Haifa Bay — Kishon Marina
Kishon Marina · Haifa Yacht Club · Haifa Marina
32°48.7'N 35°00.3'E
Depth
3–6m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
50m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
50m
50m alarm radius for fully enclosed marina. Outstanding shelter in all conditions. Commercial port environment — AIS and VHF monitoring mandatory at all times in Haifa Bay.
About This Anchorage
Haifa Bay and the Kishon Marina form the commercial and sailing hub of northern Israel. The bay is dominated by the massive Haifa commercial port — one of the most active cargo ports in the eastern Mediterranean — but within this complex sits the Kishon Marina, offering the most protected leisure berths anywhere on the Israeli coast. The city of Haifa climbs dramatically up the slopes of Mount Carmel, with the extraordinary Bahá'í World Centre gardens cascading down the hillside in a UNESCO-protected spectacle visible from the water. The Kishon Marina also serves as the Israeli Navy's primary recreational sailing base, so the security protocols are thorough. From Haifa Bay, Akko (Acre) is just 10nm north and Caesarea is 30nm south — making this the central base for exploring northern Israel's extraordinary ancient history. The bay itself can kick up a short, steep chop in NW wind — use the fully enclosed marina rather than attempting to anchor in the bay.
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 in process.
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Official port of entry. Contact Israeli Navy VHF 16 at 25nm offshore. Haifa Port Control VHF — confirm working channels on approach. Cruising permit issued after full security clearance.
Restrictions: No anchoring in bay — marina only. Security screening mandatory. Commercial port — do not enter shipping lanes. Follow all Port Control instructions on VHF. Bahá'í World Centre timed entry required for non-pilgrims.
Hazards
- !Commercial shipping 24/7 in Haifa Bay — maintain AIS watch; follow Haifa Port Control on VHF
- !Mandatory security screening — plan weekday 09:00–16:00 arrival
- !NW wind creates steep short chop in Haifa Bay — do not attempt to anchor in open bay
- !Industrial port environment — not the most pleasant marina setting but best shelter in Israel
- !Bahá'í gardens require pre-booked timed entry — book online before arrival at bahai.org.il
Skipper's Tips
- →Haifa is the natural hub for northern Israel — Akko (10nm), Caesarea (30nm south), Sea of Galilee (50km inland)
- →The Bahá'í World Centre terraced gardens are one of the world's great sights — pre-book online for free timed entry
- →The German Colony (Ha'atzmaut Boulevard) has the best restaurants on the Israeli coast — try Fattoush or Hanamal
- →The Haifa cable car (funicular) takes you from the lower city to Carmel ridge — outstanding views over the bay
- →Akko can be reached by train from Haifa (25 minutes) or by sea if conditions permit
Facilities
Restaurants in Haifa German Colony (15 min taxi). Carmel Centre supermarkets and provisioning. 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 gets NW swell in winter — marina remains fully protected. Summer heat manageable from the sea but very humid. Base for northern Israel exploration.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 50m
In northern Israel's ancient harbours and open bays, conditions can change with the Levant sea breeze. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can rest with confidence.
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