Get Your Float On in the Dead Sea

Floating in the Dead Sea is a bucket-list experience, but you can’t exactly just walk up to it and flop in. And you wouldn’t want to. While it’s true that the high density of the salt-packed sea will force you to float with no effort of your own, there are several other considerations and preparations to make before arriving if you’re looking for maximum enjoyment (and lack of injury).

Just under a half hour outside of Jerusalem, the barren ground around the Dead Sea isn’t just hot, it’s scorching. Essentially, you can’t stand on it, which is why most bathers enter the sea wearing sandals. If you don’t want to worry about losing them, wear water shoes, but, like your body, sandals will float to the surface if they fall off, so they’re fine. Speaking of the sun, there is a persistent myth you can’t get sunburnt at the Dead Sea because of its position at the lowest point on Earth (above water). Keep in mind this is entirely untrue and the sun is as strong here as anywhere else. Wear sunscreen.

The Dead Sea is popular for its perceived healing benefits, particularly for skin ailments. As part of the experience, you’ll probably want to slather yourself in the sea’s famous mud and either improve your skin or, at least, nab a fun photo. You can do your best to rinse it off in the sea itself, but you’re going to need a shower to get it all off. Access points like Kalia Beach offer showers, locker rooms, towels and lifeguards in supervised settings for maximum safety and enjoyment. At Kalia Beach, specifically, you’ll also find a restaurant, picnic area, bar (technically the lowest bar on the planet), WiFi, charging outlets and a couple of shops, including a beauty shop featuring Dead Sea products. Entrance here is about $16. If you don’t have your own car, you can take a bus from Jerusalem and Kalia Beach will pick you up at the station for about $1.50.