Dead Sea (Ein Bokek), Israel: travel guide
Spa hotels and mineral beaches on the lowest shore on Earth
The resort strip of Ein Bokek on the southern Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth, lined with spa hotels and mineral beaches, and the gateway to Masada and Ein Gedi.
About Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)
Ein Bokek is a strip of hotels and beaches on the southern Dead Sea, the lowest dry land on Earth. This is a resort area rather than a town, set between the salty water and the cliffs of the Judean Desert.
The experience is unusual: the dense salty water lets you float with ease, and the mineral mud is smeared on skin before a rinse. Spa hotels offer pools and treatments, and the public beaches are easy to use. Nearby, Masada is a famous hilltop fortress that is best climbed at sunrise, and Ein Gedi has desert springs, waterfalls and hiking trails.
It suits couples, spa-goers and anyone wanting a restful break. Winter and spring are the most pleasant times to visit; summers are intensely hot.
- Country
- Israel
- Currency
- ILS
- Time zone
- Asia/Jerusalem
Last updated
Plan a Dead Sea (Ein Bokek) trip
Top places to visit in Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)
Masada National Park
Ancient fortress · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · entry ₪31 (≈ ₹960)
Herod the Great's cliff-top desert fortress above the Dead Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of the Jewish revolt against Rome, reached by cable car or the Snake Path.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Desert oasis reserve · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · entry ₪29 (≈ ₹900)
A lush desert oasis on the Dead Sea shore with waterfalls, freshwater pools and canyons at Nahal David and Nahal Arugot, home to ibex and rock hyrax.
Ein Bokek Beach
Dead Sea beach · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The main free public beach at the Ein Bokek resort, with gentle access to the buoyant mineral water where bathers famously float, plus mud, showers and shade.
Qumran National Park
Archaeological park · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · entry ₪29 (≈ ₹900)
The ruins above the northwest Dead Sea where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in cliff caves, with excavations of the Essene settlement and a visitor centre.
Dead Sea (Mineral Bathing)
Natural wonder · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The lowest point on Earth, a hypersaline lake more than 420 m below sea level, whose dense mineral water lets bathers float effortlessly and whose black mud is prized for skin care.
Things to do
- Masada Sunrise Hike (Snake Path) Hiking · 3 h · from ILS 80 per person
- Dead Sea Float & Mud Experience Wellness · 2 h · from ILS 60 per person
- Ein Gedi Oasis Hike Hiking · 4 h · from ILS 100 per person
- Masada & Ein Gedi Full-Day Tour Day Trip · 8 h · from ILS 350 per person
- Dead Sea Spa Day Spa · 3 h · from ILS 250 per person
Day trips and tours
- Masada, Ein Gedi & Dead Sea 9 h · from ILS 380
Where to stay in Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)
- Ein Bokek Resort about ILS 1,100 per night
The single resort strip of spa hotels directly on the Dead Sea's mineral beaches.
Hotels
- Isrotel Dead Sea 5-star · ILS 1,300 to ILS 2,400 per night
- Herods Dead Sea 5-star · ILS 1,400 to ILS 2,800 per night
- Leonardo Club Dead Sea 4-star · ILS 900 to ILS 1,500 per night
Where to eat
- Taj Mahal Middle Eastern, Grill, International · about ILS 140 per person
- Aroma Espresso Bar (Ein Bokek) Cafe, Israeli, International · about ILS 55 per person
Getting to Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)
Nearest airport: Amman (AMM), about 83 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Shuttle
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Israel
Frequently asked questions about Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)?
- The highest-rated places in our Dead Sea (Ein Bokek) guide are Masada National Park, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Ein Bokek Beach, Qumran National Park.
- Where should I stay in Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Dead Sea (Ein Bokek): Ein Bokek Resort.
- How do I get around Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)?
- Ways to get around Dead Sea (Ein Bokek) covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Shuttle, Taxi, Walking.