Water temperature and wave height on the beaches of Arabah

Beach and sea characteristics in the Arabah area

📍 What is the Arava Region?

• The Arabah (Arava) Valley is a long, arid strip located between the Negev Desert (Israel) and Jordan.

• It stretches from the southern tip of the Dead Sea in the north to Eilat and the Red Sea in the south.

• While most of the region is inland desert, it includes two distinct bodies of water at its ends:

  1. 🌊 Dead Sea (North Arava)

  2. 🐠 Red Sea / Gulf of Aqaba (South Arava – Eilat)

🌊 Sea/Beach Characteristics in the Arabah Area

🧂 1. Dead Sea (North Arava) – near Ein Yahav, Ein Bokek, Neot Hakikar

• Salinity: Extremely high (~34%) – 10× saltier than the ocean

• Swimming: You float effortlessly, but can’t really "swim"

• Water texture: Oily and dense

• Beach surface: Mostly salt flats, some mud, and a few developed spa beaches

• Hazards: Cuts or open wounds will sting; avoid water in eyes

• 🧖 Popular for mud treatments, spa resorts, and healing tourism

🐠 2. Red Sea / Gulf of Aqaba (South Arava – Eilat)

• Salinity: High (similar to the ocean) – ~40 PSU

• Water clarity: Exceptionally clear – visibility up to 30 meters

• Coral reefs: Vibrant and diverse marine life

• Beaches: Sandy, pebbly, and rocky depending on location

• Great for:

  • 🤿 Snorkeling and scuba diving

  • 🏊‍♂️ Swimming (warm year-round)

  • 🧘 Relaxing at beach bars and eco-resorts

🏖️ Are There Public Beaches in the Arava?

• In the northern and central Arava, no beaches are directly accessible because it's inland.

• In the southern Arava (Eilat), there are many public beaches:

  • Coral Beach, Dolphin Reef, Princess Beach, Dekel Beach, and more

✅ Summary: Why the Arava is Unique

• 🌍 A region with both the saltiest and one of the clearest seas in the world!

• 🧖‍♀️ Dead Sea: therapeutic, floating, spa experience

• 🐬 Red Sea (Eilat): active, colorful coral reefs, diving and water sports

• 🌵 Surrounded by desert landscapes, oases, and peaceful isolation

Water temperature in Arabah by month

✅ Summary:

• Dead Sea:

  • Warmer overall

  • Can reach 33°C in August

  • Ideal for floating, spa experiences year-round

• Red Sea (Eilat):

  • More stable temperatures

  • Swimmable all year, excellent for diving/snorkeling even in winter

  • Clearer and saltier than the Dead Sea, but comfortable