The Dead Sea, called “the salt sea: Yam HaMelach” is known as the lowest point and deepest hypersaline lake on Earth at 1290-1390 feet below sea level. It has importance in the cosmetic and tourism industries as well as environmental significance.

The Dead Sea (on the Israeli side) is a great spot to explore for those visiting Israel. There are many spots to venture to including Ein Gedi, Masada, nature reserves, and of course, the mile-long stretch of the Dead Sea shore on the Israeli side accessible by Highway 90.

In order to enjoy the spa-benefits of Dead Sea mud while meeting new friends, one can employ the use of JournAlong, an app that connects travelers with one another for various activities. The Travel matching app works by matching travelers who indicate similar plans or travel interests within the same region. Categories include but are not limited to sight-seeing (nature, heritage sites, tours), outdoor fun (hiking, swimming, etc), photography, family, music, and more. In this way, travelers can enjoy one another’s’ company while engaging in cross-cultural contact and creating new friendships.

The lake borders Israel, Jordan, and Palestine, and is a popular spot for visitors who come from the four corners of the world to lather up in mineral-rich mud. While oceans typically have a salinity level of 3%, the Dead Sea is 33.7% salinity, making it possible for swimmers to float…and dangerous for getting salt water in one’s eye. The high salt concentration also renders it lifeless- no fish or aquatic plants- except for a few types of bacteria.

It’s a hub spot for environmental research and home to AHAVA factory, and Gourmet salt companies such as Naked Sea Salt and Salt 424, which offer a variety of flavored salts, including garlic and ginger, sweet orange and even chili.  The Dead Sea’s unique mineral content makes it ideal for formulating a number of cosmetic products such as mud masks, mud soap, salt soap, scrubs, and more, through AHAVA and other brands. 

Activities and must-see sites include:

1.      Ein Gedi Nature Reserve: JournAlong mates can enjoy nature sites including hiking trails which lead to David’s waterfall, lush green landscape and spring, difficult trails towards Shulamit’s Spring, Dodim’s Cave, and Ein Gedi Spring.

2.      Metsoke Dragot: An excellent place to camp near the Dead Sea with JournAlong friends

3.      Masada: Located atop a cliff, cable car tours offer a spectacular view of fortifications built by King Herod around 30 BC such as Roman-style bath house and other archeological remains. The Masada Museum features archaeological exhibits and recreations of historical scenes- worth seeing for visitors of all ages!

4.      Qumran National Park: home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Qumran is an archeological site consisting of caves, tours, and exhibits.

5.      Ein Gedi Botanical Garden: An award-winning botanical garden featuring local plant species such as the Sodom Apple, Moringa and Tamarisk, as well as 30 species of date palms, a cactus garden, and over 900 species of other flora and fauna. The Botanical Garden is located in Kibbutz Ein Gedi and is integrated with residential homes. A walk-tour is ideal for the garden, and it offers a picturesque view of the Dead Sea landscape.

Whether you’re interested in photography, nature, archeology, or cosmetics, the Dead Sea has a lot to offer. Visit the Dead Sea with JournAlong travel mates to learn about its environmental impact and experience a one-of-a-kind vacation trip that’s both educational, relaxing, fun.