The Dead Sea is the lowest point on land: the water holds you up, with Masada fortress and the Ein Gedi oasis close by. Go for the day from Jerusalem (1.5–2 hours each way) or stay 1–2 nights in the Ein Bokek hotels. Spring and autumn are best; summer heat tops 40 °C.
What to see
- Masada — Herod’s clifftop fortress; entry 37 ILS, cable car round trip 54 ILS.
- Ein Gedi — a nature reserve with waterfalls, entry 31 ILS.
- Beaches — free at Ein Bokek, paid at Kalia in the north.
- Qumran — where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found ⟦verify⟧ hours and prices.
Getting there
- From Jerusalem — by car or on a tour; Egged buses 486 / 444 are infrequent and barely run on Shabbat.
- Routes 1 and 90 partly cross the West Bank — check your government’s travel advice.
Rules
- Do not shave the day before, do not dive or splash.
- 10–15 minutes in the water, then a shower.
- Water, a hat and sunscreen are a must.
Where to stay
Hotels are in Ein Bokek, by the beach. Where to stay.
Tours and transfer
⟦Own product P3 “Dead Sea + Masada + Ein Gedi”⟧
Airport transfer — book one. eSIM and insurance — compare options. Best time to go — seasons and holidays calendar.
⟦Partner block: Booking — Ein Bokek hotels; Localrent — car rental⟧