If you want to swim, or precisely, to float in the Dead Sea in Israel, you must stop in Ein Bokek, accessible by bus one hour from Jerusalem. Definitely, it will be one of the most remarkable travel experiences of your life. From Tel Aviv, there is bus 421 to Masada and the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is also near the Ein Gedi kibbutz, also accessible by bus 486 from Jerusalem. From Ein Gedi, you can stop at Ein Bokek taking bus 384. I did the route from Jerusalem to Ein Gedi, then I took a bus to Ein Bokek.
The uniqueness of the Dead Sea is on combining an amount of salt 400 times higher than the average in the seas around the world and for being located 400 meters below sea level (the lowest point in the world). That is what makes it possible to float in the Dead Sea. Just take care when moving your arms to avoid dripping water on your eyes and lips as it’s very salty – I forgot a few times.
The climate at the Dead Sea is sunny most of the year, with temperatures between +30ºC and +40ºC. Rainy days, if happen, are only during winter from December to February. During winter in Israel (December-February), be careful with a possible flood when hiking around the Dead Sea. Check the weather forecast firstly!
During Shabbat (from Friday evening to Saturday evening) and on Jewish holidays, transportation from and to Ein Bokek stops- as in any place in Israel. Hotels in Ein Bokek are usually expensive and get full during holidays, so it is recommendable to book in advance for accommodation if you’re planning a holiday floating in the Dead Sea.
Once you have the chance to visit Israel, is worth including the experience of floating in the Dead Sea in your trip. Since Israel is a small country, distance is not a problem and you can depart from Jerusalem so as from Tel Aviv.
Originally posted 2018-03-05 00:28:23.
