To effortlessly float in the lowest and saltiest point on Earth is a pretty unique and unmissable experience. One of the most spectacular wonders of the world, Dead Sea sits 423m below sea level and is the perfect spot in Jordan to escape the desert heat and enjoy a spa-like ritual. During my two-week visit to Jordan in July 2022, I knew that visiting the Dead Sea is a must – it completely lived up to my expectations.

This guide will share everything you need to know to soak up the mineral-rich water of the Dead Sea in Jordan.

General Info

The Dead Sea is located on the border between Jordan and Israel. It sits 423m below sea level and is 304m deep. Its almost 10 times saltier than the ocean and so it is due to the high salinity and density that humans can actually float, rather than swim in the sea. Even if you try going into the water, it will just push you up – it’s a bizarre feeling. The mud at the bottom is particularly rich in minerals like magnesium, sodium and potassium. You can cover yourself with the mud from head to toe to be able to enjoy its benefits.

Due to 34.2% of salinity, the harsh environment of the Dead Sea is lethal to plants and animals. It is only home to microbial fungi and bacterial, hence the name ‘dead’.

How to get there from Amman

It is only around 45m mins drive from Amman, making it a very easy day trip. You can get there using the options below:

1. Uber – we paid around £25 each way from our flat in Amman to Hilton Resort in the Dead Sea.
2. Rental Cars – its quite an easy road to drive on from Amman (one straight road!)
3. Bus – the cheapest way to get there is on the JETT bus which costs around £10. They run daily to Amman Beach at the Dead Sea. Board at the 7^th Circle bus station and it will take you directly there.
4. Organized tours – there are plenty of tour agencies that can take you there on day trip

Things to remember before you go

• Don’t stay too long in the water!

Though this is such an incredible experience, don’t make the same mistake as I did and stay too long in the water. It is only recommended to stay 15-20 minutes because the salty water can dehydrate your body and cause an electrolyte imbalance. 5 minutes after I got out of the sea and put mud on me, I fainted. The lifeguards came and tried to get to me to drink as much water and possible. Don’t forget to drink lots of water afterwards!

• Shower after

Rinse your body with regular water as soon as you can. The salt will dry on your skin and you won’t be able to stop itching.

• Don’t shave 2-3 days before entering the water

Any cuts and scrapes will sting like crazy. My sister used to have eczema so the first time she went in when we visited here as kids, she screamed in pain (even though it is amazing in healing these things)

• Bring water shoes

The bottom of the sea is quite tough to walk on because of the salt crystals and sharp rocks. Protect your feet!

• Wear an old/cheap swim-suit

Just one drop into the Dead Sea can cause discolouration in your swimsuit and can let it loose its stretch. It is also recommended to wear a darker coloured suit if you can.

• Don’t swim with your face down

Because of the high salt levels, try not to get water in your eyes or mouth – it will sting. You can’t swim in the water even if you wanted to, the water will push you up.  

• Watch out for sinkholes

As the Dead Sea is constantly shrinking, it leaves behind thousands of sinkholes, which is dangerous. Watch out for signs and only go where swimming is allowed.

• Go before its too late

Because it is constantly shrinking, you may only have a few more years to visit this. The Jordan River is the only major source flowing into the Dead Sea. When the freshwater reaches the dead sea, it starts to evaporate. Up until the mid-20^th century, the evaporate rate was equal to the rate of freshwater but then a huge pumping station was built and the neighbouring countries (mainly Israel) started to divert water from the stream. Because of this, the Dead Sea doesn’t get enough fresh water and it started to evaporate faster than the water flows in. Jordan and Israel already signed an agreement about trying to save the Dead Sea but I’m not very optimistic about it.

Dead Sea Ritual

This is a way of maximising the benefits of Dead Sea mud:

1. First, swim and float in the Dead Sea for 10-15 minutes
2. After swimming, cover yourself head-to-toe in mud, dug from the shores of the Dead Sea daily, and provided in the buckets of mud placed in sheltered areas near the shore
3. Wait 15-20 minutes for mud to dry completely
4. Go for a 10-minute soak to cleanse your skin of the mud.
5. Take a shower after you exit the Dead Sea
6. You can do this once or twice daily

Where we stayed

I totally recommend you staying at least one night at the Dead Sea. This way you can have access to fresh water and towels after you’re done floating. It is also the safest option because I mentioned before, I fainted after I got out of the water so it was comforting to know there was a lifeguard present. There are not many budget options as they are all 4-5 star hotels.

My family and I chose the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa. Like most of the hotels around the Dead Sea, the Hilton Dead Sea Resort is located on the northern shore of the sea. We took an Uber from Amman and it cost us around £25 each way. There is also a huge parking lot where you can park your car, if you are car-renting. We loved our stay here – from the room we stayed in to the food offered in the half-board option. We loved watching the sunset from our own terrace!

I would recommend getting half-board as there not so many restaurants and shopping malls around this area. Here are some of the photos we took during our time here: