The Dead Sea is a super salty lake located between Israel and Jordan and draws in tourists from around the world for numerous reasons. Whether it’s to float on its idyllic blue waters or to test out the healing properties of the natural muds, you might find the Dead Sea to be a mystical phenomenon. The actual science behind it is even more intriguing.

Let’s start with a few Dead Sea facts you should know.

  • The Dead Sea is the lowest body of water on the planet
  • With over 34 percent salinity, it’s about 10 times saltier than the ocean
  • The western shore belongs to Israel, while the eastern shore belongs to Jordan

In this article, we’ll cover everything from why the Dead Sea got its name to whether anything actually lives in it, how deep it goes, and what really happens when you wade into the saltiest swimming spot on Earth. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know the real science behind one of Israel’s most famous natural wonders, and exactly what to expect when you visit.

What Is the Dead Sea?

Despite its name, the Dead Sea is not actually a sea. It’s a hypersaline lake, which means it holds far more salt than a normal body of water. It sits in the Jordan Rift Valley, fed mainly by the Jordan River, with no outlet for the water to escape. Everything that flows in stays in, and over thousands of years that has turned it into one of the most mineral-rich places on the planet.

Why Is the Dead Sea Called the Dead Sea?

So why is the Dead Sea called the Dead Sea? The name comes from a simple fact: almost nothing can survive in it. The water is so salty that fish, plants, and other familiar living creatures cannot live there. Ancient peoples who saw a lake with no fish and no visible life gave it a name that stuck for thousands of years.

Why Is the Dead Sea So Salty?

To understand why the Dead Sea is so salty, you have to look at where the water goes, which is nowhere. Rivers and streams carry mineral salts down into the lake, but because it has no outlet, the only way water leaves is by evaporating in the intense desert heat. The water disappears into the air and the salt and minerals stay behind, growing more concentrated year after year. The result is a lake packed with salt, magnesium, calcium, and other minerals.

How Salty Is the Dead Sea?

If you’re wondering how salty the Dead Sea really is, the numbers are striking. The Dead Sea has a salinity of over 34 percent, making it roughly 10 times saltier than the ocean. For comparison, most ocean water sits around 3.5 percent salinity. That extreme concentration is what gives the Dead Sea its famous properties, and it’s also why you’ll want to keep the water away from your eyes and any cuts.

Is the Dead Sea the Lowest Point on Earth?

Yes. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth that sits on dry land, with its shores resting more than 400 meters below sea level. Standing on its banks, you are literally lower than anywhere else a person can stand on the planet’s surface. That unique position even shapes the climate. Because it is so far below sea level, the extra layers of atmosphere above help absorb more UV radiation, so the sun feels gentler than you might expect.

How Deep Is the Dead Sea?

People often ask how deep the Dead Sea is, and the answer is deeper than most expect. At its deepest point, the Dead Sea reaches over 300 meters. The salt and minerals are most concentrated toward the bottom, which plays directly into the lake’s most famous trick: keeping you afloat.

Can You Swim in the Dead Sea?

Here’s a question with a surprising answer: can you swim in the Dead Sea? Not really, and not in the way you’re used to. The water is so dense with salt that it pushes your body upward, making it nearly impossible to do a normal swim stroke or stay underwater. Instead of swimming, you float. The further you wade in, the more you’ll feel that gentle push lifting you toward the surface.

Can You Sink in the Dead Sea?

This is the flip side of the same science. Can you sink in the Dead Sea? It’s extremely difficult. Because your body weight is lighter than the dense, salt-heavy water, the lake naturally holds you up. The high mineral concentration increases your buoyancy so much that lying back and floating happens almost on its own. It’s one of the most surreal and relaxing sensations you can experience in Israel.

Can You Drown in the Dead Sea?

It might seem like a place where drowning would be impossible, but the honest answer to “can you drown in the Dead Sea” is yes, it can happen, and it pays to be careful. The danger isn’t sinking. It’s that the buoyancy makes it hard to flip yourself back over if you tip face-first, and swallowing or inhaling the water is genuinely dangerous because of the salt concentration. The simple rule is to float on your back, keep your face out of the water, and never try to dunk your head under.

Does Anything Live in the Dead Sea?

Given the name, it’s fair to ask: does anything live in the Dead Sea? For a long time the assumption was nothing at all. But scientists have discovered that the lake is home to microscopic life, mainly types of salt-loving microbes and algae that can tolerate the extreme conditions. So while you won’t find familiar plants or animals, the Dead Sea isn’t completely lifeless after all.

Are There Fish in the Dead Sea?

Following on from that, are there fish in the Dead Sea? No. The salinity is far too high for fish to survive, which is exactly why early observers considered the lake “dead.” Occasionally fish are swept in from the Jordan River, but they cannot live in the salty water. The only life that thrives here is microbial.

Does the Dead Sea Really Have Healing Properties?

Going back to Biblical times, the Dead Sea was known as a place of healing. The minerals in the water include magnesium, sodium, and bromide, and their properties are known for providing relief from chronic conditions, including arthritis and osteoporosis, as well as reducing inflammation and stress by increasing blood circulation. Dead Sea sand and mud is also used to help with skin conditions such as psoriasis, skin allergies, and atopic dermatitis.

The reduced UV radiation plays a role too. Combine an extra-large dose of Vitamin D with the healing benefits of the Dead Sea minerals, and it’s understandable why so many visitors choose to spend anywhere from a few days to a few weeks here.

Dos and Don’ts of Visiting the Dead Sea

Now that you’ve got some of the science behind it, here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting the Dead Sea.

Do:

Try the mud. Acne? Dead skin? Just want the benefits of a luxury skin treatment? After you’ve had some time to float, lather up your skin with some of the natural mud. After applying it all over your face and body, rinse it off at the showers (don’t use the saltwater on your face) and voila, beautiful smooth skin.

Cover up any cuts. While the salt can help open cuts or sores heal faster, the burning sensation is not something you’ll want while you’re trying to float and relax. Cover up any cuts with a band-aid ahead of time for easy floating.

Don’t:

Shave beforehand. Shaving or waxing will leave your skin sensitive. As with open cuts or sores, this leads to an uncomfortable stinging or burning sensation. Avoid shaving a day or two before your planned trip.

Dunk your head in. Unlike ducking your head in a pool or the ocean, the saline waters of the Dead Sea can cause a really painful burning in your eyes. It’s also unsafe, since the density of the water can drag your head down. Save the Dead Sea for floating, and when it’s time to rinse your face, head for the showers.

Visiting the Dead Sea is a bucket-list adventure that you’ll never forget. If you’re Jewish, between the ages of 18 to 26, and haven’t yet been to Israel, you can apply for a free 10-day trip with Birthright Israel (the Dead Sea is on the itinerary). Fill out an application today or click here to find out if you’re eligible.

Written by the Birthright Israel team