed us that this tree was one of only 3 trees there that predated the Organic Botanical Gardens.

Walking along the path, there was a cool breeze, and the trees whispered. I did not feel like I was in the middle of a desert, but instead, in the middle of a rainforest. The plants were labeled with hand made boards.
This site was an observation point for the Israeli Army during the 1973 war with Egypt. The plants surround the remains of the guard post.

In the rainforest we got a cooling mist as the sprinklers went on-- not enough to get us very wet, but enough to bring relief from the heat. We ended our visit in the cactus garden, before making our way down the steps and back to the main gate.

All furniture, gates and hand rails on the stairs were recycled from plants in the garden. We stopped and looked at the nursery before leaving, wishing we had room in our car for a plant to take home. This self sustaining, organic, desert botanical garden is truly an oasis of beauty in the middle of a sandy desert.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us for more information.

Eilat: The Red Canyon- It's not just in Utah

Next to Eilat is a trail that leads through a red canyon-- literally the stone that arches up on either side of us as we walked through the canyon is red. Smooth to the touch, the layers of history are clear to the naked eye in the layers of the rock.

The hike takes about 45 minutes and is normally perfect in the spring or fall. The weather is comfortable with just a little bit of a breeze through the rocks- something normally lacking in the desert. It is necessary to bring water, but the crevice can be reached by car.

The trip to the Red Canyon from Eilat is also interesting. The Egyptian boarder is on your left and Israel stretches to the right, divided only by a road.

Good for children and adults, the Red Canyon is a beautiful hike through the desert.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find IsraelExperts on line at www.israelexperts.com or email us at education@israelexperts.com for more information.