The Dead Sea, nestled between Jordan and Israel, stands as a remarkable natural wonder. It is recognized for its extraordinary salt content, creating a distinct environment. Many visitors are drawn by the popular notion of walking on its surface, a curiosity stemming from its unusual characteristics. As the lowest land-based elevation on Earth, it offers an experience that challenges typical perceptions of water.
Floating Not Walking
While the idea of walking on water at the Dead Sea captures the imagination, it is not possible in a literal sense. Instead, the extreme buoyancy of the water makes it effortless to float on its surface. This sensation of weightlessness is unlike swimming in regular water, where one actively propels through the liquid. When attempting to stand upright, individuals find themselves simply floating back up or gently tipping over, unable to gain firm footing.
The water’s density makes conventional swimming, like submerging one’s body or moving limbs to swim laps, quite challenging. Rather than swimming, visitors typically recline on their backs, allowing the water to support them entirely. This unique feeling is often described as a relaxing experience, almost like floating in space.
The Science Behind the Buoyancy
The Dead Sea’s exceptional buoyancy is a direct result of its extraordinarily high salt concentration. With a salinity ranging from approximately 31.5% to 34.2%, it is nearly ten times saltier than the average ocean, which has a salinity of about 3.5%. This significant salt content dramatically increases the water’s density to around 1.24 kg/L, making it considerably denser than the human body.
Because the Dead Sea’s water is so dense, it displaces a greater volume of water for a given body mass, generating a powerful upward force that easily supports a person. The water contains a high concentration of various minerals, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, and bromide, with magnesium chloride making up a significant portion of its salt composition. The Dead Sea is landlocked, and as water evaporates under the arid climate, these salts and minerals are left behind, further concentrating the water.
Your Dead Sea Experience
A visit to the Dead Sea offers a memorable experience beyond just floating, with practical considerations to ensure comfort and safety. Many people enjoy simply relaxing on the surface, perhaps even reading a book, as the water effortlessly holds them aloft.
However, the high salt content requires adherence to specific precautions. It is important to avoid getting the water in your eyes or mouth, as it can cause a severe burning sensation and significant discomfort. Splashing should also be avoided to prevent accidental contact with sensitive areas. Individuals should not shave for at least 24 to 48 hours before entering the water, as any small cuts or nicks will sting intensely. It is also recommended to limit time in the water to 10-20 minutes per session to prevent skin dehydration and irritation from the high salt concentration.
Staying well-hydrated by drinking fresh water is important, and rinsing thoroughly with fresh water immediately after exiting the Dead Sea helps remove salt residue from the skin. The unique muddy shore, rich in therapeutic minerals, also offers benefits for the skin, and many visitors cover themselves in it.