Dolphin Reef

Maybe it’s their intelligence, their inquisitiveness or just their irresistible cheesy grins but for some reason dolphins have found a special place in our hearts. If swimming with them tops your tick list of things to do in your lifetime then Eilat is the place to make that dream a reality.

Dolphin Reef is far removed from the tacky dolphin experiences you might have encountered elsewhere. The style is more Bohemian than theme park and the marine mammals don’t have to perform for their supper.

Hang out on the floating piers and, if they’re in the mood, (which more often than not they are) some of the eight resident bottlenose dolphins will appear to show you a few tricks or nudge your dangling feet. For the ultimate up-close encounter you can don a snorkel or dive tanks and view the dolphins underwater - an experience accessible to disabled visitors and children.

You can spend all day at Dolphin Reef, watching the dolphins’ antics from a lounger on the private beach, lunching in one of the restaurants or unwinding in the relaxation pool area, which can even by hired for chilled-out parties.

• Dolphin Reef, relaxation pools and massage facility, www.dolphinreef.co.il