The Dead Sea beaches are unique due to the extremely high salt and mineral content in the water, which is around 8-10 times saltier than the ocean. This makes swimming more of a floating experience, as the dense water makes it easy for people to float without effort. The mud from the Dead Sea is also rich in minerals and is popularly used for therapeutic and cosmetic treatments.
Swimming in the traditional sense is not common in the Dead Sea due to the high buoyancy caused by the saline water. Instead, visitors typically float on the surface. It is advised to avoid getting water in your eyes or mouth due to the high salt concentration, and it is good to rinse off with fresh water afterwards.
Popular beaches at the Dead Sea include Ein Bokek Beach, which has well-developed tourist facilities; Ein Gedi Beach, near the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve; and the private beach resorts like the ones offered by the hotels in the Dead Sea Spa Hotel complex that provide exclusive access and services to their guests.
Some beaches at the Dead Sea are free, while others, especially the well-maintained private beaches belonging to hotels and resorts, charge an entry fee. The fees typically cover use of the beach, showers, changing facilities, and sometimes even a towel and a locker.
The best time to visit the Dead Sea beaches is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the climate is comfortable and the temperatures are not as extreme as in the summer months.
Visitors should bring swimwear, water shoes to protect their feet from the rough salt crystals on the seabed, high SPF waterproof sunscreen due to the strong sun, a hat, sunglasses, and a bottle of fresh water to stay hydrated. Bringing your own towels, although often provided by private resorts, is also a good idea.
While technically possible, it is advisable to purchase packaged Dead Sea mud products from local shops rather than taking natural mud from the beaches. These products are prepared for personal use and are often infused with additional beneficial minerals.
Visitors should be cautious not to ingest the water or get it in their eyes because it can cause significant discomfort. People with open cuts or wounds should also avoid going into the water as it can cause pain due to the high salt content. Additionally, the shoreline can sometimes have sharp salt crystals, so wearing protective footwear is recommended.