Okay. So it looks like its time for me to write a blog about sailing to Israel,
marinas, clearance procedures etc. Because there is a lot of rumours and confusion about as far as I can see
First off let me explain that there are 5 marinas along the
Mediterranean coast of Israel. Most of them are full with waiting lists for long stays. Visitor berths are available in all of them but you will need to book ahead by
email or
phone to make sure you get a space. This is especially true for Haifa, Herzilya, Tel Aviv and Jaffa. Ashdod and Ashkelon have more berths available but are filling up fast too.
If I was a cruising sailor coming to Israel for a visit, I'd try to get a berth In Tel Aviv or Jaffa. Haifa is a port town and the marina is in quite an industrial area. The
water is extremely polluted and air quality isn't very good either.
Having said that its a nice marina... and there is good haulout facilities and yard for
work.
Herzilya marina is surrounded by a
shopping mall complex. Its an upscale marina and quite central to transportation etc, though. Has a travel
lift and small yard for haulout.
Tel Aviv Marina has just been renovated with new docks, tec. and is a walk away from everything the city has to offer. Has a travel
lift and small yard for haulout.
Jaffa marina is in the old
fishing port and has a great atmosphere. The docks haven't been renewed but the
shower complex is new and there is a nice promenade surrounding it. You are a walk a way from the old city and transportation. No travel lift.
All of the above are pricey.
Ashdod marina is a small new with good docks and facilities. There is a yard with travel lift and haulout facilities (but not a very good reputation.) Ashdod is a main port and but the marina is a distance away form the industrial area.
Reasonable prices.
Ashkelon Marina is a great marina with a good
liveaboard community. Travel lift with good haulout facilities and yard. Reasonable prices.
Both Ashdod and Ashkelon are quite removed from the center of the country. Transportaion is available but you might want to rent a car for easy access.
Akko has a small
fishing harbor but doesn't have space for sailboats.
I will post later about the procedure for entering Israel and clearance.
I need to go now I'm burning my potatoes