Overview
Floating in the Dead Sea requires no effort and no swimming ability. The water’s extreme mineral density of 1.24 g/mL (compared to 1.03 g/mL for ocean water) automatically lifts your body to the surface. The key to a successful Dead Sea float is entering the water slowly on your back, keeping your head elevated above water at all times, and avoiding any water contact with your eyes or mouth. Most first-time visitors are surprised by how effortlessly the 34.2% salt concentration supports them. The densest water on
Earth produces the lightest sensation you have ever felt.
Dead Sea water density of 1.24 g/mL provides approximately 20% more buoyant force than ocean water, meaning your body floats automatically without any swimming ability required, though keeping your eyes and mouth protected from the 34.2% salt concentration remains absolutely essential.
Step-by-Step Floating Technique
Step 1: Prepare Before Entering
Remove all jewelry (salt can damage metal and stones) and apply waterproof sunscreen at least 15 minutes before entering. Check your skin for any cuts, scrapes, or freshly shaved areas. Even tiny micro-cuts will sting intensely. Many experienced visitors recommend avoiding shaving for 24 to 48 hours before a Dead Sea visit.
Step 2: Walk In Slowly
Enter the water gradually from a designated beach area with a solid bottom. The Dead Sea floor can be rocky with salt crystals, so many beaches provide water shoes or designated walking paths. Walk in until the water reaches your waist, moving slowly to maintain balance as buoyancy increases.
Step 3: Transition to Floating Position
Once waist-deep, slowly lean backward as if sitting into an invisible chair. Extend your arms out to the sides for balance. The water will immediately begin supporting your body. Gradually recline until you are lying on your back with your face pointing toward the sky.
Your chest, belly, and knees will rise above the water surface.
The correct Dead Sea floating position keeps your head above water with ears submerged, arms extended for balance, and knees slightly bent. Resist the instinct to kick or paddle, as movements can splash concentrated salt water toward your face.
Step 4: Relax and Enjoy
Once floating, relax completely. Fighting the water or trying to \”swim\” disrupts your stability and risks splashing salt water. Keep your hands above the water surface or use them as gentle rudders to adjust position. Many floaters find crossing their arms over their chest or placing hands behind their head comfortable. The classic \”reading a newspaper\” pose works because the water provides enough support.
Stillness is not passive here. It is how the Dead Sea works.
Step 5: Exit Carefully
After 15 to 20 minutes, prepare to exit by slowly tucking into a seated position in the water, then rolling forward to stand. Exit where you entered or at a designated ladder point. Move immediately to the fresh water showers available at all public beaches to rinse off salt residue, paying particular attention to your face and any areas where salt may have dried.
Critical Safety Rules
- NEVER put your face underwater. Dead Sea water in eyes causes severe, temporarily blinding pain.
- NEVER swallow the water. Ingesting Dead Sea water can cause serious medical complications.
- Keep floating sessions under 20 minutes. Extended exposure can irritate skin.
- Wear waterproof flip-flops or water shoes. Salt crystals on the seabed can be sharp.
- Stay within designated swimming areas. Sinkholes have formed in some shoreline areas.
- Keep children within arm’s reach at all times. Splashing can quickly lead to eye exposure.
What to Do If Salt Gets in Your Eyes
If Dead Sea water contacts your eyes, remain calm but act quickly. Walk to shore immediately without rubbing your eyes. Fresh water stations are located throughout all public beaches specifically for this purpose.
Flush eyes continuously with fresh water for several minutes. The intense stinging will subside within 15 to 30 minutes of thorough rinsing. If pain persists beyond an hour, seek medical attention at the beach first aid station.
Best Time of Day for Floating
Early morning (before 10 AM) offers the most pleasant floating experience, with cooler temperatures and calmer water. The afternoon sun can be extremely intense at the Dead Sea’s low elevation, where higher barometric pressure increases the partial pressure of oxygen by approximately 5%. Late afternoon (after 4 PM) provides another comfortable window with amber light filtered through the additional atmosphere. Midday floating is possible but requires diligent sun protection and more frequent breaks.
FAQs
Can you drown in the Dead Sea?
Drowning in the traditional sense is nearly impossible due to extreme buoyancy. However, people have died from accidentally flipping face-down and being unable to right themselves, or from medical emergencies after swallowing water. Always float on your back and maintain awareness of your body position.
Why do my legs float higher than my head?
Body fat is less dense than the surrounding salt water, causing areas with more fatty tissue (typically legs and torso) to float higher. This can tip your head lower. Combat this by extending arms overhead or keeping hands beneath your lower back to adjust buoyancy distribution.
Can I float if I cannot swim?
Yes. The Dead Sea is ideal for non-swimmers because floating requires zero swimming ability. The water supports your body automatically.
However, non-swimmers should enter slowly and stay near shore until comfortable with the distinctive sensation of buoyancy.
What should I bring to the Dead Sea?
Essential items include waterproof sunscreen, flip-flops or water shoes, a hat, plenty of drinking water, a towel, and a change of clothes.
Optional items include a waterproof phone case (for floating photographs), goggles if you are concerned about splashing, and old swimwear you do not mind potentially staining from minerals.
