can you visit the dead sea in israel

Visiting the Dead Sea in Israel? Here’s What You Need to Know

• March 29, 2023

Are you planning a trip to the mesmerizing Dead Sea in Israel? Get ready for an unforgettable experience! In this comprehensive Dead Sea travel guide, we will explore everything you need to know before embarking on your journey. From the best time to visit the Dead Sea to must-see places and exciting activities, we’ve got you covered!

The Dead Sea – A Natural Wonder

The Dead Sea is a unique natural wonder located between Israel and Jordan. It’s the lowest point on Earth, sitting at approximately 1,410 feet (430 meters) below sea level . The water in the Dead Sea is famously salty, with a salinity level almost ten times that of regular seawater . This extraordinary salt concentration has made the Dead Sea a popular destination for its therapeutic properties and striking beauty.

Best Time to Visit the Dead Sea

When planning your visit to the Dead Sea, it’s essential to consider the climate. The region experiences a hot, dry desert climate, with scorching summers and mild winters. The best time to visit the Dead Sea is during the shoulder seasons, specifically between March and May or between October and December. During these months, you can expect pleasant temperatures, making it the perfect time to relax by the sea, visit the best Dead Sea beaches , and explore the stunning surroundings.

Is Dead Sea Day Trip an Option?

A visit to the Dead Sea can be easily organized as a day trip from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. The drive from Jerusalem takes approximately 1-1.5 hours, while from Tel Aviv, it’s around 2-2.5 hours. Numerous guided tours are available for those who prefer a more structured experience. Alternatively, you can take a bus, or, even better, rent a car and make your way to the Dead Sea at your own pace, allowing you to explore the region more extensively.

Essential Tips When Visiting the Dead Sea 

Before travelling to the Dead Sea, it’s crucial to keep a few essential tips in mind:

• Stay hydrated: Due to the hot and dry climate, it’s important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout your visit.
• Sun protection: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
• Water safety: The Dead Sea’s extreme salt content can cause discomfort if it comes into contact with your eyes, open cuts, or sensitive skin. Be sure to enter the water slowly and avoid submerging your head. If you experience any irritation, rinse with fresh water immediately.
• Float, don’t swim: The Dead Sea’s unique buoyancy makes it nearly impossible to swim conventionally. Instead, relax and enjoy floating effortlessly on the water’s surface.

Dead Sea Places to Visit and Attractions to See

While visiting the Dead Sea, be sure to explore some of the incredible attractions in the surrounding area:

• Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

This beautiful oasis, located near the Dead Sea, boasts lush vegetation, stunning waterfalls, and a variety of hiking trails suitable for almost any level . A visit to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is a perfect way to experience Israel’s diverse landscape.

• Masada National Park

Perched atop an isolated rock plateau, the ancient fortress of Masada is a must-see destination. The site is rich in history, having served as the last stronghold of Jewish rebels against the Roman Empire. You can either hike up the Snake Path or take a cable car to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Dead Sea and surrounding desert.

• Qumran National Park

Home to the famous Dead Sea Scrolls , Qumran National Park offers visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of the region. Explore the ancient ruins of the Qumran settlement and visit the nearby museum, which houses a collection of artefacts and scrolls discovered in the area.

• Ahava Dead Sea Factory and Visitors Center

If you’re interested in learning more about the production of Dead Sea cosmetics, a visit to the Ahava Factory and Visitors Center is a must. Discover how the unique minerals and mud from the Dead Sea are transformed into luxurious skincare products, and take the opportunity to purchase some souvenirs to bring home.

• Mineral Beach

For a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, head to Mineral Beach, a popular spot for floating in the Dead Sea’s therapeutic waters. The beach is equipped with shaded areas, showers, and a café, ensuring a comfortable visit.

• Dead Sea Panoramic Complex

This impressive complex offers stunning views of the Dead Sea and the surrounding area, as well as an informative museum showcasing the geological, ecological, and historical aspects of the region. Be sure to stop by on your way to or from the Dead Sea for a memorable and educational experience.

• Ein Bokek Beach 

This well-maintained public beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy the Dead Sea’s waters. Ein Bokek Beach offers facilities such as showers, changing rooms, and sun loungers, making it an ideal location for a relaxing day by the sea.

• Lot’s Wife’s Pillar

According to biblical legend, Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt when she looked back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah . Today, visitors can view a unique rock formation near the Dead Sea, which is believed by some to be the remains of Lot’s wife. The site offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and ancient lore.

Wadi David is another stunning oasis located near the Dead Sea, offering a selection of picturesque hiking trails and refreshing natural pools. The area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Wadi Mujib 

Located on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib is a breathtaking canyon that offers a range of thrilling adventure activities such as hiking, abseiling, and canyoning. Although it requires crossing the border, it’s well worth the trip for those looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Where to Stay When Visiting the Dead Sea?

If you’re planning to extend your visit to the Dead Sea beyond a day trip, there are various accommodation options available. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels, you’ll find something to suit your preferences and needs. Below are just a few examples and suggestions you could consider.

• Herods Dead Sea Hotel

This upscale resort offers elegant rooms, a private beach, and a luxurious spa, providing guests with a truly indulgent experience. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, fitness center, and several dining options, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

• Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel & Spa

With its contemporary design and relaxing atmosphere, Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel & Spa is another excellent option for those seeking luxury accommodations. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s private beach, pampering spa treatments, and a variety of on-site dining options.

• Leonardo Plaza Hotel Dead Sea

This modern hotel offers a range of amenities, including a private beach, outdoor pool, and spa facilities, at a more affordable price point. The hotel also provides a selection of dining options, as well as comfortable and spacious rooms.

• Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel

Set within the serene surroundings of the Ein Gedi Kibbutz, this hotel offers a unique and tranquil experience. Guests can enjoy the beautiful botanical gardens, refreshing swimming pools, and comfortable accommodations, all while being immersed in the kibbutz lifestyle.

• HI Ein Gedi Hostel

This clean and well-maintained hostel provides budget-conscious travellers with an affordable option near the Dead Sea [20]. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, comfortable common areas, and a range of room options, including dormitories and private rooms.

• Metzoke Dragot Guest House

Nestled in the heart of the desert, Metzoke Dragot Guest House offers guests a unique and authentic experience. The guest house provides simple yet comfortable accommodations, as well as a range of activities, including camel rides and guided tours.

Make the Most Out of Your Dead Sea Visit

Visiting the Dead Sea promises to be a memorable and enriching experience, offering an extraordinary natural landscape, fascinating history, and a plethora of exciting activities. With this comprehensive Dead Sea travel guide, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your journey to this remarkable destination. So pack your bags, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Table of Contents

Book your trip, explore more about israel.

Things to Do in Tel Aviv: Visiting the Old Jaffa Flea Market and Port

Understanding the Significance of the Western Wall Prayer Request

10 Amazing Restaurants Near Tel Aviv Beach

Privacy overview.

Food to Try in Israel

Things to Do in Jerusalem

Top Sacred Sites

Guide to the Western Wall

Best Restaurants

Tel Aviv Nightlife

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Ben Gurion Airport Guide

Driving in Israel

Reasons to Visit Israel

Top Destinations

One-Week Itinerary

Best Israel Tours

Top Things to Do in Israel

Best Beaches

Best National Parks

Outdoor Markets

How to Visit the Dead Sea

Complete Guide to Visiting the Dead Sea

Assi Dvilanski / 500px /Getty

The Dead Sea, a non-coastal salt lake in southwestern Asia, sandwiched between Israel and Jordan with portions in the West Bank, goes by many monikers: Sea of Death, Salt Sea, and Sea of Lot. What makes this hyper-saline natural marvel so special is that it’s the absolute lowest body of water on the surface of the Earth, with the bottommost elevation on land. The Dead Sea, where the water is about 10 times saltier than ocean water, is unlike any other destination in the world. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before visiting.

How the Dead Sea Was Formed

Millions of years ago, a saltwater lagoon was linked to the Mediterranean Sea. The faults of the African and Arabian tectonic plates shifted, the earth between the Dead Sea and Mediterranean rose, and the ocean’s water supply was cut off leaving the Dead Sea isolated. Freshwater springs and aquifers feed the sea (which, is actually a lake because it’s landlocked), but since there is no outflow, the water simply accumulates in the Dead Sea and then evaporates in the sunken hot desert, leaving salt behind.

What You Will See at the Sea

Let’s start with what you won’t see. No birds, fish, or plants can survive in the inhospitable cobalt-blue waters of the Dead Sea, which exists 1,412 feet below sea level.

At the water’s edge, crystalized sodium chloride makes the rocks and sand shimmer. It’s here, between the hills of Judea and the Jordan mountains, that people come to float and enjoy the mineral properties of the water. You’ll see bodies extended out on the surface of the water as if lounging on a pool floatation device. It’s nearly impossible to dive and, in fact, keeping your head out of the water is a good idea because the salt will most definitely irritate your eyes. If you have even the slightest of cuts, like a paper cut, you’ll feel the sting in the Dead Sea.

When floating, you’ll see reddish-brown sandstone mesas and the mountains of Jordan as they stretch in the distance across the glassy water.

You’ll notice a lack of water sports—there are no motorized vehicles, boats, or rolling waves. This adds to the moon-like ethereal landscape and, ultimately, makes for a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.

Consider the Weather

Since the weather is generally warm and sunny year round, any time is a great time to visit, but keep in mind that summer temperatures can soar to more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit and winter temperatures can drop to the high 60s F. The area enjoys an average of 330 sun-filled days per year. A lack of precipitation—less than 4 inches per year—and a dry desert environment create the ideal outdoor soaking environment. You'll dry off quickly when exiting the water.

If you visit during the summer, when temperatures are at their hottest, you’re likely to have the place more to yourself. Conversely, visiting in the winter will mean that you’ll be enjoying the Dead Sea along with others.

Experience a Spa Escape

A popular destination for locals and tourists, the Dead Sea is well known as a natural spa escape. It’s a common practice to cover your body in silky dark brown mineral-rich mud, lay out in the sun, and then wash the mud off in the oil-like dense water. Many of the hotels offer spa treatments utilizing the surrounding mud and salt and resort swimming pools are often filled with the salt water from the sea.

People with persistent skin ailments, like psoriasis and eczema, routinely visit the Dead Sea to heal. The bone-dry climate mixed with the oxygen-rich atmosphere and mineral-heavy water are said to have extraordinary restorative properties. The salt is harvested and shipped all over the world to be used in beauty treatments and products.

Know Before You Go

Much of the Jordan River has been diverted for human use, shrinking the sea’s borders at an alarming rate and increasing the salt deposits. The surface level is dropping at an average of 3 feet per year. Each year, the Dead Sea changes in measurable ways, including the presence of sink holes. If this is a destination you hope to experience, visit sooner rather than later.

Tips for Visiting

• Take photographs before entering the water as the saline can damage your camera and create a film over the lens.
• Be sure to wear a swimsuit that you don’t care about too much. The high salt content, as well as the mud, is likely to degrade your suit and create discoloration.
• Bring a towel along to dry your hands before touching your face—if salt gets into your eyes, it will burn.
• Any cuts or sensitive areas on your skin will sting in the water. If you do have a cut, be sure to wrap it with a waterproof bandage before entering. Along the same lines, do not shave right before entering as you’ll experience a burning sensation.
• Bring along water shoes because the salt deposits along the shore may be sharp.
• Do not jump or splash—this might be a difficult concept if you’re traveling with children—as you could cut your skin on salt shards and get water in your eyes.
• Be sure stay hydrated with fresh water since you'll be out in the hot sun.
• And, of course, the longer you float in the water the more your skin will dry out, so plan accordingly.

Other Things To Do

If on the Israel side, there are other things to do in the Dead Sea area that you should consider. Masada , a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, perched on a plateau overlooking the Dead Sea in the Judaean Desert, is a top natural attraction. Built by King Herod the Great to be used as a palace and then later occupied by Jewish patriots as a last stand against the Roman army, Masada is quite a site to study.

Visit the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve for hiking, wildlife viewing, botanic garden exploration, and a view of David Waterfall.

See Mount Sodom where pillars of limestone and clay-capped salt stand tall. One of these rugged columns is known as “Lot’s Wife,” a biblical figure who was turned into salt when she looked back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. You can explore this mountain made of salt via jeep tour or by hiking.

In 1947, the first of seven ancient Hebrew scrolls, called The Dead Sea Scrolls, was found in the Judaean Desert’s Qumran Caves by a local Bedouin boy. These religious documents, now held at the Israel Museum ’s The Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem, hold historical and linguistic importance, so be sure to stop by the museum to see them if you plan to be in Jerusalem.

How to Get There 

Flights from the United States to Israel land in Tel Aviv, a city worth exploring for its markets, beaches, dining, nightlife, and urban feel. From Tel Aviv, you can drive two hours and reach the Dead Sea. You can either rent a car and go on your own, book a tour with a reputable agency, or take a taxi. 

You may also want to go from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and then on to the Dead Sea. Buses are also available from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea.

In Israel, visitors usually choose to stay in either Ein Bokek or Ein Gedi, where the major hotels and resorts are located. You can also opt to fly to Amman, Jordan’s capital city, and stay on the eastern shore, especially if you’re planning to visit Petra and Wadi Rum.

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The Dead Sea: top tips for your first visit to the lowest place on earth

Jan 31, 2020 • 6 min read

The Dead Sea is a place like no other, one where you'll find yourself immersed in novel experiences © Hrecheniuk Oleksii / Shutterstock

The Dead Sea , the lowest place on earth at 434m below sea level, beckons visitors with healing mineral waters, air so rich in oxygen it protects you from sunburn, oases teeming with rare animals and world-class historical sites that (almost) bring the Roman Empire to life.

Get ready to take a soothing dip in water so saline it's slimy, spot wild ibexes at spring-fed oases and climb Masada, where ancient Jews made a dramatic last stand against the legions of Rome.

Dead Sea beaches and spas

The highlight of a visit to the Dead Sea is the cobalt-blue lake itself, whose waters – shared by Israel and the Palestinian Territories on the western side and Jordan on the east  – have a salt concentration of 34%, 10 times more than ocean water. Part of the Great Rift Valley, the lake is fed by the River Jordan, but it has no outlet.

On the Israeli shore, the best place to take a dip is Ein Bokek Beach , along the sea's turquoise-hued southern basin. Given a complete makeover a few years back, this wide public beach, sandy and spotless, has lifeguards and offers a variety of free amenities, including shade shelters, changing booths, open-air showers, toilets, a paved promenade and nighttime lighting.

Spending a few hours being pampered at a mineral spa makes a fine complement to a soothing dip.  The spas inside Ein Bokek's hotels offer freshwater swimming pools, saunas, mineral baths, and health and beauty treatments; most have day rates for non-guests. At some places, including Ein Gedi Spa , you can coat yourself with invigorating black mineral mud scooped from the floor of the Dead Sea.

Warning: sinkholes

In recent years, the land around the Dead Sea's northern basin has been plagued by sinkholes, created when fresh water dissolves underground salt deposits. Because they can open up without warning – and have been known to swallow unsuspecting passersby – only a handful of seashore sites are safe to visit. Within Israel, the only accessible beach along the northern basin – where the water level drops by about a metre a year – is at Ein Gedi Spa; its shuttle takes you down to the shoreline.

Paris' Arc de Triomphe was inspired by the monumental Arch of Titus in Rome, built to celebrate the victory of the Roman legions against a Jewish rebellion that engulfed Judaea in 66 CE and was definitively ended seven years later at the Dead Sea. Masada , a mesa overlooking the northern basin of the Dead Sea, served as a place of refuge for about a thousand Jews following the destruction of Jerusalem. As a Roman battering ram stood poised to breach the walls of their redoubt, ending a months-long siege, Masada's defenders famously chose suicide over enslavement.

The best place start a visit to Masada National Park , a Unesco World Heritage Site, is the Masada Museum , whose evocative artefacts offer a remarkably vivid introduction to the site's archaeology and history. The easiest way to get to the ruins is by cable car, which whisks you up 290 metres in three minutes flat, but the only way to experience a romantic sunrise on top is to hoof it up the aptly named Snake Path , which takes about an hour.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

One of the region’s most enchanting desert oases, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve encompasses two spring-fed canyons, Wadi David and Wadi Arugot , that plunge from the Judean Desert to the shores of the Dead Sea. Short stream-side walks take you to year-round waterfalls and freshwater pools (swimming permitted) enveloped by lush vegetation. Animals you're likely to spot include the Nubian ibex and the boulder-dwelling hyrax (dassie). Nearby stand the ruins of an ancient synagogue , known for its outstanding, 5th-century mosaic floor.

Where to stay

About a dozen large luxury hotels can be found at Ein Bokek  (four more are planned) , arrayed along a lakefront strip. Outfitted with powerful air-conditioning, gorgeous swimming pools, state-of-the-art spas and buffet bonanzas, they don't come cheap, though online deals are sometimes available. The area's classiest inland hostelry is the lovely Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel , famed for its hillside views and verdant gardens.

If you don't mind staying away from the beach, hostel options just outside Ein Gedi Nature Reserve include the Ein Gedi Youth Hostel and the SPNI Field School , run by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel. The Masada Guest House , another hostel, is just a few hundred metres from Masada's eastern entrance. All of these places offer simple rooms and delicious, healthy Israeli-style breakfasts (vegetable salads, soft and hard cheeses, olives, yoghurt, fresh bread, jam); count on paying US$120 to US$140 for a double.

By far the cheapest way to overnight at the Dead Sea is to camp, which is permitted for no charge along two stretches of the Ein Bokek beachfront. A step up is Khan Ein Gedi , just outside Kibbutz Ein Gedi, which offers inexpensive accommodation in basic huts; bathrooms are shared.

Where to eat

Most overnight visitors to the Dead Sea take half-board at their hotels, so restaurants are in short supply. Even Ein Bokek has only a handful of proper eateries. According to some locals, the best of the bunch is Taj Mahal , which – despite its Indian-inspired name – serves Middle Eastern grilled meats, with nary a curry in sight. It's in a Bedouin-style tent (think rugs, pillows and low couches) outdoors, so there's no air-con. Ein Bokek's hotel zone also has a handful of cafes. Other options include a dairy restaurant at Kibbutz Ein Gedi and, for lunch, the food court at Masada's eastern entrance.

For self-caterers, the best place to stock up on picnic supplies is the Kolbo Grocery inside Kibbutz Ein Gedi. Along the Ein Bokek strip, several mini-markets sell a limited supply of edibles.

How to get around

If you're short on time, the major sites along the western shore of the Dead Sea can be visited on a day trip from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv . Getting around is easiest and most convenient if you have your own wheels, but good-value tours are available – among the best are those offered by Abraham Hostels .

It's also possible, though fiddly, to take public buses . Except on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Jewish holidays, about a dozen buses a day (numbers 444 and 486), run by Egged, link Jerusalem's central bus station with the Dead Sea. If you catch the first bus of the day (usually at 7am), it's possible to take a short hike at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, bus it to Masada and then swim at Ein Bokek before hopping on an evening bus back to Jerusalem.

Top tips for taking a Dead Sea dip

- Don't shave anywhere for a day or two before you get to the Dead Sea – the minerals in the water will make every scratch sting. - Do not wear jewellery – almost everything except 24-carat gold will instantly tarnish (though it can be cleaned). - Wear flip-flops to protect your feet from the scorching sand (and, in some places, sharp stones). - Do not splash or dunk your head – if water gets in your eyes, they will sting ferociously. - Drink lots of fresh water – the Dead Sea's dry heat (up to 47°C) can quickly suck you dry of precious bodily fluids. - Make sure westerly winds don't blow you out to sea, towards Jordan.

This article was first published Nov 28, 2017 and updated Jan 31, 2020.

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Visiting the Dead Sea (Including Crucial Safety Tips)

• By Traveling Anne
• January 6, 2024
• In Israel Travel Advice

33 Comments

The Dead Sea - a small lake located at the lowest point on the face of the earth - is a true natural wonder. It offers travelers pure white crystal formations, sulphuric mud, and water so salty you can float on it while reading the paper.

You can visit the Dead Sea from Jordan or Israel. We've visited it many times on the Israeli side, so today, I am sharing a concise guide to visiting the Dead Sea in Israel .

(This post was originally posted in 2016, but I've revised it and added a lot of new information, so I'm re-publishing it.)

The Dead Sea is an inland body of water that is located between Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan along the Jordan River Valley. It is so-called because the high mineral content in the water allows almost nothing to live within it.

This place is truly a top-league curiosity of nature. Standing there deep inside the deep Jordan Valley, next to the super salty water, brings up many questions about the place.

I will try to provide some answers about this natural wonder further down the post once we get past the practical aspects of visiting the Dead Sea.

I'm going to assume that you're reading this post because you are planning a trip to the Dead Sea. Maybe you're already in Israel and need quick tips about getting to the place and how to spend your time there.

Or maybe you're still researching for a future trip to the Holy Land. Either way, I will try to help you by explaining how to visit the Dead Sea, what to do when there, and also - and this one is important! - how to visit it safely.

Once we sort these things out, don't forget to keep reading so you can get to the little Dead Sea FAQ I prepared with information about how the place was formed (and a few other tidbits). Oh, and photos! Tons of beautiful photos of the Dead Sea - just in case you're not sure if you should visit or not 😉

How to get to the Dead Sea in Israel

Where is the dead sea.

The Dead Sea is not really a sea. Rather, it's a (very!) salty lake east of Jerusalem. The border between Jordan and Israel goes through the middle of the lake, running from north to south. There's another border of sorts on the Israeli side: the one between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Without getting into the politics of the matter, it bears keeping in mind that the northern part of the Dead Sea is, in fact in Palestinian territory that's under Israeli military control. I colored the areas in this map to show how the Dead Sea is divided. The Jordanian areas are covered in red, the Palestinian in green, and the Israeli in blue -

I know nothing about visiting the Dead Sea from the Jordanian side. I mean, I do know it's possible, but I can't help you with too much information about that. While there is no state of war between Jordan and Israel, for various reasons, people from these two countries seldom visit each other.

Sad, but true. A vehicle with Jordanian plates is a rare site in Israel, and I'm sure the same is true and vice versa.

I'm mentioning this to let you know that if you happen to be visiting both countries during your trip, you'll be able to visit the Dead Sea from both shores. This guide focuses on visiting the Israel side.

Visiting the Dead Sea from Jerusalem

The Dead Sea is approximately 30 miles or 50 kilometers away from Jerusalem. Driving the distance, you'll be going from an elevation of approximately 2400 feet (740 meters) to -1,410 (or -400 meters).

Yes, that number is negative - you are going to the lowest point in the world! My point is that it's pretty much a steep descent, which means switchbacks and slow driving during parts of the way. Also, much of the way goes through the urban suburbs of Jerusalem.

The bottom line is that it's not as short a drive as expected. Assuming you're not leaving during rush hour, it should be about an hour to reach the northern edge of the Dead Sea.

Taking the bus

Taking the bus from Jerusalem won't be much slower than driving in this case, so it's a good option. Bus route 468 will take you from the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem to Kalya Beach on the northern tip of the Dead Sea in about an hour and a half.

It will take longer if you want to get to the beaches in the Ein Bokek area (the southern end of the sea). It's only an extra 20-30 minutes by car. The bus will take about an hour longer to get to that area because it stops along the way. It's a beautiful drive either way.

Just keep in mind that if you want to get the full experience and spend time in the southern end of the sea, staying over for the night may be a good idea. I'll discuss where to stay further in this post.

Visiting the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv

There are two ways to reach the Dead Sea from the Tel Aviv area. I'm mentioning that city because -

• It's one of the largest cities in Israel.
• That's the area of the country's main airport.
• It's where you should spend a day or two for all the awesome things to do in Tel Aviv !

So, you can take one of two routes when visiting the Dead Sea by car from the Tel Aviv area. The first goes through Jerusalem and the Palestinian area.

Driving is safe, but you will go through at least one military checkpoint. The other route goes south of Palestinian territories, bypassing the green areas on the map through the town of Arad.

Both roads are perfectly safe for you to go through if driving a car. Follow the shortest bus route if you're visiting the Dead Sea using public transport. It almost always means getting to Jerusalem and taking a bus from there.

If you intend to visit the Dead Sea on a day trip using public transportation, do that from Jerusalem. From Tel Aviv, the entire trip will take you about two hours if you drive your own car and 3-4 hours if you're taking a bus.

That's each way. The bus option takes long enough to justify at least one-night stayover in the area. Either that or take your day trip from Jerusalem.

Organized tours to the Dead Sea

These are always an option. If you Google the "Dead Sea tours," you'll find many options from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. These tours are what they are. They will get you to the place and save you a lot of the hassle. Some may offer a guided tour that will possibly add to the experience.

The cons are those of organized tours everywhere else on the globe. You pay more, and you have less flexibility. And there will probably be a tour of at least one gift shop...

How and where can you get to the water?

When visiting the Dead Sea, bathing in the super salty water is a must-do. There are several beaches along the Israeli coastline of the Dead Sea where you can park your car and walk down to the water.

In the northern part of the Dead Sea, you'll find  Kalia Beach & Biankini Beach right next to each other. Both have swimming pools, showers, bars and restaurants.

In the southern part, the Ein Bokek beaches and the recently renovated promenade that connects them. Most of these are public, so they are free to use. There is a parking fee of 5 shekels per hour (or 25 for the entire day).

The locals know this area as "the hotels zone." If you're looking for a mud spa experience, you can find it in the hotels - most of which run their own small beaches.

The Ein Bokek beaches have everything you need, including lifeguard services, showers, restrooms, and a strip of sand with boardwalks going right into the water.

There are restaurants nearby, including a local McDonalds. I wouldn't recommend their chain normally, but if you want to say you had your Big Mac at the lowest place on earth, there's your chance 😉

When is the best time to visit the Dead Sea?

To help you plan your visit more effectively, we've compiled a detailed table with climate data specific to the Dead Sea region. This table includes information on average temperatures, rainfall, and other relevant weather patterns throughout the year.

By reviewing this data, you can get a clearer picture of what to expect during different months and choose the best time for your trip based on your personal preferences and comfort.

The table is designed to give you a comprehensive overview of the seasonal variations in the Dead Sea area. Whether you're looking to avoid summer's extreme heat or seek the most temperate times for outdoor activities, this table will be an invaluable resource in your planning process.

Please find the detailed climate table below:

See what I mean by "very hot"? If you're visiting the Dead Sea during July, expect it to be extremely hot . Over 105°F hot at noon on some days, and not much cooler on others. I prefer not to soak in salty water in these temperatures or even cover myself with black mud.

The water is warm enough to swim in throughout the year. In fact, in August, the average water temperature in the Dead Sea reaches 33.5°C or 92°F which may feel too warm (especially considering it's 105 outside!) In the coldest month of the year - February - the water only gets as cold as 20°C / 70°F which most people consider nice enough to get into the water.

So, what's the ideal time for visiting the Dead Sea and floating in the salty water?

My vote goes for springtime and late autumn -

• March-April The outside temperature is warm, 25-30° Celsius or 70-80's if you're using Fahrenheit. If you avoid sun exposure during mid-day, you'll enjoy being outside and exploring the beaches. Water temperature will be in the 70s (around 23 degrees Celsius), so you can always cool off in the sea.
• November-December With daytime temperatures in the 70s, you can enjoy hiking in the Judean desert or exploring the beaches. The water temperature is a sweet 80°F during November and only gets a few degrees lower in December. Perfection.

They're not super busy either. We were there a couple of months ago - in February. It was a beautiful, warm winter day, and people went into the water.

Where to stay while visiting the Dead Sea?

The Dead Sea is only an hour away from Jerusalem by car, making it a great destination for a day trip while staying at the ancient capital of Israel.

The sun, sea, and mud are known for their medicinal properties, so many people stay closer to the Dead Sea for several days to treat skin problems like psoriasis. Fortunately, you can stay in many places, including campgrounds, B&Bs, hostels, and hotels.

The following paragraphs include affiliate links to Booking.com, where I make hotel reservations. If you book through these links, I get a small commission without it costing you anything extra, so thank you in advance!

Kibbutz Ein Gedi Hotel - This beautiful kibbutz is right by the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Combine hiking in the gorgeous Wadi David or Wadi Arugot (more on that further down this post) with a visit to the Kibbutz's private beach on the Dead Sea (entrance fee to the beach is included in the price of your stay).

Ein Gedi Hostel is a great find for those on a budget. Clean, air-conditioned rooms with WiFi near the nature reserve and the beach. Book your rooms in advance because they are very popular with locals and travelers.

Metsoke Dragot Hostel - Another value option for the budget traveler. Here, you can book a single bed/mattress in a large tent and still enjoy the facilities of the compound and the amazing views. The hostel is a few miles away from the beaches, so if you're relying on public transportation, this may not be a good option.

If you want to stay closer to the public beaches of Ein Bokek , you'll find a great choice of hotels.  Isrotel Ganim Hotel Dead Sea offers all the amenities of a big hotel, a pampering spa, and a great location only a two-minute walk from the beach. Another popular choice is  Royal Hotel Dead Sea  with its indoor pools of Dead Sea water. Click here to see more options by Booking.com in the Ein Bokek area . 

Just south of Ein Bokek, you will find the lowest settlement in the world: Neve Zohar. There are several accommodation options in Neve Zohar, some surprisingly affordable. Check out the Dead Sea Zimmer, a small guesthouse with clean, air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi at affordable rates.

Safety Issues - know before you dive in!

The Dead Sea can look very peaceful and inviting. Everyone knows you can easily float in the Dead Sea, so surely you won't ever drown in there, right?

Quite the opposite. More people drown at the Dead Sea than in any other body of water in Israel. The Dead Sea can easily become a real death trap. Here's why:

The water is salty. Extremely salty. Regular seawater contains approximately 3.5% salt. The water of the Dead Sea contains contains 33.7% salt. It's almost ten times saltier than the ocean.

A healthy human skin can handle this salinity level, but you're in trouble if you swallow only a few spoonfuls of water or inhale just a few drops. This is especially true for older people or those with a heart condition.

According to Magen David Adom - the Israeli medical emergency services - most people who drown in the Dead Sea stumble in the water. They fall and get their head underwater for a few seconds, either swallowing or breathing in some of the salty solution. That is enough to require emergency medical care. Technically speaking, they have drowned in the Dead Sea.

Safety guidelines for visiting the Dead Sea -

• Always keep your head out of the water.
• Never go into the water where there is no lifeguard on duty. All of the official beaches have them.
• You may see no waves, but the winds can easily carry you away from the beach. Follow the lifeguard's instructions and stay out of the water if it's windy.
• Walk slowly and carefully. Don't run into the water.
• Whatever you do, do not jump into the Dead Sea!
• No splashing around.
• No alcohol before or during your swim. This place is dangerous, and you need to keep your senses sharp.
• Be careful when getting up if you decide to float on your back. Flipping over on your stomach can be risky. If it happens, don't panic and regain your footing without getting your head under the water.
• If you get water in your eyes, try not to touch them with your hands. Stay calm and ask for assistance. Have someone lead you out of the water and towards the nearest showers where you can wash your eyes with fresh water.
• Be prepared for some pain. Any scratch will hurt. A lot. That's not dangerous but unpleasant (tip: don't shave your legs before bathing in the Dead Sea!)
• Thoroughly wash the salt off your body when you get out of the water.

If you're with kids, make sure they know the rules and can stay calm if water gets into their eyes.

If you need emergency medical help anywhere in Israel, call 101 from any phone.

Other than that, have fun! Visiting the Dead Sea is a unique experience, so make the most of it. The water of the Dead Sea is like nothing you'll ever experience. It doesn't even feel like water! For some reason, all of that salt makes the water feel oily.

Bathing in the Dead Sea is certainly a Bucket List experience, so make sure someone takes your photo as you're floating  -

What else is there to see around the Dead Sea?

The most important places to visit around the Dead Sea area are:

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Qumran national park.

Each of these places deserves a post in its own right. And they're not the only things to see around the Dead Sea. This is where the mountains of the Judean desert slope down dramatically into the rift of the Jordan River.

It's the biblical home of Sodom and Gomorrah. The place is rich in beauty and history, and you could easily spend 2-3 days or more exploring everything.

To ensure you won't miss out on the important stuff, here are descriptions of the three places I mentioned. If you can spend a few days visiting the Dead Sea area and getting to all three, you won't regret it.

I bet you've heard of this one already. It's one of the most popular attractions in Israel that tourists - especially Jewish tourists - flock to. This is the ancient fortress where the people of Judea fought against the Romans in the first century.

Well, "fought against" is probably not the right term. A local extremist group rebelled against the Roman occupation. The Roman Empire didn't like rebellions and tended to squash them quite methodically, as they did here.

When the rebels realized they had no way of winning or even holding off the Romans forever, they decided to kill themselves rather than be enslaved. Thousands of people - men, women, and children - drew lots to be killed by one another, with the last one committing suicide. Two women and five children managed to hide and survive this self-inflicted massacre.

Crazy story. It was well documented in writings from that period, making it a special place for archaeologists and historians to discover and excavate. As a visitor, you can ride up to the fortress in a cable car or hike up or down to the fortress. Going to Masada to view the sunrise over the Dead Sea is a classic hike.

How to see Masada when visiting the Dead Sea

There are two ways to get to Madasa: an eastern and a western access. The eastern gate is connected by road to the Dead Sea. It's a very short drive from the beaches to Masada in that direction.

Here's a link to the official site of the Masada National Park (in English) . Check it out for all the practical details of visiting this special place.

A beautiful oasis in the Judean desert, this place is worth at least half a day to visit properly. First, the nature reserve itself. Imagine streams of clear water flowing through the desert mountains with lovely trees and greenery along your hike. You're likely to see ibexes along the way, too.

There are two great hikes in the reserve. They're short and will take 1-2 hours each, depending on your fitness level.

While in the area, you may want to visit the Ein Gedi kibbutz. They have a lovely botanical garden that's worth seeing.

Find out more about the Ein Gedi reserve here. I can't find an official website for the botanical garden there, but I wrote to them to ask if they have one.

Either way, it's open daily and is located in the kibbutz. And don't forget you can stay in the kibbutz too . A great experience, and it's good to be right next to where you're hiking and spending time.

Another archeological gem - no shortage of those in Israel - this place is where they found the famous Dead Sea scrolls. You can visit the archeological site that dates back to the 2nd century BC and see the display of artifacts excavated on the site. Of course, the scrolls are displayed in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Located at the northern tip of the Dead Sea, this is a very interesting place to visit if you have a few days in the area. Check out the official park site for more information.

The Dead Sea FAQ

As promised, a few trivia tidbits about the Dead Sea.

Does anything live in the Dead Sea?

For most of human history, people assumed that no life, either plant or animal, could survive in the Dead Sea because of its high mineral content. However, Bacteria have existed in the sea’s waters since the 1930s.

In 2011, according to Scientific American, a team of divers found several hot springs 100 feet below the surface of the Dead Sea. They found biofilms, slimy layers of bacteria adhering to the springs’ rocks, green biofilms on top that feed on sunlight and sulfide, and white biofilms that feed just on sulfide.

Interestingly, the bacteria that make up the  biofilms  have adapted to cope with the sudden shifts in the water’s salinity as the currents shift.

What created the Dead Sea?

According to Encyclopedia Britannica , the Dead Sea was formed millions of years ago when the Arabian Tectonic Plate collided with the Eurasia Tectonic Plate, creating the landmass comprising modern Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan.

The sea was created in the fracture between the two plates. At one time, the Dead Sea was a vast inland body of water that ran 200 miles from the Hula Valley in the north to 40 miles south of its present southern limits. The Dead Sea is isolated from the Gulf of Aqaba by a 100-foot-long ridge of the Wadi Al  Arabah .

Why is the Dead Sea so salty?

Starting 2.5 million years ago, the  streamflow  into the Dead Sea deposited rock salt, gypsum, clay, shale, and other minerals into the Dead Sea. Later, another stratum that included minerals such as soft chalk and marl was deposited into the sea.

Over the past 10,000 years, the Dead Sea shrank to its current dimensions because the lake evaporated faster than rain could replenish it. Even though the Jordan River feeds the Dead Sea, Israel, and Jordan divert some of the river waters dividing the two countries.  According to Live Science, the sea has begun to recede three feet yearly, rendering it even more salty.

While the ocean typically contains 3.5 percent salt, the Dead Sea has ten times as much dissolved salt. Locals extract some of the minerals from the sea, especially potash, used to create fertilizer.

What are the sinkholes in the Dead Sea, and are they dangerous?

Live Science also notes  that sinkholes exist in the Dead Sea because of the diversion of Jordan River water that feeds the sea. As the salty water recedes, fresh water from underground sources arises from the hot springs, dissolving the layers of salt left behind and creating large cavities underground.

Sinkholes can open at any time above these cavities, creating a danger for visitors and locals alike. The sinkholes can be as much as 80 feet deep and 130 feet in diameter. No one has been killed yet, but the sudden appearance of these sinkholes has proven to be a major problem.

One solution discussed is building a canal from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. Such a canal would replenish the Dead Sea, keeping it from disappearing altogether.

The canal would also provide a new water source to the surrounding area and electricity with the addition of a hydroelectric dam. Financing problems and geopolitical tensions have thus far stymied the project, but both countries involved  have recently expressed good hopes  that the project will soon go forward.

How deep is the Dead Sea?

The Dead Sea is the lowest body of water below sea level, about 1,412 feet. Until the mid-20 th  century, the depth of the sea was measured at about 1,300 feet. However, because of the diversion of Jordan River water and the extraction of Dead Sea water for its minerals, the level had dropped about 100 feet by the  mid-2010s .

Can you swim in the Dead Sea?

USA Today notes  that swimming in the Dead Sea is virtually impossible because of the high salt content.  A human being floats in the sea without any support. The water is so dense that swimming can be a chore and too tiring for very long.

Visitors often relax in the Dead Sea as if lying on dry land, reading and sunbathing. Because the water is so dense, sinking in the Dead Sea without special diving equipment is virtually impossible. A denser rock or something denser than the water would sink easily.

Can you drown in the Dead Sea?

Since one cannot sink in the Dead Sea, the conventional wisdom is that one cannot drown in it. Certainly, one cannot drown in the sea in the conventional sense by slipping below the surface. However, as mentioned in the safety section, people can and do drown in the Dead Sea all the time.

Since this is a safety issue, it bears explaining once again. The reason one can drown in the Dead Sea has to do with its density due to the high salt content. People who bathe in the sea usually do so on their backs. However, if one finds oneself lying face down in the Dead Sea, one can get into serious trouble.

In ordinary fresh or ocean water, swimmers use their arms to get face-up again. However, this maneuver is far more difficult because the Dead Sea is so dense. To top that off, the sea water is so salty that swallowing just a little bit can poison one’s internal organs and destroy the body’s electrolyte balance.

Fortunately, lifeguards can pull bathers who get into trouble out as long as you go to one of the official beaches mentioned in this post during their hours of operation.

Photos of the Dead Sea

Finally, some eye candy for the pinners in the crowd! I'm one, too, so please follow me on Pinterest !

How about you? Have you ever visited the Dead Sea? Would you consider adding this experience to your Bucket List? Let me know in a comment!

Looking for more unique adventures in the Holy Land? Check out my other posts about traveling in Israel!

It means the world to us to hear such positive feedback on our blog posts. We strive to create valuable content for our readers and it’s always encouraging to hear that it’s making an impact.

I learned alot through your post, love our blog so much!

I am going next month, but is it safe for someone who has hemmoroids?

Hi Linda, Good question. From Googling the question (in Hebrew) I’ve seen doctors that say that there may be a burning sensation when hemorrhoids are in contact with the saltwater of the Dead Sea. I guess a lot depends on the severity, location etc. Because these are such extreme conditions, with any medical condition, I would advise consulting with your physician about this.

Thanks so much for a super useful post! 🙂

Hi! Thanks for such a detailed post! Do you have any experiences with renting a car an driving to the dead sea via Jerusalem from Tel Aviv? Most rental car agreements mention that it is not allowed to drive into palestine area..

Sorry for the late reply, Lena! There’s a way to get to the Dead Sea that doesn’t take you through the Palestinian areas. If you use Google Maps for the route between Tel Aviv and Ein Bokek, that will take you through the town of Arad. This keeps you 100% within pre-67 lines, for sure, all the way to Kibbutz Ein Gedi (and beyond). Now, north of Ein Gedi, you’ll technically be entering post-67 areas which means this is “the territories”. However, there will be no roadblocks on your way because this area is inhabited by Israelis. If you try to keep going north to get back to Jerusalem, then you will encounter a roadblock as you enter Jerusalem.

I doubt the rental company will consider this Palestinian Territory either, but you never know with insurance companies (and this is down to insurance, in the end). I would either ask them directly in an email before heading out or just stick to the southern half of the Dead Sea, including Ein Gedi and Ein Bokek. This is also where Massada is and it’s generally the prettier area IMO anyway.

Thanks very much for the information which is very much helpful and i have two questions for you…..1) what are the benefits of dead sea? is it useful beyond skin issues, coz one of my friend’s doctor suggested her to visit to dead sea and see the difference as she is suffering from breast cancer (i feel sorry and sorrow to say this) 2) How is it different visiting Dead Sea in Jordan Compared to Israel , is it same or anything different? Thanks

Hi Suresh, Sorry to hear about your friend! I never heard of any connection with cancer of any type. The only therapeutic value I’m aware of is for psoriasis patients. No idea about Jordan, I’m afraid. I’ve never crossed the border so I can’t really compare the two options.

Hi! Great post about visiting the Dead sea! I am going to visit Israel in November and I was wondering where did you stop by the Dead sea and where can be found those beautiful tourqisue lagoons?

Hi Spela, The color of the water depends on the lighting and time of day. It can get that color in various places along the coast. The thing is, the coast isn’t accessible along most of the northern section because of sinkholes. So, the best bet of getting close to the water is by going to one of the beaches mentioned in the post. On a sunny day, you should be seeing the turquoise lagoons in any of them.

This was a great read. My family and I are visiting in October. I see a bunch of “tours” that cost quite a bit. But if we’re driving, do we need to worry about any “entry fee”? Or just parking?

Thanks again! Mona

Hi Mona, I guess that would depend on the specific tour. I would expect them to cover all fees, maybe outside of meals. I’m not sure which tour allow you to drive your own car though. I would definitely contact them for all the details in advance, just to make sure.

Thank you very much for this article and honestly all of your website. I’m planning a trip to Israel in October, and I probably won’t rent a car. So I was wondering, if we have an overnight, what do you suggest? Let’s say one day a the beach, and with your recommandations, which one, and the other day, Ein Gedi or Massada? And if I don’t have time for an overnight, that I am in Jerusalem, but I want to swim in the sea and have a nice point of view, what do you recommend? (Accessible by bus)

Thank you very much again for all this informations. My trip will be absolutely awesome with all your tips !

Hi Sophie, So glad you find this helpful! If you’re staying in Jerusalem and just want to visit the Dead Sea for the day going on a bus, your best option is probably the northern beaches. There would be an entrance fee but it’s a shorter drive from Jerusalem so that you get more time there. As I just replied to another question, Biankini beach was just recommended to me by a friend who visited recently. It has all the facilities, including mud. According to their website (in Hebrew), it costs 80NIS on a weekday.

If you can stay overnight, I would go further south. If you you just want to enjoy the beach and combine this with a visit of Massada then the beaches of Ein Bokek should be your destination. I would start by checking these using the map options. If at all possible, I would consider renting a car for a couple of days. It will allow you more flexibility and save you on waiting times for the bus. With a car, you could easily visit the beaches, the Ein Gedi streams (at least one hike) and Massada the following day. You can even overnight at the Massada campground and catch the night show there (check their website to see which days of the week it’s available). Last but not least, October is holiday season in Israel, so check your dates carefully and plan accordingly. Everywhere is bound to be busier and more expensive. IF you’re not familiar with local holidays, check out this post . Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Thank you so much for your articles about Israel. We are going on a tour and your articles have been super helpful!

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, Ronna – I hope you have a wonderful time visiting Israel!

Hi Anne… planning on going in November . Where do we go for the mud bathe? Are showers available to rinse off

There are showers available at all beaches. It’s super important to have them to wash off the salty water, so you can count on showers and running water wherever there’s a proper beach. For the mud, it’s hard to get by in recent years as some beaches were closed to the public because of the risk of sinkholes.

At this point, you have one of three options. 1. Go to any spa hotel there. They offer daily spa packages and they always offer large mud packets too. 2. Try the Biankini beach where they still have some traditional mud stands according (according to a friend who’s been there recently). There’s an entrance fee though of 80NIS on Sun-Wed and 100NIS on Thurs-Sat. I couldn’t find a website in English for the beach but it’s fairly well-known. It’s also the first beach coming from the north , so it’s a relatively short drive from Jerusalem. If using public transportation, ask the bus driver to drop you at Lido Junction or just tell him/her you’re going to Biankini beach. There’s about 10 minutes of walking time from the bus station to the beach. 3. Go to the Ein Bokek beaches mentioned in the post. They’re free and very well-maintained (and have showers). Go into one of the hotels there and purchase packets of muds and then apply them while at the beach.

I hope this helps!

Would you recommend wearing water shoes into the Dead Sea? In some photos, it looks like the shore is soft sand, but in other photos, I noticed it looks rocky. Thanks in advance!

Hi Yolanda, Yes, some beaches are sandy and others are rocky. It’s interesting how that changes from one beach to another, isn’t it? It’s the same in the Sea of Galilee though the beaches of the Mediterranean in Israel are almost always sandy (thanks to the sand and silt coming from the Nile, of all places!) I’m sensitive to rocks and stones in the water so I do use shoes. They can be water shoes or crocs or basically any footwear you feel comfortable with. And you may not need it at all, again, depending on the exact beach. Just remember to rinse the shoes thoroughly after use or they’ll turn white from all the salt in the water. Enjoy your trip to the Dead Sea!

Hi. Sorry but I forgot the other part of the question. We intend to hike from Metzoke Dragot to Ein Gedi and Hamei. What do you think? Is it a main road, a small road or a track? Thank you

Hello. We will hike the INT in october november but with a spin off to the dead sea and Masada. What can you tell me about the Dead Sea Coast Hike? Is there a map? No major problems? Thank you for an answer. Edouardo

Hi Edouardo, As far as I can tell, the coast can be inaccessible in many points. What visitors usually do is go to certain beaches where the water is accessible. My guess is that’s why the INT doesn’t actually go through the Dead Sea. What’s more, there are some gorgeous slot canyons in the area that might be more rewarding for hikers (compared to just walking along the water/road. I found this map that suggests a route from the Dead Sea to Eilat. Most of it is the same as the INT but it adds the Dead Sea area. As you can see, they go through various canyons in the area, not just along the coast – https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_DXc1YJDxkHUGFHWkM1eDZXWnc/view

If you intend on hiking the entire way, I suggest contacting local hiking groups for more information. Not only is this a desert (so you need to know where to go, where you can get water etc) but there may also be military zones along the way. It’s not dangerous per se but you need to know where you’re going exactly. Local hikers can also help you with maps. To the best of my knowledge people use apps for that today (there’s cell phone reception almost everywhere).

I just noticed your other comment. Ein Gedi is great. Metzoke Dragot is beautiful but this is in fact in the West Bank, so again, you need to know where you’re coming from and where you’re going to. I’m thinking military fences and checkpoints here. I’m asking around for you about hiker groups that might be able to help you with more details.

Thanks so much!!!

Hi Anne, great information! Can you tell me if their are day trip tours from Jerusalemto the Dead Sea & Masada or am I better off renting a car as I would like to go to other locations in the area & Northern Israel. Any other suggestions you like to give I will very much appreciate. Thanks again!

Hi Kay, I think either would be fine, really. Northern Israel and the Dead Sea would be hard to fit into one day. You can take one day for the Dead Sea and maybe part of the south by adding Makhtesh HaGadol. Here’s a possible route . That could work if you’re looking for a road trip without doing any hiking. If you want to incorporate hiking (and you should unless it’s summertime) then one day wouldn’t be enough for that.

So, you could rent a car for several days and then tour the northern parts (or southern) in depth. Alternatively, you could join a guided day tour or even just take the bus. You can use Google Maps to find out which buses will take you from Jerusalem to Ein Gedi and then to Ein Bokek. You could even stay the night in one of these kibbutzim or a bus back to Jerusalem. The bus drive would be about an hour and a half to two hours each way.

Thank you so much for this handy guide! We are amateur photography enthusiasts and were hoping to find the salt formations. Do you know where we can find them?

I’m glad you liked the post, Rachel! There’s no easy answer as to where you can see the salt formations. Generally speaking, the further south you go, the better are your odds. The southern part of the Dead Sea is made up of shallower pools so you’re more likely to see salt formations coming out of the water. However, a lot depends on the water level and that changes not only by season but also by how much water the Dead Sea mineral plants decide to put into the lake. When they decide to harvest more minerals, they bring down the water level in the pools and you get to see more formations like the ones in the pictures. There’s also the question of accessibility. Some of the beaches are readily accessible, while others are not.

The road goes along the beaches, so your best bet is to stay by the southern part of the Dead Sea and then drive slowly along the coast, and keep an eye out for formations. Once you see something nice, pull over and evaluate accessibility according to your own level of fitness. If you’re lucky and the water level is low, you’ll probably get to see the formations at the hotels area (Ein Bokek). Good luck! If you come back with more tips, please do share them here!

Hey! Great article!!! Only one question, where are the two last pictures taken at exactly? It looks amazing and I am going there later on this month! Thx in advance!

Glad you like it! I am not the photographer but I believe they were taken just south of Ein Bokek beach. That’s where you have the shallow emerald pools with the salt ridges between them and that’s where Road 90 passes by the beach and has palm trees on the roadside (if you look carefully, you can see the road in the picture). Oh, and I didn’t take the photos without permission or anything, I bought them (just to clarify, I can’t stand it when people just grab photos from wherever on the net). Enjoy your visit and do let me know if you have any more questions. I’ll do my best to answer them!

I have always wanted to go to Israel,The Dead Sea a must as I have psoriasis.I would work there if given the chance so I may stay and live there for a while..

Hi Tina. Yes, the Dead Sea would be wonderful for you. You may want to look into staying with one of the Kibbutzim there, as they may offer long-term stays that include use of the communal dining room.

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Visiting the Dead Sea in Israel

Table of Contents

Your trip to the Middle East isn’t complete until you’ve visited the Dead Sea in Israel. The lowest, saltiest place on earth! Visiting the Dead Sea in Israel is best done as a day-trip. It can be visited from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or most other spots within Israel all as a day-trip. It’s best to partner up a trip to the Dead Sea with a trip to the Masada Desert fortress for a sunrise hike, and a walk around the Ein-Gedi Nature Reserve, before a final stop to the Dead Sea.

Where is the Dead Sea in Israel?

A difficult question to answer, as the Dead Sea runs down the whole eastern border of Israel and Jordan! The main Dead Sea beaches in Israel are:

• Kalia Beach
• Biankini Beach
• Neve Midbar Beach
• Ein Gedi Public Beach (currently closed due to sink holes)
• Ein Bokek (most popular Dead Sea spot in Israel)

On the Israeli side though, the best place to take a dip is Ein Bokek Beach (open 7am to 6pm, to 4pm in winter). Along the sea’s turquoise-hued southern basin. Recently given a complete makeover, this wide public beach, sandy and spotless, has lifeguards and offers a variety of free amenities. It includes shade shelters, changing booths, open-air showers, toilets, a paved promenade and nighttime lighting. It’s a touch less than 2 hours from Jerusalem as a day-trip.

Getting to the Dead Sea in Israel

The vast majority of people will be coming to the Dead Sea in Israel from either Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

The distance between Jerusalem and the northern point of the Dead Sea is 39km (about 15 miles) and on to the tourist areas is about 45km. For me, using my hostel in Jerusalem as a base was the best tactic to use when I was trying to visit the Dead Sea. It’s only around 50 minutes drive from the door of Abraham’s hostel, to the northern shore of the warm, salty waters of the lowest place on earth, what more could you ask for?

There are a few ways to visit the Dead Sea via tours, or independently. Yesterday I talked about the very awesome Masada Sunrise Tour ($60). You’ll be pretty hot and sweaty after that, and you’ll have earned a break so if you went on the sunset tour, the last stop on the way back to Jerusalem is at the Dead Sea. But if you didn’t take the Masada sunrise tour, fear not.

TOP-TIP : Without a doubt, the best way to get to the Dead Sea in Israel is to book a day-trip from Jerusalem. It includes the amazing Masada desert, the Ein-Gedi nature park and the Dead Sea, and all for $59 . Perfect.

The Dead Sea In Israel Entrance Ticket

If you’re feeling independent, you can take public transport to the Dead Sea. But, be warned, it doesn’t work out that much cheaper as each beach in the Dead Sea has a cover charge (crazy I know, but true) of around 10 Euro/$12. For your money, though you get showers, changing rooms, sun loungers and even a swimming pool if you choose the right one. Personally, I highly recommend booking a tour.

The ticket price to enter the Dead Sea is included in the day trip price from Jerusalem though !

So what’s the Dead Sea like?

It’s tough to put into words when you enter it’s such a strange sensation. The Dead Sea is the lowest place in the whole world, so the salt content is unreal. As soon as you stop standing and start ‘swimming’ you’ll see what I mean. Your entire body automatically defaults to lying within 10 inches of the surface of the water, you can’t swim because the water won’t ‘allow’ your legs deep enough under to kick out, they get drawn back up again.

If you’ve recently shaved or have any cuts or bruises though guys, be careful because the salt seriously stings! It’s really good for you though so if you can face it, you should jump in any way, just be careful to keep it out of your eyes. Agony doesn’t come close to explaining that.

Does the Dead Sea really have Healing Powers?

After experiencing the weirdness of floating in the water, it’s time to lather up with the dark clay/mud. People come from all over the world for the healing power of the Dead Sea, you cleanse with the mud, let it dry wash, it off and you’re skin is as good as new. I was a sceptic actually, but when you rinse off you’re smoother than a baby’s behind.

Time to reel all the praise in. So the Dead Sea is an absolute must-visit during your time in Israel. However, it’s not a normal trip to a lake or ocean, you don’t spend hours swimming and splashing in the water, getting in and out again.

One hour, two maximum is enough time to spend here. The feeling is great, and you’ll be so clean after your mud session, but the salt content is so high and the water tastes so unbelievably bad that after your first or second splash in the eye or mouth, you’ll be ready to escape. Suddenly you’ll understand why they build pools right beside the Dead Sea.

I’ve now been 3 times, once on the Jordanian side and twice on the Israeli side. It’s such a fun thing to do so make sure you don’t miss out. Happy travels!

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Jerusalem to the Dead Sea: A Perfect 1-Day Itinerary

One of the top attractions in Israel is the Dead Sea. This beautiful salty lake, located in the Judean Desert, is the lowest place on Earth and one of the most magical places in Israel. Since Jerusalem is the nearest big city to the Dead Sea area, most people go on a day trip  from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea.  I also recommend doing that. In this post, I’ll provide some options for getting to the Dead Sea from Jerusalem and also offer a suggested 1-day itinerary for independent travelers.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, at no extra cost to you. These links help me keep the website alive and not depend on sponsors! Thank you in advance.

Table of Contents

How to get to the Dead Sea from Jerusalem? 

The distance from Jerusalem to the northern part of the Dead Sea is about 40 kilometers, which is about 25 miles. It usually takes about 30-40 minutes to drive there, but there could be traffic in the city center in the morning, so it can also take about an hour. If you want to avoid traffic, it’s best to leave Jerusalem around 7 AM or, if possible, even earlier. Most Dead Sea attractions are located more to the south, around 100 kilometers – 62 miles – from Jerusalem. It takes about 1.5 hours to get there.

In this post, I will provide you with a one-day itinerary for visiting the Dead Sea area independently from Jerusalem. Here are the main ways you can get there: 

By rental car

The best way to get to the Dead Sea is by rental car. So, if you’re okay with driving, you can rent a car in advance through  Rental Cars  or any other rental website, and drive on your own.

The road from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea is relatively easy to drive. There’s usually not a lot of traffic, the road is well-maintained, and most of the drive is very straightforward. However, there are parts with many curves and only one lane, so some people are afraid to drive there. If you’re okay with winding roads, this shouldn’t be too much of a challenge.

As mentioned above, the ride to the Dead Sea’s northern tip should take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the traffic. To reach Ein Gedi, Masada, and Ein Bokek, it would take you around 1.5 hours. 

When renting a car, also take into consideration that there is a parking fee at the Dead Sea beach, so make sure you have the Pango app (for  Android  or  iOS ) to pay for parking.  Read more about parking in Israel .    

By public bus

If you’re less comfortable with driving, you can reach the Dead Sea via public bus. For example, the ride from Jerusalem to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve takes about 1.5-2 hours by bus. However, because of low bus frequency, traveling from one site to another could take longer. Therefore, if you’re traveling by bus, you will probably be able to visit only two sites in one day – either Masada and the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea, or Masada and Ein Gedi. If you want to see all the sites, it might be better to stay a night in the Dead Sea area.

Buses 444 and 486 both go from Jerusalem Central Station to the Dead Sea. Bus 444 requires a prior reservation, so it might be better to take bus number 486 if you prefer more flexibility. The good thing about line 444 is that it leaves Jerusalem earlier, at 7 AM, while line 486 leaves at 8 AM, so if you want an early start, you might want to book 444 for the ride to the Dead Sea area and then use line 486 on your way back. If you want to take bus 444, read  my guide to buying bus tickets in Israel   so you can book your tickets in advance.

I recommend using  Moovit  or  Google Maps  to plan your route and timetable. The last bus leaves from the Dead Sea Hotels area (Ein Bokek, עין בוקק) around 8 PM, so make sure you won’t get stuck. 

With a tour 

Maybe the easiest way is to simply take a tour from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. My favorite tour operator in Israel is  Abraham Tours , which operates various guided and self-guided tours for budget travelers. They have two self-guided tours from Jerusalem that provide transportation to the main sites in the Dead Sea region:

• The Masada Sunrise, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Tour  – This tour includes all the main sites and an early sunrise hike to Masada on the Snake Trail. Keep in mind that it does not include entry tickets or a guide.
• Dead Sea Chill Tour  – This tour is for those who only want to chill out at the Dead Sea. The transportation takes you from Jerusalem to a Dead Sea beach and back.

If you prefer a guided tour,  you can hire me as your private guide. I don’t drive, but I can guide you in your rented car, travel with you via public transport, or organize a car and driver for the day. Contact me at [email protected] or through  my contact form  for more info and prices.

Might be useful: The Israel Pass

This itinerary includes two national parks: the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and the Masada National Park. If you plan to visit another national park in Israel or want to add the Masada Museum to this day trip, the Israel Pass could come in handy.

The Israel Pass is a money-saving card that covers all of the INPA national parks and nature reserves in Israel. This includes Masada (not including the cable car), Ein Gedi, Caesarea, Beit Guvrin, Amud Stream Nature Reserve, and dozens more! It lets you enter those parks for free and can save you up to 20%. You can choose between a 3-site, 6-site, or all-site pass, depending on how many places you would like to visit.

For more information about the Israel Passs, visit the  INPA website .

A suggested 1-day itinerary from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea 

Remember – this itinerary assumes that you are using a rental car. If you’re traveling by public transportation, you might only be able to see some of the sites in the itinerary in one day.

Station #1: Ein Gedi   Nature Reserve

From Jerusalem, drive down to the lowest place on Earth, the Dead Sea, which is approximately 430 meters (1,400 feet) below sea level. The first destination in this itinerary is the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, a lovely green oasis in the middle of the Judean Desert.

On the way to Ein Gedi, you’ll pass by the  Qumran National Park . You don’t have to stop there because there’s not much to see there today, but it is an important site to be aware of. The Essenes, a Jewish sect, lived here during the Second Temple period. They were very strict about Jewish religious practices, lived a life of poverty, and believed that they were the ones who were practicing and conserving Judaism the right way. It is also where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Those scrolls are the oldest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible in the world. Today, you can see these scrolls at  the Israel Museum in Jerusalem .

So, you can choose to either stop at Qumran or continue on your way to Ein Gedi. As I said, Ein Gedi is a desert oasis, full of flowing water and green plants that stand in contrast to the whiteish-yellowish desert. There’s a short, accessible path that leads to a small waterfall, but if you truly want to experience the reserve and are physically capable of walking up a lot of stairs, I’d recommend doing the hike to the David Waterfall and back. It’s a family-friendly hike with many natural water pools and waterfalls on the way, and it takes about an hour to complete. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some ibexes and rock hyraxes. 

Learn more about the reserve and its different trails in my post >>  Visiting Ein Gedi by Public Transportation .   

Note:  Visiting the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve when it’s very hot is not recommended. In case of heatwaves, the nature reserve might be closed. In this case, you can go to Qumran instead and maybe add  the Novomeisky Visitors Center  near the southern edge of the Dead Sea. 

Driving distance:  The distance from Jerusalem to Ein Gedi is about 78 kilometers, or 48 miles. It takes about one hour to drive there from Jerusalem.

How much time does it take?  It takes about an hour to hike the classic trail to the David Waterfall and back. You can spend more time in the natural pools or try other hiking trails in the area, which will lengthen your visit.

For opening hours and ticket rates,  check out the official website of  the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve . It’s best to reserve your visit in advance because sometimes, especially during weekends and holidays, the slots fill up, and you won’t be able to visit.

Station #2: Masada National Park

Next, you can make your way to Masada, one of the most famous sites in Israel. At Masada, you can visit the remains of one of the majestic palaces of King Herod, one of the greatest architects of the ancient world. It’s also where you can learn about the Jewish revolt against the Romans in the 1st century CE. Masada was the last Jewish stronghold before it was captured by the Romans around 73-74 CE. Until today, you can see the ancient Roman siege camps at the foot of Masada.

If you’re traveling to Masada on a pleasant day, you can hike up the Snake Trail to the top of the plateau. It takes about an hour to climb up. This is the cheapest way to visit Masada. If it’s too hot or you’ve had enough hiking in Ein Gedi, you can take the cable car, which requires an additional fee.

If you want to learn more about Masada’s history and the things you’ll see on top, you can start your visit at the Masada Museum located near the entrance. Just make sure to reserve a place in advance through the national parks’ official site.

Another new attraction that opened recently on Masada is the “Masada Challenge,” a trail that takes you along the cliff to places hidden from most of the public. You’ll be harnessed and helmeted before setting off on this adventure. I haven’t tried it yet, but it sounds awesome. Pre-registration is required, so if you want to do it,  register for the “Masada Challenge” here .   

Driving distance:  The distance from Ein Gedi to Masada is about 20 kilometers or 12 miles. It takes about 20 minutes to drive there.

How much time does it take?  It takes around 1-2 hours to visit the archeological site of Masada. If you would also like to visit the Masada Museum, take another 30 minutes into account.  

For opening hours and ticket rates,  check out the official website of  Masada National Park . It’s best to reserve your visit in advance because sometimes, especially during weekends and holidays, the slots completely fill up, and you won’t be able to visit.

Station #3: The Free Dead Sea beach (Ein Bokek) 

When you’re done with both Ein Gedi and Masada, you can finish your day trip at the Dead Sea beach. There are several beaches where you can float in the Dead Sea, but if you’re looking for a free beach – you should head to the Ein Bokek hotel area. There, you can find a long strip of free beach with lifeguard service, open-air showers, restrooms, changing rooms, and sitting areas. There are also many restaurants in the area if you want to grab something to eat. I recommend  Mul Hayam . 

Learn more in my post >>  How to visit the Ein Bokek Resort . 

Driving distance:  The distance from Masada to Ein Bokek is about 17 kilometers or 10 miles. It takes about 15 minutes to drive there.

How much time does it take?  You can spend as much time as you want at the beach. Since you can’t really swim in the Dead Sea and you can’t stay in the water for more than 20 minutes each time, most people spend around 1-2 hours at the Dead Sea. Of course, if you have time, you can also spend longer.  

After enjoying the beach and showering off all the salt, you can head back to Jerusalem. The distance is about 110 kilometers, which is about 69 miles, and it takes 1.5 hours. 

One of Israel’s classic destinations is the Dead Sea area, where you can float in the salty waters, visit the ancient fortress of Masada, and hike in the beautiful desert oasis of Ein Gedi. I hope this post will help you plan a perfect day trip from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea!

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TAKE RELAXATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL

The Dead Sea, officially The Lowest Place On Earth (428m Below Sea Level) And A Shortlist Candidate For The World’s 7 Natural Wonders, Is An Enthralling And Evocative Combination Of Natural Splendor, Compelling Ancient History And Modern Luxuries.

From the healing powers of the Dead Sea’s cobalt blue waters, through the awesome beauty of the surrounding landscape to the myriad of fascinating sights this area has to offer, the Dead Sea is a place of tranquility, health and inspiration for body and soul alike.

Float on the waters, take a mud bath or go exploring - with 330 sunny days a year, the Dead Sea area is filled with superb attractions including natural healing spas, magnificent hiking trails, gourmet and fast food restaurants and adrenaline-charged attractions. Along the main part of the 75 kilometer stretch dotted with beautiful beaches, you will also find world class hotels and spa facilities to guarantee a truly indulgent experience.

The Magical Beaches of the Dead Sea

The beaches of the Dead Sea are like nothing else the world has to offer. There are many kilometers of beautifully developed and well-maintained spots where you can soak up the sun while on your dream vacation. Choose your spot on the rocky sand and take in the breathtaking scenery with the incredible mountain ranges surrounding the sea. The warm waters of the Dead Sea are always calm and offer superior relaxation from the minute you get in.

On the southern shores at the lowest point on earth, you will find an array of hotels where you can enjoy a magical sunrise over the lake, leaving an array of colors on the small ponds with the salt formations scattered throughout. To complete the experience of being at the Dead Sea, take some of the silky dark mud and lather it on allowing your skin to absorb the helpful minerals. Dead Sea mud has been proven beneficial to the skin and body. You will feel refreshed with skin that looks and feels younger. Give yourself the pampering that you deserve and get dirty with the Dead Sea mud – it’s healthy!

Discover the desert area around the Dead Sea

There is more to do than just relaxing in the spas and floating in the Dead Sea. If you are travelling south from Jerusalem, complement your desert experience by stopping at kibbutz Ein Gedi, a natural oasis on the slopes of the Judean desert, and take a hike through a nature reserve where you will see wildlife like the ibex (a kind of mountain goat) and enjoy the waterfalls and pools cascading on the rock formation. Ein Gedi also offers hotel accommodations and spas which houses hot sulphur pools and have different types of healing and therapeutic massages too. Continue south from here to Masada, a national landmark with a strong historical connection, located at the top of a massive mountain that the adventure seeker can hike, or it can be reached comfortably by cable car.

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• 10 Things To Know Before...

Things to Know Before Visiting the Dead Sea

Israel writer

The Dead Sea is a must-visit on any trip to Israel – despite the fact that, in truth, it’s not a sea. It’s actually a lake, and a really, really salty one at that. Before you start packing, sit down and read this list.

Did you know? You can now travel with Culture Trip and enjoy a private boat cruise on the Dead Sea as part of our specially curated seven-day Israel adventure , led by our Local Insider.

At 430m (1,412ft) below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, which is pretty cool. It’s also the deepest hypersaline lake in the world at 304m (997ft) and 9.6 times saltier than the ocean.

The Dead Sea contains a concoction of minerals that have been scientifically verified to carry healing properties. The potassium acts as a moisturiser and helps your body recover after strenuous exercise; combined with the bromide in the water, it helps to relieve muscle and joint tensions. The concentration of sodium boosts your immune system, the calcium chlorides strengthen your bones and nails, and the magnesium has anti-ageing qualities.

The mud will leave your skin silky smooth

Obligatory for any visit to the Dead Sea is slathering yourself in the natural supply of mud. From face to toe, covering yourself in it will leave your skin feeling revitalised and more smooth than any spa treatment.

Take photos before relaxing

Even if you have a GoPro or a waterproof camera, the super-high salt concentration will leave a film over the lens that will make it temporarily unusable. Thus, to ensure your obligatory floating-in-the-Dead-Sea-with-a-newspaper photo, get snapping before your camera gets wet.

It’s drying up

The Dead Sea is shrinking at an alarming rate, with the surface level dropping more than a metre a year. The main reason for this is the decline of the River Jordan, with which the Dead Sea connects. So, pack your things and visit the Dead Sea before it changes irrevocably.

The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered nearby

The Dead Sea Scrolls are ancient Hebrew scrolls discovered in 1947 by a Bedouin boy in the Judean Desert. Found in the Qumran Caves and, later, in numerous other locations in the Judean Desert near the Dead Sea, these ancient manuscripts have been called the great archaeological find of the 20th century. They hold huge religious significance, containing fragments from almost every book of the Old Testament. Recently, they were digitally uploaded for everyone to see.

You can spoil yourself in nearby spas

If your R&R needs aren’t satisfied by the Dead Sea itself, then worry not; there are several spas in the area where you can pamper yourself. The Le Meridien Hotel Spa, for example, is among the most popular due to some amazing amenities, which include a sea-water pool, heated mineral pools and full spa facilities with a sauna, massage and jacuzzi.

It’s a short distance from other gorgeous Israeli sights

In one day, you can float in the Dead Sea, climb the Masada and hike the Ein Gedi, a stunning nature reserve full of natural springs and botanical gardens. All of this is approximately an hour away by car from Jerusalem.

Wear an old bathing suit

The high salt concentration in the Dead Sea can discolour your bathing suit, so don’t go wearing the expensive bikini you just received for your birthday.

Do not shave before entering the water

Due to the high level of salt, any cuts or sensitive areas will sting like crazy in the water. So, lay down the razors a day before visiting and enjoy this experience in comfort. For any pre-existing cuts or wounds, wrap them in waterproof bandages. You can thank us later.

Feeling inspired? Join our specially curated week-long trip to Israel , which includes a guided visit to the Dead Sea, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Home » Articles & Tips » Travel Tips » When is The Best Time to Visit the Dead Sea?

When is The Best Time to Visit the Dead Sea?

In Israel, at the center of the Jordan Rift Valley, just over 400 meters (430 to be exact) below sea level, lies the lowest point in the world: the Dead Sea . The unique geography of the Dead Sea attracts millions of tourists each year from all over the world. It is surrounded by  breathtaking mountain ranges, including the Jerusalem and Hebron hills, and important historic  sites, such as Masada , Ein Gedi , and Qumran . Moreover, the special properties of the salt-rich  waters of the Dead Sea, also brimming with vitamins and minerals, draws to the region those  searching for a cure for various skin problems, such as psoriasis and many others.

Introducing the unique climate of the Dead Sea

The planning stage of any Dead Sea trip is critical. This is due to the unique climatic conditions  of the Dead Sea, which are very different from those of the surrounding areas in Israel, the  home state of the salty sea. However, this diversity means that each and every person can find  the right season to visit the Dead Sea, because it truly offers a bit of everything: beautiful  waters, safe sunbathing, the famous floating experience , luxury hotels , massage, and spa treatments, mud wraps, fine dining, and loads of hiking trails in the immediate area. For those  who plan to take a dip (which is mandatory! and not just because of the healing and healthy  properties of the sea), the water temperature ranges between 22-35 degrees Celsius, which  means that the sea is pleasant and inviting in all seasons. And no less important, one of the  main advantages of relaxing on the Dead Sea shores is the reduced exposure to sun radiation  compared to other beaches in the region. This is due to the relatively low sea level, which  means that the UV rays are filtered and weakened before reaching your skin.

So when is the best time to visit the Dead Sea?

Average temperatures at the Dead Sea vary greatly depending on humidity levels, winds, and precipitation, which is relatively rare in the region. Generally speaking, Dead Sea weather for  most of the year allows for a comfortable and pleasant stay in the area.

The Dead Sea in Winter (December – February):

Some say that winter is the best time to visit the Dead Sea. After all, it is the new year vacation  period for most of the world, so many people are searching for a suitable holiday destination.  The advantage of a vacation at the Dead Sea at this time is quite clear – while the northern  hemisphere is full of snow, and temperatures in many places fall below zero, the average  temperature at the Dead Sea is remarkably comfortable.

• Dead Sea weather December: 24-13 degrees Celsius
• Dead Sea weather January: 22-11 degrees Celsius
• Dead Sea weather February: 24-13 degrees Celsius

There is little rainfall during winter – just two days a month on average. The water temperature is  higher than the air temperature, which makes swimming a very pleasant experience, together  with various spa treatments for body and soul.

The Dead Sea in Spring (March-May):

This is the busiest period at the Dead Sea, and for good reason – warm temperatures (but not  too hot), with negligible chance of rain – so make sure to take this into account before purchasing a plane ticket. The tourist sites, such as Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, are green and  blooming, the Masada climb is relatively easy (due to pleasant weather conditions), and the  restaurants are bustling and full of life.

• Weather Dead Sea March-May: 35-16 degrees Celsius

The Dead Sea in Summer (June – August):

These are the warmest months in the Dead Sea area. June, which is considered relatively  “comfortable”, has slightly lower average temperatures than the hottest months of July and August. During summer, the water temperature is lower than the ground temperature, so it is cool and pleasant in the sea. Humidity is low and the sun’s radiation levels are less harmful compared to other summer destinations in Israel and around the world. With the right sun cream, you can sunbathe safely at the Dead Sea. By the way, due to the extreme heat, especially in August, hotel prices drop significantly, and those who are counting on enjoying  pampering massages and beach entertainment can find great deals at certain times. However,  for those who suffer in the heat, and of course, those who want to hike the local trails, it is better  to visit the Dead Sea area in other, cooler times of the year.

• Dead Sea weather June: 39-26 degrees Celsius
• Dead Sea weather July-August: 41-29 degrees Celsius

The Dead Sea in Fall (September-November):

This is the most interesting time of year for Dead Sea vacations. During part of the season, the  Jewish high holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot) are a national holiday in Israel, so the hotels are full and prices soar. The area is bursting with exciting activities, such as the  impressive Tamar music festival at the Dead Sea and Masada. From mid-October to the end of November, temperatures fall and so do the prices. What’s more, during these months you can enjoy lovely desert walks and watch the migrating birds in the nearby Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.

• Dead Sea weather September: 38-23 degrees Celsius
• Dead Sea weather October: 34-24 degrees Celsius
• Dead Sea weather November: 28-18 degrees Celsius

Travel to the Dead Sea Perfect Dead Sea Family Vacation with Kids Which Celebrities Discovered the Dead Sea?

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Swim in the Dead Sea in Israel: the complete guide

Are you curious about how to swim in the Dead Sea in Israel ? I'm excited to share my experience in this exotic destination, where I had the chance to take a swim (or rather, float on the surface of the water!). This guide offers valuable information and advice to help you enjoy this unique experience.

The Dead Sea is renowned for its high concentration of salt , which enables effortless floating. Accessible from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, this saltwater lake boasts incredible health benefits.

In this article, I provide comprehensive information on why the Dead Sea got its name, how to swim in the Dead Sea safely, and what precautions to take (you'll sometimes hear that the Dead Sea is dangerous, I'll explain why). You'll also discover what to do around the Dead Sea , how to get there, and hotel recommendations. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below.

Why is the Dead Sea called that?

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Admittedly, the name does not inspire confidence in swimming! To understand why the Dead Sea is called "dead" , you should know that its salt concentration is remarkably high: ranging from 31% to 34%, nearly ten times that of an ocean.

This high salt concentration prevents the survival of any plant or organism, except for rare bacteria that can withstand the extreme salinity. This explains why the Dead Sea got its name.

So, can you swim in the Dead Sea ? Absolutely, as long as you take some precautions, which I'll discuss in this article. The high salt concentration prevents your body from sinking, allowing you to float on the surface of the water - an extraordinary experience to have during a trip to Israel or Jordan!

It's important to note that the Dead Sea is located in the Jordan Valley, shared between Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Jordan. Therefore, it can be accessed from different locations, although in this article, I focus on my experience in Israel.

Why the Dead Sea can be dangerous

There are risks associated with swimming in the Dead Sea, but there's no need to panic. Let me explain.

The Dead Sea is a fragile and vulnerable ecosystem, losing approximately 3 to 5 feet of depth every year, and the rate of drying up has accelerated in recent years. In the past 50 years, the Dead Sea has lost 28% of its depth .

The main cause of this phenomenon is human overexploitation of the Jordan River water , which is the primary water source for the Dead Sea (despite being called a "sea", it's actually a lake!). There are ongoing discussions and plans to save the area, such as reducing activities that harm the water supply (e.g., industry, agriculture).

The project of building a 112-mile canal between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea was abandoned in 2021. Another canal between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea is still under discussion, the idea would be to take advantage of the difference in water level between both seas.

I mention this not only to discuss ecological issues surrounding the Dead Sea but also to warn you to choose your swimming area carefully. The progressive drying of the sea causes a dangerous phenomenon called sinkholes .

As the sea retreats due to drying, rainwater can infiltrate the ground, and when it meets the salt in the subsoil, it can cause the ground to erode, creating sinkholes . These sinkholes can collapse the ground without warning. The pictures here are taken from this aerial video .

There are hundreds of sinkholes on the shores of the Dead Sea, and the road is now quite far from the shoreline itself. Signs warn tourists about them so beware if you had planned to look for a place away from tourist areas.

There are other threats, as this sign I photographed on site shows:

Don't put your life in danger and choose areas equipped for swimming , even if it lacks authenticity. These areas are supervised and controlled for your safety.

The 5 best spots for swimming in the Dead Sea in Israel

From North to South, the most popular places to visit the Dead Sea in Israel are:

• Kalia Beach - A well-equipped swimming area with changing rooms, showers, a restaurant, bars, stores (especially for buying Dead Sea cosmetics) and treatment areas for massages. It's a mud beach, so not very photogenic, but nice if you want to try Dead Sea mud. You can check prices and opening hours on the Kalia Beach website .
• Neve Midbar Beach - This private beach is located right next to Kalia Beach. If you have to choose, go to Kalia Beach because Neve Midbar Beach is not well maintained at the time of writing this article. It's cheaper but there is a lot of garbage on the spot so I don't recommend going there.
• Ein Gedi - An oasis and small national park with the ruins of an ancient city, waterfalls, and beautiful hikes in the area. The old beach of Ein Gedi is closed because it has become dangerous because of the sinkholes, but you can go to the Ein Gedi Spa, a paid area with a swimming pool and access to the Dead Sea via shuttles (the shore is about 1 km from the facilities).
• Ein Bokek Beach - A free, supervised, landscaped beach with fresh water showers and lockers. No mud in this area, and there is a nearby parking lot for those who come by car.
• Segregated Beach - A supervised, landscaped beach with fresh water showers and drinking facilities. It is one of the best beaches to visit the Dead Sea in Israel, and it is free, but there is no mud, and there is a separation between men and women.
• Zohar Hot Springs Beach - A public beach with facilities (fresh water showers, toilets, and lifeguards) located north of Neve Zohar and is one of the southernmost swimming areas in the Dead Sea.

Unfortunately, some places have closed over the years, such as Mineral Beach, which has become dangerous because of sinkholes.

Some hotels also have their own access to the Dead Sea.

Taking the bus to the Dead Sea

It's quite simple to reach the Dead Sea by bus . You can take the 486 bus operated by Egged company from the Jerusalem bus station, which stops at several places along the Dead Sea such as Kalia Beach, Ein Gedi, Masada, Ein Bokek, and Neve Zohar.

The journey from Jerusalem to Ein Gedi takes about 1.5 hours, while it takes 2 hours to reach Ein Bokek. You can buy your ticket in advance and check the timetable on the Egged website .

An alternative is the 487 bus, but it takes longer.

Sit on the left side of the bus in the direction of travel to enjoy the scenery of the Dead Sea in the direction Jerusalem > Dead Sea.

If you plan to visit the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv by bus, you will need to change buses. You can either take a train to Jerusalem and then catch the bus, or check the routes on Egged which offer different options depending on the schedule. This could be a rather lengthy option if you rely on public transport.

Also, keep in mind that in Israel, buses do not operate on Shabbat (from Friday noon to Saturday evening).

Getting to the Dead Sea by car

For those who want to drive to the Dead Sea , there are several parking lots available, particularly near the hotel area of Ein Bokek. The journey takes about 1.5 hours from Jerusalem using route 1 and then route 90 during off-peak hours, although traffic can be quite busy in built-up areas. From Tel Aviv, the journey takes at least 2 hours using the same routes, and during rush hour, traffic jams can be significant.

Getting to the Dead Sea with a tour

This is probably the easiest option, and there are different tours available depending on your interests. Some tours combine a visit to the Dead Sea with other places of interest, such as the Masada fortress and the Ein Gedi springs, or Bethlehem in Palestine. There are also tours that focus solely on the Dead Sea.

If you choose a combined tour, you will usually have two hours at the Dead Sea , which is enough time for swimming, but not enough time for a massage or to spend more time in the water.

For a dedicated Dead Sea tour , I recommend:

• This 4-hour excursion to the Dead Sea from Jerusalem - organized by the reputable Abraham Tours agency, it takes you to the Dead Sea when the crowds are smaller than during the day (departure from Jerusalem at 3:30 pm, for about 2 hours at the water's edge).
• This 10-hour Dead Sea tour from Jerusalem - organized by the Bein Harim Agency, this day trip to the Dead Sea picks you up at your hotel and takes you to the water's edge, where you have the whole day to enjoy the sights before returning.
• This 10-hour Dead Sea tour from Tel Aviv - organized by Israel Click Tours, you are picked up in the morning near your accommodation in Tel Aviv and driven to the Dead Sea, where you spend the day before being driven back to Tel Aviv.

Note that tours from Tel Aviv also offer pick-up options from other coastal cities such as Netanya and Herzliya.

If you're interested in combining a trip to the Dead Sea with other attractions , there are several options available.

From Jerusalem , you can choose from the following excursions:

• A tour that includes a visit to Masada fortress and the Dead Sea (organized by the Bein Harim agency) - Masada is a must-see, a fortress built on a cliff overlooking the Dead Sea. You can reach it by cable car or by hiking if you're feeling adventurous. The view from the top is breathtaking. On this tour, you will have about two hours to spend at the Dead Sea, and Bein Harim usually takes visitors to a mud beach.
• An alternative that combines Masada and the Dead Sea (organized by Rent-A-Guide) - This tour has a similar itinerary to the first one, so you may want to compare prices and reviews.
• A Masada/Dead Sea tour with more freedom (organized by Abraham Tours) - If you don't have your own transportation but still want to explore on your own, Abraham Tours offers a transportation-only tour. They'll take you to three different sites (Masada, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, and the Dead Sea), but once you arrive, you can wander at your own pace.
• Masada Sunrise with Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea (also organized by Abraham Tours) - This tour is for more adventurous travelers who want to avoid the crowds. You'll leave Jerusalem in the middle of the night and hike up to the fortress of Masada to watch the sunrise over the Dead Sea. Then you'll visit the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve before finishing the tour with a swim in the Dead Sea.

If you're staying in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, or Netanya , there are several options available that usually combine a visit to the Masada fortress with the opportunity to swim in the Dead Sea. The two excursions I mention are well-known, so you can compare prices, availability, and reviews to make your choice:

• This excursion organized by Bein Harim from Tel Aviv, Herzliya, or Netanya;
• This small group tour offered by Rent-A-Guide from Tel Aviv, Netanya, or Herzliya.

If the Ein Gedi nature reserve appeals to you, you can also visit Masada, Ein Gedi, and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv with these two tours offered by Abraham Tours:

• A day trip with an early start.
• An excursion with a night departure to watch the sunrise from the fortress of Masada.

Wear proper footwear

When choosing a bathing area , you'll typically have access to changing rooms, freshwater showers (essential for rinsing off!), a restaurant or bar, and sometimes services such as massages and treatments based on salt or mud from the Dead Sea.

You can leave your belongings in closed lockers and walk down to the sea. Due to the drying up of the sea, the shoreline can sometimes be quite far away from the beach. Some spas were built right on the shore of the Dead Sea and are now 0.62 mile away from the water, so the staff is obliged to take people who want to bathe by shuttle.

At Kalia Beach, you can walk down to the beach in a few minutes (and take a lot of stairs!) or take a shuttle bus to get closer to the water more quickly.

When visiting the Dead Sea, it is essential to wear at least flip-flops or preferably sandals , especially if you plan on visiting a mud beach. The edges of the water can be scorching hot because the dark mud absorbs the sun's rays. They can also be very slippery and even sharp due to the presence of salt (which is also true on other types of developed beaches). If you don't have proper footwear, you can often purchase it on-site.

There are also towels available for rent or purchase for those who did not bring their own. For myself, I always travel with a fouta, a very absorbent and rather aesthetic fabric that replaces a bath towel and takes up little space in the suitcase.

Prepare for taking photos

Swimming in the Dead Sea inevitably means taking some photos ! It's not every day that you get the chance to float in the sea and I must admit that I missed the opportunity to take some nice pictures.

Some bring props (reading a newspaper is probably the most popular activity!), while others opt for more classic poses.

To get the best shots, I recommend organizing yourself well for the photos. Either alternate between bathing and taking photos with your travel buddy, making sure the camera is always under surveillance and never at ground level (the salt can have a catastrophic effect!), or equip yourself with a waterproof case to protect your cell phone and take it in the water with you.

This is the choice I made: I bought a waterproof case on Amazon. My only mistake was not testing the waterproofness before going to the Dead Sea, so I wasn't very confident, although it turned out later that the waterproofness was perfect!

It goes without saying that you should not leave your camera unattended or put it in the checkroom after "showing it off" on the beach. It's still a tourist place where you're never 100% safe from theft.

Floating in the Dead Sea

Before my trip to Israel, I had been warned that it was impossible to swim in the Dead Sea . I wondered how the salt prevented swimming. So, to avoid dying foolish, I tried to swim a few strokes in the water. As soon as I got on my stomach, the simple act of raising my head to keep it out of the water caused my body to flip over.

On the other hand, you can move quite easily on your back by doing the frog kick with your legs. Not the most stylish, but it's the only swimming style that works in the Dead Sea.

And speaking of lack of style, getting into the Dead Sea itself provided us with some laughs. The mud makes the ground very slippery, so you try to keep a semblance of elegance. But in less time than it takes to say it, your leg sinks into the mud, you slip and suddenly find yourself with your buttocks in the water!

To float in the Dead Sea , the best solution is to wade into the water until it's above your knees, then sit back and let yourself float naturally.

Due to the high salt concentration of the Dead Sea, avoid at all costs drinking the water, splashing, getting water in your eyes, or putting your head underwater.

Enjoying the benefits of the Dead Sea

The salt of the Dead Sea is said to have many benefits , especially in the treatment of certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne. The bottom of the sea is covered with sticky mud that can be applied as a mask. There are also many Dead Sea salt cosmetics, including scrubs.

Many people take advantage of their dip in the Dead Sea to coat themselves with mud (hence the importance of bathing in a developed area that offers fresh water showers for rinsing!). Mud is not available everywhere (you can find some at Kalia Beach).

It is recommended to not stay in the water for too long and limit yourself to 20 minutes , even if it means returning a little later. Make sure to thoroughly rinse yourself with fresh water and drink plenty of water between swims in the Dead Sea and after your visit.

Sensitivity to the salt can vary greatly from person to person: some may experience tingling sensations quickly while others may not feel any discomfort. Personally, I did not experience any discomfort at all, and my skin felt incredibly soft after leaving the water .

Hair removal and swimming

If you shave or wax your legs, bikini line, or underarms, it's best to avoid doing so just before swimming in the Dead Sea. The same applies if you have small wounds or scratches, as salt can be unpleasant on open wounds.

If you're mainly interested in bathing in the Dead Sea for the unique experience, then a day trip should be sufficient. There are many possible excursions available from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and coastal cities such as Netanya and Herzliya (see all possible excursions here) .

However, if you want to explore the region more thoroughly, I recommend booking a night in a hotel by the Dead Sea . This will give you the opportunity to witness the stunning sunrise, explore the muddy beaches, and discover different facets of the area. In addition to the salty beaches, there are also some heavenly landscapes to explore.

Most of the hotels located at the Dead Sea in Israel are situated as you head south, at Ein Gedi, or even further south, at Ein Bokek.

I might as well say it right away: there is a wide range of accommodation options, and some hotels are particularly poor. There are ugly buildings that are poorly maintained, with low-end catering, and there are hotels that play on their proximity to the Dead Sea without necessarily being really close. So, it's important to carefully examine the reviews before booking a hotel at the Dead Sea.

One reputable establishment on the Israeli side is the Green Dead Sea Hotel (4 stars). It has a spa with a saltwater pool, a freshwater pool, and direct access to the Dead Sea. It is located in Ein Bokek .

Almost next door is Isrotel's Noga , a 4-star hotel with a spa and direct access to the Dead Sea in just 2 minutes on foot. It also has a freshwater pool.

A few minutes' walk away, Isrotel has another hotel, the Nevo , which is a 5-star hotel with a beautiful spa equipped with a pool of sulfur-rich water . The shores of the Dead Sea are a few minutes' walk away, and there is a shuttle bus available for those who prefer not to walk.

In addition to swimming in the Dead Sea in Israel, there are many other things to do in the area and you can easily spend a few days there or visit multiple times to fully enjoy it.

The Good Samaritan Museum

Located on the road 1 between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, this archaeology museum is dedicated to mosaics from various periods and regions, including the Gaza Strip.

You can find the rates and opening hours of the museum here .

The Qumran archaeological site

This vast park in the West Bank is home to the Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. The scrolls and papyrus were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, and were found in the caves in the mid-20th century. There are nearly 1,000 of them, dating back to several centuries before Christ. Among them is the Great Isaiah Scroll, which is in exceptional condition and contains an entire biblical book in Hebrew.

It's a fascinating archaeological site that you can visit, and you can find the schedules and prices here .

The Fortress of Masada

An incredible place not to be missed when visiting the Dead Sea in Israel! The fortress is built 1,476 feet above the level of the Dead Sea and offers a splendid view of the surroundings. You can reach it by cable car or on foot.

The fortress has a tragic but fascinating history, having ended up under siege by the Romans, with the collective suicide of its inhabitants. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site . You can read more about it in my article on Masada .

Schedules and prices are available here .

You can go to Masada with a local agency and a guide (check out possible excursions ) from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

The Ahava Center

This time, we move away from history and culture and focus on shopping! The Ahava brand , known for its Dead Sea cosmetics, has built a large center to welcome visitors and sell its range of products. If you have some shopping to do and happen to be passing by, this could be your chance, but it's not worth going out of your way.

You can find Ahava products literally everywhere in Israel, and the prices are not necessarily lower at this store.

Ein Gedi and Its Nature Reserve

Featuring caves, waterfalls, and archaeological remains, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve offers beautiful walks and allows you to take a dip while following one of the many hiking trails available, ranging from a 1.5-hour to 5-hour walk depending on your endurance.

Check schedules and prices here . Please note that access to some of the trails must be pre-booked online , unless you are going with a travel agency.

Several travel agencies offer tours to Ein Gedi ; you can look at the reviews to choose. I especially recommend Abraham Tours, a very reputable local agency, including this day trip or this sunrise tour from Tel Aviv or from Jerusalem for the brave!

The baptismal site of Qasr Al Yahud

This baptism site is located on the banks of the Jordan River , with Israel on one bank and Jordan on the other. If you wish to be baptized, it is possible (ceremonies are held in the water of the Jordan).

There is some debate about where Jesus would have been baptized, and there is another baptismal site in northern Israel, Yardenit. I personally preferred the atmosphere of Yardenit, but Qasr Al Yahud remains a very popular place near the Dead Sea.

Check out Qasr Al Yahud's opening hours here.

Passing through Qasr Al Yahud is possible as part of a West Bank tour that also stops in Bethlehem and Jericho.

Enot Tsukim Nature Reserve

Located near the archaeological site of Qumran, this reserve has pools fed by freshwater springs , trails, and small streams.

Note that a significant portion of the reserve is accessible only to groups accompanied by a guide.

Hours and entrance fees are available here.

And that's the end of this (very) extensive guide to visiting the Dead Sea in Israel , a truly remarkable experience and one of the highlights of my stay there. I hope this information will help you plan your own trip!

Hello! On this blog, I share my photos, insights, and travel tips from journeys in France and around the world. I launched this blog in French in 2014 and began translating some articles into English in late 2022. I have a special passion for solo travel! In March 2023, I was blessed with my son James, and I've already begun introducing him to the joys of traveling as a solo mom with a baby.

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Visiting the Dead Sea: Jordan or Israel?

The Dead Sea is a fascinating, alluring, and endlessly captivating place. Located 431 metres (1414 feet) below sea level, its cobalt-blue waters are the lowest point on Earth. But that’s not the only thing that makes this place stand out from the crowd – it’s also one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. Ten times saltier than average ocean water, its buoyancy means that you’ll always float on its surface if you go for a dip. The waters are also rich with minerals, and the area has long been known for its healing properties.

Travel to: The Dead Sea

Facts about the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea might be a bit of a misnomer, but all the hype surrounding it is real. While it’s really more of a lake, it’s true that its hypersaline waters make it impossible to sustain marine life, and that floating in its waters will definitely be one of the most unforgettable feelings you’ll ever experience. You’ll see stunning, colourful sunsets, rare animals at nearby oases, and there’s no shortage of great photo opportunities – where else in the world can you float effortlessly reading a book, or with a cocktail in hand? A visit to the Dead Sea also means maximum relaxation at the resorts near its shores, which harvest the mud directly from the waters daily. There’s no better place to pamper yourself with all the good stuff the Dead Sea has to offer than right next to the source. And you’ll want to make sure you visit soon – without many waterways that lead to it, the Sea has been shrinking under the hot sun, its shoreline travelling deeper and deeper inland.

See Also: Should I Visit Israel?

While the Dead Sea is not the only salt lake in the world, it’s a special place to visit. The area surrounding it has huge religious and historic significance. With Israel to its west and Jordan to the east, these are both popular destinations for those who wish to take a salty dip in the Dead Sea. Read on to find out more about these two destinations!  

Where should you visit the Dead Sea?

Visiting the dead sea in israel.

• Closest airport:  Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv
• Public beaches: Kalia, Ein Gedi
• Nearby attractions: Archaeological sites, Masada National Park, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Only a couple hours’ drive away from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, venturing to the Dead Sea is the perfect day trip if you’re visiting Israel. The Israeli side of the Dead Sea is well-equipped for locals who need a break from their daily lives as well as first-time visitors, with showers and lifeguard services, snack bars and beach chairs, and drinking fountains and barbecue areas. There are even campsites available for overnight stays!

There are both public and private beaches on this side of the shore. Ein Bokek is one of the most popular ones, and it’s right next to the resort beaches, which means gorgeous views are guaranteed. Others include Neve Midbar, which is popular with the younger locals, and Kalia, which boasts an abundant supply of natural black mud and the lowest bar in the world. There are lots of nearby attractions as well, such as the Qumaran Caves and the Einot Tsukim nature reserve.

If you’re wondering between Israel and Jordan to visit the Dead Sea, some other things you can do around there might sway your decision. On the Israeli side, you have the opportunity to hike the famous Masada, a massive stone fortress on the top of a tall mesa that overlooks the Dead Sea. The area is a UNESCO-recognized place of cultural significance – a Judean stronghold that withstood siege and challenges those who dare attempt to reach its heights. For a hike with more verdure, go to Ein Gedi National Reserve for your fill of waterfalls, oases, and lush greenery. The beach in the area is unfortunately closed until further notice due to sinkholes that have emerged in recent years, but a visit to this flourishing oasis is the perfect complement to a journey to the Dead Sea.

See Also: Where to Travel According to Instagram

Visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan

• Closest airport: Queen Alia International Airport 
• Public beaches: Amman Beach
• Nearby attractions:  Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex Lookout, the Sprig of John the Baptist

Jordan is a welcoming haven full of rich cultural history that has faced ups and downs in popularity for tourists in recent years, but its timeless beauty is unmistakeable and not to be missed. The Jordanian side of the Dead Sea is a glimpse of the more luxurious, with some of the best hotels and spa resorts in the world lining its shores. The Jordanian side is less accessible to people who aren’t staying at these resorts, one of your only options being Amman Beach, which you’d still need to pay for. If you’re planning to visit the Dead Sea from the Jordanian side, treat yourself to the whole package – spa treatments at these resorts will be worth it, making you feel pampered and refreshed, and your skin silky smooth from the mud that they harvest right from the source. The Dead Sea’s shores are an hour away from Amman, which makes it possible to visit the less resort-dominated parts of Jordan and get a true taste of Jordanian hospitality and local flavour. Driving along the Dead Sea Highway will lead you to the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex, a recently-instated lookout, museum, and restaurant complex that overlooks the Dead Sea. You’ll be shocked to learn that it’s at sea level because of the immense height. And any trip to Jordan is not complete without a trip to Petra, the ancient, awe-inspiring crown jewel of any Jordanian itinerary. The ancient city is worth taking a day or two to explore, and the impressive façade of its Treasury looms over its visitors with magnificent elegance.

See Also: The Fastest-Growing Destinations for 2019

Tips for visiting the Dead Sea

• Whichever side of the Dead Sea you choose to visit, there are things you should remember that will help you make the most of your visit.
• When wading in the Dead Sea, take caution not to try swimming or floating on your belly. Getting any of the water at all in your eyes will sting uncomfortably, and you don’t want to accidentally drink the water because you’ll get dehydrated very quickly.
• Though you might have the urge to float the afternoon away, staying in the water too long might mean that sensitive areas will feel the effects of the salt.
• As well, even though the low-lying water reduces the effect of the sun’s harmful UV rays, it doesn’t mean you won’t get sunburnt, only that it takes longer.
• Avoid shaving before you go, and prevent getting fresh cuts on your feet from jagged salt deposits and rocks by making sure you bring footwear for walking on the beach.
• Take care to protect your devices and your jewellery from the salty water, as they might tarnish or ruin them.
• If you wear a bathing suit that you don’t mind getting dirty, you’ll be able to slather yourself with the mineral-rich mud without worry that your bathing suit will become discoloured from the salt and mud.

Floating in the waters of the Dead Sea is going to be an experience you won’t soon forget, and you’ll want to make the most of it!

Which side will you visit the Dead Sea from?

Melanie Cheng

Melanie is a Toronto-based writer and editor who loves experiencing new things in new places. In between adventures, you can find her with her nose in a book, re-watching episodes of Friends, or on the lookout for her next favourite brunch spot.

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Two missing in Dead Sea area, found after search

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The Dead Sea is set to live, but will the world end? Understand the theory

Posted: May 2, 2024 | Last updated: May 2, 2024

The Dead Sea is one of the world's saltiest bodies of water. Little if nothing can live in such high salinity. Or so scientists thought. The recent discovery of fish and other marine life swimming in Dead Sea sinkholes is baffling researchers. It's also been seen by some as a sign of a biblical prophecy foretold by Ezekiel in the Old Testament . So, is this remarkable revelation proof that one of the most ancient lakes on the planet can sustain life, or is it an ominous portent of impending End-of-Days?

Click through and decide what you believe.

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The Dead Sea

The fabled Dead Sea is a salt lake set 427 m (1,400 ft) below sea level—Earth's lowest elevation on land.

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An extraordinary natural wonder

This extraordinary natural wonder lies in the Jordan Rift Valley and is bordered by Jordan to the east and the West Bank and Israel to the west.

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Old and isolated

The Dead Sea has been in existence for three million years. Its basin was filled by water from the Mediterranean Sea before tectonic activity lifted the land to the west, isolating it from its original water source.

Ancient lake

The Dead Sea was originally part of an ancient, much larger lake that extended to the Sea of Galilee.

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Never on the level

Over time, the Dead Sea's level has fluctuated dramatically, rising to its highest level around 26,000 years ago. But some 18,000 years ago its outlet to the sea evaporated.

Evaporating with time

Currently, this unique body of water is 306 m (1,003 ft) at its deepest. However, the Dead Sea has been rapidly evaporating approximately 1 m (3 ft) per year.

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A river of no return

This is due mostly to the siphoning off just below the Sea of Galilee of huge amounts of water from the River Jordan by Israel, Jordan, and Syria to meet their needs in this arid region.

Dead Sea sinkholes

This rapidly dwindling body of water has revealed numerous brackish sinkholes along the Dead Sea coast.

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More salinity than the world's oceans

The Dead Sea has a salinity of 34%. To put that percentage into perspective, Earth's oceans have an average salinity of 3.5%. The Dead Sea is therefore around 9.6 times as salty as any ocean.

A rare phenomenon

Only during exceptionally wet winters—a rare phenomenon in this day and age—does the salinity level drop, to something like 30%.

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Not much chance of life

Ordinarily, therefore, the Dead Sea's high salinity prevents fish and aquatic plants from living in it.

An amazing discovery

But researchers from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), working in collaboration with scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Marine Microbiology in Germany, discovered during a diving expedition deep freshwater springs on the Dead Sea floor that feed into this rapidly dwindling body of water.

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New life found

Using specialist equipment, the diving team found new types of microorganisms growing around fissures in the sea floor.

Fishing out the facts

The biggest surprise, though, was the identification of fish and other marine life spotted in sinkholes located on the shoreline. The revelation was made by Noam Bedein, an Israeli photojournalist working with the Dead Sea Revival Project.

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Mapping out the past

Fish have never thrived in the Dead Sea. And the 6th-century Madaba Map clearly illustrates why. Part of a floor mosaic in the early Byzantine church of Saint George in Madaba, Jordan, the map shows fish swimming down the Jordan River and then turning around once they hit the saline -saturated lake.

A new beginning, or end of days?

The reported sightings of fish in a Dead Sea sinkhole has prompted some to recall the Old Testament words of priest and prophet Ezekiel, who foresaw the Dead Sea flourishing into life in his End-of-Days prophecy. According to Ezekiel 47: 8-9, "there shall be a very great multitude of fish."

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The wrath of God

In the Scriptures, the Dead Sea itself is said to represent the wrath of God.

Sodom and Gomorrah

God's anger directed on Sodom and Gomorrah, the two biblical cities located near the southern end of the Dead Sea, changed the area's fertility to a desolate expanse that represented His judgment on sin.

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"The Dead Sea will live again"

"But one day," according to Ezekiel 47:8-11, "the Dead Sea will live again. When Jesus rules the earth in the Millennial Kingdom, water will flow from Jerusalem's Temple Mount and fishermen will line the banks of the Dead Sea."

A cruel test of buoyancy

Antiquity was certainly aware of the Dead Sea's extraordinarily high salinity. During the Jewish Revolt in 68 CE, the Roman Emperor Vespasian tested the sea's legendary buoyancy by throwing a group of Jewish captives who couldn't swim into the water and watched them bob back up to the surface.

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The real enemy

The Dead Sea's real enemy is evaporation. The sea lies in a desert. Rainfall is scant and irregular. Evaporation of its waters—estimated at about 1,400 mm (55 in) per year—has resulted in its surface area receding to 605 sq km (234 sq mi) from around 1,050 sq km in 1900 (pictured).

Diminished dimensions

On average, the Jordan River is 10 m (33 ft) wide and 2 m (6.5 ft) deep. One hundred years ago, its dimensions measured 18 m (60 ft) at its widest, and anywhere between 15–60 m (50–200 ft) deep.

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The Wadi Mujib

The River Jordan is the only major water source flowing into the Dead Sea. The smaller Wadi Mujib river, biblical Arnon, also empties into the sea, as do a number of perennial spring-fed streams.

Freshwater source

And it is the groundwater springs that discharge from the seafloor that have researchers especially intrigued. These water sources empty into the sea in an upward jet-like, plume flow.

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Seabed surprise

Their studies have revealed a network of complex freshwater springs impressive in length and as deep as 30 m (90 ft). These fissures exit the seafloor through craters as large as 15 m (45 ft) in diameter and 20 m (60 ft) deep.

How dead is the Dead Sea?

Scientists have known for decades that the Dead Sea isn't entirely bereft of life. In certain areas, microorganisms representing several different species carpet the seafloor.

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New species

But it's those sediment microorganisms never before found in the Dead Sea that have marine biologists scratching their heads in delighted bewilderment.

Dead Sea toothcarp

The species of fish recorded by photographer Noam Bedein has yet to be officially identified. Meanwhile, the closest any known fish has come to the ancient salt lake is the Dead Sea toothcarp. Endemic to the Dead Sea basin, the one seen in this image is cared for at Jordan's Fifa Nature Reserve, located some 60 km (36 mi) south of the Dead Sea. This tiny fish is so rare that it's listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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The Dead Sea is anything but dead, declares Noam Bedein: "It's the eight wonder of the world." And standing above its southern shore in Jordan is a geomorphological formation made of salt and rock that is said to be Lot's wife. In the Bible, Lot's wife is a figure first mentioned in Genesis 19. The Book of Genesis describes how she became a pillar of salt after she glanced back at Sodom burning. Symbolic, perhaps, of science and biblical prophecy coming together?

Sources: (Dead Sea Revival Project) (European Space Agency) (EARTH Magazine) (NBC News) (NASA Earth Observatory) (Mirror) (ScienceDaily) (IUCN)

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