[1] It was founded in 1936 and moved to its present site at the southern border of the ancient city and archeological ruins of Caesarea, in 1940.

It was founded at the urging of David Ben-Gurion during the period when the British were refusing to allow Jews to enter Mandatory Palestine.

Yossi Harel, famous for being the commander of SS Exodus and three other such ships, is buried at Sdot Yam.

The kibbutz's major source of income comes from the marketing and manufacturing of engineered quartz surfaces under the Caesarstone brand.

In 2013, the kibbutz owned a 58 percent stake[4] in the company, which makes stone counter tops for kitchens and bathrooms.