The Ultimate Guide to the Dead Sea in Israel
Read our travel guide on the Dead Sea in Israel. Includes best things to do, how to get, where to stay, when to go, or if it's worth visiting.
Located between Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea is not like any other place in the world.
And swimming in the Dead Sea is one of those once in a lifetime travel experiences that are on every traveler's bucket list.
As a matter of fact, the Dead Sea is almost ten times saltier than the ocean, and it's rich in minerals and mud that have healing qualities.
Therefore, it's not very surprising that the Dead Sea is one of the top attractions in Israel and consequently in the whole region.
Regardless of whether you want to go to the Dead Sea on a day trip from Jerusalem or wish to stay in a luxury resort in Ein Bokek for a week, you'll have a great time there.
The best part about visiting the Dead Sea is that it offers more things to do than meets the eye.
Planning the Dead Sea trip is not overly complicated, but there are some things you should know before you go, as it's not as straightforward as driving along the Dead Sea Highway in Jordan.
So even though visiting the Dead Sea in Israel is not tricky, it's still better to come prepared.
So here's everything you need to know about visiting the Dead Sea.
What to Do at the Dead Sea
While you might often hear that the barren landscape surrounding the Dead Sea is unappealing, we have to disagree with that. The Dead Sea is one of the unique places we've ever visited.
And once you climb to the top of the plateau on which Masada stands, the dry and desert-looking scenery will leave you in awe.
So what is there to do at the Dead Sea?
From floating in the salt lake, staying in luxury resorts, enjoying spa treatments, visiting historical sites to hiking in the wadis with waterfalls, the Dead Sea has it all.
While modern-day tourists love the Dead Sea, they are not by far the first ones who can enjoy the privilege of visiting this place
In the first century BCE, King Herod the Great knew already about the effects of the therapeutic mineral waters or surplus of oxygen in the air.
And as with almost every corner of Israel, you can find ancient history and exciting stories here as well.
Simply put, one of the most important things to know about Israel is that you can find plenty of history even in barren places such as the Dead Sea.
Lowest Place in the World
As the lake's water surface is 430 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth. And you will come across this fact quite often while here.
When we were descending to the Dead Sea while driving on Highway 25, we really enjoyed spotting those huge elevation markers that informed us about our current altitude.
Also, it was funny to see on our smartwatch with an altimeter that we're still a few meters below sea level despite climbing 400 meters in elevation to Masada.
At Kayla Beach, you can find the Lowest Bar in the World. It's little details such as these that will make your trip here even more memorable.
By the way, the Dead Sea is not the only place in Israel that sits below sea level. Places such as Tiberias and the entire Sea of Galilee or Jericho have this feature in common too.
Best Places for Swimming in the Dead Sea
Finding a safe and sound place to swim in the Dead Sea in Israel is, believe it or not, very easy because the choice is quite limited.
Hands down, the best place to swim in the Dead Sea in Israel is Ein Bokek, but it's not the only place you can visit.
And while Ein Bokek offers everything you need for experiencing the Dead Sea, some travelers might prefer a bit less developed and more authentic feel.
So here's our list of the best Dead Sea beaches in Israel.
Ein Bokek Beach
Arguably the best beach in the Dead Sea area, Ein Bokek Beach offers everything you would expect to find there.
Also, the sand strip here is a beach in a proper sense of the term, making access to the water incredibly easy.
It might not seem obvious at first sight, but accessing the water is a bit more challenging than you might expect because of sharp, salty rocks. But not there in Ein Bokek.
The beach also has changing rooms, showers, lifeguards, or restrooms, making your experience comfortable and convenient.
The biggest downside of Ein Bokek Beach is that it's located in an expensive resort town. So while the whole swimming in the Dead Sea experience is free, staying overnight here is not.
Nevertheless, you can always visit Ein Bokek on a day trip and find cheap accommodation elsewhere.
Neve Zohar Beach
Only a few kilometers south of Ein Bokek lies a small settlement of Neve Zohar.
And just a bit north of the village, you'll find a couple of more hotels if you find Ein Bokek too overdeveloped.
Kalia Beach
As Kalia Beach (sometimes spelled Kalya Beach) is very close to Jerusalem, it's one of the best places to visit on a day trip from there.
Kalia Beach offers a pretty authentic experience, it has mud, and it's in the northern basin.
While Kalia Beach might be one of the best day trips from Jerusalem, it's good to know that the place is in the West Bank.
If you don't want to travel around this territory for some reason, your next and only option is Ein Bokek.
However, Kalya lies in Area C, so it should be safe for traveling.
The biggest downside of Kalia Beach is that it's not free. The Kalia Beach entrance fee is 60 NIS ($20), which is quite steep, though parking, changing rooms, showers, restrooms are included in the price.
All things considered, it's not a bad deal even for travelers visiting Israel on a budget.
Kalia Beach is open from Sunday to Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
As mentioned above, Kalia Beach is only 45 kilometers east of Jerusalem, so it's easy to get there by public bus.
Take 486 bus (Egged) from Jerusalem Central Bus Station and get off at Kalya Beach. The bus stops on the main Highway 90, but it's easy to get to the beach in less than 20 minutes on foot.
Ein Gedi Beach
While we're mentioning places that are safe to swim in the Dead Sea, we can't fail to mention Ein Gedi Beach, which is the complete opposite.
Some years ago, Ein Gedi had its own access to the Dead Sea, but that's no longer the case.
This area is the living witness to the dramatic changes the Dead Sea is going through, and you mustn't go swimming there.
As the Dead Sea water surface is getting lower and lower every year, several new problems have arisen.
The biggest problem lies in the sinkholes that appeared out of nowhere, making visiting Ein Gedi Beach dangerous.
On top of that, there might be other sinkholes that are not visible yet. Therefore, it's better to stay away from this area.
Must-visit Places at the Dead Sea Area
While lying on the beach or floating in the Dead Sea is fun, the chances are that you don't want to spend an entire day idling.
Luckily, the surrounding hills of the Judaean Desert have some aces at their sleeves.
Masada
Located on the edge of the Judaean Desert, Masada National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known mainly for the Roman siege and the resistance of Jewish rebels.
We believe that the best way to get to Masada is by hiking the Snake Trail but be prepared that you will have to tackle 400 meters of elevation.
Alternatively, take a cable car or walk from the west parking lot to make your life easier.
Masada is one of the most visited places in Israel, so be prepared that you will have the site for yourself.
Make sure to bring your Israel Pass to get a discount on the entrance fee.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve consists of two separate canyons and quickly became one of our favorite places in Israel.
Wadi David and Wadi Arugot are two spring-fed canyons with year-round streams and waterfalls that flow into the Dead Sea, ibexes maneuvering on the steep cliffs, and crystal clear pools where you can take a refreshing dip to avoid the heat of the Judaean Desert.
Whether you have only a couple of hours to hike only to David Waterfall or an entire day to see it all, one thing is sure.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve won't disappoint you.
Swimming is allowed here, so make sure to bring swimsuit and water shoes with you to get the most of the place.
Qumran
Home to ancient Dead Sea Scrolls, Qumran National Park is another place in the area that might catch your interest.
Unlike Ein Gedi and Masada, Qumran is located in the West Bank, so visiting this site might require some additional planning.
And why is Qumran famous? In the 1940s, local Bedouins, shepherds discovered some scrolls in the caves above the Dead Sea.
As it turned out, these scrolls were about two thousand years old and included manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible.
The archaeologists found more scrolls and fragments in the following years, and the discovery was widely regarded as extremely important.
Things to Know About Swimming in the Dead Sea
Swimming, or more precisely, floating in the Dead Sea, is very easy, but it has its own specifics.
For example, people who don't swim can't sink here. So yes, even non-swimmers will have fun here. But there is much more you should know about this activity.
So if this is your first-time experience with this salty lake, here are some do's and don'ts of swimming in the Dead Sea.
Firstly, it's good to follow the advice but also have fun. From reading all those tips, you might get the idea that this will be a stressful experience. It won't.
Just make sure you don't splash too much, so the water doesn't get into your eyes, and keep your head above the water surface at all times.
Also, it would be best if you avoided shaving at least a day before you go.
It goes without saying that you shouldn't drink the water. However, there is always that one guy who can't resist at least giving it a try. You know, just on the tip of the tongue.
I must say that it's salty and disgusting and unlike anything, I have tasted in my life. So here you go.
How to Get There
There are two main ways to get to the Dead Sea. One of them goes through the West Bank while the other route avoids it. So it all comes down to your preferred travel itinerary and travel style.
From our own experience, we believe it's better to rent a car in Israel to see as many places as possible in a relaxed manner, but it's your time and money, so the choice is up to you.
Also, keep in mind that most rental car companies don't allow traveling in the West Bank.
Car
The easiest and most convenient way to get to the Dead Sea from any place in Israel is by car. That's also how we got there ourselves.
We traveled to the Dead Sea from Nazareth and decided to avoid the West Bank's Highway 90.
Instead, we used Highway 6 and arrived in Ein Bokek via Beer Sheva and Arad. Driving and renting a car in Israel is very easy. For more information, read our helpful post on driving in Israel.
Jerusalem to Ein Bokek is a roughly 115 kilometers long journey via Route 90 or 170 kilometers long route via Highway 6, Highway 31, and Highway 90.
It's also about 170 kilometers when you travel to the Dead Sea (Ein Bokek) from Tel Aviv via Highway 6.
If you want to drive from Eilat to the Dead Sea by car, take Highway 90 via the north exit and follow it for 200 kilometers until you arrive at Ein Bokek.
Here, you can find the best deals on rental cars in Israel.
Bus
The good news is that Israel has a good network of public transportation. So getting to the Dead Sea by bus is not something you should be afraid of.
Whether you go from Eilat to Ein Bokek or Kalya Beach from Jerusalem by bus, it will be a quick and relatively comfortable process.
As mentioned above, bus 486 (Egged) will take you from Jerusalem to Kalya Beach, Ein Gedi Reserve, Masada, Ein Bokek, and Neve Zohar.
The bus departs from Jerusalem Central Bus Station regularly, for example, at 8 AM, 9 AM, 9:50 AM, 10:40 AM, 11:30 AM, etc.
If you're traveling from Eilat to the Dead Sea, take bus 444 (Egged).
This bus also goes through Neve Zohar, Ein Bokek, Masada, Ein Gedi Reserve, Kalya Beach all the way to Jerusalem Central Bus Station, but you need to reserve your seat in advance.
Here you will find more information on how to get around Israel.
Dead Sea Tours
Dead Sea Tours are extremely popular and offer one of the best ways to get to the Dead Sea when short on time or if you don't want to drive in a foreign country
So while you don't need a guide to visit the Dead Sea, taking a tour might be a better alternative for some travelers.
When looking for the best Dead Sea tour, carefully read the full description.
Unless you book some Dead Sea shuttle, most of the trips also include some other sites worth visiting while in the area.
There is nothing wrong with it. In fact, visiting more places in one day is more time-efficient and saves you money.
But those travelers who want to spend more than just a couple of hours on the beach might be slightly disappointed at the end of the day and feel rushed.
Here are some top-rated Dead Sea Tours you can reserve in advance.
Masada and the Dead Sea Tour from Jerusalem | Visit Masada and the Dead Sea on a day trip from Jerusalem.
Masada and the Dead Sea Tour from Tel Aviv | Explore the Dead Sea and the ancient fortress of Masada on a full-day tour from Tel Aviv.
Bethlehem and the Dead Sea Tour | Visit the UNESCO site of Bethlehem and enjoy swimming in the Dead Sea on this tour from Jerusalem.
When to Go
Dead Sea area is one of the hottest places in Israel, so it's better to know what to expect before you select your travel dates.
When you're deciding to visit similar destinations, there are two critical things to consider: the water temperature and the outside temperature.
So the water temperature ranges between 20 to 25 Celsius throughout the year, making it pleasant year-round.
We've been to the Dead Sea twice already, once in November on the Israeli side and once in March on the Jordanian side.
While it was a bit colder early in the morning, the air warmed up significantly by the time we arrived at the beach. And the temperature stayed pleasant throughout the day.
Therefore, we believe that autumn and spring are the best time to visit the Dead Sea.
Another benefit we could see in this period was the chance to escape the cold and grey days of Europe in autumn.
Though it's harder, later on, to get back to the uninviting weather reality of your home.
The only issue is that you won't be the only one who thinks that, so you can expect higher prices for hotels and crowds.
Summer is arguably the worst time to visit the Dead Sea as the temperatures often exceed 40 Celsius, so it's unbearably hot to do anything else except lie on the beach.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
During the winter at the Dead Sea, the prices for accommodation are at the lowest point, and you can find some great deals and avoid crowds.
It rains very little in this dry region, but when it does, be aware of the flash floods when hiking in the desert.
Also, try to avoid Jewish holidays when visiting the Dead Sea as the locals love this area as well, and prices for accommodation skyrocket.
Here you will find more information on the best time to visit Israel.
Where to Stay
The best selection of hotels on the Israeli side of the Dead Sea is in Ein Bokek. The West Bank coast is fairly underdeveloped, but you can find some places to stay overnight even here.
If you decide to stay directly in Ein Bokek, be prepared to spend a lot of money on accommodation.
As we mentioned above, arriving at specific dates will help you reduce the expenses, but it still won't be exactly a budget-friendly trip.
However, paying extra bucks will get you accommodation with outdoor pools, exquisite restaurants, air-conditioned rooms, lake views, or spa treatments.
The hotels in Ein Bokek are expensive, and unfortunately, lack any options for budget travelers.
Here are the best hotels in the Dead Sea area.
Ein Bokek | Vert Dead Sea Hotel - Located in the northern part of Ein Bokek, Vert Dead Sea Hotel boasts a private beach, newly designed rooms, exquisite spa treatments, and a unique swimming pool with the water from the Dead Sea.
Ein Bokek | Nevo by Isrotel Collection - Private beach, outdoor swimming pool, spacious rooms, dinner buffet, sun deck, sauna, or steam bath, you can find all that in Nevo by Isrotel Collection and much more.
Neve Zohar | Herods Dead Sea - Located in Neve Zohar, Herods Dead Sea offers panoramic views, wellness facilities, personal treatments, sulfur pools, a Turkish bath, hot tub, or basketball courts.
Ein Gedi | Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel - Set in a lovely lush garden, Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel offers clean rooms, an outdoor pool, tasty breakfast, free parking, and amazing views. If you're looking for a peaceful oasis in the desert, here you'll find it.
Kalya | Kalia Kibbutz Hotel - Located in the West Bank in Kalya settlement, Kali Kibbutz Hotel is a perfect place for travelers looking for a place to stay overnight in this area. Private rooms have AC, the location is quiet, though you need a car to get to the Dead Sea as it's a few kilometers away from the shore.
What to Pack
As the summer temperatures in the Dead Sea often exceed 40 Celsius, make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day.
As you can find drinking water in Israel on almost every corner, just take your reusable water bottle with you to lower your plastic footprint.
Even when we hiked to Masada, we brought enough water just for the climb as there were water fountains with drinking water at the site.
As mentioned above, the Dead Sea is extremely salty, and as we all know, salt is not the best friend with electronics, valuables, and even clothes.
While we understand you want to look good at the beach, it's better to wear something more worn-out or something you don't mind taking part away with.
When not using it, it makes sense to leave your mirrorless camera, phone, Kindle, or whatever you bring with you to the beach in a dry sack.
Also, don't forget to clean it with a wet cloth after returning to your hotel room.
Despite the lower elevation reducing the UV index, it's better still to apply sunscreen. As the area is very dry, we found having a lip balm a life-saver.
Depending on the place you want to visit, water shoes can make walking on the razor-sharp crystals much more bearable as we learned when we found a free swimming place in Jordan.
However, the beach in Ein Gedi is sandy, so you don't need them there.
Staying Safe
As we all know, staying safe while traveling is a crucial thing. It's a bit more complicated when it comes to the security situation in Israel, as it can change dramatically within a few hours.
Nevertheless, the Dead Sea area is a top tourist destination, and it's safe to visit. At least most of the time.
If you plan to visit the West Bank, the Dead Sea area is located in Zone C, which is under Israeli control, making it relatively safe for exploration.
Having said that, staying safe in Israel requires some additional steps on your part so, make sure to read our separate article on this topic to find out more.
When traveling around Israel, we recommend you to read the local newspapers (they're online and in English) to see if anything is about to happen or not. Or if anything just happened.
Stay safe.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
How Many Days Do You Need for the Dead Sea
We personally believe that you should allocate at least two days for the Dead Sea region. And if you want to spend an entire day lazing around on the beach, then make it three.
However, if you're short on time, then know that you can see Masada, Ein Gedi and swim in Ein Bokek in a day.
So while having only a full day for the Dead Sea is not optimal, it will allow you to see the best attractions this area has to offer. Just make sure to start your day early.
Two days at the Dead Sea are, in our opinion, the optimum time for most travelers who have ten days or two weeks for Israel.
And watching the sun rising above the Jordanian mountains early in the morning is an experience you will never forget.
Two days (one night) give you plenty of time to arrive here, visit Masada, Ein Gedi, swim in the sea, and head out to your next destination in the afternoon of the following day.
Three and more days at the Dead Sea are ideal for people who want to take things slowly and enjoy the floating and spa experience to the fullest.
Basing yourself in Ein Bokek and making several half-day trips is a great way to explore this region. Just make sure you bring enough money with you.
Is the Dead Sea Worth Visiting?
If you've made it to the end of the blog post, then you probably already know the answer. The Dead Sea should be on every Israel itinerary, and we believe it's definitely worth visiting.
The unique salt lake, peaceful atmosphere, together with ancient history, create a combination that's hard to resist.
And we don't see a single reason why you wouldn't want to visit this unique area while in Israel.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
