The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the lowest place on the surface of the planet, a mineral-rich lake so salty that swimmers float effortlessly on its surface. Ringed by desert cliffs and biblical history, it is one of the Holy Land's most memorable natural wonders.
Why it matters
At roughly 430 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea sits at the lowest point on any land surface on Earth. Its extreme salinity means nothing lives in it, yet people have prized its waters and black mud for their minerals since antiquity. Nearby, the oasis of Ein Gedi appears in the Hebrew Bible as a refuge of David, and its springs and waterfalls still draw ibex and hikers today.
Just north lie the caves of Qumran, where in the mid twentieth century shepherds found the Dead Sea Scrolls, among the most important manuscript discoveries ever made, including the oldest known copies of Hebrew Scripture. The area offers a striking change of pace from the cities: stark desert, therapeutic waters and a landscape that has barely changed in millennia. The float itself is a genuine bucket-list experience.
Explore pilgrimage toursHighlights of the Dead Sea
- Floating in the buoyant, mineral-rich water
- Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, with springs, waterfalls and wildlife
- Qumran, linked to the Dead Sea Scrolls
- Dead Sea mineral mud, used for skin care
- Wide desert vistas along the shoreline
Good to know. Do not shave before floating and keep the water away from your eyes, as it stings. Wear water shoes for the salty shore, and drink plenty of water, as the desert heat is intense in summer.
Fits. A favourite in classic pilgrimage and Israel and Jordan packages, often paired with Masada.
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