The Top 10 Open Water Swimming Spots in Israel

Here's where to get in the water, from north to south:

1. The Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) — Tiberias

The jewel of Israeli open water swimming. Warm, flat freshwater, rich in history, and the site of the country's greatest marathon swims. The Kinneret is 21km long and 13km wide, sitting 214m below sea level — the lowest freshwater lake on Earth. Multiple beaches line the shore; Ein Gev, Tiberias Beach, and Doga Beach are all excellent entry points with facilities and lifeguards in summer. For serious swimmers, the full lengthwise crossing is the holy grail.

2. Gordon Beach, Tel Aviv — Mediterranean

The social heart of Tel Aviv beach life, Gordon Beach is clean, well-organised, and bordered by the famous Tayelet promenade with cafes and restaurants. It's perfect for longer open water swims along the coastline, with conditions typically mild and forgiving. Lifeguards are on duty throughout summer.

3. Achziv Beach, Northern Israel

One of Israel's best-kept secrets: incredibly clear, calm, blue Mediterranean water near the Lebanese border. The natural coves create protected swimming areas that are ideal for distance swimming without chop. One of the cleanest beaches in the country.

4. Aqueduct Beach, Caesarea

Perhaps the most atmospheric swim in Israel. The ancient Roman aqueduct runs directly through this beach — you swim with 2,000-year-old ruins framing your sightlines. The water is clear and conditions are typically calm, though lifeguards will restrict how far out you swim. Free entry. Limited facilities, but the setting is unmatched.

5. Dor-HaBonim, near Haifa

A national park and nature reserve with white sandy beaches, protected coves, and crystal-clear water. The cove setting reduces wave exposure, making it one of the best spots for beginner open water swimmers. Also excellent for snorkelling.

6. Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Eilat — Red Sea

This is snorkelling and diving territory rather than distance swimming, but the underwater experience is extraordinary — one of the world's best accessible coral reef environments, with colourful marine life immediately off the beach. Water temperatures are warm year-round. Eilat is swimmable in January when the rest of the country is in sweaters.

7. Dolphin Reef, Eilat — Red Sea

For something more unusual: the Red Sea with a resident bottlenose dolphin population that moves freely in and out. Clear, warm, and genuinely beautiful for open water swimming alongside the reef.

8. Ein Gedi Beach, Dead Sea

The most famous floating experience in the world — and the launching point for anyone wanting to understand what Oded Rahav was up against in his historic crossing. The buoyancy is extreme, the mineral-rich water therapeutic. The Dead Sea shrinks by more than a metre annually, so don't wait too long to visit. Freshwater showers on-site are essential — the salt is relentless. Note: sandals are a must, the shoreline is rocky.

9. Shavei Zion Beach, Western Galilee

One of Israel's highest-rated beaches for cleanliness and accessibility. A relaxed, family-friendly Mediterranean beach with clear water and well-maintained facilities. A great starting point for longer Mediterranean distance swims up the coast.

10. Ein Gev, Sea of Galilee

On the southeastern shore of the Kinneret, Ein Gev is perhaps the prettiest beach on the lake — a date palm grove stretching to the water's edge, clean and relatively free of underwater rocks. For swimmers, it's one of the best entry points for longer Kinneret swims, with water sports facilities and lifeguard coverage.

A Note on Safety

Israel's Mediterranean coast carries strong riptides, particularly north of Tel Aviv, and the seabed can change from sand to rock shelf within a few steps into the surf. Always swim within flagged zones where lifeguards are on duty. At the Dead Sea, sinkholes have emerged along the shoreline — stay within designated swimming areas and wear sandals. In the Kinneret, deceptive underwater currents exist further from shore despite the lake's calm surface appearance.

Swim4Seas is passionate about connecting people with Israel's extraordinary open water environment — whether you're floating for the first time at the Dead Sea, training for the Kinneret Crossing, or dreaming of your own record-breaking relay. The water is waiting.