Your Complete Guide to Visiting the Dead Sea

One of the most incredible sites in the Holy Land, the Dead Sea is a destination you just can’t miss. Get ready for a lazy float in its salty, mineral-rich waters. Read on for your complete travel guide to visiting the Dead Sea.

All About the Dead Sea

Widely known as the lowest accessible place on earth (1,412 feet below sea level), the Dead Sea lies in a deep crack in the earth’s surface. It is not a sea at all, but rather a lake. Fed from the Jordan River in the north, the sun’s intense heat causes rapid evaporation, leaving a concentrated mixture of salt and minerals in the water.

Over many thousands of years, the accumulation has just gotten stronger.

The salt content of the water is ten times higher more than most oceans. It’s extreme salinity results in almost no life being able to survive. Only tiny microbes can live in the water.

The Dead Sea rests between Israel and Jordan, and you can visit the sea from either country. The southernmost end is a vast expanse of salt flats, where salt is harvested as water no longer fully covers that area.

A disheartening fact about the Dead Sea is that it’s drying up. Water from the Jordan is being siphoned off for various purposes, mostly for agricultural uses, leaving very little to feed the sea.

Officials are discussing bringing in water from the Red Sea to save this marvel from disappearing altogether.

Expert Tip: There is so much to see in Israel! Read up on what to see here: Can’t-Miss Places to Visit in Israel, Besides Jerusalem.

Getting There

The main access point from Israel is Ein Bokek, a 1 ½ hour drive from Jerusalem. It’s most convenient to visit the Dead Sea as a day trip from Jerusalem. However, it’s possible to travel from Tel Aviv (about 2 ½ hours one way) if you are very short on time.

It’s nice to combine your visit to the Dead Sea with another memorable attraction in the area. You could see one of the following in addition to the sea:

• Masada, ruins of an ancient fortress built by King Herod, that overlooks over the Dead Sea
• Ein Gedi Nature Preserve, a tranquil, lush sanctuary, fed by mountain streams, where the Biblical David hid from Saul
• Qumran, a small museum and outdoor preserve that commemorates where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947

Another critical point is only to use recommended swimming areas at the Dead Sea. Due to shrinking waters, dangerous sinkholes have opened up along some of the northern beaches, and some places are closed for safety.

Expert Tip: You don’t have to rent a car to explore Israel, but it makes your sightseeing more efficient. Rent from a company you know, and take a thorough video of the vehicle before you drive off the lot. And be a (very) defensive driver!

What to Bring

When packing to visit the Dead Sea, what should you bring along?

• A swimsuit
• A towel (maybe an extra, too)
• Water shoes
• Mud
• Drinking water

Obviously, you’ll need a swimsuit and towel, but you can skip the sunscreen for this beach visit. Because of its extremely low elevation, the sun’s rays are much weaker than usual, and sunscreen is unnecessary.

However, you will need a few other unusual items. Water shoes help because the edge of the shoreline is filled with sharp salt crystals. We used free hotel slippers once because most travelers don’t have water shoes in their luggage. Or, just grin and bear it.

If you have Keen’s or other expensive outdoor sandals, I would think twice about wearing them in the Dead Sea. The high mineral content gives the water an oily feel, and the salt is very harsh. It may fade or damage new shoes. If your shoes have walked many miles, then go for it.

I also recommend bringing extra towels. If you get out and want to grab your phone, etc. you will need to dry your hands. But now your towel has salt on it. You can shower off later (showers are available at the beach) but if you dry yourself with your salty towel…you’re back to square one.

Mud is another thing I’d have on hand. Few areas have naturally-occurring Dead Sea mud these days. You can buy packets of mud in any souvenir shop in Israel. (more on mud later) Water is helpful to keep you hydrated, as well as to rinse the salt off if you accidentally get wet where you shouldn’t.

Expert Tip: Want to learn how to pack your toiletries bag when you don’t check luggage? Read The Surefire Way to Pack Your Toiletries Bag for a Long Trip in Just a Carry-On.

Enjoying the Water

The most important thing to remember about enjoying the water at the Dead Sea is that the high salinity is actually dangerous. You do NOT want that in your eyes, ears or nose. It will sting mightily!

So, NO swimming, splashing or horsing around in the Dead Sea!

Also, the buoyancy is such that it’s hard to get your feet under you. Your feet want to float, not hit bottom. People get accidentally turned on their stomachs and drown every year in the water.

Now that you’re adequately warned…floating in the Dead Sea is a fantastic experience!

As soon as you walk in, your calves want to rise, and you can just lean back and bob like a cork. Visitors love to get a photo of themselves reading a newspaper while floating in the water.

The water feels slightly oily because of the rich mineral content. Between the serene quiet of the sea, and the gorgeous views of the low, purple mountains in the distance, you may feel like you want to relax there for hours.

But it’s better to enjoy the water for a short time. (back to the warnings) Your body will quickly become dehydrated in the salty water. Go in for a while (maybe 20 min.), then get out and drink some water.

Another thing to remember is that any cuts on your body will burn due to the salt. Don’t shave the day of your swim, and be careful with young children. My son always had a few cuts or scrapes (as kids do), and the water was a painful experience!

I also wouldn’t bring toddlers or kids who can’t understand the importance of not getting water in your face.

Expert Tip: My favorite time to visit the sea is actually near sunset. But be aware this requires staying in the area or a long drive at night on unfamiliar roads.

Where to Stay and Eat

The Dead Sea is far away from major towns, and restaurants and shops are very limited in this area. There are a few cafes at Ein Bokek. Aroma Café or Café Greg would be my favorite choice. Like in all of Israel, be aware that some establishments are closed for Shabbat (Friday evening-Sat evening).

If you are looking for a hotel, Ein Bokek has several options, including chains known throughout Israel like Daniel, Isrotel and the Leonardo brands. Be prepared to pay a lot ($200 a night or more) for your stay, particularly in high season.

Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel & Spa

Daniel Dead Sea Hotel

Leoonardo Club Dead Sea Hotel

Leonardo Plaza Hotel Dead Sea

Leonardo Inn Dead Sea Hotel

Nearby are a few other options, including a hostel at the base of Masada and the Ein Gedi Hotel.

Expert Tip: The cafes mentioned above are kosher, dairy restaurants. Kosher laws include not eating meat at the same time as dairy. So, you will find fish but no meat. Think salads, hummus, pasta or pizza.

Other Considerations

What if you find yourself visiting the Dead Sea in the winter, when water temperatures are chilly? I would highly recommend a spa day at Synergy Spa at the Ein Gedi Hotel. They have an indoor pool with Dead Sea water with a beautiful view of the sea! You can enjoy that and the other spa’s amenities (a Turkish hammam, my fav!) for free if you book a spa treatment.

If you love camels, watch out for camel photo ops at the very northern tip of the Dead Sea, where Highway 1 and Road 90 meet. It’s entertaining to hop on a camel or get to see one up close, for a minimal fee (like $5).

Since the water is full of healthy minerals purported to heal and rejuvenate the body, mud surrounding the sea is also famous for its health benefits. Bring home some mud or skin/hand creams made with Dead Sea magic for the perfect souvenir.

The most luxurious brand, Ahava, has a factory and outlet store at the Dead Sea. You can buy these products all over Israel, as well. They are not cheap, though!

As you would expect in the desert, temperatures can get very hot in the summer months, past 100 F. And it will feel even hotter with humidity by the water. It’s best to visit in the spring or fall, but avoid Jewish holidays that bring crowds and higher prices.

Expert Tip: If you want to make a trip to the Holy Land possible, try some suggestions in How to Save Money So You Can Travel More.

A Recommended Itinerary

A great day at the Dead Sea could look like this:

• From Jerusalem, drive down early in the morning. Enjoy views of vast date farms in the Jordan valley.
• Take a camel photo at gas station/restaurant where you turn right to go around the Dead Sea.
• Spend a few hours enjoying the Dead Sea at Ein Bokek.
• Have lunch at Café Aroma. Shop at the stores at the Dead Sea (Ahava hand cream is the best).
• Drive north to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Follow Nahal David (David’s Stream) up towards the mountains to see a waterfall and watch animals scampering near the water. Ibex (wild goats) are often around.
• Drive back to Jerusalem. Arrive before dark if possible.

So that’s it! Plenty of information for you to have a safe, enjoyable visit to the Dead Sea. Put this on your bucket list and visit sooner than later!