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The ancient Roman port of Caesarea is a unique snorkeling spot in Israel. Here, you can swim above archaeological remains dating back over 2000 years, including columns, quays and anchors, in a fascinating journey back in time. The underwater life present in the bay, featuring a diversity of fish and invertebrates (including many Red Sea immigrants), adds to the interest of the place.

Caesarea Harbor - Snorkeling area
The Caesarea port is one of the rare sheltered snorkeling areas in Israel. It generally offers good conditions to explore the underwater park.

How to get to Caesarea snorkeling spot?

Caesarea is an ancient Roman port located on the Mediterranean coast of Israel. In addition to the archaeological remains, today there are several restaurants on the port, as well as a diving club.

This spot is located in the Port of Caesarea. You can either pay entry for a full tour including the port and archaeological sites (39 Shekels per person in 2024) or pay only for access to the port (14 Shekels, use the north entrance). Although located in a National Park, Caesarea is not a marine reserve and fishermen are often seen there.

Caesarea National Park snorkeling map
Caesarea National Park snorkeling map.

Water entrance for snorkeling Caesarea

You can use one of the two following snorkel entries:

  1. From the steps at the diving club, almost at the end of the quay (snorkel entry 1 on the map). The diving club provides laminated site maps, which you can take with you into the water.
  2. From the small beach to the northeast of the bay (snorkel entry 2 on the map). The beach is protected by rock bars but a passage allows you to reach the open sea.

Caesarea snorkeling exploration tips

You can snorkel all over the bay formed by the two rocky points and the breakwater. However, avoid the bay’s entrance, where there may be waves and occasional boat traffic. The seabed is mainly rocky, but there is a large sandy area in the center of the bay.

Archaeological remains at Caesarea National Park
Roman columns are easy to see in the bay.

Archaeological remains dating back to Roman times are scattered throughout the ancient port. The easiest to see are the columns, present in several places, including at shallow depths.

An ancient round tower can be found some 20 meters west of the beach, while a Herodian pavement can still be seen next to snorkel entry 1 (see map).

School of yellowtail barracuda in Caesarea
A school of Yellowstripe Barracuda (Sphyraena pinguis) encountered at the foot of the breakwater.

In addition to the Roman ruins, Caesarea’s seabed is home to some interesting underwater life.

The fishiest part is along the ancient quay, where dozens of Sargo, Spinefoot and Red Sea Goatfish (the last two being invasive exotic species) swim above the rocks.

Cuttelfish in Caesarea
A Pharaoh Cuttlefish noted in the shallows near the beach.

More occasional sightings in Caesarea include Ornate Wrasse, small Moray Eels, Reticulated Leatherjacket (exotic), Cuttlefish (including the Pharaoh Cuttlefish, another species native to the Red Sea) and small Octopus.

Large shoals of Anchovy or Yellowstripe Barracuda are often seen along the harbor breakwater.

Restaurants and accommodations nearby

There are several restaurants around the port of Caesarea, as well as on the small beach.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Protected areaCaesarea National Park
  • Maximum depth6 feet/2 meters along the shore, 20 feet/6 meters in the central part of the bay
  • Water entranceFrom rock steps (entry 1) or from a sandy beach (entry 2)
  • Potential DangersWaves near the entrace of the bay, small boats/kayaks/paddles, fishermen
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersMedium
  • Access costs14 Shekels per person (entrance to the Port only) or 39 Shekels per person (entrance to the whole archaeological park)
  • Restaurants nearbyYes, in the port and near the beach
  • Public toilets & showersYes

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.