Amazing Salt Island Floating In The Heart of Dead Sea

In the middle of Dead Sea, there are wonderful and weird-looking "salt islands" formed from the high salt level in the water, which attracts a lot of curious adventurers who are seeking for something extraordrinary.
July 31, 2021 | 21:09
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The Salt Island is an islet made up entirely of translucent white salt. It is located in the heart of the Dead Sea, one of the saltiest seas in the world. Located opposite the Ein Bokek Beach, just a two-hour drive from Jerusalem, the Dead Sea Salt Island is surreal - a small piece of dazzling white land surrounded by a fabulous turquoise body of water, with a swimming pool and a solitary tree planted in the center. It is located in one of the deepest depressions on Earth, exactly 415 meters below sea level.

Photo: Lost italianos
Photo: Lost italianos

The Dead Sea, with a salt concentration of 34%, is famous all over the planet for its high salinity rate. Its waters do not allow the existence of any animal or plant life however, almost inexplicably inside it there grows a tree that sinks its roots into the salt, a trunk complete with branches and some buds. This magic is made possible by a local man, who takes care of the tree every mornig by bringing it essential nourishment for its survival.

Reaching this paradise island requires a swim of at least 20 minutes, but it's not as easy as it sounds. The high rate of salinity of the water causes the body to float, preventing the arms and legs from moving smoothly, and therefore requires a very high physical effort.

Best Dead Sea salt formations

Dead Sea Tree of Life

Photo: 24 Hours Layover
Photo: 24 Hours Layover

Unfortunately we got some devastating news that the tree is not there at the moment. Apparently some teenagers underestimated their body weight and tried climbing it for a photo. The tree broke as a result. However, the island itself is still pretty special and we heard rumours that a tree should return there soon enough.

This island is located furthest from the shore among all the salt formations mentioned in this post – it is situated 300m from the coast. The only way of getting there is with your own hands and legs, either swimming or paddleboarding from the Neve Zohar beach. Unfortunately – it is easier said than done. Whereas floating in the Dead Sea is very easy, swimming on the other hand is not. It takes around 20 minutes to get there so be prepared!

And where did the tree come from actually? Dead Sea cannot support any life obviously so the tree had been put there as an art installation showcasing how the Dead Sea is shrinking (dying) due to climate changes. The local artist took care of it paddleboarding to the island and adding some mud with minerals every other day.

Round Islands

Photo: lost italianos
Photo: lost italianos

Another one of Mother Nature’s marvelous creations. These round salt islands are located so close to the short that you can easily walk up to them withouth getting wet from the waist up. The best time to photograph them is right after sunrise when the water is calm and the light is soft. Also the sun shines from the perfect direction to highlight the salty texture of the bottom. In the afternoon when the sun hides behind the mountains the effect will not be as striking. This goes for all of the salt formations on the israeli side of the Dead Sea.

The Baloon

Photo: lost italianos
Photo: lost italianos

This one has a very unusual shape. We decided it looks like a baloon but of course you are welcome to have your own ideas. It is not too far from the shore, however you will for sure need water shoes to get closer. Then again, this goes for every place on this list because the salt is incredibly sharp and ready to cut your skin

Salty catwalk

Photo: Lost italianos
Photo: Lost italianos

Or just the salty pathway leading you deeper into Dead Sea waters. This one is extremely cool and you can get there almost withouth getting your feet wet. It is around 20 metres long and looks great from the air.

Salty beach

Photo: lost italianos
Photo: lost italianos

Finding a nice looking beach by the Dead Sea is not the easiest of tasks. The official ones are right next to the hotels and they are nicely equipped but they also attract crowds. Thanks to its crazy salt levels Dead Sea created an alternative salty beach. Unfortunately, it is not the beach where you can just lay and chill because it is way too painful. However it is a feast for the eyes for sure!

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Charlotte Pho
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