The Sea of Galilee is famous among Christians as the place where Jesus recruited his disciples and walked on water. The historic sea provides one third of the water for the country of Israel. The large fresh-water lake is nearly the size of Washington DC. At the deepest point, the lake is approximately 140 feet. Although water levels change throughout the year. The day of our trip, the sea had a brisk breeze that created just a mild chill in the air. The lake was slightly overcast, but we were still able to see Jordan and Syria from the lake. The notable feature in Syria being Mount Hermon, source of the Jordan River.
I do not know the name of the tour company that provided the boat ride portion of our trip. It was arranged by Gate 1 Travel as part of a larger trip package. But there are three that come up in a google search as prominent businesses that run the boat tours. The options include Jesus Boats, Sea of Galilee Worship Boats and Shalom Holy Tours. The boats generally run approximately twenty dollars for an hour. Our trip was arranged to pick us up at our hotel dock in Tiberias and drop us at the Jesus Boat Museum in Ginnosar.
As we headed out on the water, we were treated to a period of silence as we enjoyed the crisp morning. The boat Captain pointed out geographic landmarks, identifying Mount Hermon to the north and Jordan to the south. He provided details about the size of the sea, the volume, and the importance of the body of water to Israel. He told us about conservation efforts to clean the sea which once had an issue with pollution. As we approached a secluded spot on the water, we were treated to a demonstration on traditional fishing, which is still an important industry on the Sea of Galilee.
The Captain and crew also shared a musical experience with us. We began with the raising of the US flag over the boat and the National Anthem. They do this for other countries as well. After the anthem, the crew played Christian hymns and led a sing-along. The last song played was Hava Nagila to which we were required to dance. The large platform of the boat provided ample room for our group of thirty to form a circle and dance. It was a fun experience. A moment of coming together, the first time our group of strangers began to bond.
After the music portion of our trip was finished, the crew set out items for sale, an opportunity to supplement their income from the boat tours. The items included popular t-shirts that read "I sailed on the Sea of Galilee" that I took a pass on. I'm not much for the "been there, done that" t-shirts. But my interest was drawn to trinkets made by the wives of the fishermen. The wives scour the beaches for interesting stones. They affix Christian symbols to the stones and laquer them to create interested jewelery. I purchased a stone pendant for my wife. It was very inexpensive. I think we paid five dollars for it. In my opinion, very cheap for a handmade memory of our trip.
The boat ride was campy in some ways. Not necessarily gaudy. But essentially "canned tourism." But you know, I really don't care. My wife and I enjoyed it. It was a great way to start our second full day of touring in Israel. From the boat we visited the Jesus Boat, Capernaum, the Beautitudes Church, the Church of the Multiplication, Caesarea Phillipi and an Israeli war memorial. We had another full day ahead of us, which I will detail in future posts. But the boat ride was a pleasant, relaxing way to begin a busy day. I would highly recommend a trip on the Sea of Galilee if you get the chance. If you are a Christian, there are plenty of tours that cater to Christian groups. If you are Jewish, there are Jewish tours as well. Tiberias is not a Christian center. It is a Jewish center. It is a resort town but also one of the most important holy cities in Israel as it is considered the place where the Talmud was written. The Chrisitan cities are more centered on Capernaum, Nazareth, Bethelehem and Jerusalem.
Stay tuned for more Israel for the Christian traveler.
Photos are mine and may be reproduced with prior permission.
A Christian Guide to Israel
Hotels
Cinema Hotel, Tel Aviv, Israel
Ron Beach Hotel, Tiberias, Israel
Prima Park Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel
Attractions
Caesarea National Park Caesarea, Israel
Mount Precipice Mount Kedimum, Israel
Sea of Galilee Boat Ride Tiberias, Israel
Yigal Alon Museum (Jesus Boat) Ginosar, Israel
Capernaum, Israel
St. Peter’s Restaurant
Caesarea Phillipi, Banias, Israel
Israeli 6-Day War Memorial
Jordan River Baptismal Site, Yardenit, Israel
Beit She’an National Park, Beit She’an, Israel
Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel
Garden Tomb, Jerusalem, Israel
Western Wall, Jerusalem, Israel
Western Wall Tunnels, Jerusalem, Israel
Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem, Israel
Bethlehem New Store Gift Shop
Pool of Bethesda, Jerusalem, Israel
Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Israel
Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, Israel
House of Caiaphas the High Priest, Jerusalem, Israel
The Upper Room, Jerusalem, Israel
Tomb of King David, Jerusalem, Israel
Masada National Park, Masada, Israel
The Dead Sea, Masada, Israel
Churches
Discalced Carmelite Monastery Muhraqa, Israel
Basilica of the Annunciation Nazareth, Israel
St. Peter’s Church Capernaum, Israel
Church of the Multiplication Tabgha, Israel
Church of the Beatitudes Tabgha, Israel
Church of All Nations, Jerusalem, Israel
Church of Saint Anne, Jerusalem, Israel
Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem, Israel
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Israel