Fancy experiencing something truly unique and memorable while traveling to Jordan? Go to the lowest land point on the planet for the opportunity to float in the Dead Sea in Jordan! This unearthly salty body of water is renowned for its healing properties and incredibly easy floats. Itst during our road one week trip to Jordan that we realized one of our dreams: floating in the dead sea. If the experience is magical and unique, it is best to follow a few precautions to keep the moment pleasant. We've gathered all the information to help you plan your unforgettable day in the Dead Sea, so read our comprehensive guide to learn more about this amazing experience!
To easily prepare for your day at the Dead Sea, here is the summary:
The ideal solution for booking your flights
We always go through Kayak to book our flights: a simple, practical and very affordable solution. With their search filters, we easily find what we are looking for according to our criteria and our budget. If you are looking for a quick and efficient solution to book your flights, we advise you to go through Expedia.com.
What is the Dead Sea?
In truth, the Dead Sea is more of a large salt lake. Its name comes from the fact that there is no seaweed or fish. Only a few micro-organisms manage to live in this very salty water. On average, the salinity of seawater is around 2% to 4%, while the Dead Sea is close to 30% (between 7 and 10 times more than the other seas and oceans of the globe!). You will be able to read that it is the saltiest body of water in the world but after some research this information is false. Here is the top 10 saltiest lakes in the world.
Nestled in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea sits 430 meters below sea level. This figure is increasing year by year as the Dead Sea continuously drops. Its only source of water is the Jordan River, but the amount of water coming from this river is less than the amount of water that evaporates, which is why the Dead Sea is threatened with drying up. Even if this drying up is not new, it has been accelerating over the past ten years.
What are the best times to visit the Dead Sea in Jordan?
The Dead Sea is a warm place all year round, but certain seasons are more pleasant to enjoy this unique experience. The most pleasant months to visit the Dead Sea are from March to May and from September to November, since the temperatures are milder and tourist numbers are lower. Summer months can be very hot and winter months can be chilly.
How to get to the Dead Sea in Jordan?
Public transport is not ideal for visiting Jordan, so you will need to rent a car or book an excursion to get to the Dead Sea. Located 1 hour by road from Amman and 3 hours from Aqaba, this is a stopover not to be missed:
Renting a car: this is the easiest option for getting around Jordan. Located 60km from Amman, count about 1 hour drive. The biggest difficulty you will have is driving in the Jordanian capital, but the general condition of the roads is quite good. You can get there by going to Petra or coming back from Aqaba. Feel free to see our itinerary in Jordan here.
Book an excursion: if you don't have a rental car, you can book a day trip from Amman or at departure from Aqaba.
Where to swim in the Dead Sea?
To swim in the Dead Sea, you have three options:
Wild swimming: for a free experience. The landscapes are more beautiful in the south, which is why if you choose to live the experience outside the private beaches, we advise you to go to the south. You will find access to the sea without installation. It is free of course, but you will have to take into consideration that you do not have a changing room, that the access to the sea can be very steep and that you will have to buy water to rinse yourself properly. Also, you should know that a lot of waste is lying around in Jordan and that it is almost impossible to find a spot without plastic bags or empty cans. Here is a swimming spot that it was recommended to us.
The public beach: is at Amman Beach that you can go to. This option is less expensive (20 JOD) than the private beach but according to the opinions we have read on the internet, it is also less pleasant since the beach is not clean. Also note that it is best to swim in a burkini on this beach.
The private beach: the hotels with private beach are all located in the north and have all the necessary comfort: deckchairs, showers, snacks... You can also enjoy the swimming pools of the complex before and/or having floated in the dead sea. Count between 25 JOD and 50 JOD per person.
Here are some hotels that offer the “Day Pass”:
Mövenpick Resort & Spa: day pass costs JOD 55,
Marriott Resort & Spa: day pass costs 50 JOD,
Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea: Day pass costs JOD 45 and includes buffet lunch.
How long should you stay at the Dead Sea?
The ideal way to fully enjoy the Dead Sea is to stay there for a day and a night. This will allow you to admire the sunset over the salt lake and/or to visit the surroundings.
Where to sleep at the Dead Sea?
Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa: 5-star hotel, with infinity pool on the Dead Sea. Count 300 euros per night with breakfast.
Dead Sea Spa Hotel: this is the best value for money. Count 130 euros per night for 2, with access to the private beach. We did not test the rooms but this is where we spent the day during our visit to the Dead Sea. Mattéo (2 and a half years old) loved the outdoor pools and slides.
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea is another popular choice, with a spa, private beach, and multiple dining options.
For travelers looking for a more authentic stay, it is possible to find guesthouses and local accommodations in the surrounding towns and villages. This interactive map can help you quickly and easily find the accommodation that best suits your needs. It allows you to filter results based on your search criteria, such as type of accommodation, prices, proximity to tourist attractions and amenities offered.
A few precautions before floating in the Dead Sea
Floating in the Dead Sea is a unique experience. To make this moment as pleasant as possible, here are some recommendations:
Avoid shaving the day before swimming in the Dead Sea,
Beware of your wounds or burns. The experience can quickly become unpleasant even with a slight sunburn,
Remove all your jewelry,
Put on your oldest swimsuit because the salt will ruin it,
Take flip flops, sometimes there are very sharp rocks,
Put on mud and let it dry in the sun,
Swim for up to 20 minutes in the Dead Sea,
Do not put your head under water and avoid any sudden movements to avoid splashing yourself. I had the misfortune to have a drop of water in my nose and I assure you that it really burns,
Rinse thoroughly with fresh water,
Remember to hydrate and enjoy!
What to do around the Dead Sea?
Wadi Mujib
Proudly nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of Jordan", this is the place we would have liked to discover if we had had more time. Several hikes are possible with or without a guide. The most popular, which costs 21 JOD, will allow you to discover the gorge for 2km before reaching a waterfall. If you want, you can discover the joys of canyoning in Wadi Mujib.
Hamamat Ma'in Hot Springs
A few tens of minutes from the Dead Sea, it is possible to find hot springs. Meet at the luxurious Ma'in hot springs to swim in water at 40°. It seems that sometimes it is impossible to swim there because the water can reach 65°. Count 15 JOD per person.
King's Road
This iconic route passes through the most incredible landscapes of the Jordanian desert, offering a unique insight into the country's history and culture. From the city of Amman to the Dead Sea, passing fortified citadels, medieval castles and sand passes, this route will transport you to another world.
Madaba
Located 20 kilometers from the Dead Sea, Madaba, a historic city. With its mosaics dating back more than 1500 years and its numerous archaeological sites, it is a real treasure trove of history and culture. It is also known for its delicious traditional dishes, lively markets and friendly locals.
Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is 40 minutes from the Dead Sea. It is from here that Moses would have seen the Promised Land. The site offers 2 points of interest which are the panorama of the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley and the Judean Mountains; and the museum.
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