Masada & Dead Sea Day Tour from Ashdod Port for Cruise Guests

Summary

Guided Shore Excursion: Masada Fortress & Dead Sea Swim

If you want to walk ancient ruins atop Masada and float in the Dead Sea—all in one day—this tour makes it easy straight from your cruise ship. You’ll get expert stories from your guide, skip any transport hassles, and still have time to soak up local flavors (and maybe some sunburn). It’s history and relaxation rolled into one adventure.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt dry and warm as soon as we left the ship at Ashdod Port—much different from the cool sea breeze on deck. Our guide, Avi, was already waiting with a small sign and a grin that made us feel like old friends. We piled into a comfy minibus (the A/C was a lifesaver) and headed south, watching the landscape shift from city blocks to endless beige hills dotted with scrubby bushes. Somewhere near Be’er Sheva, Avi pointed out wild ibex grazing by the roadside—something I’d never seen before.

Reaching Masada, you can’t help but notice how the rock juts up from the desert floor like some giant’s table. The cable car ride is quick but gives you just enough time to take in the view—the Dead Sea glinting in the distance, Jordan’s mountains hazy beyond it. Up top, Avi walked us through what’s left of Herod’s palace: mosaic floors peeking out from dust, stone walls that have stood for centuries, even an old Roman bathhouse where you could almost imagine steam rising. There’s a quiet up there, broken only by wind and the crunch of gravel underfoot.

Afterwards, we ducked into the Masada Museum at the base—cool inside and full of artifacts that made everything we’d just seen feel more real. The short film about Masada’s siege gave me goosebumps; it’s hard not to get caught up in those stories when you’re standing right where they happened.

Back on the road, we rolled down towards Ein Bokek. The salt air hit me before I even saw the water—there’s something sharp and clean about it. Lunch was simple but good (I grabbed a falafel wrap from a kiosk called “Shuki’s” nearby), then straight to the Dead Sea beach. Floating is every bit as weird as people say; you really do bob right up like a cork. I smeared some of that famous black mud on my arms just because everyone else was doing it. After rinsing off in one of those outdoor showers (the water leaves your skin sticky), we had time to relax before heading back north.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Masada and Dead Sea Tour

• Masada cable car and fortress tour
• Relax and swim at Ein Bokek beach

Top questions

How much free time do we get at the Dead Sea?

You’ll have around 1-1.5 hours at Ein Bokek beach to swim or relax before heading back to Ashdod Port.

Is lunch included?

No set lunch is provided, but there are plenty of food stands and cafés at Ein Bokek where you can grab something local.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?

This tour isn’t suitable for travelers with mobility challenges due to uneven ground at Masada and steps at various stops.

What should I bring?

Packed essentials: swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, sandals for rocky beach areas—and don’t forget water!

What’s included

Your day covers pick-up and drop-off right at Ashdod cruise port, all entrance fees (including Masada cable car), an English-speaking guide who stays with you throughout, plus travel in an air-conditioned vehicle so you stay comfortable between stops.