Current Status of Ein Gedi Spa Beach
The Ein Gedi Spa (also known as the Sea of Spa or Ein Gedi Hot Springs) permanently closed in March 2020. The closure resulted from two converging forces: the formation of sinkholes in the surrounding terrain and the Dead Sea continued recession, which had moved the shoreline approximately 4 km away from the original spa facility. The Ein Gedi public beach, once located nearby, is also permanently closed due to the same sinkhole danger. Visitors planning a Dead Sea bathing experience should not rely on Ein Gedi as an access point for entering the water.
The Ein Gedi Spa on the Dead Sea permanently closed in March 2020 after sinkholes and the sea recession moved the shoreline approximately 4 km from the facility. The Ein Gedi public beach is also permanently closed. Visitors seeking Dead Sea water access should plan for Ein Bokek or Neve Zohar instead.
History of the Ein Gedi Spa
Founded in 1963, the Ein Gedi Spa was the first dedicated wellness facility established on the Dead Sea shore. It began as a single asbestos cabin beside a thermo mineral well, operated by Kibbutz Ein Gedi. Over the following decades, it grew into a significant health tourism destination offering six thermo mineral sulfur pools, mud treatment areas, professional therapeutic services, a restaurant, and a cosmetics store.
Founded in 1963, the Ein Gedi Spa operated for nearly six decades as the Dead Sea first dedicated wellness facility, offering six thermo mineral sulfur pools, professional mud treatments, and therapeutic services based on the region clinically documented mineral and climatic properties.
Why the Spa Closed
The Dead Sea surface level has been declining at a rate of approximately 1 meter per year for several decades, driven primarily by upstream diversion of the Jordan River and industrial mineral extraction from the southern basin. This recession has exposed new terrain along the former shoreline, and the interaction between retreating saline groundwater and freshwater aquifers has created thousands of sinkholes throughout the Dead Sea region.
At Ein Gedi, the consequences were particularly visible. The shoreline that once bordered the spa receded steadily over 30 years, eventually reaching a distance of approximately 4 km. A tractor drawn shuttle was introduced to transport visitors between the spa facilities and the retreating waterline. By 2020, the sinkhole risk in the immediate vicinity made continued operation untenable.
The Dead Sea annual recession of approximately 1 meter per year, driven by Jordan River diversion and industrial extraction, created sinkholes that forced the Ein Gedi Spa permanent closure in 2020, after the shoreline had retreated roughly 4 km from the original facility over three decades.
Current Alternatives at Ein Gedi
Synergy Spa at Kibbutz Ein Gedi Hotel
The Synergy Spa, located within Kibbutz Ein Gedi, remains operational and offers a wellness experience that, while different from the original shoreline spa, provides access to Dead Sea derived treatments. Facilities include a heated indoor Dead Sea water pool, an outdoor freshwater pool, a Turkish hamam, dry sauna, and professional treatment rooms.
The spa is available to both hotel guests (at a discounted rate) and day visitors. It does not provide direct access to the Dead Sea shoreline.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
While not a beach destination, the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve remains one of Israel premier hiking sites, attracting approximately 1 million visitors annually. Trails through Wadi David lead to waterfalls and natural pools. As of 2025, some trails have limited accessibility due to flood damage, with Wadi David open to the first waterfall via a short accessible path and Wadi Arugot open to the lower pools.
Nearest Dead Sea Beach Access from Ein Gedi
- Ein Bokek, approximately 31 km south (a 30-minute drive), offers the most developed free public beach.
- Neve Zohar and Hamei Zohar, approximately 23 km south, provide a quieter free beach alternative.
- Kalia Beach, approximately 30 km north near the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 90, is a paid beach. Note: Kalia Beach is located in Area C of the West Bank.
FAQs
Is Ein Gedi Spa still open?
No. The original Ein Gedi Spa (Sea of Spa) permanently closed in March 2020 due to sinkhole risk and the Dead Sea recession. The Synergy Spa at Kibbutz Ein Gedi Hotel remains operational, offering indoor Dead Sea water pools and professional treatments.
Can you swim in the Dead Sea at Ein Gedi?
Not currently. The Ein Gedi public beach and the former spa beach are both permanently closed. The nearest Dead Sea water access is at Ein Bokek, approximately 31 km south, or Kalia Beach, approximately 30 km north.
Why did the Ein Gedi Spa close?
The Dead Sea water level has been dropping approximately 1 meter per year, causing the shoreline to recede roughly 4 km from the spa facility. This recession also created sinkholes in the surrounding terrain, making continued operation unsafe.
What is the Synergy Spa at Ein Gedi?
The Synergy Spa is a wellness facility within Kibbutz Ein Gedi Hotel, offering a heated indoor Dead Sea water pool, outdoor freshwater pool, Turkish hamam, dry sauna, and professional mud and massage treatments. It is open to hotel guests and day visitors.
How do I get to Ein Gedi from Jerusalem?
Ein Gedi is approximately 90 minutes from Jerusalem by car via Highway 1 east to Highway 90 south. The Egged bus route 486 connects Jerusalem Central Bus Station to Ein Gedi with regular departures.
Is Ein Gedi Nature Reserve open?
Yes, but with limited trail access as of 2025 due to flood damage. Wadi David is open to the first waterfall, and Wadi Arugot is open to the lower pools. Advance reservations may be required. Check with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for current conditions.
