The Dead Sea Float and Mud Bath is a leisure activity at Kalia Beach and nearby Ein Gedi spa area on the Israeli shore of the Dead Sea, about 30 to 75 km from Jerusalem depending on the beach. The Dead Sea is the lowest land point on Earth, at roughly 430 metres below sea level, and its water is around ten times saltier than the ocean, so swimmers float without effort. Kalia Beach lies at the northern end near the Qumran area, about 30 km from Jerusalem, and Ein Gedi beach and spa lie further south, close to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Both offer showers, changing rooms and mineral mud that visitors apply to the skin before rinsing in the water.
The activity is easy and has no fitness prerequisite. Anyone who can walk into shallow water can float, and children are welcome, although small children must be supervised closely because the high salinity burns the eyes and any cuts. People with open wounds, recent shaving, skin conditions or very high or low blood pressure are generally advised to avoid the water or consult a doctor. Visitors should not swim vigorously or put their head under the water, and should never splash. Floating is typically limited to about 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
Equipment is mostly personal. Visitors should bring a swimsuit, water shoes for the rocky and salt-crusted shore, sunscreen, a towel and fresh water for rinsing. Beach operators generally charge entry in the range of 100 to 300 ILS (approx $33-98), depending on the site and whether spa facilities are included, and mud can be bought or provided in buckets. Public beaches have lifeguards on duty, flag warnings, freshwater showers and first-aid points, and lifeguards direct any evacuation to the nearest emergency service. Operators are public or concession-run beaches, so reputations vary and visitors should confirm opening times.
The best season runs from October to April, when temperatures are mild; summer exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, so visits are best in the early morning. Visitors should avoid swimming during strong winds or when the beach is flagged, and the receding shoreline has caused sinkholes, so only managed beaches should be used.
| Price | 100-300 ILS (approx $33-98) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | Oct-Apr |
| Address | Kalia Beach, Dead Sea, Israel |
Activity facts
- Where
- Dead Sea
Equipment
- swimsuit
- water shoes
- sunscreen
Location
Kalia Beach, Dead Sea, Israel
31.7728, 35.4914 View on map
Highlights
- Float effortlessly on water about ten times saltier than the ocean
- Cover the skin in mineral-rich Dead Sea mud and let it dry in the sun
- Visit the lowest land point on Earth at roughly 430 metres below sea level
- Rinse off in freshwater showers at the managed beaches
Tips for visiting
- Keep water out of the eyes and mouth; rinse immediately with fresh water if splashed.
- Do not shave before floating; salt stings any small cuts.
- Limit each float to 10 to 20 minutes and drink plenty of fresh water.
- Wear water shoes to cross the salt-crusted, rocky shoreline.
- Use only managed beaches with lifeguards, as sinkholes affect unsupervised areas.
- Go early or in the cooler months to avoid midday heat.
When to visit
October to April for mild weather; in summer go in the early morning to avoid heat above 40 degrees Celsius.
Accessibility
Major beaches such as Ein Gedi and Kalia have paved paths, showers and changing rooms, and some provide assistance for entering the water. The shoreline itself is rocky and uneven, so mobility varies by site.
Frequently asked questions
Why does everyone float in the Dead Sea?
The water is about ten times saltier than the ocean, which makes it dense enough to hold people up without effort.
How long should a float last?
Visitors are usually advised to stay in for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to avoid skin irritation.
Is it safe for children?
Children can float with close supervision, but the salt stings the eyes and any cuts, so many parents keep visits short.
What does it cost?
Beach and spa entry typically costs 100 to 300 ILS depending on the facilities included.