The Dead Sea has always been one of the top places on my bucket list. In June 2017, while I was visiting Israel with my best friend, we decided to go spend a day there and finally check it off our lists! It was absolutely amazing and I truly believe that everyone should experience it at least once in their lives. Here are a few fun facts you may want to know before visiting the Dead Sea.
Fun Facts
- The Dead Sea and its surroundings stand at more than 400 meters below sea level!!
- With approximately 33% salinity, the Dead Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. This makes it easy for people to float around effortlessly.
- There is no marine life in this sea. Only minuscule quantities of bacteria are present.
- The Dead Sea is boarded by Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west.
- The Climate of the Dead Sea is very warm and dry all year round!
How to get there
My friend and I were in Jerusalem for a few days when we decided to go float around the Dead Sea. Our original plan was to take the 11:30 am bus out of Jerusalem Central Bus Station but we got lost on our way there (oops!). We ended up taking the 12:30 bus instead (and even had time for a bit of Israeli food before the drive!). I was never a fan of bus rides (I prefer trains) but this one was surprisingly enjoyable.
The trip costs about 35 shekels (Israeli currency) and took almost 2 hours. The bus took us through the desert, through fields of palm trees and alongside the Dead Sea. The views were breathtaking. We also came across a few villages in the middle of nowhere!! These villages only had a few houses, one school, one church, and one store. It is so crazy to me that some people live there. It makes me realize how different our realities are.
Anyways, after that (almost 2 hours) bus ride we finally arrived at the free public beach. When we got off the bus, we were hit by an intense heatwave (I even lost my breath for a few seconds.. it was 46 degrees Celsius!!!). The first thing we did was run inside a little shop to buy sunscreen, buy drinking water, and change into our swimsuits. We then walked to the beach, found a spot in the shade for our bags and clothes, and rushed in the water. Floating around was such a fun experience (we felt like 2 kids on Christmas morning!). However, there are a few things I wish I knew before my little day trip to the Dead Sea. Here are the most important ones:
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- We can see Israel on one side (with the buildings)…
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- … and Jordan on the other side!!
Important things to know:
- DO NOT submerge your head under the water. If you get water in your eyes or mouth you have to immediately go rinse it off with clear water. I got a little drop of water in my eye (even though I was wearing sunglasses) and it was extremely painful. My contact lens even fell out.. I could only see out of one eye for the rest of the day (I didn’t have my glasses with me)… rookie mistake!
- DO NOT shave for a few days before swimming in the Dead Sea. The amount of salt in the water will make every little cut you have on your body burn like crazy! I learned that lesson the hard way (and let me tell you it was not pleasant at all). Do not worry ladies, no one will notice your hairy legs (haha!!).
- It is important to go shower as soon as you exit the water. Although they say that the Dead Sea has many benefits for the skin, you don’t want to keep that layer of salt on your body. I recommend doing the same thing with your clothes (if it has been submerged in saltwater). I brought my Toms shoes to the beach and they got saltwater all over them. By the time I was back at the hostel, they were rock solid!! It was very funny but I had to buy new shoes for the remainder of my trip (rookie mistake once again). I suggest wearing flip flops or sandals.
The mud: a must-do!!
We got out of the water after about an hour and decided to try the mud. There was a kiosk on the beach that was selling Dead Sea mud for a few shekels. If you are afraid of getting dirty, this mud is definitely not for you. If, however, you want to try it, you will see how smooth and nice your skin feels afterward!! It is a really cool experience. After cleaning off the mud and changing back in our clothes, we walked around and bought a few souvenirs while waiting for the bus.
Once we got back to the hostel we were exhausted and ready for bed. We had a good night of sleep and were ready for our next adventure!!
If I had to pick my favorite thing about the Dead Sea I would probably have to say the silence and peace I felt when I was there. In my mind, I thought this place would be very loud, busy, and full of tourists. I was pleasantly surprised to realize it was nothing like I thought. Although there are many hotels (gorgeous ones) and spas, the public beach is very quiet and it makes the experience even more special and unforgettable.
Israel, Jerusalem, Middle East, Dead Sea
nice post! thanks for the tips!
Author
Hi Samantha. Hopefully the tips were helpful! Thank you for your comment! 🙂
Annick xxx
Israel is top of my bucket list but I am hesitant to go there because of the things I hear on the news almost everyday. How was your experience?
I love the tips you gave about Dead Sea btw. Thanks!
Author
Hi Melissa! To be honest with you, I spend almost 1 month in Israel in 2017 and I loved every second of it. It is an amazing country full of history and culture and amazing food! You should absolutely go!!! 🙂
Annick xxx
This was Awesome! 🙂
Author
Hi Anth! Thank you so much!!
Annick xxx
Wow, it looks really beautiful there. I’d love to go someday but so far I’ve only been able to travel within the U.S. but I’ve always wanted to visit other countries. One time I shaved right before getting into a swimming pool and I guess it was the chlorine maybe but it burned like crazy lol…I learned a lesson that day. I never shave my legs if I’m getting into any kind of water…whether it’s salty or not. lol.
Author
Hi Kristy! yes it was indeed beautiful. It is so funny to hear about your shaving stories!! Once it happens to us we definitely learn our lesson.. (and no one notices hairy legs anyways haha!). Honestly, the U.S. is so big and beautiful! It is a perfect way to start travelling! I am sure that one day you will be able to visit other countries! Thank you for your comment! 🙂
Annick xxx
Thanks for posting this. I was supposed to go to Israel last year, and wasn’t able to make it. The Dead Sea was at the top of my list. I would never have thought to rinse off right after getting out. I would have thought that the salt water would have good healing properties. Thanks so much for the tips.
Author
Hello!! I thought the same thing before.. but the water is so dense and it has a very oily texture!! Definitely need to rinse as soon as you get out!! Thank you for the comment! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to float in the Dead Sea! The important things to note are very helpful, I would probably have never thought to not shave before going!
Author
Hi Sydney!! Hopefully you will get to go one day!! It’s amazing!! 🙂
Sounds like you had fun and lovely photos. It’s the my dream to visit this place too.
Author
Hello! Thank you so much! You should definitely visit it! It’s like a dream 🙂
This is so cool! I have always wanted to go there but I would’ve never thought about doing these precautionary things! I would’ve shaved that morning and I cringe on how painful that would be! That’s really awesome that it was tranquil and serene because I pictured it like a busy beach! I am so excited to take a trip there! Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
Author
Hello Whitney! I am so happy that these tips were helpful! I hope you get to travel there and experience the same things!! Thank you for your comment! 🙂
This looks like such an incredible experience! Just another place to put on my travel bucket list!
Author
Hi Shannon! Yes, it should absolutely be on everyones bucket list!!! It is incredible!
What a great and unique place to visit — I remember learning about the Dead Sea in geography when I was a kid and thinking how cool it must be to visit there.
Looks like an incredible experience! x
Michelle
dressingwithstyle-s.com
Author
Hey Michelle! Yes it is definitely an unforgettable experience! I remember learning about it in school too haha!! Thank you for your comment 🙂
This looks so amazing!! I would love to visit here one day!!
Author
Hi Brittney! It was amazing!! I hope you get to visit one day 🙂 You will love it!
Looks like you had a great time! I wish I knew how to swim. I’m terrified. I wouldn’t mind visiting just to experience this place. Grear tips!
Author
Hi Anissa! The great thing about the Dead Sea is that everyone floats! So I don’t even think you need to be able to swim to enjoy it! 🙂
That panoramic shot is incredible! I have always wanted to visit Israel and the Dead Sea is on my list.
Author
Hey Kate! Thank you! The sunset that night was absolutely stunning.. I had to capture it! You should totally go to Israel it is a beautiful country! 🙂
Israel looks amazing! This is very cool and so many fun facts I DID NOT KNOW!
Author
Hey Stephanie! Israel is amazing!! I’m glad you like my fun facts and tips and tricks! ?
This trip looks amazing! Love all the beautiful pictures. Memories to last a lifetime, I’m sure.
Author
Hello Brandi! Thank you for your comment! Yes indeed, memories do last a lifetime ?
this sounds like so much fun! I would imagine the salt has a very dehydrating effect on the body as well. love you swim suit!
Author
Hey Tara! Yes, the salt gives such a weird oily texture to the water and leaves your skin extremely dehydrated! Thank you for your comment ?
You have such a good way of describing your travels! We want to go soon! Amour, Grand-Maman et Grand-Papa
Author
Merci!!! Je vous aime ❤️