📸 Dead Sea | Float Experience + Herbert Samuel Hod Hotel Stop
📝 My Story:
Our visit to the Dead Sea felt surreal — like stepping onto another planet.
After winding through the Judean Desert, we arrived at the lowest point on Earth, where the air feels heavier, the landscape glows with salt and sand, and the water is unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced.
We stopped at the Herbert Samuel Hod Dead Sea Hotel, which turned out to be a perfect base. We weren’t staying overnight, but they welcomed us in like guests — offering showers, beach access, and even letting us relax on the hotel grounds after lunch. We grabbed some delicious pizza and soaked in the view before heading down to the water.
The beach was just steps away, and dipping into the Dead Sea was truly otherworldly.
The moment I leaned back and effortlessly floated — without trying — I finally understood the magic.
The water is thick and silky, and the sensation of weightlessness is something you just can’t fully describe until you feel it yourself.
We laughed, took photos, tested the limits of balance, and marveled at the salt formations along the shore. It’s a memory I’ll never forget — a perfect mix of natural wonder and laid-back fun.
🗺️ Location:
📍 Google Maps (Hotel & Public Beach): Herbert Samuel Hod Dead Sea Hotel & Dead Sea Public Beach
📌 Quick Info:
🏙️ Region: Dead Sea, near Ein Bokek, Israel
🅿️ Parking: Public and hotel-adjacent parking available
🚻 Bathrooms & Showers: Available at hotel and public beach
🍕 Lunch Tip: Try the pizza at the hotel restaurant — surprisingly great!
🏖️ Beach Access: Public beach next to hotel — easy walk
🧭 Travel Tip: Bring water shoes — the salt floor can be sharp
📸 Photographer’s Note: Golden hour creates an almost dreamlike glow across the sea; floating shots are a must!
🛐 Etiquette:
Avoid splashing — the salt stings
Keep your face dry if possible
🕰️ Best Time to Visit: Morning or just before sunset for the best light and comfort
♿ Accessibility: Good — paved paths and accessible facilities at most public beaches
💡 Pro Tip:
Don’t shave the day before — even the tiniest cut will burn like fire in the Dead Sea’s hyper-salty water!
And rinse off right away when you’re done — the minerals can get crusty quick.
📸 Photography Tip:
Capture contrast — the turquoise water, white salt rings, and brown desert make for incredible compositions.
Floating photos are iconic, but try overhead shots or wide beachscapes with the mountains in the background.
🎉 Fun Fact:
The Dead Sea is over 9 times saltier than the ocean, making it one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth.
It’s also the lowest exposed point on the planet, sitting at about 430 meters (1,410 feet) below sea level!
🇮🇱 Want to explore even more?
Read our full story of our adventure across Israel!
Click here to view my full Israel Photo Travel Guide ➔
You'll find photo journals from every place we visited — from ancient Jerusalem streets to Tel Aviv sunsets!
