The Dead Sea: Five Must-Knows for Every Traveller
Anyone traveling to Israel would be intrigued to visit the Dead Sea, one of the country’s most mysterious destinations. Also called the Sea of Death, this salt lake sits between Israel and Jordan, and has the lowest elevation on Earth at 1,412 feet below sea level.
If you included the Dead Sea in your Israel itinerary, it’s very important to know that this place isn’t like any other body of water you’ve visited before. In fact, it pays to learn about these five essential facts to get the most out of your experience:
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1. It is very, very salty
This salt lake sits between Israel and Jordan and has the lowest elevation on Earth at 1,412 feet below sea level.
At 33%, the Dead Sea has ten times more salt content than any other sea on the planet. And with such high salt content, it also has higher density, which explains why you can float while bathing in its waters.
2. It is shrinking rapidly
The Dead Sea, View from Resort - Images from Travellers - Discover Ancient and Modern Israel
80 years ago, the Dead Sea measured 1000 square kilometers. Recent statistics, however, showed that it is now at just 650 square kilometers.
One of the reasons for its rapid shrinking is the emergence of thousands of sinkholes due to the decline of the River Jordan.
So, visiting the Dead Sea now is really a great decision because you might miss seeing this natural wonder when it’s gone.
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3. It is very deep
The Dead Sea is considered the world’s deepest hypersaline lake at 997 feet. Its water level, however, is changing constantly due to several factors including the amount of water entering from the River Jordan, it has very high salt content and evaporation.
4. It is rich in minerals
With its unique composition, it is no surprise that the Dead Sea is rich in minerals that have been scientifically proven to have healing properties.
It has calcium chloride that is good for the bones, sodium that boosts the immune system and of course, magnesium that helps fight aging.
A lot of travelers also flock the Dead Sea to cover their bodies with its natural supply of mud, which is said to make the skin smoother and more revitalized.
5. It is neighbor to other amazing destinations
Masada Fortress - Images from Travellers - Discover Ancient and Modern Israel
After taking a relaxing dip in the Dead Sea, you can visit other sites like the Ein Gedi natural reserve and the Masada, which is home to the most beautiful ruins in Israel.
Now, if floating in the Dead Sea leaves you wanting for more relaxation, you can indulge in any of the many spas nearby like the famous Le Meridien Hotel Spa.
Now that you have everything you need to know about the Dead Sea, it also pays to keep these handy tips in mind:
- Your waterproof camera will be temporarily unusable after some exposure due to the high salt content.
- Use an old bikini because the salty water can cause discoloration.
- Listen to your body and how long it can handle the saltiness of the water. If you feel a burning sensation, get out of the water right away.
So, are you ready to explore the Dead Sea?
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