The Dead Sea
Last Updated: February 25, 2024
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There is More to the Dead Sea than just Floating Around
Most of us know that the Dead Sea is salty and that you can float in it. But, as I found out, there's much more to do than simply bob about pretending to read a book.
I was lucky enough to spend a day with a fantastic local couple and their friend, who showed me the area and, now... I am bringing their local knowledge to you.
In this short guide to the Dead Sea, you can expect to see me covered in mud, lots of water, and some of the best views in Israel. I will also cover a breathtaking restaurant and a couple of other little treats in and around the Dead Sea.
What's the Dead Sea Like?
Frankly, the Dead Sea is full of unexpected shocks.
The first surprise comes as you're driving down to it. Ears pop as you descend to the lowest point on earth. Then as you glimpse the Dead sea for the first time, you realise how narrow it is. I'd always imagined it to be much larger.
High ridges on either side of the Dead Sea tower over the somewhat turbulent waters in their bare light-brown barren gravel lands.
Despite not being very windy, there were remarkably powerful waves. The type that kept blowing me unwantedly back into shore. Underfoot the seabed is made of crystallised salt, which pierces into your feet, causing many injuries. Although, the tourist areas appear to have pristine sands. So you should be grand.
The immediate land around the water's edge is a soft clay-like mud with a pungent whiff of old feet or over-boiled sprouts on a cold winter's morning. None of which matters as you gleefully cover your body in it and lie out in the sun to dry off.
Small hot pools sporadically appear around the Dead Sea and are well worth an hour of your time.
Overall, whilst the peculiarity of floating without trying is a special moment, the views from the cliffs take centre stage.
Exploring the Dead Sea and the surrounding area is not just fun. It's interesting, and with the right people, a cold beer and some tunes, it's one of those moments you remember for a lifetime.
How to Get To the Dead Sea
The Dea Sea is on the Israel-Jordan border about halfway down the country on Route 90.
If you have a car, the Dead Sea is easily accessible from numerous locations across Israel, including Tel Aviv. However, the best way of reaching the Dead Sea is on a day trip from Jerusalem or Bethlehem.
This can be done in two ways.
Firstly, any hostel or hotel reception in Bethlehem or Jerusalem will have details on numerous tour companies providing day trips. Likewise, you can always book one online - Here is just one company.
Secondly, you could rent a car.
In reality, this is the best way to explore the Dead Sea as you'll have the freedom to do what you want and, more importantly, when. If you decide this is the option for you, do your research. Many sinkholes appear along the coastline and can open up without warning. People have been killed in them.
It is much safer to go where the tour busses go or where locals recommend/are.
Coming from Bethlehem
From the centre of Bethlehem, join Hebron Road north to Route Sixty, where you zigzag north onto Route fifty (Bada Road), circumnavigating Jerusalem and the manic roads within. Stay on Route Fifty until you join Route One east to the Dead Sea.
Just before the Dead Sea, Route One seamlessly turns into Route Ninety as you look down upon the glistening water below. This is also where you'll find Minus 430 Gallery.
Your journey times change depending on the checkpoints, so I will not even attempt to give you one. Although make sure you have your passport and entry card ready to save any potential issues.
Coming from Jerusalem
From Damascus Gate, join Route Sixty north to the junction of Route One. Follow Route One east to the northern tip of the Dead Sea. Much like the directions from Bethlehem, Route One turns into Route Ninety as the Dead Sea appears in front of you.
First stop, Minus 430 Gallery.
Timing your Trip
How Long Should You Spend At The Dead Sea
Honestly - you don't need more than half a day at the Dead Sea. Although, if you set aside a whole day, including travel time, lunch and other bits, you will have more than enough time to enjoy it.
The Best Time Of The Year For Visiting The Dead Sea
As with Israel and Palestine in general, it is best to avoid the winter months or the height of summer.
Whilst the cities are more than comfortable during the winter. A visit to the Dead Sea would be much better on a hot, dry day. That isn't to say every day during the winter will be cold and wet. You may get lucky as we did. It just puts the odds back in your favour.
Similarly, I wouldn't suggest going in the height of summer as it would be too hot, and there is the potential to get burnt.
Therefore, the best time of year to visit the Dead Sea is from April to June and again in September and October.
Where to Stay Whilst Visiting The Dead Sea
Unsurprisingly, being a major tourist destination in Israel, Palestine and Jordan, numerous hotels and apartments line specific areas of the Dead Sea. They can be found on the likes of Booking.com. However, prices start at around £30-£35 a night.
Sadly, there aren't any hostels. For that, you will have to head back to Jerusalem or Bethlehem. If you look on Hostelworld and book in advance, you can find hostels for around £15 a night.
As always, I only recommend things I've done or places I've stayed and think they're worth recommending. I will never recommend anywhere I wouldn't stay again or haven't experienced.
Therefore, I cannot recommend anywhere on the Dead Sea, as I was only there for a day. I didn't stay. Although, I highly recommend the Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem should you wish to take a day trip.
Things to do when Visiting the Dead Sea
As mentioned above, getting around will require either a car or joining a tour. There is no other easy or safe way of exploring the Dead Sea.
In addition, if the only time you have free to visit the Dead Sea is on a Saturday, you will have to pre-arrange private transport beforehand due to Shabbat. If you'd preferably join an excursion, double-check that the tour you want runs on a Saturday. Once there, everything is reasonably unaffected by Shabbat.
Now, let's look at what there is to do in and around the Dead Sea.
Get Creative at Minus 430 Gallery
- Why: It's a cool experience, and there's lots of intriguing art.
- Where: Just off Route 90, on the northern tip of the Dead Sea. (map)
- How long: Forty minutes should be more than enough.
- How much: It's free. Park up and explore.
So what is Minus 430 Gallery?
Minus 430 Gallery is the lowest art gallery in the world. Not all that unsurprising, as it's on the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.
Nowadays, in Israeli territory, Minus 430 Gallery is an abandoned old Jordanian army base, which has been left to ruin amongst the ever-encroaching plants and trees.
However, artists have decided to use it as a springboard to raise awareness of the bleak situation within the West Bank. In contrast to many art galleries you may have visited, this has a sombre vibe depicting many struggles for migrants from Africa to Israelis, Palestinians and Jordanians.
However, you will also find other artwork on the walls of the old kitchens, officers' mess and barracks. It's fascinating, and there's plenty of impressive, bright and colourful artwork on show. In truth, it's an Art gallery for those who don't do art galleries.
Float in the Dead Sea
- Why: Honestly, it's a bucket list item and a unique way to cool off and relax.
- Where: In the Dead Sea! Jokes aside, be careful where you go in. Avoid the sinkholes. (map)
- How long: Why not float about for an hour or two?
- How much: If you go by car, where the locals go, it's free. Tour prices differ depending on who you book with and where from.
As stated, I went with locals to an area away from the tourist beaches, so your experience may differ, but the general vibes and feelings should be similar. After all, once you're floating around in the sun, it doesn't matter which bit of the sea you're in.
Despite this being one of my bucket list items, I was a little dubious about all this floating around. After all, I've floated in many pools and seas throughout my travels.
However, as sure as sure can be, once I'd got to chest height and lifted my foot to step forward, woosh, I was carried up to the surface, and before I knew it, I was floating without even trying. It was a surreal experience, unlike those previous times in pools, rivers, lakes and seas.
And... when you add that you're chilling in the sun, surrounded by incredible mountains, the West Bank and Jordan, it plays out to be something quite special.
Mad experience! And certainly not a letdown.
Although, a quick heads up, if you lean forward, you will get put face down into the sea. Make sure you lean back. You do not want this water in your eyes or mouth. If you do, wash it out straight away with clean drinking water.
Cover Yourself in Mud for a Free Spa Experience
- Why: Good for your skin.
- Where: Dotted around the Dead Sea. (map)
- How long: Chill, take a bit of time to relax. You'll need it during your trip to Israel and Palestine.
- How much: Depending on where you go, it should be free. Although, tourist places may charge depending on what tour you're on.
Whilst, at times, the muddy clay throws out a horrific aroma, there is something oddly satisfying about covering yourself in it. Although, that may just be me. Who knows?
It adds a smooth, relaxing, calming tone to an already peaceful day. Plus, it's great fun throwing it over each other.
Then, it's a case of waiting in a relatively warm pool for it to dry. Add a touch of class with a beer, and you'll be in dreamland. Once dry, peel it off and discover silky smooth, poreless skin.
What's not to love?
Where to Eat When Visitng the Dead Sea
Frankly, there isn't much choice for grabbing a bite to eat in and around the Dead Sea. Although, you will see a few smaller, almost roadside huts or caravan-style food haunts along the main road. They serve up small bites, cakes, sweets, coffee, beer and the occasional pizza.
There's always time for a beer with some of these views.
However, there is one quality little restaurant serving up all the Middle Eastern classics with some of the best views in Israel that I can recommend.
Finally, if you've booked on to a tour, check if they stop for food. If not, you should bring snacks, or it could be a long day, and you don't want to get hangry.
Metzoke Bar
- What: Views with Middle Eastern delights and cracking bar selection.
- Where: Zigzag up the A369 from the Metsoke Dragot Junction next to the checkpoint. (map)
- How much: It's not cheap, but that is Israeli food prices for you. In January 2023, I paid 118₪ (£28.20) for a small(ish) meal and a beer.
In truth, the food isn't going to be the best meal you have in Israel or Palestine. However, it's by no means the worst either. It's honest, good food.
Nevertheless, you're not here specifically for the food. Although, I recommend giving it a try. You are here for the views and will not get these kinds of view's anywhere else as you clamp down on tasty hummus, flatbreads and other local cuisines.
Great atmosphere, friendly staff and a great selection of food and drink.
Even if you don't eat, I'd recommend coming for the view and the chilled atmosphere. It's the perfect place to end a relaxing day.
Where to Party Whilst Visiting the Dead Sea
I don't think you'll be surprised by this one, but there isn't much of a party scene around the Dead Sea. If anything, you could say it was, well, dead.
Sorry, not sorry!
However, that doesn't mean you can't find a beer or two and watch the sun go down. Stop at one of those roadside caravans or huts I mentioned in the food section, order a few cold ones, sit on the gravel ridge and take in the views.
Paradise!
Is Backpacking the Dead Sea Safe
Let's address the elephant in the room.
Unless you're on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea or at the southernmost point, you will be in the West Bank. That brings with it a heightened awareness of any tensions. There are checkpoints and armed personnel who can and do stop cars as they pass.
As has been demonstrated whilst writing this, attacks on Israeli and Palestinian people can happen anywhere and at any time. However, very few are aimed at tourists. Therefore the Dead Sea area is generally a place of relative calm.
That isn't to say things cannot and will not change. I will not say that anywhere in the area is one hundred per cent safe. But, it is one of the safer places in the Palestinian territories.
The UK government's advice on terrorism can be found here.
Alongside those nationwide issues, the Dead Sea also throws up a few less concerning issues.
Firstly, if you don't take a tour, only go where the locals go. Sinkholes occur along the coast, and people have been killed. Be careful where you lay your towel and beers.
Secondly, whilst it's hard not to float on the Dead Sea, you can still drown. If you can't swim, do not assume that because you will float, you will be ok. You could end up face-first in the sea and floating out to the middle.
Finally, in some parts of the sea, the seabed is pure sharp, piercing, crystalised salt, and it will go through your skin in less than a second. It will cut you up. Ideally, wear something on your feet and don't float too close to the bottom in these areas.
Leave a comment
Israel and Palestine have some incredible landscapes and historical sites, but for me, none can compete with the Dead Sea.
Firstly, the Dead Sea provides some of the best views in the country, and where else can you effortlessly float around in the sun, relax in a natural hot pool, cover yourself in mud and come out with skin softer than a baby bum?
It's one of many bucket lists ticks in the Middle East and somewhere you must visit during your time in Israel, Palestine or Jordan.
Hopefully, you have found my guide to the Dead Sea helpful. If not, I hope it has at least intrigued you into more research and a possible trip to Israel.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Likewise, if you have any further questions, feel free to comment below or contact me on Instagram.
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