At 1,385 ft. below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth. It is 8.6 times more salty than the ocean with 33.7% salinity; and is the deepest hypersaline lake in the world at 1,240 ft. deep. Because of its salinity, the Dead Sea cannot support plant or animal life but at times has sustained certain types of bacteria.
The salt and minerals found in the sea are thought to provide healing powers and are often used in cosmetics and lotions. Used long ago as a health resort by Herod the Great, it is now a popular location for health spas and resorts, including the Marriott—which seems to have a resort in every city of the world.
Taking a swim in the Dead Sea is a strange experience as the salt in the water creates incredible buoyancy. Floating takes minimal to no effort and it's possible to do a sloppy sit-up without sinking. On the downside, any exposed cut is subject to extreme stinging and it's clear a little salt in the wound goes a long way. But, the burning is worth the strange weightless sensation and after a good scrub in the shower your skin is back to normal.
In addition to the foam from waves, the white stuff on the shore is also salt buildup.
Easily floating while nearly sitting upright.
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