Visiting the Dead Sea, Israel: Getting Muddy and Floating Around Effortlessly!

One of the highlights of my time in Israel was the chance to visit the Dead Sea. Sure, getting muddy and floating in the salty waters is something that people have been doing for hundreds if not thousands of years, but I wanted to put things to the test – would I sink or would I float? After all, I had been on a food tour for the past 4 days where I was being offered generous platefuls of Middle Eastern food before I had even had the chance to digest the previous meal!

Our outing that day began with a drive to Masada where we visited an ancient fortification atop the plateau, however, the only thing I had on my mind were the blue waters calling me down below. After a very hot morning in the desert, you can bet I was ready for a little soak in this rather unique spot.

So what makes the Dead Sea so special?

For starters, the Dead Sea is located 423 meters below sea level, which means it has the lowest land elevation in the world. This translates to a very long drive downhill and an extremely salty lake at the end of it all.

The vast majority of seawater has a salinity of between 3.1% and 3.8%, but here in the Dead Sea that number rises to a whopping 33.7%!  This is because the quantity of water that evaporates from the Dead Sea is greater than that which flows into it, giving it one of the highest concentrations of salt in the world.

That makes the Dead Sea almost ten times saltier than the ocean, and lucky for us weak swimmers, that means we float like corks!

As for its name, the Dead Sea is called that because no life can survive in it. This isn’t the place to go snorkeling or diving; not that you’d want to get your face underwater to begin with. But while the fish may be long gone, travellers in search of health benefits are flocking to the shores.

My Experience Visiting The Dead Sea

My first order of business once I reached the Dead Sea was getting dirty! After tying my hair back, I found the buckets of mud, reached in to scoop a handful of the black goo, and began smearing it all over my body. I was never one of those kids who enjoyed getting dirty or playing in puddles after the rain, so I tell you, this was very uncharacteristic for me. But when in Israel...

If you’re still not convinced about getting all dirty, wait until you hear the benefits of it! The minerals in the Dead Sea are believed to cure or help alleviate the symptoms of skin problems such as psoriasis and rheumatic diseases like arthritis. While I don’t have any health problems like those, I have to admit that my skin felt so much better undergoing a little mud treatment. After rinsing off (with fresh water) my face felt baby smooth.

While I only visited the Dead Sea for the day, it is possible to plan an entire holiday out here. This region has become a bit of tourism hot spot with many hotels and guesthouses popping up near the water’s shores. However, if you are short for time, you can opt for a day trip to one of the spas. I went to Mineral Beach, and while you do have to pay to go in, it’s worth it for the experience.

Now here are a few tips for your visit to the Dead Sea:

• Do not, I repeat, do not get any water in your eyes. Regular sea water burns enough and this is ten times worse.
• Do not shave for a couple of days before your visit. If you do, it will burn.
• Wear an old bathing suit as the mud and salt water combination can be a bit rough on the fabric.
• Bring some reading material if you want a cool photo like the one above with the guy floating as he reads a magazine.
• Consider wearing water shoes or flip flops in the water; some of the rocks and crystallized salt can be a little harsh on the feet.
• Don’t forget to lather yourself with handfuls of thick, black mud.

Now here is a short little video of the outing:

Planning the Perfect DIY Dead Sea Adventure

Because the Dead Sea straddles the borders of Israel, Jordan and the West Bank, there are multiple entry points, each with its own vibe and price tag. Below is a quick‑fire breakdown to help you decide which access suits your budget, schedule and tolerance for crowds.

Tip: If you’re self‑driving down Highway 90, take advantage of the scenic lookout signs—sunrise over the Moab Mountains is spectacular and costs exactly zero shekels.

Choose Your Base Camp: North, Center, or South?

Tip: Roads 1, 90, and 31 form a neat loop through the Judean Desert. If you rent a car, start at sunrise from Jerusalem, descend via Route 1, hug the shore on 90, then climb back to the highlands on 31 in time for sunset over the biblical wilderness.

Transport Options (Ranked Cheapest to Cushiest)

1. Egged Bus #486 or #444 – Comfortable coaches departing Jerusalem Central Station about every 60–90 minutes. Buy tickets online (≈ ₪40 each way). Disembark at Kalia, Ein Gedi, or Ein Bokek depending on your plan.

2. Rented Car – From ₪160/day including insurance if booked in advance. Gives you freedom to detour to Qumran or lookouts. Keep at least half a tank of petrol; there’s only one 24‑hour gas station south of Ein Gedi.

3. Shared Sherut Taxi – Informal minivans that leave when full. Slightly pricier than the bus but will drop you at hotel doorsteps. Handy for night transfers after buses stop.

4. Private Driver / Gett App – Expect ₪600–1,000 return from Jerusalem. Worth it only if you’re traveling as a family or shooting a drone video schedule that demands precision.

The Post‑Float Routine

1. Rinse in the freshwater showers immediately. Procrastination = crusty salt flakes in places you didn’t know existed.

2. Slather on a neutral moisturiser. Skip anything heavily scented; the pores are wide open and fragrances can sting.

3. Drink another half‑litre of water. The float acts like a diuretic—you’ll thank me on the bus ride home.

4. Wait 24 hours before jewellery resumes. Rings can tarnish if microscopic salt crystals lodge in tiny crevices.

Pair It With Nearby Sights

If you’re already southbound, why not knit the Dead Sea into a full‑day (or weekend) loop?

• Masada Sunrise Ascent – Start the Snake Path hike at 4 a.m., summit for a minimalist desert dawn, then cool off in the Dead Sea by 10 a.m.

• Ein Gedi Nature Reserve – A 25‑minute hop from Ein Bokek. Hike to David’s Waterfall, spot ibex perched on ochre cliffs, then soak your tired calves in buoyant water.

• Qumran Caves – Where the Dead Sea Scrolls hid for two millennia. A quick archaeological fix before lunch.

Safety Nuggets To Consider

• Flip Over Like a Turtle—Slowly. Rolling from back‑float to standing should be a deliberate three‑step manoeuvre. Jerky motion can catapult saline straight into your eyes or nose.

• Skip the Shave Rule Applies to Faces Too. Gentlemen: five‑o’clock shadow can sizzle just as much as freshly shaved calves.

• Asthmatics & Contact‑Lens Wearers: Pack inhalers and spare lenses. The heavy bromide‑rich air sometimes feels thick, and lenses can crystalise at the edges.

• Kids Under Eight? Tread carefully. Their instinct is to splash and that’s a recipe for tears.

FAQs at a Glance

Q: Can I sink if I stop paddling?
A: Practically impossible. The high salinity boosts your body density above that of the water.

Q: How long should I stay in?
A: Locals recommend 10–15 minutes per dip, with a freshwater rinse and shade break in between.

Q: Is the mud edible?
A: Only if you fancy an emergency dental visit—but it is mineral‑rich for your skin.

Q: What’s the best season?
A: October–April has tolerable temps (23–28 °C) and fewer sandstorms. July–August can exceed 40 °C and the shore feels like a frying pan.

Timing Your Dip for Maximum Bliss

• Early Birds (7–11 a.m.) – Cooler temps, silky calm water, and soft side‑lighting for Instagram shots. Lifeguards typically clock in at 8 a.m., but you can wade cautiously before then if beach access gates are open.

• Siesta Float (12–3 p.m.) – The water feels like a giant thermal bath; however, UV index goes into the “roast chicken” zone. Slather SPF 50 every 90 minutes and retreat to shaded hammocks between dips.

• Golden Hour (4–6 p.m.) – Bougainvillea‑pink sunsets behind the Moab Mountains. Many day‑tour crowds have already scuttled back to Jerusalem, gifting you near‑private serenity.

The Non‑Negotiable Packing List

Troubleshooting Common Glitches

Overnight Itinerary Example: “Desert Calm in 36 Hours”

 Have you ever been to the Dead Sea?