100 meters from the beach, on a slope leading
down to the sea's depths, a unique structure
was built in 1974: a tower reaching down to
the seabed. From the windows at the base of
the tower, below sea level, the mysteries of
the deep pass before the eyes of observers.
A
bridge spanning from the Marine Park leads to
the white tower, which stands like a lighthouse
in the Gulf of Eilat. At the entrance there's
a pleasant, air-conditioned café and a
fine jewelry shop. From the entry hall on the
ground floor, visitors can climb 90 steps to the
"Peace Terrace" at the top of the Underwater
Observatory tower. From there one can enjoy an
unobstructed view of the Red Sea coastlines.
To the east, Jordan, the Edom mountains, Aqaba
city and port. Southeast lies the coast of Saudi
Arabia and to the southwest, the coast of the
Gulf of Eilat, Taba and Egypt. To the north
stretches the city of Eilat, the port, beaches,
hotels and Arava desert.
Entrance
to the Underwater Observatory is also through
the Entry Hall. A staircase leads visitors about
6 meters (about 20') below sea level. At first
one observation hall was built. When it became
too small to accommodate all the visitors, a
second hall was added and connected to the first
via hallway. The walls of the observatory and
hallway are windows looking into the sea. The
coral reef which developed around the tower
provides visitors with endless surprises and
experiences. Colorful schools of fishes approach
and disappear into the coral maze.
. Sometimes a large fish comes by and dives
down, disappearing into the deep. From time
to time one sees a diver at work, providing
care and maintenance.
The different hours of the day, passing seasons,
all is seen and felt through the observatory
windows.
Every moment things are happening. No moment
is like another. One doesn't know which direction
to look in: an unforgettable experience.