Israel - Coral Reef Conservation
Volunteer for a unique coral reef conservation project in the Red Sea and help preserve one of the richest marine environments on Earth. Work with a professional staff and other like-minded volunteers while getting to know one of Israel's best beach towns, Eilat.
Fast Facts
| Location of Project | Eilat (about 350 km from Tel Aviv) |
|---|---|
| Project Costs | US$590 for 12 days, US$20 for each extra day (US$30 during July, August and public holidays) |
| Project Length | Min 12 days - Max 28 days |
| Arrival Airport | Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion or Eilat |
| Volunteer Work | Assist in preserving the coral reef in the Gulf of Eilat |
| Number of Participants | 1 - 2 international volunteers |
| Age | 18 - 40 |
What's Included
| Accommodation | Dormitory room in the Arava Hostel |
|---|---|
| Support | Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support |
| Orientation | GoEco volunteer and travel orientation in Jerusalem |
| Pre-Departure Kit | Full project details will be sent following registration |
What's Not Included
Location
Located at the northern tip of the Red Sea in the south of Israel, Eilat also shares borders with Egypt and Jordan. The beaches, nightlife, arid climate and desert landscapes make Eilat a very popular destination for domestic and international tourism. The Gulf of Eilat is also a major destination for divers and snorkelers due to its fantastic coral reef and marine life.
About the Project
Out of 11 kilometers of Eilat beach in Israeli territory, 1,200 meters have been declared a nature reserve. The Coral Beach Reserve was one of the first nature reserves to be declared in Israel. The Coral Beach Nature Reserve offers a spectacular combination of corals creating colorful underwater ‘gardens' with butterfly fish, parrot fish, Julie fish, nocturnal fish, and many other species, along with sea lilies, giant shells, and much more. The heart of the reserve is a coral reef of some 1,200 meters long that spans parallel to the beach. It is one of the most ‘densly populated' coral reefs in the world and the only one in Israel, and you will have the opportunity to help preserve this endangered coral reef.
Orientation in Jerusalem
The volunteer's adventure will start off with a GoEco orientation at the Abraham Hostel in the center of Jerusalem. The orientation is a great base to meet fellow volunteers and travelers and includes the following:
- Volunteer preparation and travel directions to your program
- Expert travel advice in Israel for during and after your volunteer placement
- Walking tour of Jerusalem, including the Old City and the famous Machane Yehuda market
- Discount card to experience Jerusalem's vibrant night-life
- 1 night shared dorm accommodation and breakfast (private rooms available for extra price)
The GoEco orientation will begin at 10:00 AM on the start date. The next morning, volunteers will travel to the volunteer project with public transportation. Full travel details to Jerusalem and the project will be provided upon registration.
Volunteer Work and Contribution
Volunteers will become an integral part of the staff that aims to protect the fragile Coral Reef Reserve from countless threats.
Duties include:
- General maintenance
- Beach cleaning
- Beach observations
- Inform visitors about the beach rules (swimming areas, use of snorkeling gear, etc.)
- Water buoy maintenance
- Escorting park rangers
Work tasks may change according to demand; therefore volunteers must be flexible to do unexpected tasks.
Volunteer hours are from 09:30 - 14:30, with 2 days off a week (Friday and Saturday).
Living Arrangements
Volunteers will stay in the Arava Hostel in a single gender dormitory room with up to 6 people. The rooms include beds, linens, and air conditioning.
Facilities at the hostel Include:
- Toilet and hot showers
- Communal kitchen - for the hostel guests to use
- The lobby includes a snack & drink bar, lockers, internet, breakfast, hot drinks, & safety-deposit box, all for an additional fee.
- Well kept sun terrace with sun beds, BBQ, & picnic benches.
- Private parking near the hostel
The Arava Hostel is conveniently located in the center of Eilat 5 minutes walk from the bus terminal & the city center. It is a 10-15 minute walk to the beach, boardwalk, and clubbing area. There is a small supermarket just around the corner and a bigger one just 5 minutes away.
Important notes:
- Private rooms are available for an extra cost, please enquire with GoEco
- During July and August and public holidays the accomodation costs a bit extra, which is reflected in a slightly higher project fee
- Volunteers will share a dormitory with other backpackers
- Each work day volunteers will take a 30 minute bus ride to the reserve and back (cost about US$3/day)
Travel Highlights
Eilat is a very popular tourist destination offering lots of activities such as numerous beaches, diving, swimming with dolphins, or birdwatching (Eilat is located on the main migration route between Africa and Europe). The nightlife is very vibrant with many restaurants and beach bars.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum age 18
- Basic English or Hebrew
- Good physical fitness
- Capable swimmer
- Able to endure hot climate
- Motivation to work for nature preservation
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Must bring a water-proof rash guard with long sleeves to wear during work in the water
Here's an excerpt of Ezra's experience: |
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Here's an excerpt of Angela's experience: |
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Here's an excerpt of Masha's experience: |
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Check out our Volunteer Blog at blog.goeco.org
"The staff at the reef were the most wonderful, welcoming group of people that I met while in Israel. So kind and so incredibly welcoming. They each went out of their way to make my experience the best that it could possibly be. Their enthusiasm for the reef was contagious, and I left wishing I could stay forever. Loved it!!!" – Kelly, United States, 2011
