Exploring the Dead Sea's Healing Waters

The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth - about 430 meters below sea level - and so salty (roughly 34%) that you float without trying. The water is rich in magnesium, potassium and bromine, which is why people have come here to soak since Herod's day. It's not a beach holiday in the usual sense; it's a short, strange, wonderful ritual: float, cover yourself in black mineral mud, rinse, repeat.

Where to float

Almost all visitors base themselves in Ein Bokek, the hotel strip on the southwestern shore with free public beaches, showers and lifeguards. Ein Gedi, further north, combines a public beach with the famous nature reserve next door. A few things to know: the water stings any small cut (skip shaving the day of), keep it out of your eyes and mouth, and don't try to swim on your stomach - flip onto your back and relax. Limit each float to about 10-15 minutes and drink plenty of water.

The mud

The black Dead Sea mud, sold worldwide in jars, is free here: public beaches often have mud stations, or buy a packet at any beach shop. Coat your skin, let it dry 10 minutes in the sun, then rinse in the sea. The minerals leave skin noticeably softer - it's the world's oldest spa treatment.

Combine it with

The Dead Sea sits in a corridor of heavy hitters: Masada (15 minutes from Ein Bokek - go for sunrise), Ein Gedi's waterfall trails, and the Qumran caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. A comfortable loop is sunrise at Masada, a late-morning hike in Ein Gedi, and an afternoon float when you're ready to just lie back.

Practical tips

The area is 1.5 hours from Jerusalem by car or bus. Shade is scarce, so plan beach time for morning or late afternoon in summer. Flip-flops are essential - the salt-crusted shore is sharp. Most Ein Bokek hotels have their own spa and private beach access; day visitors can use the free public sections. Note the sea level drops about a meter a year, so beaches move - follow the signed access points.