Overview
The Short Answer A successful Dead Sea visit requires specific items beyond standard beach gear. The extreme environment, with intense desert sun, salt crystals underfoot, and [34.2% mineral-rich water](/dead-sea-salinity/) that can damage electronics and stain clothing, means proper preparation significantly improves your experience. Essential items include waterproof high-SPF sunscreen, water shoes or sturdy flip-flops, old swimwear, plenty of drinking water, and a waterproof bag or case for valuables. Skip these, and the Dead Sea will remind you.
The Dead Sea's unique environment, with intense desert sun, salt crystals on the seabed reaching 2 to 3 cm in size, and 34.2% mineral-rich water that damages electronics, requires specific packing that differs significantly from standard beach preparation at any other destination.
Essential Items Sun Protection
- Waterproof sunscreen SPF 30+ (reapply after each [float](/how-to-float-dead-sea/))
- Wide-brimmed hat (baseball caps leave the neck exposed to reflected UV)
- Sunglasses with secure strap (you cannot easily wipe salt water from eyes)
- Lightweight cover-up or UV-protective shirt for between sessions
The Dead Sea sits at 430 meters below sea level where the atmosphere is thicker, filtering some UV radiation. This does not eliminate sunburn risk. The reflective water surface and desert intensity still demand thorough protection.
Footwear
- Water shoes or sturdy sandals for walking on salt crystals in the water
- Flip-flops for sandy beach areas (not adequate for water entry at all locations)
- Comfortable walking shoes if combining with
[Masada](/dead-sea/masada/) or [Ein Gedi](/dead-sea/ein-gedi/) hikes Swimwear and Clothing
- Swimsuit, preferably dark-colored or older pieces that you will not mind potentially staining from mud and minerals
- Change of clothes for after your float (fresh clothes post-shower feel essential, not optional)
- Large towel (hotel towels often available but bring a backup for day trips)
Hydration and Snacks
- Minimum 2 liters of water per person (more in summer months)
- Snacks if visiting beaches without restaurant facilities
Recommended Items
- Waterproof phone case (\$10 to \$20 as of 2025, enables the iconic floating photograph)
- Waterproof dry bag for valuables while floating
- Aloe vera gel for post-sun skin care
- Goggles if concerned about splashing (most visitors do not need them)
- Basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner) if beach facilities are limited
- Moisturizer for post-salt skin tightness
What NOT to Bring
- Expensive jewelry. Salt can damage metals and gemstone settings.
Leave valuables in the hotel safe.
- Unprotected electronics. Salt spray and mineral water damage phones and cameras quickly.
- White or light-colored swimwear. Mineral and [mud staining](/dead-sea-mud-mask-benefits/) is difficult to remove from light fabrics.
- Contact lenses without backup glasses. Salt water contact with lenses causes extreme pain.
Packing List by Visit Type Day Trip (Minimum): Sunscreen, water shoes, swimsuit, towel, water, hat, change of clothes Overnight Stay: Day trip items plus evening clothes, toiletries, moisturizer, reading material for quiet hours [Medical Tourism](/dead-sea-psoriasis-treatment/) (Extended Stay):
Above items plus medical documentation, current medications, additional swimwear for daily therapeutic use, comfortable walking clothes, entertainment for rest periods between treatment sessions
FAQs
Can I buy forgotten items at the Dead Sea?
[Ein Bokek](/dead-sea/beaches/ein-bokek/) has small shops selling sunscreen, basic swimwear, and snacks at typical tourist markup prices.
Water shoes and specialized items are harder to find. Jordan’s resorts have gift shops with essentials. Planning ahead ensures better selection and lower costs.
Do hotels provide towels for the beach?
Most Dead Sea hotels provide beach towels, often with a towel card system. Confirm with your specific hotel before packing. Day visitors without hotel stays should bring their own towels.
Should I bring my own mud products?
Generally unnecessary. Fresh [Dead Sea mud](/dead-sea-mud-mask-benefits/) is available free at many beach areas, and packaged products are sold on site. Retail products differ from fresh shoreline mud in texture and mineral concentration. Save purchased products for home use after your trip.
What about bringing a camera?
Smartphones in waterproof cases have largely replaced dedicated cameras at the Dead Sea. If bringing a camera, use a waterproof housing or keep it well away from the water in a sealed bag. Salt spray travels further than you expect. One splash is enough to corrode exposed electronics.
