Haifa — Shavit Marina
Haifa Carmel · Haifa Shavit Marina · Kishon Marina · Haifa Bay Marina
32°49.3'N 34°59.6'E
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
50m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m
50m alarm radius for fully enclosed marina within Haifa commercial port. Outstanding shelter in all conditions — the most protected anchorage on the Israeli coast. AIS monitoring mandatory on approach due to commercial shipping traffic.
About This Anchorage
Haifa is Israel's third-largest city and the country's most important commercial port — and within its massive harbour complex sits the Shavit Marina (for leisure craft), offering the most sheltered berths available anywhere on the Israeli coast. Haifa is built dramatically up the slopes of Mount Carmel, crowned by the extraordinary Bahá'í World Centre — the terraced gardens cascading 1km down the hillside are among the most beautiful planned gardens in the world (UNESCO). The city has a reputation for coexistence between Jewish, Arab, and Christian communities. Culturally, Haifa offers: the German Colony (19th-century Templar settlement) with outstanding restaurants, the Haifa Museum of Art, and the National Maritime Museum. The Carmel range rises sharply behind the city — the view from the top is remarkable. Akko (Acre) UNESCO World Heritage Site is just 10nm north, making Haifa the natural hub for exploring northern Israel's extraordinary history.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Marina berth fee — approximately €35–65/night. Port of entry — security screening included.
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Official port of entry. Contact Israeli Navy VHF 16 at 25nm offshore. Haifa Port Authority VHF working channels — confirm on approach. Cruising permit issued after clearance.
Restrictions: No anchoring — marina only. Security screening mandatory. Commercial port — follow all AIS and VHF instructions from Haifa Port Control. Do not enter commercial shipping lanes. Bahá'í gardens require pre-booked timed entry for non-pilgrims.
Hazards
- !Commercial shipping active 24/7 in Haifa Port — maintain AIS watch and respond to Port Control on VHF
- !Mandatory security screening on arrival — plan weekday 09:00–16:00 arrival
- !Approach through commercial port — follow marked channels; do not cut across shipping lanes
- !Bahá'í gardens require pre-booked timed entry tickets — book online before arrival
- !Summer heat on Mount Carmel (July–August) — heat haze limits visibility
Skipper's Tips
- →Haifa is the best base for exploring northern Israel — Akko (10nm), Caesarea (30nm south), Nazareth (30km inland)
- →The Bahá'í gardens are open to non-pilgrims with pre-booked timed entry (bahai.org.il) — one of the world's great gardens
- →The German Colony (Ha'atzmaut Boulevard) has outstanding restaurants and cafes — the best dining on the Israeli coast
- →Take the Carmel cable car (funicular) to the Carmel ridge for panoramic views over Haifa Bay and Mount Carmel
- →Akko can be done as a day trip by taxi (10nm north, 20 minutes) or by sea if weather permits
Facilities
Excellent restaurants in Haifa German Colony (20 min taxi). Carmel Centre area has supermarkets, shops. Fuel dock at marina. Marine services available.
Nearest provisions: Haifa German Colony / Carmel Centre (1.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
April–June and September–November best. Haifa Bay is slightly more exposed to NW than Herzliya in winter storms. Summer (July–August) heat and humidity high on Mount Carmel but the bay itself is manageable. Outstanding all-weather shelter in the marina.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 50m
In Israel's open roadsteads and exposed anchorages, anchor drag in the Mediterranean night sea breeze can put you on ancient stonework before you wake. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS