There Is More to the Dead Sea Than Salt

Located in southeast Israel, the Dead Sea is quite famous for many reasons. It’s one of the seven wonders of the world, it is the lowest place on earth, and it’s one of the very few bodies of water in the world where you can easily float no matter how much you weigh or how bad of a swimmer you are. Here are some interesting facts about this intriguing place.

It’s very much alive

Despite its name, the place is far from being dead. Sure, it’s located in the middle of a desert and you won’t find any fish in the water, but the ecosystem there is quite impressive. A little stroll through the adjacent natural reserve of Ein Gedi will bring you up close and personal with the local ibex, hyrax, and other representatives of the habitat’s flora and fauna.

Mud baths are legit

The local mud is rich with minerals that can work wonders on your skin. You can get bags or containers of that magic mud pretty much anywhere around the Dead Sea. The salt itself also has similar properties, so you can give yourself a nice spa treatment while sitting on the beach. Start by soaking in the water and then lather yourself in mud. Let the sun run its rays on the whole concoction for a couple of hours and then rinse it off.

There are saltier places

The high salinity of the water causes several effects: it makes it inhospitable to fish, makes anyone float effortlessly, and also gives the water an awful taste. But it is far from being the saltiest body of water in the world. That title goes to Don Juan Pond in Antarctica. That being said, the salt will sting once your skin is introduced to the water. So if you’re planning on paying the place a visit, make sure to not save any body part at least 24 hours in advance.