The Dead Sea

For many people, a trip to Israel and the Dead Sea is high on their bucket list. Smearing yourself with the healing mud or floating in the water sounds like a unique experience, right?

The Dead Sea - where is it located? And why is it called 'dead'? This natural monument is certainly known to everyone as a fascinating body of water. Countless people travel here daily to experience this wonder. However, it is questionable whether the Dead Sea is still suitable for swimming and if the long tradition of delightful moments in the mud can continue. You will find information and much more in this article.

The Dead Sea borders Jordan, the West Bank, and Israel. It measures a depth of 1,406 feet below sea level, making it the lowest accessible point on Earth. Strictly speaking, the Dead Sea is not a sea at all but an endorheic salt lake.

The following map shows you the location of the Dead Sea and the surrounding airports in Jordan and Israel.

The easiest way to visit the Dead Sea is as part of a tour in Israel or Jordan tour. You can fly into Tel Aviv in Israel or Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan. The large city of Jerusalem is also located near the Dead Sea. You can find package deals for Jerusalem and the surrounding area with me.

Interestingly, the Dead Sea is called 'dead' because there are no living creatures found there, aside from a few microorganisms and algae. As a very salty body of water with around 30% salt content, it is regarded as a true wonder of the world. In comparison, the Mediterranean Sea has an average salt content of only about 3.8%.

With its bright blue color, the Dead Sea appears almost paradisiacal. Therefore, a dip in it is almost a must. However, you should not stay in the Dead Sea for longer than 30 minutes a day, as the salt well-known for stripping the body of fluid. So, don't forget to drink plenty of water during your visit.

The high salt content ensures that sinking in this lake is impossible. Your body is practically carried by it, floating on the surface. Somehow magical, don't you think?

You will already experience this phenomenon when you try to wade slowly into the water - with each step, you lose the ground beneath your feet. You can comfortably let yourself drift on the surface without having to move a fraction of an inch - even while reading a newspaper.

However, there are some important aspects to consider to avoid it becoming life-threatening: You should definitely avoid swallowing large amounts of water. Due to the high salt and mineral content, it can lead to life-threatening effects, and bodily functions can be impaired. Therefore, you should be especially cautious when entering the water and make calm movements.

The danger is greatest when you try to swim on your stomach. Diving is also unfortunately excluded in this case. At the official beaches, you should ideally stay only in the designated areas. This way, you can enjoy the salty fun in the Dead Sea.

For many, having a swimming experience in the Dead Sea is the ultimate dream and is at the top of their bucket list. However, this can now only occur at the few spots accessible to visitors. I will now present to you the most popular beaches at the Dead Sea that you can visit during a trip to Israel or Jordan.

The tourist town of Ein Bokek in Israel invites you to linger and relax at its beach on the western shore of the salt lake. Along the beachfront promenade, several hotels are lined up that also have direct access to the water; this beach is a favorite among tourists. Therefore, you should expect a lot of crowds depending on the season. Nonetheless, it is clean, well-maintained, and even free for beachgoers. After a refreshing swim and a good dose of mud, you can wash off with clear water on site.

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Kalia Beach is the northernmost beach at the Dead Sea. In a designated area, you can smear yourself with the famous mud and experience its healing effects.

Additionally, this beach is particularly attractive due to its environmental friendliness. Visitors are asked to strictly adhere to the rules. An entrance fee of about €15 is required at this beach. Arriving early is definitely worth it to avoid the crowds!

In Jordan, stretches of beach from which you can access the Dead Sea are quite scarce. One beach you can target is Amman Beach, located in the northern part of the salt lake. Access here is also subject to a fee. After you manage the steep staircase down to the beach, you can relax and enjoy your downtime in the salty water. The same conditions for a safe swim apply here as for other beach visits.

Many of you are surely familiar with the well-known Dead Sea face masks or bath salts that are said to help with skin impurities and soothe irritated skin. The desert climate causes the water to evaporate, leaving behind a mud source of highly concentrated salts and minerals that can help with skin diseases. This mud can provide relief for people with psoriasis and eczema.

You can test the healing effects right on site by smearing yourself with the dark mud of the Dead Sea. Just being in the mineral-rich air has a positive effect on a person - provided you also drink enough fluids. Feeling like you're reborn after a bath in the Dead Sea - that sounds like pure wellness, doesn't it?

Normally, in lakes, the inflow amount matches the evaporation rates, meaning that as much water flows in as evaporates. The Jordan River is the main inflow of the Dead Sea. Therefore, drying out the salt lake has not been possible until now, and the water level remained constant. However, this has not been the case for some years now. Neighboring countries are diverting water from the Jordan, so it does not reach the Dead Sea. Consequently, the lake is gradually shrinking - additionally, the water level is drastically dropping each year.

To counteract this, a 180 km pipeline is planned to reduce water scarcity and better supply the region in the Middle East with drinking water. Water is to be pumped from the Red Sea and transported to a desalination plant. The fresh water obtained will then supply both Israel and Jordan while simultaneously refilling the Dead Sea with excess saltwater. However, this is being critically discussed as the process simultaneously interferes with the ecosystem of the Red Sea, potentially with fatal outcomes.

Unfortunately, climate change is also a reason for the drying out of this fascinating place. The water retreats due to rising temperatures, causing the path for visitors from the beach to the sea to become increasingly longer. For your safety, follow the roads and pay attention to the warning signs posted along the shores. Nowadays, there are thousands of life-threatening sinkholes around the Dead Sea that can reach depths of up to 65 feet.

As you can see, the Dead Sea is more than just an unusual travel destination. It is also a very threatened body of water that may not exist in its current form in a few years if this process continues. Nevertheless, a trip to the Dead Sea is certainly unique and always worthwhile. If you've always dreamed of floating on the surface of the Dead Sea, then take a look at my other offers for Israel and Jordan!