Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Kayak Manual
    Subscribe
    • Home
      • About
    • Contact
      • Write for Us
    • Privacy Policy
      • Disclaimer
      • Corrections Policy
      • Verification Fact Checking Policy
      • Unnamed Sources Policy
      • Diversity Policy
      • Mission Coverage Priorities Policy
    • Kayak Types
      • Inflatable Kayaks
      • Budget Kayak
      • Folding Kayaks
      • Kayak for Rapids
      • Kayaks for Kids
      • Sit-In Kayaks
      • Sit-On-Top Kayaks
      • Tandem Kayaks
      • Touring Kayaks
    • Blog
    Kayak Manual
    Home » Paddling in Dead Sea
    kayak

    Paddling in Dead Sea

    Arthur G. MooreBy Arthur G. MooreMarch 31, 2022Updated:March 31, 2022No Comments4 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Paddling in Dead Sea
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    The Dead Sea is an unusual place to sea kayak. It is the lowest water basin on earth, 400 meters below sea level, and also the saltiest Sea (or lake) in the world, with a salt level above 30%. Nothing lives in its waters. Yet, the mountainous salt formations you will encounter during your paddle makes up for what it lacks in marine life.

    The sea is located in the Great Syrian-African Rift that runs from Syria to Kenya. In the middle of the sea runs an unseen line making the border between Israel and Jordan. It is 90 km long and 10-15 km wide, some places 400 meter deep and in other areas very shallow. The sea is surrounded by high mountains on both sides, east and west with desert climate. The mountains are brownish-yellow but at sunset turns to red.

    Why is it so salty? The main inflow is the Jordan River which brings sweet water into the basin. Yet there is no outflow! Taking into account the very hot climate most of the year, the evaporation during thousands of years have left the little salt that’s in all sweet water in the lake, and the concentration has grown constantly.

    As a result, the Dead Sea has become world-famous for its healthy properties such as treatments of Psoriasis, arthritis, and muscle pain in general. There are a number of hotels with SPA`s and hot sulphatic baths, special treatment centers and nude beaches for Psoriasis patients.

    Where to Paddle

    Your best bet is to put-in and take-out from the same spot. Ein Geddi campsite is a good place to launch from as it’s free, has showers, a restaurant, and a coffee shop.

    You can also launch from one of the official beaches at the north shore, such as Almog Beach, Kalia Beach, and Mineral Beach. These beaches charge entrance fees, but offer facilities.

    You will not be permitted to launch from beaches and waterfront areas on hotel properties. It does not matter because the sea in these places are very shallow and the scenery is quite boring.

    When Paddling the Dead Sea

    Be sure you use goggles to protect your eyes from the salty water.

    You will float in this water, so there is no need for a protective floating device, but you should weigh down your kayak because it will float high.

    The kayaking tour must be planned because there are very few put-in/out sites due to steep shores.

    Bring enough water to drink and clean your eyes with.

    Always rinse yourself and your gear after you get out of the lake.

    Areas of Interest Around the Sea

    High desert mountains surround the sea, making for a spectacular view. Additionally, when the salt crystallizes, it forms snow-white statues on rocks and other debris.

    Be sure to visit the famous cliff Masada. This is where the Roman Legions seiged 1200 uprising Jews 2000 years ago. The site of King Herod’s Palace has been excavated on the cliffside.

    The Ein Geddi Spring is a short walk in a real desert oasis. At the end of the walk is a dazzling waterfall surrounded by beautifully colorful greenery.

    There’s also some good rappelling spots in the desert.

    How to Get There and Where to Stay

    Fly to Tel-Aviv, take a bus, car, or taxi to the Dead Sea (about 3 hours drive). There are 15 hotels by the lake, rated 3-5 stars, with prices according to season. The best time to go is September through June. There are rooms to rent and two campsites.

    Near the hotels you can find restaurants, super markets, and shops that sell various products made out of Dead Sea minerals. Amazing souvenirs.

    Visits to Jerusalem (2 hours drive), Red Sea diving (3 hours drive), or kayaking in the Mediterranean Sea are all possible extensions of your stay. There are no kayaks to rent by the Dead Sea. You must contact a kayak club by the Mediterranean Sea in order to arrange the kayaks.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleBest Kayak Roof Racks For Toyota RAV4
    Next Article Kokatat Ul Leviathan Life Vest Review
    Arthur G. Moore
    • Website

    Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.

    Related Posts

    Guide to Paint Your Kayak

    August 1, 2023
    Read More

    Best 3 Places to Kayak in Richmond, Virginia

    July 30, 2023
    Read More

    Expert Guide to Prevent Your Kayak from Spinning

    July 26, 2023
    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    ABOUT KAYAK MANUAL

    It’s time to ditch the dry dock and get out onto the water! Kayak Manual provides an excellent resource for all aspiring kayakers and canoeists in pursuit of the best – and safest – paddling out there. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to dip your toes into the waters of kayaking or an experienced expert looking for new places to explore, we’ve got you covered.

    About Kayak Manual

    Kayak Manual is trying to help both beginners and seasoned kayakers to have a great time on the water by providing them with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available about kayaking.

    We hope that this manual will provide you with all of the information that you need to get started kayaking or to improve your existing skills. In addition, we have included many helpful tips and resources that we hope you will find useful.

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    Recent Posts
    • Guide to Paint Your Kayak
    • Best 3 Places to Kayak in Richmond, Virginia
    • Expert Guide to Prevent Your Kayak from Spinning
    • Gourmet Recipes for the Intrepid Kayakers
    • Guide on Working with Your Kayak Wheels
    • Innovative Storage for Your Kayak’s Lip Gripper
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
    © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.