Visiting the Lowest Point on Earth – The Dead Sea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The feeling of entering water is difficult to describe in words. The surreal sensation of feeling lighter and slowly becoming afloat as you find yourself surrounded by water is incredible. The feeling of floating is a euphoria that can be difficult to compare with any other reality.

One of the best places to experience floating in water is the Dead Sea, a saline lake in Israel. As the name suggests, you can expect that it contains very little to no marine life. This is because the salt content of the water is extremely high. It is considered at least eight times saltier than average seawater.

However, the high salt content makes the lake an exciting experience for water lovers. As you enter the water, you will notice that you have a challenging time staying on your feet. As you slowly get used to this feeling, you will notice that you can lie on your back without worrying about sinking. The water just seems to push you upwards and keep you afloat.

It is believed that the Dead Sea was once a saltwater lagoon that was connected to the Mediterranean. The movement of earth’s tectonic plates formed a barrier between the Mediterranean and the lagoon. This cut off the seawater supply to the Dead Sea. 

Today, numerous aquifers and springs feed the Dead Sea (now a lake). However, due to low altitude, there is no way out for the water; it just collects in the Dead Sea. The extremely hot desert climate causes significant water to evaporate, leaving the salt behind.

Before going into what you will see, let’s look at what you will not see. The highly salty environment makes the beautiful blue waters inhospitable for marine life. This means you will not see any fish, plants, or birds. 

You will not see any watersports, no boats or jet skis zooming past you. This is good if you are there to enjoy a serene and peaceful environment.

You can, however, expect a unique shimmer on all the rocks and sand around the sea, where the salt has crystallized. You will also see several people lying down and lounging above the sea surface as if lying on a floatation device. 

The salt content of the water makes it next to impossible to dive in. In fact, it is advised to keep your head out of the water because the salt can sting (really sting) your eyes. You will also learn of any cuts and scrapes on your body because even the slightest cut will sting due to the salt.

The Dead Sea is important to many religious people and has played an important part in the traditions of different cultures throughout history. It is mentioned multiple times in the Bible and is believed to be linked to various religious events from Biblical times. The sea has been mentioned using several names in the Bible, such as the Sea of Arabah, the Salt Sea, and the Eastern Sea.

The Dead Sea is chemically and geologically unique. The Dead Sea's salt concentration, believed to be eight times higher than the ocean's average, makes visiting it a unique experience. One can easily float in it without using any floatation device. Visiting the Dead Sea is a unique experience that helps you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.