The Sea of Galilee is a fresh-water lake (21 km long and 12 km wide) that lies some   210 m below the Mediterranean sea-level. The highest possible level of the lake is ca. –209 m. The shores of the lake have been occupied since prehistoric times, and the coastal inhabitants have been engaged in fishing and sailing ever since.

Marine archaeological research in the Sea of Galilee began in 1960, when a group of divers, headed by E. Link conducted an underwater survey in the lake. Since then numerous, underwater and coastal surveys have been carried out by different institutions: the AURI during the 1960’s and the 1970’s, by M. Nun from Kibbutz Ein-Gev, the CMS and the MAU since the seventies. Coastal surveys and excavations were carried out in prehistoric sites by D. Nadel on behalf of the University of Haifa. Since 1985, there have been major fluctuations in the water level of the lake, and many archaeological sites, including submerged settlements, a wooden boat, cargoes, anchorages and coastal installations have been exposed.