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.
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 / 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 dorm accommodation and breakfast (private rooms available for extra price)
The GoEco orientation will begin at 10:00 AM on arrival day. 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 & 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
Volunteers will stay in the Arava Hostel in a single gender dormitory room with up to 6 people including: beds, linen and air conditioning.
Facilities at 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.
- 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. 10-15 minutes walk to the beach, boardwalk & clubbing area. Supermarket just around the corner
Important notes:
- Private rooms are available for an extra cost, please enquire with GoEco
- During July and August and public holidays the accomodation costs an extra $50 per week
- Volunteers will share a dormitory with other backpackers
- Each work day volunteers will take 15 minute bus ride to the reserve and back (cost 5 NIS each way).
- GoEco will assist with the booking of the accomodations for the volunteers (Price of hostel included in participation fee).
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
- Strong swimmer
- Able to endure hot climate
- Motivation to work for nature preservation
- Full travel & medical insurance