What You NEED to Know about Floating in the Dead Sea, Israel + Dead Sea Mushrooms – 2023

Floating in the Dead Sea should be a bucket list item for everyone! And here’s why: 

Visiting the Dead Sea

Looking to check off this incredible bucket-list destination on your travel list? Well, check out these Dead Sea fun facts:

Lowest point on earth?

One of the saltiest bodies of water?

Able to naturally float?

Therapeutic and Healing?

Just plain Awesome? Yes! it’s the Dead Sea! 

Can you actually float in the Dead Sea?

One of my favorite places in Israel to visit is indeed the Dead Sea! And yes, you actually float! I mean, floating in the Dead Sea is why everyone comes! (Not to mention the incredible minerals in the sea and mud). And if you’re wondering if floating in the Dead Sea is healthy? The incredible mineral content inside the Dead Sea is ten times higher than any other ocean or sea – so yes, it’s incredible healthy and healing for your skin.

What can you do during a day at the Dead Sea?

A fantastic day trip, the Dead Sea is located just south of Jerusalem and borders Jordan. The views surrounding this incredible location are seriously amazing!

But be prepared, because the temps are soaring in this natural valley and its HOT, HOT, HOT! Especially if you plan to visit during the summer months.

Because it’s such a touristy area, there are plenty of options while you’re there. Camping, hiking, hotels, beaches, and spa’s, and shopping at the mall. My personal favorite is the Ein Gedyi Spa, where a general admission ticket is only 95 Shekels (about $25). This includes a pool overlooking the desert, salty hot tubs/spas, 3 mud tubs and a private beach down at the Sea. So worth the money spent!

Floating in the Dead Sea: Mud, Mud and More Mud

Slathering your body with mud and washing it out in the Dead Sea is always a great experience, and also been said to be a natural skin moisturizer. And once you’re fully lathered, head on down and wash it off in the Sea. Oh, and floating in the Dead Sea is something incredible too!

How to find the Dead Sea Mushrooms

One of the highlights of a trip to the Dead Sea is venturing out to see the Dead Sea Mushrooms. Located just south of the main strip of hotels, the Dead Sea Mushrooms are a bit off the beaten path. It’s about a 1/2 mile walk – but not the easiest path and not kid-friendly. If you’re driving, you’ll pass the hotels and continue to the roundabout where you’ll see a construction site. Don’t worry, you can drive through. You’ll start seeing the mushrooms from the drive. Park and head on down.

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Here’s what you need to know about the Dead Sea Mushrooms before going:

Are you actually walking on salt? Yes! They are HUGE formations formed by salt build-up. Incredible!

Can you completely float in the Dead Sea? Yes! Your body becomes a human floating device in the Dead Sea.

Are the Dead Sea Mushrooms kid-friendly? Because of the extreme amounts of salt and the fact that it can hurt climbing up on the mushrooms, I wouldn’t take young kids. We didn’t let Mia go in because of the salt. If they rub their eyes or have a tiny scrape or cut, it won’t be a fun experience. I would stick with older children and teens.

Does it smell bad? Nope. But it does taste super salty!

Do the Dead Sea Mushrooms hurt to walk on? It doesn’t feel great. DO NOT walk barefoot. I wore water shoes, and it still hurt a bit. And if you have any cuts, it will sting.

TIP: Don’t shave the day you go.

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And don’t forget, you’re in good company! It’s been said that the Dead Sea was a refuge for King David and has been known as one of the world’s first health resorts. Dead Sea Products are sold all around the world, along with healing salts and minerals. I suggest the body salts – they’re amazing!

So what are you waiting for? Make floating in the Dead Sea one of your next Destinations!

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