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daisy
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4 out of 5
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Editor Pick

A Quieter Spot to Enjoy a Relaxing Float!

  • September 16, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by karly07 from Belfast, United Kingdom
A Quieter Spot to Enjoy a Relaxing Float!

Most people who visit Israel, will try to take a trip to the Dead Sea, to experience the unique floating sensation that this site, the lowest point on Earth, offers. There are several places where you can stop, park and take a dip, and most of these are in the vicinity of hotels and spa treatment centres.

We travelled closer to the Northern end of the Dead Sea, not far from Ein Gedi, to take a dip in the salty waters at Mineral Beach. We visited at the weekend, and although we weren't the only ones around, we were able to get a car park space (in the shade thankfully!!) and take a dip without it being overly busy.

Mineral beach is signposted off the main road running alongside the western side of the Dead Sea. It does not seem to be frequented by tourists/bus tours as much as some other locations, and therefore is an ideal place to enjoy.

There is a small entrance fee and you can also opt for a ticket to include some treatments, including massages. On this occasion, we did not opt for any of these treatments, so I cannot comment on how good/relaxing they are, but certainly if we visit again, and have more time, we would love to try some of these treatments.

Mineral beach offers reasonably sized changing facilites, with showers and bathrooms. A friend, who had previously been on a bus tour in Israel, had warned me in advance that some of the other locations to float in the dead sea, only offered literally 2 changing rooms, so mineral beach seems to be one of the better options in terms of facilties. There is also a small cafe and shop. Within the shop, you can purchase jelly style sandals, which can be worn in the dead sea. We did not buy these, but I would advise that unless you come with such sandals, it would be a good idea to purchase a pair in the shop, as the ground in and around the waters are extremely stony, and in the summer heat, are unwalkable on, due to the extreme heat. We had to leave our normal sandals at the waters edge, but still had to suffer the harsh stones underneath, before we could get to our shoes.

Although we were simply wanting a quick dip in the sea, if you have more time, or have a family with young children, mineral beach also offers a fresh water pool for children and also a warm sulphur pool.

On the shores of the Dead Sea, at mineral beach, there are plenty of seats and shading umbrella's, and you would be wise to grab one of these near the shore line, so you can keep you towel and bags handy. Most people want to have a photo to remember their experience, and it is worth noting that the changing facilities are a a little walk away from the shore line, so it is better if you take it in turns to go into the water, always leaving someone with the valuables, because although we felt very safe, you cannot be too careful.

Floating in the sea is a funny, but terrific experience, and it feels like you are relaxing with a life jacket on, as you struggle to keep your feet on the ground. At mineral beach, the deeper water is marked off with buoys, to encourage visitors to stay within the shallower boundaries. There are strict rules up on boards, warning that you should not jump in the water, keep it out of your eyes, and you are most definitely not allowed to splash. You should instead walk backwards into the water, and sit down as if you are on a seat.

At mineral beach, there is some natural black mud, which you can freely take and cover yourself in. My husband tried this out, and he enjoyed it as a means of cooling down, but also, it left his skin extremely soft. This mud is available to purchase in the shop as part of some of the dead sea cosmetic treatments.

Do not however, that should you visit in the peak of the summer, like we did, the waters will not cool you down, in fact they are very very hot, and this is something we hadn't expected.

You are advised not to stay in the waters for too long, but you are free to come out, rest and then venture in again. Mineral beach offers plenty of outdoor showers right next to the seats at the shore, so you can wash off the salt when you get out of the sea, and it is important to do so.

All in all, if you are wanting to visit the Dead Sea and take a relaxing float in it, you should consider going to Mineral Beach, away from the maddening crowds, and with everything you could want. A great location to enjoy this amazing world wonder.

From journal An unforgettable independent trip to Israel and Jordan

Editor Pick

Dead Sea

  • June 6, 2000
  • Rated 3 of 5 by daisy from new york, New York
Okay, you really can sit down and float in the water. Just be careful not to cut your feet on the salt deposits on the bottom of the sea. And do slather mud all over yourself in the designated area near the sea. Besides, you just bought all those cosmetics made from Dead Sea mud at Ahava, didn't you?

From journal Israel in Five Days

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