Off the coast of Eilat in Israel, about 16 feet under the water and 70 meters off the shore, existed a strip club called Nymphas Show Bar. The facility was conceptualized to be unique by the complementary pairing of underwater scenery with lively entertainment. It was accessed by a 230-foot bridge and a flight of stairs; there was no point of contact with water. Join us as we delve deeper into this mystery.
History of Nymphas Show Bar
Before Nymphas Show Bar was a strip club, it was a restaurant popularly known as “Red Sea Star.” It featured an above-water area and an underwater area and still has a website. The below-surface area took the shape of a star, hence the name.
The design was conceptualized to transport the patrons into an underwater experience. Large windows allowed a panoramic view of the adjacent coral reefs and marine life. Interior decoration imitated the submarine environment, further giving the sensation of dining under the sea. It had a restaurant and a bar where clients could enjoy either dinner or drinks while watching the underwater scenery.
Despite its unique appeal, the Red Sea Star faced a few challenges. Maintaining an underwater structure and ensuring the safety and comfort of guests required substantial resources and effort. These challenges, coupled with high operating costs, eventually led to the venue’s closure.
The Red Sea Star was transformed into Nympha’s Show Bar by refurnishing the interior and adapting it into a performance platform. It still is not clear when the show bar was functional.
Why was Nymphas Show Bar Abandoned?
Marine biologist Gil Koplovitz was diving off the coast of Israel when he came across an unusual sight: an abandoned underwater strip club. Koplovitz was in the water near the end of a long dock when he spotted the enormous, rusted, windowed structure.
Peering through the glass, he was astounded to see an amazingly clean interior with just one very recognizable item—a stripper pole. However, Koplovitz is unsure of the precise closing date of the establishment and the reason for its abandonment.
What Happened to Nymphas Show Bar?
Since it was closed, the Nymphas Show Bar structure remains there, underwater, and has become a point of attraction for many divers. It acts both as a habitat for marine life and as a one-of-a-kind dive site, therefore continuing to make its contribution to the underwater landscape of the Red Sea. It remains a site of interest, nostalgically remembered by anyone who had the chance to experience it.
Can You Visit Nymphas Show Bar?
Nympha’s Show Bar today lies abandoned, under the sea, off Eilat, Israel—available to visiting divers. It is an interesting dive site with remains that would fascinate a diver.
To get to Nympha’s Show Bar, one needs to be a certified diver. The site can only be accessed through organized dive tours paired with necessary gear and guides. Many dive operators in Eilat offer tours of the underwater structure. The tours usually have a guide with you who will show you around the site and brief you on your safety as a diver.
The structure still stands, albeit as an interesting dive site. Divers swim through the remains of the show bar, viewing how the marine life that has grown up through the site interacts with it. Be sure to listen to all the safety briefings given by your dive operator. The site, being abandoned, may present unique difficulties, so it’s important to dive in with a reputable company.