Dead Sea

البحر الميت

The lowest body of water on Earth at 1,410 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea offers unique therapeutic mineral-rich waters and stunning desert landscapes. Visitors can experience the buoyant, salt-saturated waters and relax at resort facilities along the Israeli shore.

Things to do

• Float in the Dead Sea — Experience the unique sensation of effortless floating in the world's saltiest body of water at 34.2% salinity, where your body naturally bobs on the surface.
• Ein Gedi Nature Reserve — Explore freshwater springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails through desert canyons with abundant wildlife and ancient cave dwellings.
• Mud therapy at resort beaches — Apply nutrient-rich mineral mud from the Dead Sea floor to your skin, then rinse off in the healing waters for therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.
• Masada National Park — Hike or cable-car up to the ancient fortress overlooking the Dead Sea with panoramic views and significant historical significance.
• Dead Sea Scrolls Museum visit — View facsimiles and learn about the ancient Jewish texts discovered in nearby Qumran caves, foundational to biblical scholarship.
• Desert landscape photography — Capture the otherworldly terrain of salt formations, mineral deposits, and stark desert beauty surrounding the lowest point on Earth.
• Mineral spa treatments — Indulge in professional Dead Sea salt scrubs, mineral baths, and therapeutic massage at resort facilities using locally-sourced ingredients.

Food to try

• Mezze platter — A traditional Levantine spread of hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, falafel, and fresh pita bread reflecting Palestinian and Israeli culinary traditions.
• Grilled fish from the Dead Sea — Fresh tilapia and other local fish caught from the Dead Sea, simply grilled with lemon and served at waterfront restaurants.
• Za'atar bread with olive oil — Flatbread topped with the aromatic Middle Eastern spice blend of thyme, sesame, and sumac, drizzled with premium local olive oil.
• Shakshuka — Eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce with peppers and herbs, a hearty breakfast dish common throughout the Jordan Valley region.
• Mineral water spa experience — Sampling the therapeutic mineral water served chilled at resort spas, believed to have healing properties from the Dead Sea's unique composition.

Local customs & good to know

• Sun protection is essential — The Dead Sea's high elevation and intense desert sun combined with reflective salt water require strong SPF sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to prevent severe burns.
• Respect water safety guidelines — Do not submerge your head, avoid getting salt water in eyes or open wounds, and limit floating time to 15-20 minutes as the high salinity can irritate skin.
• Modest dress expected — While swimwear is appropriate at designated beach areas, cover shoulders and knees when visiting nearby Palestinian communities or religious sites in the region.
• Hebrew and Arabic are primary languages — Learning basic greetings and numbers in both Hebrew (Israeli side) and Arabic (Jordanian/Palestinian areas) enhances interactions with local residents and vendors.