Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Dead Sea from Jordan
The Dead Sea, one of the most unique bodies of water on Earth, is renowned for its extreme salinity and therapeutic properties. Located at the lowest point on the Earth’s surface, more than 430 meters below sea level, its located in the border between Jordan and Israel. The high salt concentration, around ten times that of typical ocean water, makes swimming nearly impossible but allows visitors to float effortlessly.
Rich in minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium, the Dead Sea has been a destination for wellness and healing for thousands of years. Its stunning landscapes, with crystalized salt formations and the surrounding desert, create a mesmerizing natural wonder.
Why Do You Float in the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea is almost ten times saltier than your average ocean. Because of that crazy-high salt concentration, the water becomes so dense that your body just bobs right to the surface like a cork.
No need to tread water or even try. It happens as soon as you get in the water. Just lean back and let nature hold you up.
Why Is It Called the Dead Sea?
It’s called “dead” because no fish, plants, or aquatic life can survive in its salty waters. But that doesn’t mean it’s lifeless. In fact, the mineral-rich mud and water are packed with therapeutic properties. People have been coming here for thousands of years to soak, heal, and glow—Cleopatra herself was a fan.
Location
You can go via resorts or public beaches, hours and prices may vary
Location and how to get there from Jordan
The Dead Sea is located in the border between Jordan and Israel.The Jordanian side of the Dead Sea is located about an hour’s drive from Amman, the capital.
In Jordan, you can either go to a public beach, or get a day pass in a hotel. I got a day pass at the Ramada Hotel, where we could either walk down (like 10 minutes walk) or take the complimentary shuttle. In there, we had chairs, towels, a small bar and mud pile for us to use. The fee was 35 JD.
Many resorts and public beaches along the Jordanian shore offer amenities like mud baths, freshwater pools, and wellness treatments.
For the public beaches, there isn’t a fee, (only if you want to use the bathroom, get towels or drinks) but you don’t have the convenience of a hotel, and you will need to either go by taxi or rent a car.
How Long Can You Stay in the Water?
Not as long as you’d think! Because of the high salt content, your skin can start to feel irritated if you stay in too long. 15 to 20 minutes is the sweet spot. After your float, be sure to rinse off in freshwater—most beach areas have outdoor showers nearby.
Also: don’t shave before you go! You’ll find out very quickly why that’s a terrible idea.
What to do besides floaring
- Cover yourself in Dead Sea mud: It’s packed with minerals and great for your skin. Slather it on, let it dry, and rinse off for that post-spa glow.
- Watch the sunset: The sun setting over the water is magical—one of the most peaceful moments you’ll have on your Jordan trip.
- Relax at a resort: Many offer pools, spas, restaurants, and even mud treatments.
- Take fun photos: Reading a book while floating is the go-to pose, but you’ll also want to capture that salt-crusted shoreline.
Are you ready to start discovering Jordan?
I decided to book a tour when I went to Jordan and they simplified my planning and enhanced my travel experience ! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!
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