Israel : Profile

Facts

The Israeli coast is low with no natural harbours or anchorages and visiting yachts have the choice of only a few marinas and ports. An unexciting coastline, stringent security controls and recurring internal problems have kept most cruising yachts away from this interesting country.
The few foreign yachts that make the detour to reach Israel during a cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean are rewarded with the opportunity to visit many of the well-known ancient sites. A sojourn in Israel also provides a unique opportunity to experience and perhaps understand some of the reasons for the continuing tension in the Middle East.
Although not a prime cruising destination, Israel's yachting facilities have been steadily improving to cater for an expanding resident boating community. The largest sailing community is in Tel Aviv, where the best facilities are concentrated.
The opening of the new Haifa-Kishon marina inside Haifa Harbour has meant a significant improvement to facilities in the north of the country.
Some limited facilities are available at Eilat, Israel's port on the Red Sea, where the new marina has expanded into the nearby lagoon.
Marinas now fully operational along the Mediterranean coast and the Red Sea: Haifa-Kishon Marina, Akko (Marina Accre), Herzliya, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Ashdod (The Blue Marina), Ashkelon and Eilat. Most of them provide good docking and repair facilities.
Note: there is no public transport during "Shabat". (Friday evening until Saturday evening).

Weather

The climate is generally temperate, the winters being cool and rainy, the summers hot and dry. In summer, winds along the coast alternate between land and sea breezes.