Imagine yourself effortlessly floating in waters with such a high salt concentration that you feel lighter than air. That’s the magic of floating in the Dead Sea, Israel, the lowest point on Earth, and a must-see destination for any traveler. If planning your Israeli adventure, prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Ein Bokek, easily accessible from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Why Visit the Dead Sea?
Go beyond just floating. While that’s the main purpose of most visitors, the Dead Sea offers even more to make it one of the best travel experiences of your life.
- Benefits of the Dead Sea: Besides floating, take advantage of the famous mineral-rich mud. It’s a true natural spa session that promises benefits for your skin and health. Many visitors come to the Dead Sea not just for the curiosity of floating but also for its healing properties. You should also take the opportunity to buy cosmetics at local shops for great prices – Health and Beauty Dead Sea Minerals are among the best I’ve ever purchased.
- Nearby Activities: The Dead Sea region is also rich in history. Consider a visit to the ancient fortress of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or explore the Qumran caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Both locations are easily combined with your visit to Ein Bokek.
- Sensory Experience: The water’s density is so great that you truly feel like you’re lying on an invisible cushion. Just remember the golden rule: avoid splashing water in your eyes or mouth – the salt is intensely concentrated! The water is very salty!
How to Get to the Dead Sea?
For those coming from Jerusalem, the best route is to take a direct bus to Ein Bokek (approximately a 1-hour journey). If you’ve already explored the holy and historic sites of the capital, the Dead Sea is the perfect complement to your trip. For more details on what to see there, check out our post: Jerusalem: 3 Must-See Places on Your Visit.
The Dead Sea is also near the Ein Gedi kibbutz, accessible by bus 486 from Jerusalem. From Ein Gedi, you can get to Ein Bokek by taking bus 384. I took the route to the Dead Sea from Jerusalem to Ein Gedi, and then went on to Ein Bokek.
Departing from Tel Aviv, the city that never sleeps, you can take bus 421, which goes to Masada and the Dead Sea. Distance isn’t an issue in this small country, making it easy to combine Tel Aviv’s bustling life with the tranquility of the Dead Sea. If you’re planning your itinerary for the ‘White City,’ be sure to check out our Tips for Tel Aviv, Israel, plus specific itineraries like Tel Aviv in 1 Day, Tel Aviv in 2 Days, and Tel Aviv in 3 Days. And for culture lovers, we also have guides on Art Galleries in Tel Aviv and Museums in Tel Aviv. For a quick overview, see Tel Aviv in a Nutshell.
Best Time to Visit the Dead Sea?
The climate at the Dead Sea is predominantly sunny. During the Israeli winter (December to February), while temperatures are milder, it’s crucial to check the weather forecast before planning hikes, as sudden floods can occur. For a general overview of Israel’s climate and how it might affect your combined trip to other cities, it’s always good to be prepared. I visited in June, a time when it’s usually very hot in Israel.
The Dead Sea on Saturdays and Holidays
Just like in various parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, public transport and some services in Ein Bokek can be limited during Shabbat (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and Jewish holidays. Plan to avoid surprises, especially if you intend to stay overnight or engage in activities that rely on local transport. Hotel rates around the Dead Sea tend to be expensive, and during holidays, they are often fully booked. Therefore, it’s advisable to book accommodation in advance if you plan to spend a few days in the region.
There’s no doubt that floating in the Dead Sea is an experience you can’t miss during your visit to Israel. And since the country is compact, it’s easy to fit this natural wonder into any itinerary, whether coming from historic Jerusalem or vibrant Tel Aviv. Ready to plan your dream trip? Explore our other posts to build the perfect Israel itinerary!
Originally posted 2018-03-05 00:28:23.
