Rare sea life is appearing just off Israel’s beaches

A N12 weekend travel guide by Tamir Steinman, published June 25, 2026 and updated June 26, 2026, says Israel’s shallow Mediterranean waters are now full of surprising marine life close to shore. Instead of traveling far to see turtles, stingrays, octopuses and cuttlefish, beachgoers can find them just meters from swimmers at several local beaches.

At Bat Galim beach in Haifa, guide and content creator Avihay Shaked said, “This is the place to be right now, at this point in the season.” He described the area as full of animals “within reach.” The report also says swimmers there saw various stingrays, sea turtles, fish, corals and even a sea slug.

The reason, according to marine guide Tal Raz, is breeding season. “We are currently in the mating season,” she said. “That means many animals, not only sea turtles, but also cartilaginous fish, come here and simply mate. Turtles usually come closer to shore to mate, and here they have a rich buffet.” Raz, known as the “Haifa mermaid,” said she can identify turtles by the scales on their faces and knows them by name.

The story then moved south to Palmachim beach, where diver Shlomi said the sightings are unusually abundant this year. “It’s crazy. I’ve been under water here for many years, but this year huge quantities arrived. It’s something unusual,” he said. He added that rays are close to shore and visitors can also see octopuses and cuttlefish. He warned that the stingrays are harmless if undisturbed, but in murky water people may accidentally step on one and get stung.

Finally, the guide highlighted Tel Shikmona National Park near Haifa, where natural tidal pools and reefs offer what he called a “secret jacuzzi of nature.” Visitor Orly said the spot is a refuge where time passes without noticing, and recommended it as an easy coastal outing with clear water and striking wildlife.