Visiting the Dead Sea feels surreal. It’s quiet, vast, and almost otherworldly. You’re standing at the lowest point on Earth, surrounded by desert mountains, salt-covered shores, and water so dense that gravity seems optional. This is not just a beach destination — it’s a place loaded with history, geology, politics, and curiosity.
We visited the Israeli side of the Dead Sea, and it turned out to be one of the most unusual and memorable stops of the entire trip.
A Short History of the Dead Sea & the Region
The Dead Sea has been known for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations valued it for its salt, minerals, and bitumen, which were used for medicine, cosmetics, and even mummification. The sea appears in biblical texts and ancient writings and has long been associated with healing and mystery.
Geographically, the Dead Sea lies between Israel and Jordan, with the western shore controlled by Israel and the eastern shore belonging to Jordan. Parts of the northern western shore are adjacent to the West Bank (Palestinian Territories). This makes the Dead Sea not just a natural wonder, but also a place shaped by modern political realities.
As a traveller, however, what you mainly notice is the landscape — silent, dramatic, and completely unlike anywhere else.
Why the Dead Sea Is So Unique
The Dead Sea isn’t actually a sea — it’s a salt lake. Its salinity is more than eight times higher than the ocean, which means nothing sinks. You don’t swim here; you float. Instantly. Effortlessly.
The air here is rich in oxygen, the mud is packed with minerals, and the water feels thick and oily on your skin. Many people visit for therapeutic reasons — skin conditions, joint pain, or simply relaxation. Others come purely for the experience of floating while reading a newspaper, one of the most iconic travel photos ever.
And yes — it really works.
Ein Bokek: The Resort Town of the Dead Sea
Ein Bokek is the main resort area on the Israeli side of the Dead Sea. This is where most visitors stay, swim, and relax. It’s clean, organised, and clearly built around tourism.
Ein Bokek attracts a wide mix of visitors: wellness travellers, tour groups, couples, older travellers, and people coming specifically for spa treatments. It’s not a party destination — it’s about rest, health, and comfort.
Floating in the Dead Sea (Yes, That Moment)
The famous moment happens fast. You step into the water carefully (very carefully — any small cut will sting), lean back… and suddenly you’re floating. No effort. No panic. Just buoyancy.
People laugh, take photos, try to sit upright, and eventually relax. Floating in the Dead Sea is one of those experiences that sounds simple but feels strangely profound. You’re literally being held up by nature.
Tip: Do not splash. Do not put your face in the water. And absolutely do not shave before coming here.
Resorts & Hotels in Ein Bokek
Ein Bokek is lined with large spa resorts and hotels, many of them directly on the shoreline. These resorts often include:
• Private beach access
• Dead Sea water pools
• Mud treatments
• Spas and wellness centres
They’re designed so you can fully switch off. Some people barely leave their hotel during their stay — and honestly, that makes sense here.
Food & Restaurants in Ein Bokek
You won’t find a buzzing food scene like Tel Aviv, but Ein Bokek has solid, practical dining options. Most hotels offer extensive buffets, especially for breakfast and dinner.
There are also casual restaurants and cafés in the area — and yes, there is even a McDonald’s here. Seeing a McDonald’s in the middle of a desert landscape, near one of the most extreme natural environments on Earth, is oddly amusing. Globalisation finds a way.
Beyond Ein Bokek: Exploring the Area
One of the advantages of staying on the Israeli side is how close other highlights are.
Ein Gedi National Park
Just a short drive north lies Ein Gedi National Park. This lush oasis of waterfalls, wildlife, and hiking trails feels like a miracle after the barren salt landscape. Combining Ein Bokek with Ein Gedi creates a perfect balance between relaxation and exploration.
Desert Views & Silence
Even short drives along the Dead Sea reveal stunning desert scenery. Salt formations, sinkholes, cliffs, and endless horizons make this area incredibly photogenic — and incredibly quiet.
Things That Surprised Me About the Dead Sea
What surprised me most wasn’t just the floating — it was the stillness. The silence here is different. Heavy. Peaceful. Almost sacred.
The contrast between harsh desert and healing water is powerful. The fact that this place sits at the lowest elevation on Earth, yet feels emotionally grounding, is something you only understand once you’re there.
