The Dead Sea : bathing at 400 metres below sea level

Contrary to popular belief, the Dead Sea isn’t a sea but a lake that is 400 metres below sea level. In hebrew it’s called the “Salt Sea” : Yam Hamelah. Separating Jordan from Israel, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and has an area of 810 square metres. It got the name “Dead Sea” because there is no flora or fauna there. Fish and algae can’t survive in it’s very concentrated salty water although certain microscopic organisms such as plankton grow normally there.

Supplied by the River Jordan, the Dead Sea is 67 kilometres long and 18 kilometres wide. Over 50 years, the Dead Sea has lost a third of its area due to the water evaporating. It’s divided into two sections by a strip of earth. To solve this problem, there’s a project underway to save this natural treasure reknowned  all over the world for its benefits for skin and in treating  certain ilnesses.

Highest concentration of salt in the world

At more or less 345 grammes per litre of water, the Dead Sea has the world’s highest level of salinity. To give you and idea of this, the Dead Sea has 25% salt while other seas only have 4%. This concentration of salt is an attraction in itself because bathers float. There’s no need to bring a ring to swim in the Dead Sea. Following Archimedes’ principal, everyone floats due to the high concentration of salt. It’s best to bathe on one’s back to move slowly. One can also bathe on one’s front but care must be taken that one’s eyes don’t come in contact with the water and you rub them ( a natural reaction but the worst thing to do in this case) which could ruin your holiday.

One can balance in a sitting position and enjoy the heat, the smell of sulphur and amazing surroundings. Some advice before bathing, avoid bathing with your jewellery. We must say that the tiniest drop of water in your eyes or the smallest little cut aren’t a bit pleasant. Once you’re in contact with the Dead Sea water, you could feel small injuries ( scratches, cuts, shaving, stings etc) because of the salt content of this unique sea.

The water is completely different to that in the Mediterranean or any ocean, it’s closer to the touch of oil. People suffering from psoriasis can be treated in thermal establishments and most hotels have  special teams to treat skin conditions. Dead Sea mud is black and very rich in minerals. Dead Sea mud hydrates the skin and softens it and you only have to plunge your hands under water to get blocks of the beneficial mud to spread on your face, body and legs.

From the Israeli side one can see Jordan opposite and on the other side the desert with its multi coloured desert hills. With its postcard like setting, bathing in the Dead Sea waters and benefitting from its natural elements is a unique experience.

A historic site full of acitivities

On the road to the Dead Sea coming from Jerusalem, you can enjoy the descent towards the Dead Sea. Signs at the side of the road let you know how far below sea level you are. The view over the Dead Sea is breathtaking and you can enjoy the desert landscape with its camels, dromedaries, goats and even vultures if you’re lucky. The lowest point is 422 metres to be precise and from the north to the south of the Dead Sea there are many historic sites.

The Qumran Caves are an archaeological site known for the Hebrew manuscripts, the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Massada Fortress was built by King Herod and is where 960 Zealots preferred to commit suicide rather than submit to Roman rule.

The Ein Gedi Oasis is another place not to be missed just a few kilometres from Massada. Ein Gedi is often cited in the Bible in particular when David hid as he was being pursued by Saul. This Israeli national park extends over 25 km2 and is a nature reserve. You can bathe under waterfalls and see all sorts of animals. You could stop and have a break at the Ein Gedi Kibbutz founded in 1956.

South of the Dead Sea, in the town of Ein Bokek, you’ll find many hotels. There’s quite a concentration of hotels including the main names in the hotel industry. With direct access to private beaches or with frequent shuttle services, the hotels provide good access to the Dead Sea. There’s plenty to do in this area situated in the middle of the desert, trips on camels or in all terrain vehicles, hiking or cycling, experiencing Bedouin life etc.