Why the Dead Sea is special
The Dead Sea, which is shared by Israel and Jordan, is the lowest spot on earth. Its shoreline is about 400 meters (1300 feet) below sea level.
The Dead Sea (really a lake) is also the world's saltiest large body of water. The average salt content is more than six times that of the ocean's, which explains why there is no plant and animal life in the Dead Sea.
The water is extremely salty because the Dead Sea has no outlet – and the water that flows into it readily evaporates in the hot, arid air. The minerals remain.

Slowly shrinking
The Jordan River is the chief source of the incoming water. However, since the 1950s a fair share of its water has been diverted for irrigation. This has alarmed conservationists. The Dead Sea's length has already shrunk by a third - and this world famous body of water could possibly disappear in time.

Remarkable buoyancy
The mineral-rich Dead Sea is exceptionally buoyant (you probably have seen the cliché Dead Sea tourist photos of bathers floating on their backs like a cork while casually reading newspapers).

Surrounding attractions
Travelers also enjoy visiting the therapeutic resort spas. Archaeological sightseeing side trips include Masada (the historic mountain fortress overlooking the Dead Sea) and the Qumran Caves (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered).

What leading travel books say about the Dead Sea
People from all over the world come for therapeutic treatment.
Israel & Jordan
Bazak Guides

The Dead Sea has fascinated travelers, both ancient and present-day.
Israel
Passport Runaway Guides