The 6 Best Dead Sea Beaches (2026)

Updated September 2026 · 6 picks

The best Dead Sea beaches in 2026 are the free public beach at Ein Bokek, which has lifeguards, showers and shade, the free beach at Neve Zohar just south of it, and — at the north end — the paid beaches at Kalia and Biankini. Ein Bokek is where most visitors should float. Here are 6, with what each costs and offers.

1. Ein Bokek public beach — Ein Bokek hotel strip

The best all-round place to float — free, lifeguarded and next to the hotels.

₪ BudgetBest for Families · Couples · Groups · Solo

The public beach at Ein Bokek runs along the front of the hotel strip and is the most popular place to float in the Dead Sea, with gently sloping entry, lifeguards in season, freshwater showers, shade structures and chairs at no charge.

Cafés, shops and pharmacies are a short walk away, and several hotels sell day passes to their pools and spas if you want to add them.

It is where first-time visitors should go.

Good to know: Float early in the morning or late afternoon — midday heat can pass 40°C in summer.

Google Maps

2. Neve Zohar beach — Just south of Ein Bokek

A quieter free beach a few minutes from the hotel strip.

₪ BudgetBest for Couples · Families

Neve Zohar beach lies a few minutes south of Ein Bokek and offers the same free access to the water with basic facilities, but with far fewer people.

It suits visitors who want a calmer float without the resort atmosphere.

Check lifeguard hours before swimming.

Good to know: A good alternative when Ein Bokek is packed on holiday weekends.

Google Maps

3. Ein Bokek separate beach — Ein Bokek

A gender-separated public beach for religious visitors.

₪ BudgetBest for Families · Groups

Ein Bokek has a public beach with separate bathing for men and women on alternating days or areas, used by religious families and anyone who prefers separate swimming.

Facilities are similar to the main public beach, and entry is free.

Check the current men's and women's schedule before you go.

Good to know: Check the day's schedule at the entrance — men's and women's times alternate.

Google Maps

4. Biankini Beach — Northern Dead Sea

The best-equipped northern beach, with lawns, a pool and a bar.

₪₪ Mid-rangeBest for Groups · Couples · Families

Biankini is a resort-style beach on the northern shore with a wide sandy beach bordered by lawns, a freshwater pool, a restaurant, cabins and camping, and a bar that stays lively into the evening.

Mud is available on the beach, which is one of the reasons people drive to the north end.

There is an entrance fee.

Good to know: Stay into the evening — it becomes a relaxed bar as the sun goes down.

Google Maps Website

5. Kalia Beach — Northern Dead Sea, near Qumran

The closest beach to Jerusalem, with mud and a bar at the "lowest bar on earth".

₪₪ Mid-rangeBest for Groups · Couples

Kalia Beach is the nearest Dead Sea beach to Jerusalem, about 40 minutes away, and it is a popular stop on tours that combine Qumran and a float.

It offers mud, showers, a restaurant and a beach bar that bills itself as the lowest bar in the world.

There is an entrance fee, and it can be busy with tour groups.

Good to know: Combine it with Qumran, five minutes away, on a half-day from Jerusalem.

Google Maps

6. Neve Midbar Beach — Northern Dead Sea

A laid-back northern beach with mud, a terrace restaurant and occasional events.

₪₪ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · Families

Neve Midbar is a smaller northern beach with lifeguards, showers, sunshades, a Dead Sea products store and a restaurant terrace over the water.

It sometimes hosts live music and festivals, and it is generally calmer than Kalia.

There is an entrance fee.

Good to know: A calmer choice than Kalia if you want mud without the tour buses.

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

Where can I swim in the Dead Sea for free?

At the public beaches at Ein Bokek and Neve Zohar on the southern shore. Both have lifeguards in season, freshwater showers and shade at no charge.

Is Ein Gedi beach open?

The old Ein Gedi public beach has been closed for years because of sinkholes, which have opened along much of the western shore as the sea level falls. Swim only at declared, lifeguarded beaches.

How do you float safely in the Dead Sea?

Walk in, sit back as if into a chair and let the water lift you. Never put your head under or splash, keep water away from your eyes, do not stay in longer than about 15–20 minutes, and shower off in fresh water afterwards. Avoid shaving the day before.

Where can I get Dead Sea mud?

The northern beaches — Kalia, Biankini and Neve Midbar — offer mud on the beach. At Ein Bokek, mud is sold in shops and used in hotel spas.

Are the northern Dead Sea beaches in Israel?

Kalia, Biankini and Neve Midbar lie on the north-western shore in the West Bank, reached on Route 90 past Qumran, and are run by Israeli operators. Many tourists visit them; check current travel guidance before you go.

What should I bring to a Dead Sea beach?

Water shoes for the salt crystals and hot sand, plenty of drinking water, and a bottle of fresh water to rinse your eyes if salt gets in them.

1. Ein Bokek public beach — Ein Bokek hotel strip

2. Neve Zohar beach — Just south of Ein Bokek

3. Ein Bokek separate beach — Ein Bokek

4. Biankini Beach — Northern Dead Sea

5. Kalia Beach — Northern Dead Sea, near Qumran

6. Neve Midbar Beach — Northern Dead Sea

Frequently asked questions

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The 8 Best Beaches in Israel (2026)

The 6 Best Hikes at the Dead Sea (2026)

The 8 Best Spa Resorts at the Dead Sea (2026)

The 8 Best Hotels at the Dead Sea (2026)

The 7 Best Things to Do at the Dead Sea (2026)