I have known several people who have visited the Dead Sea throughout my life and while I always thought it would be amazing to see for myself, it was not something I ever really thought would happen. But, after our amazing time in the desert it sure did.
The Dead Sea is located between Jordan and Israel. It is actually a salt lake. It is 440 meters (or 1,443 feet) below sea level which makes it’s shores the lowest land based elevation on Earth.
The deepest hypersaline lake, it is nearly 10 times as salty as the ocean and is 304 m (997 ft) deep. Given the high level of salinity, plants and animals cannot survive for any length of time – hence the name. The Dead Sea is receding quickly – its surface area has reduced by 40% since 1930.
Given the level of salinity, you effortlessly float in the Dead Sea – we waded in up to about knee level and then sat down and floated. You can also sit and float standing upright. You just don’t want to get it in your eyes or mouth. The water is rich with minerals and the basins of black mud, taken from the bottom, are used to treat your skin before you float. The water is thick with salt and minerals and almost feels oily or slimy – you can see it move as you wade in. The water is insanely blue. And the air is oxygen rich which reduces the risk of sunburn.
We accessed the Dead Sea through the Marriott, for a small fee you get access to a locker room to shower and store your valuables, a towel, beach access with an attendant who provides you with water and any other support you need.
After several hours of covering ourselves in mud, floating and sunbathing we made our way back up to the hotel for lunch and a shower. The rest of the day was spent on the beautiful patio taking in the view and a beautiful sunset.
The Dead Sea was just as magical as I had imagined it might be – it is quiet, gorgeous and intensely calming. The views are perfect and the sunsets magnificent.
