Beauty and healing potential of Dead Sea Beaches

The Dead Sea is a unique natural phenomenon that attracts people from all over the world. It is located at the lowest point in the world and is characterized by salt water. Due to its high salinity, no marine life is possible in it. The lack of biodiversity is replaced with mineral and therapeutic attributes. 

Through the years many hotel resorts have been built there that offer additional special wellness and spa procedures. Dead Sea beaches are available on both sides of the sea. Some of them are open to the public with free entry, and some of them are privately owned and you have to pay an entrance fee.

Geology

Geologically, the sea lies between the Jordan Rift Valley and the Judean Desert. For the eyes, the sea represents an eye candy in the form of shores washed with glistening white deposits in contrast with azure blue waters. Water from the sea has nowhere to drain, so it gradually evaporates, leaving behind high concentrations of minerals and salt. The high concentration of salt makes this sea a place where you can’t swim at all, only floating in the dead sea is possible while you can read a book or a magazine.

History

Biblical texts mention the Dead Sea as the Salt Sea or the Arabah Sea. Other historical texts write about him as Sea of Lot. The sea witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. The Greeks knew this sea as the Lake Asphaltites, a name derived from the naturally occurring asphalt in the area. Even Aristotle himself wrote about these remarkable waters in his philosophical works. King Herod built several fortresses and palaces on the west bank. The most famous are Masada and Machaerus.

The Healing Effects

Sea water contains 21 minerals including calcium, magnesium, bromine, and potassium. 12 of the 21 minerals are found nowhere else. The effect of minerals or dead sea mud has relaxing and skin-reviving effects. It also has a positive effect on the circulatory system, and alleviates metabolic problems and rheumatism.

Dead Sea Beaches

The Dead Sea consists of two parts, the northern and the southern. The northern part is mainly popular for Ein Gedi Beach. There are significantly more tidal waves and the water is murkier here. The southern part is less developed with free access to the beaches. One of the most visited southern Dead Sea beaches is Ein Bokek, where the water is more oily. Even in the wintertime, the water temperature is warm enough (up to 24-25 0C) to take a bath inside the sea.

While the Middle East is historically prone to conflicts, it’s essential to stay updated on current events and news to make an informed decision regarding the safety of visiting its beaches. Consider researching the latest updates to determine which of the following options of Dead Sea beaches might offer the highest level of safety for your visit.

Israel

Kalia

Kibbutz Kalia is located here.

Entrance: 35 ILS adult

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8 am – 6 pm (until 5 pm in winter)

Amenities: cabins, showers, toilets, wifi, sunbeds, umbrellas, lockers for 15 ILS

On your way to Kalia Beach, you will pass some old decaying buildings with beautiful graffiti. These abandoned buildings will probably make people who enjoy Urbex happy. The parking lot also apocalyptic feeling. The proliferation of graffiti here surpasses even the vibrant street art scene in Neveh Tsedek, Tel Aviv.

The access to the sea on this beach is long and you will have to climb it on your way back. There are no natural shades on the beach. Expect pebbles and stones hidden in mud. The place has plenty of restaurants and shops. You can buy beauty products from Dead Sea, towels, or flip-flops.

Biankini

Entrance: 40 ILS adult

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8 am – 6 pm

Amenities: cabins, showers, toilets, wifi, deckchairs, umbrellas, nearby accommodation resort, Moroccan restaurant, swimming pool, coffee shop, fast food, game room, synagogue, gym, lockers

Basic beach with nothing very fancy with a bar and shop. The beach is not very well kept, you will find dirt, muddy sunbeds, and garbage there. No sand, only rocks, holes, and stones. The price may vary. Different visitors in their reviews mention different prices they paid at the entrance. 

Neve Midbar

Entrance: 85 ILS adult

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9 am – sunset

Amenities: cabins, showers, toilets, wifi, sunbeds, umbrellas, lockers, barbecue, bar

The beach is small with a BBQ grill, bar, restaurant, and opportunity to take a camel ride. It is not maintained so expect some garbage and dirt. The beach area comes with plenty of black mud and rocky seafloor at the entrance.

Ein Gedi

Entrance: currently closed, entry only at your own risk

Come here only when you enjoy the Chernobyl look. To enter it you need to pass sinkholes. The place in general is not dangerous, but there might be stones when entering the sea. Swimming shoes are recommended. Ein Gedi is more suitable for those who just want to take pictures or enjoy views of the Dead Sea.

Another opportunity is to go on a hike in nearby Wadi David or Wadi Arugot in the Ein Gedi Natural Reserve. Both offer stunning waterfalls.

Ein Bokek

Free entry

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7 am – 5 pm

Amenities: showers, toilets, sunbeds, umbrellas, barbecue grill, snack bar, solarium, nearby Ein Tchelet Mall and McDonald’s

Located 20 minutes south of Ein Gedi. The beach is well-kept and clean and there are many hotels and shops around. Bus stops with direct routes in both directions are available too. You may also be offered a ride by independent car drivers while waiting there. When coming with a car expect to pay for parking.

While certain sections may be bustling with activity, ample space remains available for those seeking a quieter spot. Additionally, visitors can easily access amenities such as water temperature displays and lifeguard stations for a safe and enjoyable experience.

If you do not mind a little bit of walking you can hike to the nearby Maale Yair lookout and enjoy the view of the southern part of the sea from a higher level. You can sleep on the spot and wake up early to catch the sunrise. Another option is to visit Masada National Park with ruins and camping facilities. 

Segregated beach

Free entry

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7 am – 6 pm

Amenities: showers, toilets, changing rooms, bar 

Well well-maintained and with a lifeguard. The spot lets you try swimming in the Dead Sea. As the name suggests it is segregated – men and women swim separately. Parking is for 10 ISL.

Zohar

Free entry

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7 am – 6 pm

Amenities: showers, toilets, sunbeds for a fee, cabins, free parking

According to the latest news, the place is now an industrial area and locked up. But you can take a 1-hour long walk from the beach to the Zohar Fortress. An abandoned place since 550CE because of the earthquake. There are two ways, one longer shallower and the second one more steeper but shorter. Also, the place is great for camping with a natural pool filled with water after the rainy season.

Jordan

There are three types of beaches: public, private, and those that fall under a specific resort.

Amman Beach

Entrance: 20 JOD adult

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8 am – 10 pm

Amenities: cabins, showers, restaurant, toilets, lockers, towels (5 JOD)

Amman Beach is approximately a 50-minute drive from the capital city of Amman. According to the latest information available, the beach is closed thanks to maintenance works.

O Beach

Entrance: 20 JOD adult

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8 am – 10 pm

Amenities: showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, lockers, changing rooms

O Beach is part of a beach resort with many facilities and direct entry to the Dead Sea. Some visitors have been complaining about the trash and cigarette buts and dirty chairs. Be prepared for the sharp rocks and bring swimming shoes with you.

You can also buy a meal in a restaurant or use the resort’s swimming pool. The terrain to the beach is without stairs, untidy and slippery. Some structures seem to be under construction.

Free beach on the Dead Sea

Free entry

Opening hours: 24/7

If you want to save some money try to visit the beach located near the Dead Sea Museum. 

The beach offers hot water pools (Maín Hot Springs nearby), big trees with shaded areas, and mud. As with some previous beaches expect to find some trash here as well. There aren’t any showers, so bring your water. Some locals offer mud massages for an additional charge of 20 JOD. 

Mujib – Dead Sea Free Swimming

Free entry

Opening hours: 24/7

Amenities: improvised showers for a fee

Located near Mujib Bridge in Wadi Mujib. The post offers free parking and plenty of space. The path down to the beach is rocky and slippery.

Salt Beach Dead Sea

Free entry

Opening hours: 24/7

Amenities: improvised showers for a fee

Anticipate a stroll downhill to reach the sea. Despite its serene ambiance and relatively low foot traffic, the area maintains a commendable level of cleanliness, fostering an illusion of seclusion. Certain locals offer mud baths and shower facilities for a nominal fee, equipped with water tanks and shower extensions. Additionally, a nearby store provides the convenience of purchasing tea or coffee to enhance your experience.

Crowne Plaza Dead Sea Beach

Entrance: 40 JOD adult

Opening hours: unavailable

Equipment: showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, cabins, bar, pool, fitness, spa, wifi, lockers

Coming quests get a free parking spot. The beach has a private section only for the people who stay at the hotel. Beach facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a Lebanese restaurant.

Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa Beach

Entry: unavailable

Amenities: showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, cabins, bar, pool, fitness, spa, wifi, lockers

Another resort with a Dead Sea beachfront. The space is quite small so come early to secure your spot. Some visitors have been pointing out dirt and plastics in the Dead Sea.

Movenpick

Entrance: Day pass 65 JOD adult

Amenities: showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, cabins, bar, pool, fitness, spa, wifi, tennis courts, lockers

Nestled along the shores of the Dead Sea, this beach in Jordan stands out as one of the finest. While there are no changing rooms directly on the beach, visitors can utilize facilities adjacent to the pool area. Lifeguards are stationed on the beach and even provide golf car rides to the pool area for added convenience.

Marriott Hotel

Entrance: Day pass 70 JOD adult

Amenities: showers, sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, cabins, bar, pool, fitness, spa, wifi, lockers

Another top-rated Dead Sea Beach in Jordan. When you decide to stay at the hotel, the staff will give you water and towels, and provide help with the healing mud. In case you need swimming shoes they will get them for you so your swimming can be more comfortable. Be aware that some swimming pools are only for adults. 

Access to the beach is via stone stairs, which may pose challenges for some individuals such as children or older people.

Guided Dead Sea beaches tours

Although this location is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport (mainly in Israel, the journey from Jerusalem or Eilat takes about 3 hours), some may prefer a guided visit as part of a day trip. Several tours of this type have several other stops in their program and only a certain part of the day, a few hours, is reserved for swimming in the Dead Sea.