Dead Sea Kayak Tours from Mitzpe Shalem

Dead Sea Kayak Tours from Mitzpe Shalem

Dead Sea Kayak runs guided tandem-kayak trips from Mitzpe Shalem on the northern Dead Sea. Allow about three hours from arrival to return, including roughly two hours on the water. No previous kayaking experience is required, but advance booking is essential.

At a glance

• Operator: Dead Sea Kayak, also known as Kayak Tours
• Starting area: Mitzpe Shalem, northern Dead Sea
• Tour length: About three hours in total, with roughly two hours on the water
• Minimum published age: 8
• Kayaks: Tandem kayaks
• Group size: Up to 20 participants, according to the operator
• Reference price checked 18 August 2026: NIS 450 per tandem kayak, including guidance
• Experience required: None
• Booking: Required in advance
• Phone: +972 50-865-0705

Prices, departure times, route and availability can change. Confirm all four directly with the operator before travelling.

What the tour is like

This is a guided sightseeing paddle, not a kayak rental. The activity begins with a meeting near Mitzpe Shalem, followed by a transfer to the launch area. Before entering the water, participants receive paddling instructions and a safety briefing. The operator supplies the tandem kayak, paddles and flotation aids.

The exact route depends on the shoreline, wind and water conditions. From the kayak, the group may pass salt-encrusted shelves, crystalline formations, salt pillars, small inlets and sections of the changing northern shoreline. The guide explains the features visible along the route and how the receding water level is reshaping the area.

Some published itineraries mention mud stops, freshwater springs or entering low-salinity pools. These are not guaranteed parts of every trip. Follow the guide’s instructions and never approach a sinkhole, unstable shore or unapproved water entry point independently.

Duration and departure times

Plan for about three hours from the scheduled meeting time until the group returns. Around two hours are normally spent on the water; the remaining time covers arrival, instructions, transfer and preparation.

The Megilot Regional Council currently lists morning and early-afternoon departures, typically at 8:30 and 13:00. Sunrise or sunset outings may also be arranged. These times are not a walk-in schedule. Availability depends on advance reservations and suitable conditions, so use the time confirmed by the operator for your date.

Who can join

The published minimum age is 8. The operator accepts beginners and says no previous kayaking experience is needed. Participants still need to be able to sit in a tandem kayak, paddle and follow the guide’s safety instructions for the full activity.

Ask the operator before booking if anyone in the group has limited mobility, a medical condition, a recent injury, or needs help transferring to the launch area or boarding the kayak. Published accessibility information is inconsistent, so the activity should not be assumed to be wheelchair accessible without direct confirmation.

What is included

• Guided kayak outing and explanations about the Dead Sea
• Tandem kayak and paddles
• Flotation aids
• Pre-launch paddling and safety briefing
• Transfer between the meeting area and the launch point
• A fresh-water rinse at the end, when the operator’s mobile shower is available

Food, personal sun protection, drinking water, towels and changes of clothing are not listed as included.

What to bring

• At least 1.5 litres of drinking water per person, and more when the operator advises it
• Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Swimwear with a shirt or other clothing that can get wet
• Water shoes
• Towel and a complete change of clothes
• A waterproof pouch for a phone, keys and other small valuables

The launch area is exposed and has no permanent restroom. Use facilities before the final transfer to the shore. Do not rely on mobile reception or shops at the water.

Getting there and access

The business is based at Mitzpe Shalem, off Route 90 on the northern Dead Sea. The shoreline and usable launch points change, so the meeting location should come from the operator after booking. Do not drive toward the water or follow an unverified map pin on your own.

Arrive 20 minutes before the confirmed departure. The final approach may include a short gravel-road section and an operator transfer to the launch point. Confirm whether your vehicle is suitable, where to park and where the group will meet.

Open the Dead Sea Kayak location in Waze

Safety and cancellations

Dead Sea water is extremely salty. Keep it out of your eyes and mouth, cover cuts, and carry fresh water for rinsing. Wear the flotation aid provided and remain with the guided group.

Wind can make a departure unsuitable. The operator may delay, reroute or cancel a trip when conditions do not allow it to run. Ask about the cancellation and refund policy before paying, especially when booking around a fixed itinerary.

Price and booking

The most recent price found across the Megilot Regional Council directory, a July 2026 Mako report and a current tour listing is NIS 450 per tandem kayak, including guidance. Treat this as a checked reference price, not a guaranteed quote.

• Call: +972 50-865-0705

When booking, confirm the total price, participant count, minimum age, meeting point, departure time, expected finish time, current route and weather policy.

Nearby places to combine with the tour

A kayak trip can fit into a northern Dead Sea day with Qumran, Kalia Beach or Einot Tzukim Nature Reserve. Check driving times and opening hours before combining activities. For a broader explanation of what is available on the water, read the Dead Sea kayaking and water activities guide.

Call-ahead pizza stop near Mitzpe Shalem

Grandpa’s Kitchen is a pizza food truck listed near the former Mineral Beach junction. Confirm its current operating point before traveling.