Most of the eyes scanning across this sentence probably don’t belong to people that have gone snorkeling; even fewer to people who’ve gone snorkeling in the Red Sea on the coral beaches of Eilat, Israel. It’s a rare opportunity, but one that I was recently privileged to experience. With use of an underwater camera, you can experience the Red Sea for yourself!

These little guys are pretty common to find on the reef, but not any less interesting to see!

The water wasn’t warm, but you get used to it quickly, although a cold wind on the beach can reduce you to shivering in minutes.

Some debris, such as that old piece of pipe, adds a unique atmosphere to the reef.

There’s an intriguing beauty in the contrast between the smoothness of the fish and the rough texture of the reef.

The biggest concern on the reef while snorkeling was the sea urchins. You can barely see them here, hiding under the rock shelf.

Fish aren’t the only living creatures on the reef! There were also anemones and odd plant-like organisms in abundance.

Now imagine the giant person sort of hanging there on the other side of the camera like some fat underwater blimp.

An often-overlooked perk of the underwater camera is the overwater capabilities!

A water-proof watch was invaluable during the trip.

The place was swimming with gorgeous parrotfish!

Eilat is one of the largest cities in Israel, with a peculiar vibe that makes one feel home and far from it at the same time. The opportunities for snorkeling, scuba, windsurfing, etc., are almost endless, as its position right on the shoreline is the ideal placement for water sports and activities. The reefs themselves are amazing, and become more splendid the further out you go. Overall it’s a fantastic experience, and to anyone planning a trip to Israel, there’s an underwater adventure waiting for you!

Will Wellman is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program

All photos courtesy and copyright Will Wellman