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Staying Afloat: The Power of The Dead Sea

Staying Afloat: The Power of The Dead Sea

February 19, 2013

Last Updated on June 17, 2021

The Dead Sea got its name for a reason: it’s salty, deadly and it stands at the lowest point on earth (at 1,388 feet below sea level). This world famous salt lake has almost 33.7% salinity – so hypersaline that not a single species of animal can survive. But more importantly, it’s hypersalinity makes swimming in it akin to floating.

Staying Afloat: The Power of The Dead Sea

As a child, I would scour through photos and encyclopedias about the Dead Sea with my father. His obsession started when he learned that the therapeutic water and climate at the Dead Sea can possibly cure his psoriasis. It’s always been his dream to go to the Dead Sea and although he hasn’t made it there just yet, I’ve had the chance to fulfill his dream (twice) on his behalf. The last time I’d visited I was in Jordan, and I was fascinated by the sensation of floating in sea water. This time, we’re seeing it from the Israel end and the magic hasn’t disappeared.

Our friend floating in the water

Bobbing in the Dead Sea was how I’d imagine floating in space would feel like. I felt the sensation of weightlessness and pure relaxation. Instead of struggling to keep afloat, I simply let go of my instincts, kick backed and let the waves take me. I slathered on some mud from the Dead Sea floor and covered my entire body with it. After washing it off, I emerged from the water like a new born baby.

Floating in the Dead Sea

Environmental Concerns

The Dead Sea is an incredibly natural phenomenon and definitely one of the most intriguing places I’ve visited. Unfortunately, it has been rapidly shrinking because of the declining levels of its main source, the Jordan River. Since 1970, the water level has fallen over 72 feet to around 1,350 feet now. Our guide recalls that just ten years ago, the shoreline was just next to the road, now it’s almost 100 feet away.

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As it continues to shrink, the characteristics of the salt lake and surrounding region may substantially change. Some scientists even predict that it’ll eventually disappear within 50 years’ time. I hope that the next time I return, I’ll bring my father. If you want to see it, do it soon, before the Dead Sea completely dries up…

Slathered in mud from Dead Sea


This was part of the Masada Sunrise tour which also included a sunrise hike on the Masada desert fortress and a visit to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. The price for this day trip is 260 Shekels (US$70).

Disclaimer: While our trip was made possible by Abraham Tours, Abraham Hostels and Tourist Israel, all opinions expressed above are our own.

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides. She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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The Comments

  • Jeremy Branham
    February 20, 2013

    This place has always been fascinating. I've never been able to float in water but I wouldn't have any problems here. Too bad that it has been drying up. This has been a special place for many, many centuries.

    Reply
  • andiperullo
    February 20, 2013

    I'm dying to visit! What a great pic of you!!!

    Reply
    • @WildJunket
      andiperullo
      February 22, 2013

      Thanks Andi! It's great to have a photographer husband. ;)

      Reply
  • Neil
    July 29, 2013

    I've been lucky enough to float in the Dead Sea in Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, what an experience but consider the region's amazing history too. Masada, the story of King Herod, Sodom and Gomorrah and much more. It's definitely a bucket list kind of place.

    Reply

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