The Dead Sea, known as the saltiest body of water on the planet, is definitely one of the most incredible places you will ever visit. Its uniqueness attracts millions of people from all over the world who come for a vacation at the Dead Sea each year.
Accessible from both Israel and Jordan, our trip took us to the Israeli side of the Dead Sea. These tips for visiting the Dead Sea and its surroundings will definitely elevate your trip to the lowest point on earth. With that said, here are a few things we wish someone would have told us before visiting the Dead Sea for the first time.
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Best time to visit the Dead Sea
While you can swim in the Dead Sea all year, there are definitely months that are more appropriate, depending on what you want to do. The climate of the region is different from the rest of Israel and makes it unique! The temperature of the water ranges between 22 to 35 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable year-round.
The summer months (June – July – August) have the lowest chances of precipitations and are the hottest. The extreme heat of August attracts fewer tourists which can be a good thing. If you want to hike in Ein Gedi or visit Masada, it might be better to come at a cooler time of the year.
The beginning of the fall (September – October) has many important Jewish holidays (Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot and Yom Kippur). The hotels are full and prices rise during this time. The end of October and November, are the least crowded months, and prices should drop significantly.
During the winter (December – January – February) the overall weather is comfortable. The temperature of the sea is higher than the temperature of the air which makes the water seems hot. We loved visiting in December!
The temperature during spring (March – April – May) is warm, and the rain is rare which makes it the perfect time for your Dead Sea vacation. However, it is also the busiest season for tourists. It all depends on your style of travel!
How to get there: Tel-Aviv to the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is located about 2-3 hours drive from Tel-Aviv and 1:30 from Jerusalem. The easiest (and recommended) way to get there if you want to stay overnight is to rent a car! You will enjoy the flexibility of visiting the different natural attractions and beaches at your own rhythm.
Going with a guided tour is the most affordable way to go as a backpacker. The tours start from either Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem or Eilat (in the north). This is what we chose the first time we visited the Dead Sea years ago. Most tours will include the Sunrise of Masada, a hike in Ein Gedi as well as 2 hours visit of the Dead Sea and cost approximately $60 for 10 hours.
READ: Best Things to do in Tel Aviv!
Healing Benefits of the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is a unique place where you will float in a way you’ve never felt before. The sea is called ‘Dead’ because its high salt contents prevent any type of aquatic organisms to grow.
There are no fish or plants in the Dead Sea, only a lot of salt and the famous mud!
Its salt-rich water full of vitamins and minerals is known for its healing benefits on the skin. It is used by many people to heal different skin problems and rheumatic diseases. The Dead Sea is also a natural treatment hub of heliotherapy (use of natural sunlight) for people suffering from Psoriasis
Being almost 400 meters below sea level, the sun’s UV radiation are filtered and weakened before reaching your skin. This makes it less harmful to sunbathe for longer period of time, compared to other places in the world.
The worldwide known Dead Sea mud can be found on certain beaches, on the northern side of the Dead Sea. It is full of minerals and will make your skin feels soft, as well as soothe any dryness or itchiness. Simply take the mud, and coat your body, head to toe. Once the mud dries, rinse it off. You will see and feel the instant change in your skin. The mud is sold all around the world for inflated prices but is available in unlimited quantity at the Dead Sea itself.
Dead Sea beaches
The Dead Sea is divided into two sections: north and south.
The north side of the Dead Sea is where you can find the famous mud right on the shore. While there use to be more beaches on the north side, the sinkholes that appeared in the last year make it dangerous to access the beaches. There are only two beaches open on the north side of the Dead Sea today:
Kalia Beach
Kalia Beach is located on the northwest tip and the entry fee costs $30. It usually gets very crowded as it is the first beach you reach from Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem. It has all the amenities you need such as changing rooms and showers.
Ein Gedi Beach Spa
Located close to Ein Gedi, the Ein Gedi Beach Spa has an entry fee of $20. It is, however, free if you stay at the Ein Gedi Hotel. There is a shuttle from the entrance to the shore of the sea where you can find all the needed amenities.
The shore on the south side of the Dead Sea is covered in salt. This is the place to take beautiful pictures, and it’s free!
Ein Bokek Beach (our favorite)
The Ein Bokek Beach is where most hotels are concentrated. Swimming here is free and very comfortable, offering all the amenities needed! A little bit south of the hotels in Ein Bokek, you will find the beautiful formation of salt. While they are really painful to walk on, they make incredible pictures!
Segregated Beach
The segregated beach is free of cost and is used by the religious community. It is divided by a long and tall wall to separate the women from the men’s section. It is located right next to the Herods Hotel and where you can find the famous Dead Sea tree pictured below!
What to wear in the Dead Sea (things you should bring)
- Don’t wear your favorite swimsuit! The high concentration of salt in the water will ruin the elastics and fade the color. Make sure to rinse it well in freshwater after. There are showers available on all Dead Sea beaches.
- Sunscreen! The naturally low location of the Dead Sea and its far distance from the sun has made it so that the sun rays are actually less harmful than usual. However, the sun (especially in the summer) is still dangerous to your skin so always wear sunscreen!
- Bring some cheap flip-flops or sandals. Certain parts of the Dead Sea like Ein Bokek beach are covered with sharp salt and it can be painful to walk on it. Bring sandals so you can walk freely and comfortably on the salt.
- Bring a camera, of course. The Dead Sea is such a unique place and you might want to commemorate the memories and time you spent there.
- Don’t forget to never splash water around or get water in your eyes, it will be extremely painful! You should also not shave for a couple of days before going.
Where to Stay at the Dead Sea
There are many different types of accommodation in this area, to fit different budgets!
Ein Bokek
The southern part of the Dead Sea has countless hotels on the shores of Ein Bokek. These luxury hotels are quite expensive because they are located in front of the beach! You can either choose the all-inclusive format, half board or simply the stay. There are many restaurants in Ein Bokek you can go to!
Ein Gedi
The best inland accommodation is definitely the Ein Gedi Hotel, which is located inside the Ein Gedi Kibbutz! This oasis offers beautiful gardens and impressive mountain views on the Judean Desert. Located 5 minutes from the Ein Gedi Spa, and 25 minutes from Ein Bokek, it is a much more affordable option, while still offering a luxurious stay! The Synergy Spa has its own saltwater pool, a dry and wet sauna, as well as a heated freshwater pool! You will also get the entrance to the Ein Gedi Spa for free while staying at Ein Gedi Hotel.
The most affordable option is the Ein Gedi Youth Hostel (perfect for backpackers)! You can also find private guesthouses and Airbnbs in other areas that might be what you’re looking for. For places located far from Ein Bokek, there will be no restaurants available. You should make sure your hotel includes meals!
If reading this has made you want to visit this natural phenomenon, you shouldn’t wait too long. Indeed, the shores of the Dead Sea are receding at a rate of 4 feet every year, making its shape shrink more and more. This is largely due to the governments of multiple countries exploiting and mismanaging the natural resources without stricter quota, as well as diverting water from the Jordan River. We hope things will change in the next years so future generations can enjoy its benefits as well
Israel is a small country with a very diverse climate, and the Dead Sea is definitely our favorite destination. We even included it on our Top 10 Travel Bucketlist! From the Sea to the fortress of Masada and the oasis of Ein Gedi! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing trip or a hiking adventure, we are sure you will enjoy your Dead Sea vacation.
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