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 a popular destination for domestic and international tourism. The Gulf of Eilat is also a major destination for divers and snorkelers.
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 parallel to the beach. It is one of the most ‘densely 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.
Volunteer work and contribution
Volunteers will become an integral part of the NPA staff that aims to protect the fragile Coral Reef Reserve from countless threats. Duties include: general maintenance, beach cleaning, beach & boat observations, explaining to visitors about the beach rules (swimming areas, keep the beach clean), water buoy maintenance, escorting park rangers, etc... Works tasks may change according to demand; therefore volunteer must be flexible to do unexpected tasks.
Volunteer hours are from 09:00 - 15:00, with one day off a week.
Accommodation & food
Accommodation and food are not included in the cost. GoEco is happy to assist you make a booking in one the following reccomended hostels in Eilat with a special discount:
The SPNI Fieldschool - located just across the project.
Fieldschool discounted rates per night for 2010:
Camping: 40 NIS (New Israeli Shekel) with bathroom facilites and breakfast (tents not provided).
Supermarket facilities, restaurants, bars and beach nearby
Room during July & August
Couple: 365 NIS, 129 NIS for each extra person
Single: 300 NIS
Room from September
Couple: 275 NIS, 109 NIS for each extra person
Single: 200 NIS
Rooms Includes: breakfast, bathroom, aircon, hot shower, beds with linen. Supermarket facilities, restaurants, bars and beach nearby.
Arava Hostel - near central bus station
Hostel Rates per night for 2010
Dorms Rate: 50-80 NIS
Private Rate: 160-280 NIS
Includes: bathroom, aircon, hot shower, beds with linen.
Supermarket facilities, restaurants and bars nearby.
Note: volunteers will have to take 15 minute bus ride to the reserve (cost 5 NIS each way).
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).
Minimum requirements
- Minimum age 18
- Basic English or Hebrew
- Good physical fitness
- Srong swimmer
- Able to endure hot climate
- Motivation to work for nature preservation
- Full travel & medical insurance