Dead Sea beach / Ein Gedi, Israel

A beach vacation at the Dead Sea in Ein Gedi was once an opportunity to swim in this unique body of water, which has no analogues in the world.

There used to be several organized beaches in the vicinity of Ein Gedi. The public beach in the kibbutz itself was located on a steep mountain slope. It was not very attractive, and the entrance to the water was inconvenient, but it did offer basic tourist infrastructure such as umbrellas, freshwater showers, shops, and cafés. Local residents often spent their time there, while organized tourist groups were usually taken to private beaches.

The most famous and oldest resort in the area was the Ein Gedi Spa. In the past, it stood right on the shore of the Dead Sea. However, over the years, the water level has been dropping dramatically, and the shoreline has retreated. Today, the sea has moved back by about 4 kilometers, and it is no longer possible to swim here — the water has simply disappeared from the beaches. The spa complex still operates with thermal pools (around +38°C), mud treatments, and other facilities, but direct access to the Dead Sea is gone.

Another popular destination used to be the “Hof Minerali” beach, which offered good infrastructure (changing rooms, showers, umbrellas, toilets, cafés, and a shop with Dead Sea cosmetics). The beach itself was sandy, though the entrance to the water was rocky. Unfortunately, just like elsewhere in Ein Gedi, the water has receded, and swimming at this site is no longer possible.

Visitor Considerations:

• Enter the Dead Sea with caution; the salt crystals on the seabed and rocks are sharp. Rubber shoes or coral slippers are recommended.
• Avoid getting water in the eyes; contact with the highly saline water can cause discomfort or burns. The high water density also makes balance difficult, increasing the risk of tipping over.
• In winter, the optimal time for visiting is between 13:00 and 15:00 when water temperatures reach up to 23°C.
• After swimming, rinse immediately with freshwater to prevent salt burns.
• Dead Sea resorts sell local cosmetics, but prices are often inflated. Purchasing these products in larger cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Netanya is generally cheaper.

Today, Ein Gedi continues to attract visitors primarily for its nature reserve, hiking trails, and historical sites. The reserve features waterfalls, desert oases, and a variety of plant and animal species. While direct swimming in the Dead Sea is limited due to the receding shoreline, the region remains a significant ecological and recreational destination.