Swimming in the Dead Sea in Israel: where to go and what to know

You might be wondering in practical terms how to swim in the Dead Sea in Israel, where to go, how much time to plan, and how to do it safely. This ultra-salty sea, shared by Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Jordan, offers a very particular experience: you don't really swim, you float.

During my trip, I completely fell in love with this suspended moment when you let yourself be carried by the water, surrounded by desert landscapes.

In this guide, I explain how to choose the right beach (without getting close to dangerous areas), how to reach the Dead Sea from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, which hotels to prioritize, and above all all the practical tips to enjoy the benefits of the Dead Sea without hurting yourself or putting yourself in danger. This way, you'll have everything you need to organize a day trip or a full stay in this unique region of the world.

Why is it called the Dead Sea?

The Dead Sea owes its name to its extreme salinity, which prevents any complex plant or animal life from developing there.

It's true that this name doesn't necessarily make you want to dip your feet in the water. Yet understanding why the Dead Sea is called the Dead Sea helps you better grasp what awaits you there. Its salt concentration varies between 31 and 34%, which is almost 10 times higher than a typical ocean. This exceptional density is due to intense evaporation and the fact that there is no outlet for the water to flow anywhere else.

The direct consequence of this high salt concentration is that no plants or fish can survive in this water. Only very rare salt-tolerant bacteria manage to adapt. It is this absence of visible life that earned it the name "Dead Sea."

That said, can you swim in the Dead Sea? The answer is yes, provided you follow a few simple rules. The salinity keeps the body from sinking, so you float effortlessly on the surface, which really gives the impression of lying on top of the water. It is a very particular experience to have at least once in your life if you travel to Israel or Jordan.

The Dead Sea is located in the Jordan Valley, the lowest exposed point on the planet, shared by Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Jordan. You can access it from several sides; in this article, I focus on the Israeli side, which I myself explored in detail.

Where can you swim in the Dead Sea in Israel?

To swim in the Dead Sea safely, it is essential to choose a developed beach that is supervised and regularly monitored to avoid high-risk areas.

Why some areas of the Dead Sea are dangerous

The Dead Sea is both a fragile environment and a place where some stretches of shoreline are unstable and dangerous, especially because of sinkholes.

For several decades, it has been losing about 1 m to 1.50 m (about 3.3 to 5 ft) in water level each year and is gradually drying up. In just over 50 years, the Dead Sea has lost nearly 30% of its surface area and around 28% of its depth. You can clearly see the former shorelines, much higher than the current water level.

This development is largely due to the overuse of water from the Jordan River, which is diverted for agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption. On top of that come mineral extraction operations and very high natural evaporation in this arid region.

Canal projects have been proposed in an attempt to stabilize the situation, including a Red Sea–Dead Sea canal, which was finally abandoned in 2021, and another project between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea that is still being studied. In practice, it is mainly reductions in consumption and the management of freshwater that will be decisive.

The accelerated drying-out leads to the formation of sinkholes, actual collapse holes. When the salty water recedes, rain and freshwater infiltration reach the underground salt layers more easily. The freshwater gradually dissolves these layers, hollowing out cavities that are invisible from the surface, until the day when everything suddenly collapses. This is very clear in some aerial views of the region.

Today, there are hundreds of sinkholes recorded along the shores of the Dead Sea, which has led to moving the main road farther from the shoreline and closing several beaches that were once accessible. On the ground, signs remind you of the danger. If you come by car, it can be tempting to stop on the roadside and go "as close to the water as possible" in a deserted area, but that is exactly what you need to avoid.

In addition to these geological risks, there are other very real dangers, such as some areas that are still mined near the border or military sites.

For your safety, the most sensible approach is therefore to strictly limit yourself to the official swimming areas: developed public beaches, private hotel beaches, spas, or thermal centers that are monitored, stabilized, and regularly inspected.

The main spots for swimming in the Dead Sea in Israel

The best places to swim on the Israeli side are concentrated around Kalia in the north and especially Ein Bokek further south, where you'll find easily accessible, well-equipped beaches.

From north to south, here are the best-known beaches and sites for a swim in the Dead Sea in Israel:

• Kalia Beach – A developed beach that is very popular with day trips. You'll find changing rooms, fresh-water showers, a restaurant, beach bars, shops (including cosmetics made with Dead Sea salt), and sometimes treatment areas where you can book a massage. The shoreline is made up of mud, which isn't the most photogenic but is perfect if you feel like covering yourself with black Dead Sea mud. You can check the prices and opening hours directly on the Kalia Beach website.
• Neve Midbar Beach – A private beach located right next to Kalia. In principle it is cheaper, but when I visited it was fairly poorly maintained, with quite a bit of trash. Unless there has been a clear recent improvement, I would rather recommend choosing Kalia Beach, which is more pleasant if you want to enjoy the moment peacefully.
• Ein Gedi – The Ein Gedi area combines an oasis, a small national park with waterfalls and ancient ruins, and access to the Dead Sea. The former public beach at Ein Gedi has been closed because of sinkholes, but you can instead opt for the Ein Gedi Spa, a paid facility with a pool and access to the Dead Sea. The spa is now about 1 km (about 0.6 miles) from the shoreline due to the drying up of the Dead Sea, and shuttles take swimmers to the water, which makes the experience less direct than in other areas.
• Ein Bokek Beach – A public, free beach located in the large hotel area of Ein Bokek, in the southern part of the Israeli coast of the Dead Sea. It is lifeguarded and developed, with fresh-water showers, toilets, lockers, and shaded areas. The shoreline here is mineral, without mud, with a very photogenic mix of salt, dikes, and light-colored concrete structures. There is a parking lot nearby for those coming by car.
• Segregated Beach (Ein Bokek) – A free public beach with separate areas for men and women, very popular with observant families. It is also located near Ein Bokek, a bit further south, and offers fresh-water showers, lifeguards, and a few stands where you can get a drink. Here again, there is no mud, but a very controlled environment where you feel safe.
• Zohar Hot Springs Beach – A public beach located north of Neve Zohar, a bit further south again than Ein Bokek. It is developed, with showers, toilets, and lifeguards, and lets you enjoy a calmer atmosphere than on the big central beaches, while still being in a monitored area.

Over the years, several beaches that used to be popular have unfortunately closed for safety reasons, such as Mineral Beach, which was too exposed to sinkholes. "Sinkholes" signs are common in these areas.

Some hotels also have their own access to the Dead Sea reserved for their guests, with a maintained shoreline, showers, and sometimes a designated mud area.

How to get to the Dead Sea from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv?

To get to the Dead Sea from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, you can either take the bus, rent a car, or book an organized tour that takes care of transportation and logistics.

Getting to the Dead Sea by bus (from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv)

The bus is the cheapest way to visit the Dead Sea from Jerusalem, with regular lines running along the entire western shore.

To get to the Dead Sea by bus, the main option is still the 486 bus operated by the Egged company. It leaves from Jerusalem's central bus station and serves several key stops along the Dead Sea: Kalia Beach, Ein Gedi, Masada, Ein Bokek, Neve Zohar. Schedules are updated regularly on Egged's website, where you can also plan your trips.

Allow about 1 hr 30 between Jerusalem and Ein Gedi, and about 2 hours to Ein Bokek, not counting exceptional traffic. Bus 487 offers some alternatives but generally follows a longer route with more stops.

A small practical tip: on the way from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, sit on the left side in the direction of travel to fully enjoy the view of the Judean Desert and the reflections of the Dead Sea along the road.

If you are leaving from Tel Aviv, the setup is different. To visit the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv by bus, you will need to:

• Either take a fast train to Jerusalem, then continue with bus 486.
• Or check Egged's website for combined connections with a transfer (sometimes via Jerusalem, sometimes via other cities depending on the schedule).

It's doable but quite long for just a day trip, especially if you are dependent on precise public transport schedules and want to enjoy the baths at a relaxed pace.

Getting to the Dead Sea by rental car

A rental car is the most flexible way to combine the Dead Sea, Masada, Ein Gedi, and other visits in the same day or over two days.

There are several parking lots near the beaches, especially around Ein Bokek, where most of the hotels are concentrated. From Jerusalem, allow about 1 hr 30 of driving outside rush hour, first taking Route 1 east, then Route 90 south along the Dead Sea. Traffic jams can lengthen the travel time when leaving Jerusalem.

From Tel Aviv, you also take Route 1, then connect to Route 90. The journey takes at least 2 hours in light traffic, but it can be much longer during rush hours or school vacation periods.

Driving in this area is fairly straightforward: the road is good, well signposted, and the desert landscape is truly spectacular. You mainly need to watch the speed limits (there is a lot of police monitoring) and the intense heat, which can put strain on both vehicles and drivers.

Going to the Dead Sea on an organized tour

Organized tours are the easiest option if you want to focus on the experience without dealing with transportation logistics.

From Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, many agencies offer half-day or full-day tours to the Dead Sea. Some excursions focus on swimming and relaxing, while others combine the Dead Sea with cultural visits (Masada, Ein Gedi, Bethlehem…).

On a combined tour, the time spent on the shores of the Dead Sea is often around 2 hours: enough time to go for a swim, take some photos, and use the showers. If you're dreaming of massages, treatments, or a long nap by the water, you might prefer a tour devoted entirely to the Dead Sea or an overnight stay there.

Here are a few ideas if you're mainly looking to relax by the water:

If you would like to combine the Dead Sea with other major sites, several options let you mix swimming, hiking, and historical sightseeing.

In general, I tend to recommend the Abraham Tours agency without hesitation; they have had a good reputation for a long time.

Bus, car, or tour: what to choose?

The best way to get there depends on your budget, how independent you want to be, and how much time you want to spend there.

To help you decide, here is a comparison table:

Practical tips for swimming in the Dead Sea

Swimming in the Dead Sea is not something you can just wing: a few simple precautions make the experience much more pleasant and help you avoid nasty surprises.

Wear sandals or water shoes

Closed sandals or at least thick flip-flops are essential: the ground is at once very hot, slippery, and sometimes sharp.

In a developed bathing area, you will generally find changing rooms, fresh-water showers (essential for removing the salt), toilets, a restaurant or bar, and sometimes a spa offering massages and treatments using Dead Sea mud or salt. This lets you leave your personal belongings in lockers before heading calmly down to the water.

With the drying up of the sea, the shoreline has receded by several dozen or even hundreds of meters (about several dozen to several hundred yards) from some of the original facilities. At Kalia Beach, for example, you can walk down in a few minutes (on a good staircase) or take a small shuttle to reach the sea more quickly. In other spas, access is now only by shuttle, because the water is nearly 1 km (about 0.6 miles) from the buildings.

In all these situations, the ground plays an important role. On mud beaches, the surface absorbs a huge amount of heat and can become scorching. It is also very slippery and sometimes studded with salt crystals that can cut into the skin. On mineral beaches like Ein Bokek, it is more the pebbles and salt plates at the water's edge that may be abrasive.

I would therefore suggest you keep your sandals on right up to the water's edge, or even swim with them if they are suitable (water shoes, closed sandals). And if you forget them, most tourist beaches sell basic models on site that work perfectly well in a pinch.

You will also quite easily find towels to rent or buy. Personally, I almost always bring a fouta: it's light, very absorbent, and dries quickly, which is nice when you are juggling between saltwater baths and fresh-water showers.

Managing photos and your devices

The water of the Dead Sea is the sworn enemy of electronic devices, so it is better to plan ahead if you care about your phone or camera.

A swim in the Dead Sea naturally makes you want to take photos. You do not float like a cork every day, with a newspaper in hand or sunglasses on your nose. Personally, I admit I missed out a bit on the "iconic photos" for lack of planning, even though the setting is perfect for them.

I recommend thinking through your setup before you go into the water. For example, you could:

• Take turns swimming so that someone always stays on the beach within reach of the device, without putting it directly down in the damp sand.
• Invest in a waterproof pouch or case for your phone, which will allow you to take it into the water with you.

That is what I chose to do, with a waterproof case bought on Amazon. My only mistake was not testing it beforehand in a basin of water. As a result, I was a bit tense at first, whereas later I realized it was perfectly watertight.

Last point: the beaches of the Dead Sea are still tourist spots. So it is best to never leave a valuable device unattended on your towel. If you do not want to keep it with you in the water, a locked locker is still the best option.

How to float (and move around) in the Dead Sea

In the Dead Sea, you do not really swim: you mainly float on your back, and it is better to avoid any acrobatic moves.

Before I left, people had warned me that it was almost impossible to swim "normally" in the Dead Sea. At the time, I wondered what salt had to do with that. True to my curiosity, I tried a few breaststrokes: when I put myself on my stomach, simply lifting my head to keep my face out of the water made my whole body tip over, and it tended to roll back onto my back.

On the other hand, on your back, you float as if you were on an air mattress. To move forward, you can do a frog kick with your legs while keeping your upper body very relaxed. It is not the most elegant swim in the world, but it works very well for getting around effortlessly.

Getting into the water often leads to a funny moment. The mud makes the ground extremely slippery. You try to maintain your dignity, go down carefully, then one leg sinks in a bit more than expected, you slip, and you find yourself sitting in the water much faster than planned. It is a classic of the first few minutes in the Dead Sea.

To get yourself comfortably into floating position, walk forward until the water is above your knees, then slowly sit back, keeping your hands in the water to stabilize yourself. Then let your legs rise on their own: your body will naturally move into a floating position.

Given the salinity, it is absolutely essential to:

• Avoid putting your head under the water.
• Not splash other swimmers.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands as long as they have not been rinsed with fresh water.

A drop of Dead Sea water in your eye can cause a very intense burning sensation, even if it disappears quickly once it is rinsed off.

Enjoying the benefits of the Dead Sea without overdoing it

The Dead Sea and its mud are famous for their benefits for the skin, but the key is to take it easy and rinse off well.

The salt and minerals of the Dead Sea are often highlighted for relieving certain skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, acne) and improving the overall appearance of the skin. The seabed is covered in places with a black, sticky mud that you can spread on your body or face as a mask. Many cosmetics (scrubs, creams, bath salts) also use these minerals.

Once there, many visitors get into the spirit: you cover yourself with mud, let it dry for a few minutes, then go back into the water before heading to the showers. It's both fun and pleasant, especially if you choose a beach with good rinsing facilities.

The mud is not found everywhere. For example, Kalia Beach is a classic spot for this kind of experience, while Ein Bokek offers more of a mineral landscape without mud.

To protect your skin, it is recommended that you:

• Limit each swim to 15–20 minutes, and then come back later in the day if you like.
• Rinse yourself thoroughly with fresh water after each dip to remove the salt.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your visit to stay well hydrated.

Tolerance to salt varies greatly from person to person. Some people very quickly feel tingling or a sensation of warmth, others almost nothing. Personally, I did not experience any particular discomfort and I came out of the water with very soft skin, a bit like after a natural scrub.

Hair removal, small cuts, and swimming

If you have just shaved or waxed, the water of the Dead Sea can cause very unpleasant stinging.

Even though I am now lucky enough not to have to worry about hair removal thanks to laser treatment, I often get this question: should you avoid shaving just before swimming in the Dead Sea? The answer is clearly yes. Salt on a tiny cut or freshly shaved skin stings a lot. It is still bearable, but it is certainly not the most pleasant sensation of the trip.

So I would recommend:

• Not shaving or waxing legs, bikini line, or armpits in the 24 hours before swimming.
• If possible, covering small recent wounds or scrapes, especially for children.

If you have a slightly more serious injury, it is often more reasonable to just dip your feet in or enjoy the spa rather than going fully into the water.

How much time to plan for visiting the Dead Sea?

To experience swimming, one day is enough, but to explore the region (Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran), an overnight stay lets you really make the most of it.

Most travelers are happy with a day at the Dead Sea from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. This is an excellent option if your main goal is to float in the water, take a few photos, maybe buy some cosmetics, and leave with the memory of that unique sensation.

The many excursions departing from the big cities make this format very easy to organize (you can see several of them gathered on this GetYourGuide page).

If you have a bit more time in your itinerary, booking a night in a hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea completely changes your experience. You can:

• Enjoy the sunrise over the desert and the Dead Sea, often a very peaceful moment.
• Alternate short swims and long breaks in the shade or indoors, which is more comfortable in summer.
• Visit Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, or Qasr Al Yahud at your own pace, without feeling like you are "running" from one site to another.

Day trip or overnight stay: what to choose?

The choice between a day trip and an overnight stay mainly depends on your travel pace and how important you want this region to be in your trip to Israel.

In practice: one day is enough to float in the Dead Sea, but spending a night there really changes the experience, especially if you want to avoid the heat and visit Masada or Ein Gedi without rushing.

Here is a summary to help you decide:

Where to stay: hotels on the Dead Sea in Israel

The best hotels on the Israeli side are clustered around Ein Bokek, with a few properties known for their spas and for having direct or very close access to the Dead Sea.

Most of the Dead Sea hotels in Israel are located in the southern part of the coast, in two main areas: Ein Gedi (more nature and hiking) and especially Ein Bokek, where you'll find the large hotel complexes.

To be honest, the quality is very uneven. You'll find some very good hotels, but also aging buildings that are poorly maintained, with disappointing food, and some places that trade on the "Dead Sea" name without actually being close to the shoreline. Before booking, I recommend that you:

• Look carefully at recent reviews (not just the overall rating).
• Check on a map the actual distance to the beach.
• See whether the hotel offers private access to the Dead Sea, a spa, or only a standard swimming pool.

Among the well-regarded properties around Ein Bokek, for example:

• Vert Dead Sea Hotel (4 stars) — Large hotel with a spa, saltwater pool, freshwater pool, and direct access to the Dead Sea. Very convenient if you want to alternate between baths, treatments, and naps in the cool.
• Noga by Isrotel (4 stars) — Located a few minutes' walk from the shoreline, with a spa, freshwater pool, and easy access to the public beach.
• Nevo by Isrotel (5 stars) — Attractive hotel with a very well-equipped spa, including a pool with sulfur-rich water. The shoreline is a few minutes' walk away, with a shuttle for those who prefer not to walk in the sun.

What to do around the Dead Sea in Israel?

The Dead Sea region is not just about swimming: it also brings together major archaeological sites, nature reserves, and profoundly spiritual places.

Beyond the experience of floating in the Dead Sea, you can easily spend several days exploring the surrounding area. Between ancient ruins, desert landscapes, hidden waterfalls, and religious sites, there is more than enough to build a full and varied itinerary.

The Good Samaritan Museum

This small museum is an interesting stop if you enjoy archaeology and mosaics and are driving down from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea via Route 1.

Located on the traditional site of the inn of the "Good Samaritan" mentioned in the Bible, the museum displays very beautiful mosaics from synagogues and churches throughout the region, including the Gaza Strip. The entire collection is nicely presented, with clear explanations and a desert setting that adds a lot of charm to the visit.

You'll find the up-to-date opening hours and admission prices on the official website: Good Samaritan Museum.

The archaeological site of Qumran

Qumran is where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, a fascinating stop if you're interested in history and archaeology.

Located in the West Bank, the archaeological site of Qumran contains the remains of an ancient Jewish community (often identified with the Essenes) and the caves where, starting in the 1940s, nearly a thousand scrolls and papyri in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek were found. These manuscripts, dating back several centuries before our era, are among the oldest written records of certain biblical texts.

Among them, the Great Isaiah Scroll is particularly striking because of how well preserved and complete it is. On site, a visitor trail helps you understand the community's way of life, the layout of the buildings, and the step-by-step discovery of the manuscripts.

You can check the opening hours and admission prices on the dedicated page: Qumran National Park.

The fortress of Masada

Masada is one of the most striking sites in Israel, both for its history and for the views it offers over the Dead Sea.

It is a fortress perched 450 m (about 1,480 ft) above the Dead Sea, built on an isolated rocky plateau. Today, you can reach it either by cable car or on foot via several hiking trails, including the famous "Snake Path" for more athletic visitors.

The history of Masada is tragic and fascinating. At the end of the First Jewish Revolt against Rome, the site was besieged, and tradition holds that its last defenders chose collective suicide rather than surrender. Today, Masada is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the major highlights of a trip to Israel.

If you would like to know more, I have devoted a detailed article to the visit to Masada, with all the practical tips.

The opening hours and admission prices are available here: Masada National Park.

You can visit Masada on your own (by bus or car), or on a guided tour, often combined with the Dead Sea. Several options are listed here: Masada and Dead Sea tours.

The Ahava brand center

If you like cosmetics made with Dead Sea salt or mud, the Ahava center can be a convenient stop along your route.

The Ahava brand is one of the best known in the world for its products made from the Dead Sea: creams, masks, scrubs, and body care. It has opened a large visitor and retail center in the region, where you can discover part of the range and do some shopping.

If you're passing nearby, it might be worth a look, but I would not recommend making a special detour. Ahava products are easy to find in Israel (and in Europe), and prices at this center are not necessarily better than at other points of sale.

Ein Gedi and its nature reserve

The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is a lovely patch of greenery and coolness in the middle of the desert, ideal if you enjoy hiking and swimming under waterfalls.

Made up of caves, waterfalls, small pools, and hiking trails, the reserve offers several routes of varying difficulty, from 1.5 hours to nearly 5 hours of walking. You'll sometimes come across ibex, rock hyraxes, and a nice variety of birds.

It's a very good complement to a swim in the Dead Sea: you can start early in the morning with a hike in the relative shade of the canyon, then head back down to cool off in the Dead Sea in the afternoon.

The opening hours and entrance fees are listed on the official page: Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Some trails require advance online reservation, unless you are going with an organized excursion.

Several agencies offer tours that include Ein Gedi. I particularly recommend the programs by Abraham Tours, such as this Masada / Ein Gedi / Dead Sea day trip or its sunrise version departing from Tel Aviv and from Jerusalem.

The Qasr Al Yahud baptism site

Qasr Al Yahud is an important baptism site on the Jordan, very close to the Dead Sea, where the spiritual dimension of the place is very tangible.

The site is located directly on the banks of the Jordan River, with Israel on one bank and Jordan on the other. It is one of the places traditionally associated with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, which makes it a key stop for many pilgrims.

Baptism ceremonies take place in the water of the river, and visitors can go down a few steps to stand on platforms along the Jordan. You sometimes see groups praying or singing, which creates a very distinctive atmosphere.

There is a debate about the exact location of Jesus' baptism, and another baptism site, Yardenit, is located farther north in Israel. I personally had a bit of a preference for the atmosphere at Yardenit, but Qasr Al Yahud is still a powerful stop if you are in the Dead Sea region.

The opening hours are available here: Qasr Al Yahud.

You can also include Qasr Al Yahud in a West Bank excursion such as this tour or this one; they also stop in Bethlehem and Jericho.

Enot Tsukim Nature Reserve

Enot Tsukim is a discreet but pleasant reserve if you are looking for freshwater pools and a bit of greenery along the Dead Sea.

Located not far from Qumran, the Enot Tsukim Nature Reserve is home to small pools fed by freshwater springs, walking paths, and a few streams. It is an interesting place to observe local wildlife and plant life, especially if you enjoy wetland environments.

Part of the reserve is open to the general public, but the best-preserved areas can only be visited accompanied by a guide or as part of specific tours.

Practical information is available here: Enot Tsukim Nature Reserve.

The Traveler's Memo for swimming in the Dead Sea in Israel

Here are the answers to the questions that come up most often when you are planning a swim in the Dead Sea on the Israeli side.

So, we've reached the end of this guide dedicated to swimming in the Dead Sea in Israel. For me, this experience is one of the highlights of a trip to the country, both for the strange sensation of floating effortlessly and for the mineral landscapes surrounding the shore. I hope these explanations and practical tips help you put together an itinerary that feels right for you, whether it's for a simple day trip or a longer stay in the region.