It’s easy to see why the Dead Sea was a finalist in the Seven World Wonders contest. Just flip through some photos of the area to see the surreal surroundings – it could be a landscape in a sci-fi film.
Located on the border between Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea is one of the most intriguing natural phenomena on Earth.
It is the lowest place in the world at 1,410 feet (430 meters) below sea level. It is 997 ft (304 meters) deep, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world and although not the saltiest, still a natural reserve packed full of rich minerals and salts. Water from the Jordan River enters with no way to escape, except into the atmosphere, leaving the salts and minerals to accumulate for the last tens of thousands of years.
34% of the Dead Sea is salt, compared to the 3.5% of oceans, making it more salty than any other sea or ocean. I highly recommend keeping the water of the dead sea out of your mouth, eyes and any cuts or scrapes you might have, also avoid shaving before you dip. It could be unpleasant. Do try to swim, or rather float on the oil-like waters, it is almost impossible to balance, you get the sense that the water itself is trying to expel you from it.
The Dead Sea has a hot desert climate with year-round sunny skies and dry air. It has less than 50 millimeters (2 in) mean annual rainfall and a summer average temperature between 32 and 39 °C (90 and 102 °F). Winter average temperatures range between 20 and 23 °C (68 and 73 °F).
The region has weaker ultraviolet radiation due to it being so low on the planet. So low in fact that it has an extra layer of ozone protecting from the harmful ultraviolet rays.
This is a natural phenomenon that really should be on everyones must see list. While visiting, why not look into Israel day tours from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea to cover yourself in mud and float the day away. With our experience and extensive knowledge of the land of Israel, you can not go wrong with one of the many Dead Sea tours with Egged Tours. Live the experience with us.
