Your Guide to Visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan

Last Updated on October 17, 2024

You can’t skip visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan. It is the lowest place on Earth, and one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, which means that yes! You’ll float in the Dead Sea.

Picking favourites is hard, but if I had to, I might pick Jordan as one of my favourite destinations, ever. My partner and I spent nearly two weeks road tripping across this Middle Eastern country, and every single day was tons of fun, and packed with unique experiences. 

While in Jordan we spent time exploring the capital city of Amman, eating in local restaurants, walking through markets, and visiting museums and historical sites.

We spent some time discovering the ancient city of Petra, and we slept overnight in the Wadi Rum desert, learning about Jordan’s Bedouin people. We hung out on the beaches of Aqaba, and spent evenings enjoying shisha and tea. And of course, we visited the Dead Sea. 

Read on for my full guide to visiting (and floating in!) the Dead Sea! As always, keep in mind that this guide is from the perspective of my experience, as a foreign traveler in Jordan.

The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It has almost 10 times more salt than ordinary seawater, and this is exactly what it’s famous for. 

Because of the high salt concentration in the Dead Sea, the sea’s water is denser than plain fresh water. And since our body weight is lighter than the density of the salty sea, we’re very buoyant in it. This makes it easy (and fun!) to float in the Dead Sea. 

When is The Best Time to Visit the Dead Sea in Jordan? 

Visiting the Dead Sea was a highlight of our Jordan road trip, and we managed to visit the Dead Sea  on a small budget. The key is to go to a public beach rather than a resort to access the sea. Don’t worry, I’ll share the details on how to do this later in this post. 

Visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan is pretty ideal year round. Jordan’s weather tends to be nice year round, with hot summer months, and more temperate winter months . That said, I think the best weather is during spring and fall, where you strike a nice balance – not too hot, but far from cold.

We made our trip to Jordan in the middle of February, which meant that our visit to the Dead Sea was a bit chilly (it was around 20 degrees). That said, it was nice to avoid the summer heat, and we also got to experience Jordan in the off-season, which means way less crowds – I’m a big advocate for reducing overtourism! 

In the rest of this guide I will cover facts about the Dead Sea, how to get from Amman to the Dead Sea (as well as from Aqaba), tips for swimming in the Dead Sea, staying in the Dead Sea resorts, and how to visit the Dead Sea on your own.

But to start, let’s dive into some facts and info about the Dead Sea in Jordan. I am a huge advocate of responsible travel, and I think that taking the time to learn a bit about our destinations before traveling there is one way that we can travel more responsibly. That’s because by learning about our destinations, we’re adding an educational aspect to our travels.

4 Interesting Facts About the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is one of the only salt lakes in the world that is accessible for swimming, and believe me, the experience of floating in it’s salty water is enough reason to go. But there’s plenty more reasons, too. 

The sea, and it’s surrounding landscape are surreal to see. At 423 meters below sea level – the lowest point on Earth, the region is mostly hot, barren desert. The sea is long, and not very wide, so from the Jordan side, you can see across to the West Bank. 

I’m a big believer in treating travel as an opportunity to learn, so lets kick off the learning with some interesting facts about the Dead Sea: 

1. The Dead Sea isn’t actually a sea.

It’s a lake! To be considered a “sea” a body of water should connect to an ocean. The Dead Sea does not. It’s source is the Jordan River, making it landlocked. It’s this landlocked nature that causes water to quickly evaporate from the Dead Sea, leaving behind tons of salt.

2. The Dead Sea is super salty!

It’s the Dead Sea’s high concentration of salt that makes it so dense that humans can float on top of it. The Dead Sea has an average salinity of 33.7 percent, which is about 10 times saltier than ordinary seawater.

3. Nothing can survive in the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea earned its name because plants and animals cannot survive in it. That much salt is just too intense! But just because large organisms can’t survive the salt doesn’t mean microbes can’t. Scientists report that tiny communities of bacteria have been found at the bottom of this supposedly lifeless lake.

4. The Dead Sea is shrinking.

Unfortunately, the Dead Sea is shrinking – and it’s shrinking fast. While experts say that it won’t dry up completely, right now, it’s surface level is dropping more than a metre (3ft) every year. And it’s largely because of human practises that are unsustainable.

Since the 1960s, some of the natural water sources that surround the Dead Sea have been diverted elsewhere, and so the sea hasn’t been able to replenish itself. Now, scientists are working hard to try to slow the sea’s shrinking, so that we can continue to enjoy it. 

Are There Other Dead Seas?

Yes! The Dead Sea in Jordan isn’t actually the saltiest sea on earth, it just happens to be very accessible, and safe to swim in. Because visiting the Dead Sea is easily done, it’s earned its reputation as the most popular salt sea for weightless swimming. 

The saltiest body of water on earth is the Don Juan Pond in Antarctica. And yes, it really is a pond – it’s only 4 inches deep. The pond’s water has a salinity content of almost 40%. This puts the Dead Sea to shame, and makes this pond a fascinating research subject for scientists. 

Another salty sea is the Gaet’ale Pond, which is near Dallol, Ethiopia. There’s a couple reasons the salt pools found there haven’t become as popular with tourists. The region doesn’t have a lot of infrastructure, especially for tourism, and, it’s one of the hottest inhabited places on earth. Moreover, although some travelers have allegedly swum in the region’s salt ponds, many of them are dangerous because of toxic gasses.

Lake Retba, also known as Lac Rose, is in Senegal, about an hour from the capital Dakar. This lake is super salty, but it’s also known for its distinct pink colour, which is caused by a bacteria that is attracted to the salt. The bacteria produces a red pigment that absorbs sunlight, and makes the lake appear pink. Travelers can float in Lake Retba as well as go for a boat ride on it! 

Should You go to a Dead Sea Resort or Public Beach?

When planning your visit to the Dead Sea, the first thing you’ll want to decide is whether you’d like to go to a Dead Sea resort, or a public beach. There are pros and cons to both choices, so let’s break them down. 

Dead Sea resorts in Jordan

The north-eastern edge of the Dead Sea in Jordan is home to several resorts that cater to visitors who want to both relax and enjoy the salty sea. Every resort has its own stretch of private, well-maintained beach for easy access to the Dead Sea. 

For your Dead Sea dip, a resort will offer lounging space and chairs on the beach, freshwater showers, and Dead Sea mud for sale. Aside from these perks, the resorts have many other amenities as well, like fresh water pools, spa services, and restaurants. 

How much does it cost to stay at a Dead Sea resort? 

The prices for the Dead Sea resorts range between 60.00 USD and 300.00 USD (or more) per night. 

It is also possible to buy a day pass to use the resort’s beach and amenities for accessing the Dead Sea. Day passes range in price as well, starting at about $60.00 USD and going up to around $100.00 USD.

Dead Sea resorts in Jordan, for each budget

• Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea: If you’ve got a larger budget (or just want to treat yourself!), this is one of the nicest resorts in the area. This hotel has top-of-the-line amenities and luxurious Dead Sea access.
• Movenpick Resort and Spa: This one is in a mid-range budget. Based on reviews, this hotel is sparkling clean and has all the amenities you could possibly need, including a spa and gardens.
• Ramada Resort: This is the most affordable resort in the area, but it still offers private access to the Dead Sea. It’s offerings are more basic, but you still have the staples: a pool, and buffet eating. 

Dead Sea public beaches

Visiting a public beach is what the locals do! The beaches are a little south of the resorts, and they are easily accessible off of the Dead Sea Highway. Public beaches are a super economical way to enjoy the Dead Sea in Jordan.

The most common public beach to visit is called Amman Touristic Beach, which is about 2 kilometers south of the Dead Sea resorts. This is the beach that the JETT coach busses drop tourists off at. Amman Touristic beach offers freshwater pools, Dead Sea mud, dressing rooms, and freshwater showers. 

There are more beaches that offer swimming access as you drive south along the Dead Sea Highway. They aren’t all “official” beaches in the way that Amman Touristic beach is, but they’re perfectly fine to use nevertheless. We opted to pull over at one of these unmarked beaches for our swim, and we were glad we made that choice because we had the shoreline entirely to ourselves!

How much does access to the Dead Sea public beaches cost?

It costs 30 USD to enter the Amman Touristic Beach – it is well worth the fee for access to the amenities that this beach offers. The other public beaches range from free to having small fees. 

The one we visited offered free access to the Dead Sea, but we paid a few dollars to take a freshwater shower afterwards. We also opted to hang out under an umbrella after our swim, where we enjoyed some hookah, a snack, and the incredible views. 

How to Get From Amman to the Dead Sea 

You can get from Amman to the Dead Sea by public transport, car, or tour. The trip is about one hour, so visiting the Dead Sea from Amman can work as a day trip. 

Amman to the Dead Sea by bus

Your first (and most affordable) option to get to the Dead Sea in Jordan is to take a public bus. From Amman, catch a minibus from Mujaharin bus station to Rame and then from there you can grab an onward taxi to the beach.

The bus journey costs around 1JD (1.50USD) and the taxi ride is usually around 4JD (6USD), depending on what beach you go to.

JETT tourist buses are also an option. They are air-conditioned and comfortable but they don’t run daily and they only stop at Amman Beach.

The JETT busses leave in the morning from the 7th Circle bus station – but check their website ahead of time to verify departure station and times. You’ll also want to check the timing for catching the bus back to Amman from the beach. 

Amman to the Dead Sea by car

If you’ve got a car, the drive from Amman to the Dead Sea is simple. You’ll head southwest out of Amman until you reach Route 65, also known as the Dead Sea Highway, or the King’s Highway. This ride takes roughly an hour, but can vary depending on which beach or resort you decide to go to. 

* Some clarification because this can be confusing: The Dead Sea Highway, King’s Highway, and Route 65 are different names for the same highway. 

If you don’t want to drive yourself, it’s also possible to hire a private driver to take you to the Dead Sea and back. This is the most expensive option, but if you prefer not to drive yourself and want the most comfortable trip, it’s your best option. 

Take a Tour to the Dead Sea from Amman

Taking a tour from the Dead Sea to Amman is a worry-free way to go floating in the saltiest sea! There are a few options for half and full day tours to take you to the Dead Sea in Jordan. I’ve highlighted below two high rated, well-reviewed tour options for visiting the Dead Sea from Amman.

Private Half Day Tour to the Dead Sea from Amman

RATING: 4.8 out of 5 stars | TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours

On this half day private tour from Amman, you’re picked up at your hotel, and driven in an air-conditioned vehicle to the Dead Sea. Your private guide will bring you to a water’s edge private beach where you’re free to go floating in the Dead Sea, lounge on the beach, and take in the beautiful landscapes around you.

You’re also able to upgrade this tour to include entry into a resort hotel that has a wider range of facilities, including swimming pools, spas, and Dead Sea mud treatments.

Private Half Day Tour to the Dead Sea from Amman includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private transfer by air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver guide
• Entrance Fees to the Dead Sea Private Beach Area (if option selected)
• Entrance Fees to the Dead Sea Spa Hotel (if option selected)
• Entrance Fees to the Holiday Inn Hotel (if option selected)
• Towel
• Showers
• Onboard WiFi

From Amman: Dead Sea and Madaba Tour with Hotel Pickup

RATING: 4.8 out of 5 stars | TOUR LENGTH: 10 hours

On this Dead Sea and Madaba Tour with Hotel Pickup, you’ll get to combine visiting two amazing sites in Jordan, into one day! This is a longer tour, but that’s because it includes two stops. After being picked up at your hotel, you’ll go to the ancient city of Madaba. Madaba is one of the oldest towns in the Middle East, and home to a number of churches. You guide will bring you to several of these old churches, and you’ll get to see extraordinary mosaics from the 7th and 8th centuries.

Then, your tour will continue with a quick stop at the Jordan River Baptism Site, and then to the Dead Sea. You’ll go to the Dead Sea Beach for an hour to relax and enjoy lunch, before heading back to Amman.

From Amman: Dead Sea and Madaba Tour with Hotel Pickup includes:

English-speaking driver
Transportation by modern vehicle with air conditioning
Hotel pickup and drop-off

* Note that this tour does not include entrance fees to any of the sites visited.

How to Get From Aqaba to the Dead Sea

Aqaba to the Dead Sea isn’t an easy transfer unless you’ve got a car. To make the trip by coach bus, you first need to go from Aqaba to Amman, and then transfer from Amman to the Dead Sea by bus, coach, or private drive. 

It’s also quite easy to rent a car in Aqaba and drive to the Dead Sea for the day. It takes just over 3 hours driving north along the Dead Sea Highway to reach the Dead Sea resorts and public beaches. 

Overall, Aqaba isn’t quite as well connected to the Dead Sea as Amman, so I definitely recommend fitting in your trip to the Dead Sea during your stay in Amman. 

Responsible Travel Tips for Visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan

My top tip for visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan? Have fun! Floating in it is a unique, once in a lifetime experience, so make the most of it. I found it super entertaining to experiment with floating.

Try putting your arms and legs down (it’s hard, they bounce back up!), and try floating both on your back and on your stomach. The weightless feeling is the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re floating in space.

Aside from having fun, here are some practical tips for visiting the Dead Sea: 

1. Only float in the Dead Sea 10-15 minutes

Don’t stay in the Dead Sea longer than 10-15 minutes. The salt water irritates your skin, and after 15 minutes it can start to sting. Remember that the Dead Sea is about 10 times saltier than typical oceans and seas.

On that note – Don’t splash! Getting that salt water in your eyes will hurt a lot, and if you get it in your mouth, you’ll for sure gag. 

2. Use vaseline to protect your skin

If you have any cuts or wounds, dab vaseline on them before going into the Dead Sea. The salt water will sting them (believe me, it hurts!), but vaseline is an easy and safe barrier.

You’ll also want to avoid shaving anywhere on your body a couple days before swimming in the Dead Sea. If you shave the day of, or even the day prior, your skin will sting from the salt. 

3. Shower after swimming in the Dead Sea

Take a fresh water shower immediately after swimming in the Dead Sea, and make sure you thoroughly rinse all of the salt off. It can become uncomfortable if you don’t get all the salt rinsed quickly. Rinse your swimsuit and shoes as well!

4. Bring water shoes or flip flops

Water shoes or flip flops are a good thing to bring because the salt rocks can be quite sharp. I definitely cut my feet at the public beach. 

5. Protect yourself from the sun

Wear sunscreen! The Jordanian sun is super strong, and believe me, even if you don’t feel like you’re burning – you probably are. To avoid the most intense sun and heat, go for your swim in the morning or in the evening. 

6. Be careful with electronics

Be careful with your phone or camera near the water, and make sure your hands are completely dry before touching any of your electronics. The salty water is toxic to electronics.

7. Be respectful of the Dead Sea

And finally – be respectful of the sea, and the surrounding region. When traveling, always remember you’re a visitor, and show respect to both the local culture and local land.

So in this case, you’ll want to make sure you leave behind no garbage on your visit to the Dead Sea, and likewise don’t take anything (you know the saying, leaving nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures). This is one simple way that you can be a responsible tourist and also reduce the impacts of overtourism.

Driving in Jordan 

My partner and I have driven ourselves while traveling South East Asia, Europe, United Arab Emirates and India. Because of this, we felt confident in our ability to handle driving in Jordan, and we were comfortable with adjusting to a different driving style in Jordan.

We’re glad we decided to road trip Jordan, because driving in Jordan allowed us to adjust our itinerary as we traveled, and we were able to make random stops along the way.

We love stopping in random towns to experience places and people that we otherwise would have missed. It was especially fun to drive Highway 65 in Jordan.

Also known as the Dead Sea Highway, it stretches alongside the entire length of the sea, from the south to the north. The entire drive is scenic, with many spots where you can pull off the highway to soak up the views. 

For the Dead Sea Highway alone, it was very worth it to drive ourselves while traveling Jordan. If you aren’t comfortable driving yourself, you can always hire a driver in Jordan to take you on Highway 65.

Tips for Driving in Jordan

Rent a car from a reputable company.

Rental cars in Jordan aren’t always well maintained. Be sure to research reviews of the rental company that you hire through to avoid mishaps. We hired through Eras, and they provided a good car with reliable support. They called us regularly throughout our trip to check in.

Don’t speed on Jordan’s highways.

Do not speed while you’re driving in Jordan. The roads are good, but stray animals and often people will venture out onto the road, even in the middle of the desert. Because of this you want to always make sure you have enough break time – just in case a goat appears on the highway.

Rental companies can shut off your engine. We made the mistake of surpassing the 120 km per hour limit, and to teach us a lesson our rental company shut our engine off! A quick phone call and apology got us our driving privileges back, but you can avoid this altogether by never driving over the speed limit.

Avoid driving at night.

Avoid night driving in Jordan, for the same reasons listed above. Street lights might not be reliable all over the country, so it’s safer to drive in daylight. 

Beware of other drivers.

Jordanian drivers do things differently. In Jordan’s cities, there are no designated lanes and lots of roundabouts. Some drivers don’t use their turning signals, and expect to hear horns honking all the time.

Buy car rental insurance.

Be careful of accidents while exploring Jordan. It is important to know that if you are involved in an accident with a pedestrian, the driver is always considered in the wrong. This can result in hefty fines and in extreme cases, imprisonment.

Make sure you have insurance bought from your home country if you decide to drive in Jordan. While this sounds scary, most tourists do not find themselves driving in busy cities, so the risk of such an accident is relatively low.

Buy an esim or local sim card.

Invest in a SIM card with calling and data so that you’re always able to contact your car rental company for assistance. SIM cards can be bought at the airport when you exit. I went with Orange. The SIM cost 15 JOD and included calling with 4 gigabytes of data.

I also recommend downloading an offline map application like Maps.Me. Using offline maps ensures that if you run out of data, or want to minimize your data use while driving in Jordan, you can still use maps for navigation.

You can also buy an esim for Jordan, just note that esims don’t usually support phone calls. Esims are digital sim cards that are installed on your phone using a QR code. Esims provide you internet data.

I find esims super convenient because they can be set up before you leave for a trip. This means the second you land in a new country, you can be online.

You can get online with an easily with a quick-to-install eSIM through Airalo. What I appreciate most about Airalo’s eSIM is its simplicity. You can quickly select and activate an Airalo eSIM for whichever country you are headed to. Selecting, downloading, and activating your eSIM takes less than 5 minutes, and it’s easy to top up your eSIM if you run out of data.

You can get started with an Airalo eSIM, right here.

Use a map app to navigate.

Lastly, navigating Jordan was straight forward. We had zero issues with directions thanks to using our map apps. Parking was always accessible and was usually free. We also found Jordanians to be very receptive and helpful whenever we asked for help or directions.

Enjoy Visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan

There is truly no other experience like floating in Jordan’s Dead Sea. Before our trip, I’d read a lot about the Dead Sea, fully imagining what the experience of floating in it would be like – and let me tell you, my imagination was completely off! I didn’t expect to be nearly as buoyant as I was in the sea. 

With the Dead Sea now shrinking, there’s no better time than now to visit Jordan and go for a Dead Sea float. The beautiful thing is that, by supporting tourism in the region, you’ll also help support efforts to slow the Dead Sea disappearing. 

Planning a trip to Jordan? Read my other Jordan guides:

• Your Ultimate Jordan Road Trip Itinerary
• 22 Must-Know Tips for Visiting Petra, Jordan
• Your Essential Guide to Driving in Jordan
• 8 Essential Tips for Visiting Wadi Rum, Jordan

Like this post? Pin it for later.