A Day at the Lowest Point on Earth: My 2025 Dead Sea Tour Review

So, you’re thinking about spending a day at the Dead Sea. I mean, it’s one of those bucket-list places, right? Floating in water where you literally can’t sink sounds like something from a story. I recently took the 2025 ‘Dead Sea Full Day Tour including Lunch’ and wanted to share what the experience was actually like. Honestly, there’s a lot to it beyond just the floating part. This is just my take on the day, covering everything from the bus ride down to the salty shores to what you can, in fact, expect from that included lunch. At the end of the day, a tour is supposed to make things easy, and I was really curious to see if this one delivered on its promise. It’s often hard to know what you are really signing up for with these day trips, you know?

The whole idea of a full-day trip is that pretty much everything is handled for you, which is obviously a huge relief. You just show up and let someone else do the driving and planning. Yet, it’s those little details that can really shape the day. Things like the quality of the resort they take you to, the friendliness of the guide, and if you get enough time to really enjoy the main attractions without feeling rushed. Frankly, I went into it with a very open mind, ready for whatever the day would bring at the Earth’s lowest point of elevation. I mean, how often do you get to say you’ve done something like that? It’s kind of a strange and wonderful thing to plan your day around.

First Impressions and the Journey Down

Okay, the morning started pretty early with a pickup, which is typical for these kinds of day tours. Our transport, a very comfortable air-conditioned coach, arrived more or less on time. Getting out of the city, you know, takes a little bit of time with the morning traffic. The guide introduced himself and gave us a quick rundown of the day’s schedule, which was actually quite helpful. His way of speaking was really calm, setting a relaxed mood for everyone on board, I think. We were, basically, a mixed group of people from all over the world, all looking forward to the same thing.

The drive itself is, in a way, part of the experience. You watch as the urban scenery gives way to a landscape that feels increasingly ancient and dramatic. The guide sometimes pointed out sites of historical interest along the way. Honestly, the most amazing part is watching the altimeter on signs by the road. You see “Sea Level” and then, you know, you just keep going down, and down, and down. It’s a very strange feeling. That feeling when you first see the Dead Sea from the road above is really something special. It looks like a massive, impossibly blue mirror lying between the dusty, sun-baked mountains of Jordan and Israel. It’s almost too still, you know, and the color is incredibly deep. This is that moment where your camera, of course, absolutely has to come out.

The Unforgettable Float: Bobbing Like a Cork

So, upon arriving at the resort, which was pretty well-equipped, we had time to change. You really get lockers and towels, which is a very nice touch. The facilities were clean and provided everything you pretty much needed. After changing into an old swimsuit (a tip I’d definitely pass on), I made my way to the shoreline. The air, by the way, feels different down there—thick and rich with minerals. The shore isn’t sandy like a normal beach; it’s more like a collection of salt crystals and mud, so water shoes are basically a must-have.

Now, for the main event. Wading into the water is a completely unique sensation. It’s not cold, but rather it has this heavy, oily feel to it that is so strange. You walk in just a little, up to your waist, and then you just lean back. I mean, that’s it. Your feet and legs just lift up from under you, and you’re floating, totally supported by the incredibly dense water. It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling without sounding silly, but you are just so buoyant. You bob around on the surface, and honestly, it’s really relaxing. The biggest advice they give you, which is very, very smart, is to not splash or get the water in your eyes. It stings a lot, obviously. Having a bottle of fresh water on the shore just in case is a really good idea.

“Leaning back and feeling the water take your weight is a moment of pure magic, honestly. You just float there, looking up at the sky, and it feels like you’re on another planet for a minute.”

Getting Dirty for Your Skin: The Famous Mud Bath

After your float, the next thing everyone does is, of course, slather themselves in that famous black mud. At the resort, they had big pots of it readily available right by the beach, which was really convenient. To be honest, it’s a bit strange at first to scoop up this dark, gloopy stuff and spread it all over your body. It is sort of a funny and communal activity, with everyone laughing and taking pictures covered head to toe in black mud. You seriously look like some kind of creature from a swamp movie.

Once you’re completely covered, you just find a spot in the sun to stand around and let it dry. The mud feels cool at first, but then, as it dries, your skin gets incredibly tight, you know? You can feel it pulling everything. It typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes to dry completely, cracking as you move. Finally, the best part is getting back into the Dead Sea to wash it all off. Your skin feels unbelievably smooth and soft afterwards, I mean it. I was kind of skeptical about the whole “therapeutic properties” thing, but my skin definitely felt refreshed. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it’s something you pretty much have to do if you’re there.

Refueling the Body: A Look at the Included Lunch

Floating and playing in the mud, as it turns out, really builds up an appetite. So, the included lunch was a very welcome part of the day’s schedule. The meal was served buffet-style in the main restaurant of the resort, which was a nice, air-conditioned space to escape the midday heat. Frankly, the spread was pretty impressive. There was a really good selection of things to choose from, a bit of something for everyone, I think.

For example, there were many local and regional dishes, like hummus, different kinds of salads, grilled chicken with herbs, and rice. I really enjoyed sampling some of the local flavors, you know? They also had options that would be familiar to a more international palate, like pasta and some roasted vegetables. Everything I tried was pretty tasty and seemed fresh. Drinks, you should know, were not included with the meal, so you have to pay for your water or sodas separately. Anyway, the lunch was definitely more than just a simple sandwich; it was a full, satisfying meal that let you recharge before, you know, maybe having one last dip in the pool or the sea.

The Bottom Line & What You Should Know

So, at the end of the day, was this full-day tour a good way to experience the Dead Sea? I honestly think so. It took away all the hassle of getting there yourself and figuring out which resort to pay for entry. The schedule felt just right—enough time for a good long float, a fun mud bath, a relaxing lunch, and even a little time to just chill by the freshwater pool. The guide was helpful, and the facilities were completely fine for what you needed.

It’s an experience that is just so different from anything else. The feeling of weightlessness in the water is something that will, quite literally, stick with you. The tour delivered a stress-free and really enjoyable day. It’s obviously designed for visitors who want the experience without any of the logistical headaches. For an easy, well-organized, and memorable day out, it’s pretty hard to beat, I mean it.

What the tour gets right: The logistics are completely handled. You get comfortable transport and entry to a good quality resort with all the necessary facilities like lockers, showers, and towels.
The Experience: You get ample time for the main attractions—the float and the mud bath—without feeling like you are on a tight clock.
The Lunch: The included buffet lunch is a real highlight, offering a substantial and tasty meal with lots of variety. Honestly, it was better than I expected.
A Key Tip: You definitely need to bring water shoes. The salt crystal shoreline can be very sharp and uncomfortable on bare feet.
Who it’s for: This tour is practically perfect for first-time visitors, solo travelers, or anyone who just wants a simple and relaxing day without worrying about the details.

Read our full review: [Dead Sea Full Day Tour including Lunch Full Review and Details]
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Dead Sea Tour Reservations])