Kitesurfers on a quiet beach by Or Hiltch, on Flickr

As soon as the waves get good, beaches in Israel become dotted with surfers of all abilities, a far cry from when that Californian doctor gave his first surfboard to a Tel Aviv lifeguard fifty years ago. Today, there are tens of surf schools, all along the Mediterranean coastline, as well as at the Sea of Galilee and in Eilat, some of which specialize in windsurfing and kitesurfing.

If you would like to go windsurfing or kitesurfing in Israel, fill out the form below. The center we work with is located on the Mediterranean Coast and is one of the top schools in the country, and possibly in the world, having trained many champions!

Surfing in Tel Aviv by Flickr user werkunz1

Surfing in Tel Aviv is incredibly popular. Surf schools dot the city’s coastline, and surf-boards are constantly seen around the city, usually on the side of a moped as its rider nips through the city traffic to the beach. Of the beaches in Tel Aviv, Hilton Beach, Maravi Beach, and Doplhinarium Beach are the most popular for surfers due to the wave conditions which are created. You can rent a board or take lessons at the surf-schools at these beaches, and have an unusual experience – surfing in the city.

Tel Aviv is not Israel’s only popular surf-spot. The beach at Herzliya is also very popular with surfers, and when the waves are good, is full of local surfers all year round. Meanwhile, further north you will find surfing in Netanya, surfing in Caesarea, and surfing in the city of Haifa.

Because of the water temperature in the Mediterranean, surfing in Israel happens all-year-round which is great. The water temperature are about 29 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit) in summer, with swells at 1.5 to 3 feet, whilst in winter, water temperatures are about 14 degrees Celsius (57 Fahrenheit) and wave heights reaching up to about 10 feet in rougher conditions.

If you would like to go surfing in Israel, fill out the form below. The center we work with is located on the Mediterranean Coast and is one of the top schools in the country, and possibly in the world, having trained many champions!

Surfing is incredibly popular in Israel by Flickr user naama

Watersports are extremely popular in Israel. Israel has the highest number of qualified divers per person in the world, and has had Olympic and World champions in sports including windsurfing and kitesurfing. With so much coastline, you can do all sorts of watersports along the Mediterranean coast, including in Tel Aviv, at Eilat on the Red Sea, and in the Sea of Galilee.

Kitesurfing by Flickr user david55king

Diving

Eilat’s diving has been described by Dive Magazine as some of the best in the world, and we agree. The city is full of dive centers which are well regulated and give world class instruction whether you are a complete novice or well seasoned diver. What you will see underneath Eilat bay is spectacular – crystal clear waters allow visibility of 30 metres with its coral reefs being some of the most beautiful in the world.

But diving isn’t limited to Eilat. At Caesarea is the world’s first underwater museum where you can dive through the ancient underwater ruins of what was once the most impressive port on the Mediterranean. You can also dive along the Mediterranean coast including off the Tel Aviv coastline, an awesome experience!

by Flickr user werkunz1

Relaxing rowing in Tel Aviv by Flickr user RonAlmog

Surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing

Along the Mediterranean coast are watersport centers offering surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Some of these have trained up Olympic medalists and world champions so you are in good hands. Although there are loads of clubs, some of the most prestigious are in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Caesarea, Beit Yannay, between Netanya and Caesarea, and in Haifa.

Of course, you can also surf (in all varieties) in Eilat and the many watersport schools there make you spoint for choice, whilst the Sea of Galilee also offers a more limited selection of surfing opportunities.

Click here to read our article dedicated to surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing in Israel.

Surfing by Flickr user yanec

Sailing, catarmarans, sea kayaks

Again, sailing, catarmarans and sea kayaking, amongst others, can be done along the Mediterranean coast, often at the same schools which offer surfing. At Eilat are some of the worlds best sailing clubs having trained Olympic medalists, whilst there are also opportunities for these sports in the Sea of Galilee: – awesome!

Image by Flickr user yanec

Jet Ski, Water Ski and more…

Whatever watersport you are after you can almost certainly do it in Israel. As a country which lives mostly near to the beach, Israeli’s are a very water orientated people, and have brought back to Israel unusual watersports from around the world. Just ask and you’ll find something which is cool for you.

The sea plays a huge part in the Tel Aviv lifestyle and water sports are very popular. From sailboats and windsurfing, to catamarans and jet skis, it is possible to rent and take lessons along the coast. Water skiing can be done in a man made lake in South Tel Aviv, whilst rowing is available in the Yarkon Park.

One of Tel Aviv’s top surfing schools is Topsea Surfing Center, where lessons are available whether you are a beginner of expert. Equipment can also be hired from here.

It is also possible to dive off the coast of Tel Aviv.