Can you wear a bathing suit in the Dead Sea?

The high salt level of the sea will leave sensitive areas feeling on high alert and stinging like crazy. Arrive with your bathing suit on.



Yes, you can wear a bathing suit in the Dead Sea, but in 2026, experienced travelers offer a stern warning: choose an old or "disposable" suit. The Dead Sea has a salt concentration of roughly 34%, which is nearly ten times saltier than the ocean. This extreme salinity is harsh on fabrics; it can leach the elasticity out of Lycra and Spandex, cause colors to fade significantly, and leave a permanent "oily" residue that is difficult to wash out. Furthermore, if you partake in the famous mineral mud baths along the shore, the dark mud can permanently stain light-colored fabrics. It is also essential to wear water shoes or old flip-flops while in your suit, as the "sand" is actually made of jagged, razor-sharp salt crystals that can easily cut your feet. After your float, you must rinse your suit (and yourself) immediately in the freshwater showers provided at the beach to prevent the salt from crystallizing and further damaging the garment.

People Also Ask

Like the water, Dead Sea mud also has high salt concentrations, staining your bathing suit. Just keep this in mind if you decide to take advantage of the opportunity to do a mud mask when you're enjoying a day at the Dead Sea.

MORE DETAILS

Try not to put your face or hair in the water It's just not a good idea to get your eyes and mouth near the water, because if any were to get in, that would be the end of your time at the Dead Sea. In addition, you will want to pull your hair up and avoid getting it in the water.

MORE DETAILS

If you stay in the Dead Sea for too long, the high salt concentration may dry out and irritate your skin, and if ingested, can cause discomfort.

MORE DETAILS

Although it's free to soak in the Dead Sea, you usually need to and bring your own towel if you're not a resort guest. It's a good idea to wear waterproof sandals to protect your feet from rocks and hot sand, and to avoid wearing jewelry, which can be tarnished by the extremely salty water.

MORE DETAILS

It is one of the world's saltiest bodies of water with a salinity level of 34%. This high salinity makes it nearly impossible for any aquatic life to survive in its waters. Due to these conditions, putting your head underwater in the Dead Sea can be dangerous.

MORE DETAILS

Similarly to most neighboring countries, the dress codes for women are slightly stricter than men. Women should refrain from showing flesh as much as possible. Wearing loose clothing which covers the arms, legs, chest, and the nape of the neck also helps female travelers avoid negative and unwanted attention.

MORE DETAILS

The water is really salty, so salty in fact that you don't want to spend too much time in the Dead Sea. If you do stay in the water too long, you can get dehydrated! Make sure when you get out to rise off and drink plenty of fresh water to avoid getting dehydrated.

MORE DETAILS