Rare sea life is showing up just offshore in Israel

Summer beachgoers in Israel are finding that the real spectacle is only a few meters from shore. In a N12 weekend travel guide by Tamir Steinman, published June 25, 2026 and updated June 26, 2026, swimmers and local guides described seeing sea turtles, stingrays, octopus, cuttlefish, fish, coral, and even a sea slug in the shallow waters off the Mediterranean coast.

At Bat Galim beach in Haifa, guide and content creator Avichay Shaked said this is the best place to be right now in the season. “There are so many animals here, right next to us, within arm’s reach,” he said. Along the shore, the team also met Tal Raz, known as the “Haifa mermaid,” who leads marine tours and lectures. After entering the water near the immigrant ship Haim Arlosoroff, they reported encountering several kinds of stingrays, sea turtles, fish, coral, and a “sea slug” described as looking like a magical Disney creature.

Raz explained that the timing is linked to mating season. “A lot of animals, not only sea turtles, but also cartilaginous fish, come here and simply mate,” she said. “The turtles usually come close to shore to mate, and here they have a rich buffet.” She said she can identify the turtles by the markings on their faces.

The report also highlighted Palmahim beach, south of Rishon LeZion, where local diver Shlomi said this year’s numbers are unusually high. “It’s crazy, huge quantities arrived,” he said. “It’s something unusual. They are coming very close to the beach, so you can enjoy them.” He added that there are also many octopus and cuttlefish, and reassured swimmers that stingrays are calm if left alone, though they can sting if stepped on in murky water. The guide then ended at Tel Shikmona National Park near Haifa, where natural pools and a reef known as a “secret jacuzzi” offer a shallow, clear-water refuge for visitors.