How to Visit the Dead Sea – Saltiest Body of Water on Earth
The Dead Sea is a 1.5 million year old salt lake located in both Israel and Jordan. One of the world’s most incredible natural phenomenon, the Dead Sea is both the saltiest body of water and the lowest point on earth.
The water is so salty, beachgoers famously float on top of the water rather than swim.
Visitors can bask in the hot sun as they float on top of a lake in the middle of the Judean desert. Soak up the healing powers of the mineral rich water and mud. Abd get a massage and a facial at a nearby spa.
Read on to learn all about the Dead Sea and how to visit!
Plan Your Trip With My Favorite Resources
– Best accommodation site: Booking.com
– Book day tours here: Viator.com
– Purchase travel insurance here: SafetyWing
Saltiest Body of Water on Earth
The Dead Sea consists of 33.7% salt, making it the saltiest body of water on earth. Great Salt Lake in Utah comes in second at 15%. In contrast, the world’s oceans are only 3% salt.
The salt in the Dead Sea comes from rocks on the lake’s shores that have been eroded by rainwater for millions of years.
The Dead Sea only has one tributary (the Jordan River) and no outlet. Therefore, water is evaporated by the hot desert sun; leaving the remaining water extremely salty.
Visit the Dead Sea
Over 1.5 million people visit the Dead Sea every year. It is a one hour drive from Jerusalem and a two drive from Tel Aviv.
There are several beach front resorts on the Israeli side. Some offer spa services.
If you don’t have time to stay at the sea, you can book a day tour or shuttle from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. (Much more convenient then taking the public bus).
➡️From Tel Aviv: Masada & Dead Sea Full Day Tour with Pick Up
Dead Sea Beaches
There are several breathtaking beaches along the shores of the sea on the Israel side. Some are public; some are privately owned and charge an entrance fee.
The Dead Sea has 2 sections. In the north the beaches are connected to resorts and have a lot of mud. In the south there are public beaches and you can see salt formations in the water.
Check out these blogs by Tourist Israel and Dead Sea.com to find the perfect beach for you! And watch this amazing video on the beautiful Dead Sea beaches.
Floating in the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is so salty it causes swimmers to buoyantly float on top of the water. It’s almost impossible to dive below the surface!
In case you were wondering…the scientific reason for this is because the salt and minerals in the water are denser than fresh water. Since our body weight is lighter (less dense) than the density of the water, it makes our body more buoyant.
Confused? I don’t completely understand it either.
It’s recommended that you don’t spend more than 20 minutes in the sea to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Sadly, several people drown in the Dead Sea every year. They flipped over face down and could not flip back over. 🙁
My Experience Floating in the Dead Sea
As part of my Noseworthy Travel Israel tour, we stopped at a resort on the Dead Sea for several hours. It was 85 degrees that day so it felt great to get into the cool water. However, the water was so buoyant I had trouble walking in.
Like most people around me, I got on my hands and knees and leaned back into the water. In an instant I was floating. When it was time to leave, I needed help getting out of the water.
Then put some mud on my cheeks. I could not believe how soft they felt! I became an instant believer in the Dead Sea’s healing powers and purchased some lotion in the gift shop.
➡️Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem
No Fishing or Boating
Leave the fishing rod home! Fish and plants cannot survive in the salty mineral rich waters. (Hence the name “Dead” Sea).
The Dead Sea is so salty boats cannot float on it! (In contrast, Great Salt Lake in Utah – which is the second saltiest body of water – is a popular destination for boating).
How to Get to the Dead Sea
Car Rental: Renting a car is the easiest and often cheaper way to explore Israel, especially for groups. Note that rentals are limited during Shabbat (Friday afternoon to Saturday evening) except at Ben Gurion Airport. You usually can’t drive into Palestinian territories.
Public Transport:
- From Eilat: Take bus 444 from the central bus station to Ein Bokek (2.5 hours, 87 shekels). Limited service on Fridays. Check schedules on www.bus.co.il.
- From Tel Aviv: Bus 421 takes just over 2 hours (76 shekels), with departures at 9:00 am and noon, not running on Saturdays.
- From Jerusalem: Buses 486 or 444 leave from the Central Bus Station (platform 5), taking about 2 hours (42 shekels).
Dead Sea Minerals
In addition to salt, the Dead Sea contains 35 other minerals including magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium. Its highest concentration are the electrolytes chloride and bromide.
Healing Properties
People have been flocking to the Dead Sea to seek treatment for various ailments since the time of Herod the Great. There are resorts and medical facilities all around the water’s edge. It’s common to see visitors cover themselves in the mineral rich mud.
We now have proof of the water’s healing properties! Studies have shown that soaking in Dead Sea water:
- Diminishes skin ailments such as psoriasis and acne
- Relieves various allergic reactions
- Alleviates arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis
Dead Sea Beauty Products
Minerals from the Dead Sea can be found in Dead Sea Beauty Products manufactured in various factories around the Dead Sea.
Dead Sea in the Bible
The Dead Sea is mentioned 16 times in the Bible; mostly to describe Israel’s borders. (For example, Genesis 14:3)
And several ancient cities located near the Dead Sea are mentioned throughout the Old Testament. For example, Sodom and Gomorrah (from the Book of Genesis) were located on the southeastern shore.
But the most famous reference has to do with King David. According to 1 Samuel 22:1, when David fled from Saul he hid in a cave in a town on the Dead Sea shores called Adullam. It is now a nature reserve called Ein Gedi.
➡️Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv
Ezekiel’s Prophecy
The prophet Ezekiel predicted that in the future a freshwater river will flow into the Dead Sea. And as a result, “the salty water becomes fresh…and there will be large numbers of fish.” (Ezekiel 47:8-9)
Lot’s Wife
In the book of Genesis God decided to destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorra. The angel Gabriel warned Abraham’s nephew Lot to flee the city with his family and “not look back.” Lot’s wife (whose name we do not know) famously looked back and turned into a pillar of salt.
There is a tall salt rock formation at Mount Sodom near the Dead Sea. No one knows how old it is, but locals have dubbed it “Lot’s wife.”
Check out my blog The 8 Gates of Jerusalem: History, Facts, Pictures.
Top Tips for Taking a Dead Sea Dip
These tips will help you enjoy a safe and pleasant experience while floating in the unique waters of the Dead Sea!
- Avoid Shaving: Don’t shave for a day or two before your visit. The salt water will sting any cuts or scrapes.
- Skip the Jewelry: Leave your jewelry at home. Most metals will tarnish, except for 24-carat gold.
- Keep Your Head Above Water: Avoid splashing or dunking your head. If salt water gets in your eyes, it will sting painfully.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fresh water to counteract the dry heat, which can reach up to 47°C.
- Limit Your Float Time: Float for no more than 10-15 minutes. The high salt content can irritate your skin after prolonged exposure.
- Use Vaseline for Cuts: Apply Vaseline on any cuts or wounds to create a protective barrier against the stinging salt water.
- Rinse Off After Swimming: Take a fresh water shower immediately after your dip to remove salt and prevent discomfort. Don’t forget to rinse your swimsuit and shoes, too!
- Protect Yourself from the Sun: Use sunscreen to shield your skin from the intense sun. Aim to swim in the morning or evening to avoid the heat.
Check out my blog 31 Holy Sites In Jerusalem Not To Miss In 2024 (With Map).
Best Hotels Near the Dead Sea
Planning a trip to the iconic Dead Sea? Here are the best hotels to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.
Nevo by Isrotel Collection
Nevo by Isrotel Collection is a 5-star hotel on the Dead Sea with luxury spa facilities, including a sulphur pool, sauna, and massage rooms. The hotel has spacious rooms with sea views, an outdoor pool, gym, private beach, and kids’ playroom. Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant, and WiFi is free.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Nevo by Isrotel Collection!
Herbert Samuel Milos Dead Sea
Herbert Samuel Milos Dead Sea in Ein Bokek offers beachfront accommodations with an outdoor pool, garden, and bar. It has a restaurant, free bikes, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. The hotel provides 24-hour front desk service, room service, and currency exchange. Rooms are air-conditioned with flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and free WiFi.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Herbert Samuel Milos Dead Sea!
Noga by Isrotel Collection
Noga by Isrotel Collection is near the Dead Sea, just a short walk from the beach. It has indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and free WiFi. Breakfast offers a variety of options, and the rooms have private bathrooms. The hotel is 1.5 hours from Jerusalem.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Noga by Isrotel Collection!
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Dead Sea is truly an unforgettable experience. From floating effortlessly on its salty waters to indulging in the healing powers of its mineral-rich mud, there’s something special for everyone.
Whether you’re exploring its biblical history or soaking in the sun on its beaches, the Dead Sea offers a mix of relaxation, natural wonders, and historical intrigue. It’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting Israel or Jordan.
Check out my blog 31 BEST Things To Do In Jerusalem: A Must-See Guide For 2025!
