Things to do in Dead Sea
Things to do in Dead Sea: Where Relaxation and Adventure Collide
Seeking things to do in Dead Sea – this hypersaline lake nestled between Israel and Jordan, beckons travelers with its unique blend of natural wonders and historical intrigue. Famed for its buoyancy-inducing waters and mineral-rich mud, the Dead Sea offers an unforgettable experience unlike any other. But beyond the therapeutic soaks, the surrounding region boasts a treasure trove of historical sites, breathtaking natural reserves, and outdoor adventures.
This guide delves into the best things to do in the Dead Sea region, ensuring your trip is a perfect balance of relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion.
Float and Pamper: Indulging in the Dead Sea’s Wonders
The Buoyancy Experience: The crown jewel of the region, the Dead Sea itself is an experience not to be missed. With a salinity level ten times higher than the ocean, the water here is so dense that floating requires minimal effort. Gently bobbing on the surface, take in the stark beauty of the surrounding desert and marvel at the feeling of weightlessness. Remember to slather on sunscreen, as the desert sun can be intense, and wear water shoes to protect your feet from the occasionally sharp rocks.
Mud Glorious Mud: After your float, pamper yourself with the Dead Sea’s famed mud. Rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, this natural mud is believed to have therapeutic properties for the skin. Slather yourself in the mud, bask in the sun for its drying effects, and then rinse off to reveal a revitalized you. Your skin will feel incredibly soft and rejuvenated.
Public vs. Private Beaches: The Dead Sea boasts a range of public and private beaches. Public beaches offer a more basic experience, while private beaches, often associated with resorts, provide amenities like changing rooms, showers, and mud treatments.
Essential Tips:
- Apply sunscreen liberally before venturing out.
- Wear water shoes to protect your feet from the rocky terrain.
- Avoid getting Dead Sea water in your eyes; it stings!
- Shower thoroughly after your mud treatment to remove any residue.
Beyond the Beach: Exploring the Environs
There are many other things to do in Dead Sea and its surrounding area.
Masada National Park: Atop a plateau overlooking the Dead Sea lies Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history. This ancient mountaintop fortress, built by King Herod the Great, played a pivotal role in the Jewish rebellion against Roman rule. Explore the meticulously preserved Herod’s Palace, Roman bathhouses, and synagogue remains. Take the cable car or hike the Snake Path for breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding desert and the Dead Sea and delve into the dramatic story of the Jewish siege against the Romans.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve: Escape the desert heat and discover a hidden paradise at the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Lush greenery thrives amidst the arid landscape, fed by freshwater springs that create a network of cascading waterfalls, streams, and natural pools. Hike along the David Stream and canyons teeming with wildlife; spot rock hyraxes and ibex; take a dip in the natural pools beneath cascading waterfalls and explore ancient ruins nestled amongst the foliage,
Ein Gedi Botanical Garden: Nestled within the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, this botanical garden is a haven for plant enthusiasts. Discover over 900 plant species from around the world, including desert flora, medicinal plants, and a collection of cacti.
Qumran National Park: Journey back in time to Qumran National Park, where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in the mid-20th century. Explore the ruins of an Essene community, an ancient Jewish sect, and learn about their daily life and religious practices. Visit the on-site museum to delve deeper into the significance of the scrolls and their impact on our understanding of early Judaism.
Adventures Await: Activities for the Thrill Seeker
There are many options of things to do in Dead Sea for the more adventurous.
Off-Road Adventures: Embark on a thrilling jeep tour through the rugged desert landscape. Explore canyons, hidden wadis (valleys), and discover breathtaking viewpoints of the Dead Sea from a different perspective.
Kayaking on the Dead Sea: For a unique experience, try kayaking on the Dead Sea’s calm waters. Paddle along the shore, taking in the surreal landscape and enjoying the serenity of floating on the world’s lowest body of water.
Rappelling and Canyoning: For adrenaline junkies, rappelling and canyoning adventures in the nearby canyons offer an exciting way to explore the desert terrain. Descend waterfalls, navigate through narrow passages, and discover hidden pools in this thrilling activity.
Go Birdwatching in a Unique Ecosystem: The Dead Sea, despite its harshness, is a haven for a surprising variety of birdlife. The surrounding cliffs and oasis habitats provide shelter and nesting grounds for numerous bird species. With a little patience and a good pair of binoculars, you might spot eagles, vultures, falcons, and a stunning array of desert songbirds.
Experience the Night Sky in All Its Glory: Unpolluted by city lights, the Dead Sea region boasts some of the darkest skies in Israel. On a clear night, gaze upon a dazzling spectacle of stars, planets, and the Milky Way stretching across the vast expanse. Join a stargazing tour led by astronomy enthusiasts to learn about constellations and celestial phenomena.
Cultural Delights: Immersing Yourself in Local Flavors
Ein Bokek Kibbutz: Experience Israeli life at a kibbutz, a collective community. Visit Ein Bokek Kibbutz, and learn about their history, agricultural practices, and contribution to the region. Enjoy a traditional kibbutz meal and gain insights into Israeli culture.
Bedouin Hospitality: Immerse yourself in Bedouin culture by visiting a Bedouin camp. Enjoy a traditional meal under the stars, listen to stories around a campfire, and learn about their nomadic way of life.
Indulge in Relaxation and Luxury
The Dead Sea is fringed with luxurious resorts offering a world-class spa experience. Surrender to pampering with treatments specifically designed to harness the therapeutic benefits of the Dead Sea mud and minerals. Soak in infinity pools overlooking the breathtaking desert landscape, and unwind in opulent accommodations.
In Conclusion
The Dead Sea offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and history. With its natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, the Dead Sea region is a destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
FAQ
Why Is the Dead Sea Called the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea gets its name from its extremely high salinity, which makes it difficult for most aquatic life to survive. Unlike most seas and oceans, which have a salt content around 3.5%, the Dead Sea's water is nearly 10 times saltier, clocking in at around 34%. This super salty environment is too harsh for fish, plants and most other familiar aquatic creatures.
Can you walk on the water of the Dead Sea?
Not exactly walk on the water like Jesus in the biblical story, but the Dead Sea's high salt content makes floating very easy. You'll bob on the surface without any effort. There can be shallow areas with exposed crusts of salt that you could walk on momentarily, but not venture out on the open water itself.
You can find things to do in Masada on a variety of our different tour options:
On our 7 night tour Heritage of the Holyland Tour or Highlights of Israel Tour
On our 10 night tour Heritage of the Holyland & Jordan or Highlights of Israel & Jordan
Or on 1 day tours Masada, Qumran & The Dead Sea – 1 Day Tour from Jerusalem or
Masada & The Dead Sea – 1 Day Tour from Jerusalem or from Tel Aviv