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 breakdown to help you decide which access suits your budget, schedule and tolerance for crowds. If you’d rather skip the planning altogether, the Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem bundles cable car access to Masada with a float stop into one guided day, and the Masada, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea Tour adds a stop at the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve for those who want a hike alongside the float.

Worth knowing before you go: the Dead Sea has been dropping roughly a meter a year for decades, and the retreating water has left sinkholes along parts of the old shoreline. That’s why Ein Gedi’s beach and spa — once a popular access point — have been closed for years, and it’s why Mineral Beach, mentioned earlier in this piece, no longer operates. Every beach still listed below is currently open and monitored, but it’s worth sticking to marked, official access points rather than wandering onto an abandoned-looking stretch of shore.

Tip: If you’re self-driving down Highway 90, take advantage of the scenic lookout signs — sunrise over the Moab Mountains is worth the stop, and it’s free.

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

Tip: Roads 1, 90, and 31 form a 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 wilderness.

Transport Options (Ranked Cheapest to Cushiest)

1. Egged Bus #486 or #444 – Coaches departing Jerusalem Central Station about every 60–90 minutes. Buy tickets online (≈ ₪40 each way). Get off 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 need to hit specific spots on a tight schedule.

The Post-Float Routine

1. Rinse in the freshwater showers immediately. Wait too long and you’ll find 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 want the extra water on the 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, it’s easy to 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 short drive from Ein Bokek. Hike to David’s Waterfall, spot ibex perched on ochre cliffs, then drive on to Ein Bokek or Kalia for the float itself, since Ein Gedi’s own beach has been closed for years.
• Qumran Caves – Where the Dead Sea Scrolls hid for two millennia. A quick archaeological stop 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 send saline straight into your eyes or nose.
• The Skip-the-Shave Rule Applies to Faces Too. A day-old shave can sting just as much as freshly shaved calves.
• Asthmatics & Contact-Lens Wearers: Pack inhalers and spare lenses. The bromide-rich air can feel heavy, and lenses sometimes crystalise at the edges.
• Kids Under Eight? Watch them closely. Their instinct is to splash, and that’s exactly what stings the most.

Timing Your Dip

• Early Birds (7–11 a.m.) – Cooler temps, calm water, and soft light. Lifeguards typically start at 8 a.m., but you can wade cautiously before then if beach access gates are open.
• Midday (12–3 p.m.) – The water feels like a warm bath, but the UV index climbs fast. Reapply SPF 50 every 90 minutes and retreat to shade between dips.
• Golden Hour (4–6 p.m.) – Pink sunsets behind the Moab Mountains, and most day-tour crowds have already headed back to Jerusalem.

The Non-Negotiable Packing List

Quick Fixes for Common Mishaps

Overnight Itinerary Example: “Desert Calm in 36 Hours”

Dead Sea, Israel — 12-Question FAQ

1) What makes the Dead Sea so special?

The Dead Sea sits about 423 m below sea level (the lowest land elevation on Earth) and is ~33.7% salinity — roughly ten times saltier than the ocean. That extreme salinity boosts your buoyancy so you float effortlessly, but it also means no marine life and extra care needed for eyes and skin.

2) Will I really float without trying?

Yes. The water’s density makes sinking practically impossible. Lie back gently, keep your head above water, and enjoy the cork-like float.

3) Where should I go for my first dip?

Easy, well-serviced options include:

• Ein Bokek Public Beach (free, showers, promenade).
• Kalia Beach (closest to Jerusalem; mud stations, fee applies).
• Neve Midbar (restaurant, shaded cabanas, fee applies). Pick based on time, budget, and amenities — Ein Bokek is great for a no-frills first float, while Kalia and Neve Midbar add comfort like shade and mud stations. Note that Ein Gedi’s own Dead Sea beach has been closed for years due to sinkholes, so it’s not an option here even though the nature reserve above it is still open for hiking.

4) What’s the best time of year to visit?

October–April offers comfortable temperatures and clearer air. July–August can exceed 40 °C; plan early morning or late-day dips, seek shade, and hydrate aggressively.

5) How long should I stay in the water?

Locals suggest 10–15 minutes per session, then rinse in freshwater, rehydrate, and rest in shade. Repeat if you like, but don’t overdo it — salt plus sun is dehydrating.

6) Is the famous “black mud” worth it?

Yes. The mineral-rich mud leaves skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Apply a thin layer, let it dry a few minutes, and rinse with freshwater (not the sea). Avoid eyes and lips.

7) Any safety do’s and don’ts?

Do not get water in your eyes or mouth. Do not shave for 48 hours beforehand. Enter and stand up slowly (roll from back-float like a turtle). Wear water shoes — salt crystals and rocks are sharp. Keep cuts covered (petroleum jelly helps).

8) What should I pack?

Old swimsuit, water shoes/flip-flops, 2 L of water, broad-brim hat, UV shirt, SPF 50, sunglasses, wet wipes, small dry bag for phone/camera, and a light moisturizer for after.

9) How do I get there without a tour?

From Jerusalem, take Egged buses #486 or #444 to Kalia, Neve Midbar, or Ein Bokek; rent a car for flexibility on Highway 90; or hire a shared sherut or private driver if you’re short on time. Driving also lets you pair the sea with Masada or a hike at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve the same day.

10) Can I make it a full day or overnight trip?

Absolutely. Popular combos: Masada sunrise plus a Dead Sea float, or an Ein Gedi Nature Reserve hike plus a float at Ein Bokek or Kalia afterward. For overnight, base at Ein Bokek or Neve Zohar for spa hotels and easy beach access.

11) What if I get salt in my eyes or mouth?

Use your freshwater bottle to gently rinse eyes — don’t rub. If you swallow some, spit immediately and sip plain water. Take a break in the shade and rehydrate.

12) Any quick photo tips for that classic “floating with a newspaper” shot?

Shoot during early morning or golden hour for soft light and calm water. Float on your back, knees slightly bent, newspaper or magazine held high. A friend should frame you with the Moab Mountains or salt formations for context.

 Have you ever been to the Dead Sea?