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Latest update: 12 September 2025
Hold up! Before you snap that photo of yourself reading a book while floating in the Dead Sea, there are a few things you need to know. Floating in salty water and slathering yourself with mud sounds like a chill spa day, but visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan is definitely not as relaxing and romantic as it looks.
The appeal of the Dead Sea
Visiting the Dead Sea is a must when you’re in Jordan. But did you know the Dead Sea isn’t a sea? It’s a massive lake that sits partly in Jordan and partly in Israel. At 1,410 feet (430 meters) below sea level, it’s the lowest point on Earth. The water has a salt content of 33% – that’s ten times saltier than regular seawater and exactly why you can float on it.
Don’t expect some tropical paradise or a relaxing beach day. The Dead Sea is more of a quick dip-in-the-water experience; for some people, it’s mainly about the Instagram selfies. Some people even have entire photo shoots on the salt crystals. But I can tell you that with those sharp crystals, it’s anything but comfortable. Well, anything for the ‘gram, right?
Why you shouldn’t wait too long
There’s actually a bit of urgency here. The Dead Sea is disappearing. Every year, the water level drops by about 3 feet (1 meter) due to climate change and because Jordan and Israel keep extracting more and more water from the Jordan River. Scientists predict the Dead Sea could be completely gone in fifty years. So if you want to experience it: don’t wait too long!
At the Mövenpick Resort, where I’m staying, signs show how far the water used to reach. It’s shocking to see how much has already vanished.
The drive to the Dead Sea
The nature around the Dead Sea is a bit dead. There are no animals, no greenery, mostly bare rocks, and of course, the sea/lake.
We drive up from Aqaba toward the Dead Sea resorts. On the way, we want to stop at Pink Lake, but we can’t find it. According to Google Maps, we should be here. Maybe you’ll have better luck. By the way, Pink Lake does change color. In summer, the color is most intense. So the color depends on bacteria, algae, and the season (and how much Photoshop people throw on their photos).
Visiting the Dead Sea: 3 options
The Dead Sea doesn’t have sandy beaches like other seas, where you can chill out. The edge of the lake is covered with a thick layer of salt that’s uneven and sharp. And actually more yellowish than white. Around it lies a rocky landscape.
That’s also why most people visit the Dead Sea from their resort. You’ll find various resorts on the north side of the Dead Sea. Apart from a few cheaper accommodations, that’s basically the only way to stay a few days at the Dead Sea. The resorts are pretty pricey, unfortunately. The most affordable resort is usually the Dead Sea Spa Hotel.
If you don’t necessarily want to sleep overnight at the Dead Sea, you can ask the various resorts if they have day passes. You should definitely be able to get into the Ramada hotel.
The third option is the budget option. Along the Dead Sea there are little stalls in some places where you can stop for access to the water. Here you can usually get drinks, shower, and of course get in the water. Just watch out for those thick salt crystals on the shore – they’re sharp! We make a quick stop at this stall: Google Maps location.
Mövenpick Resort: luxury at the Dead Sea
We stay at the Mövenpick Resort at the Dead Sea and what a difference from the simple accommodations of recent weeks in Jordan. We even get an upgrade and a welcome drink. The resort has chocolate hour, happy hour, extensive buffet, and of course an entertainment program. Now I remember exactly why I prefer booking small-scale accommodations, haha.
The nice thing about a resort is that you have direct access to the Dead Sea. Plus all the facilities: showers, free towels, lounge chairs, pots of mud, and even someone who’ll slather you with mud. That’s a bit much for me.
Yes, it’s expensive compared to the rest of Jordan. But if you want to stay at the Dead Sea, you have no choice but a resort.
Floating and mud
I head into the Dead Sea at the resort. At all the resorts, there are big pots of Dead Sea mud. You scoop it up with your hands and smear yourself with it. At the Mövenpick, I see some people getting slathered by a staff member. That’s an option too, but I find it pretty awkward.
The mud contains at least 35 different minerals and supposedly helps with acne, eczema, joint pain, and much more. Let the mud dry in the sun for fifteen minutes and then rinse it off in the Dead Sea. Afterwards, your skin feels nice and soft. I doubt it really helps with all those ailments.
And then into the water. I leave my flip-flops on the side because I don’t want them to get all crusty from the salt. The result is that I must carefully place my feet on the sharp surface. As soon as it’s deep enough, I slowly lower myself down, and sure enough: I float! Like I’m lying on an air mattress. Lots of people bring a book or newspaper for the classic photo of them relaxing and reading while floating.
Honestly, it’s funny, but it doesn’t feel that special either. Maybe it’s also because you’re going into the Dead Sea with quite a few other people in the same spot. I don’t really know what I expected. One dip and float in the Dead Sea is definitely enough for me. I spend the rest of the day by the pool.
Practical tips: what you really need to know
1. Rule number one: don’t shave!
Don’t shave for at least two days before your visit. The salt water with 33% salt content stings in small wounds and scrapes. Not shaving works out fine for me, but I definitely picked up some scrapes during the hikes through the wadis. I decide not to let that stop me and honestly, it’s not as bad as I thought. My feet hurt more from the sharp salt crystals I walk over.
2. Wear old swimwear
Many people warn that you should wear old swimwear because it can discolor from the salty water. I don’t have the newest stuff anyway, so I just use the one I’ve been wearing the whole vacation. I don’t see any difference. But if you just got a beautiful new bathing suit, you’d rather wear something old to be safe.
3. Remove jewelry
Take off all jewelry because the salt can corrode it, and that would be a shame.
4. Safe floating 101
Walk calmly into the water and carefully fall back onto your back. If water gets in your eyes, it burns terribly, so you want to avoid that. If you have longer hair, it’s best to tie it up. And watch out for the sharp salt crystals, which can easily cut your feet.
5. Maximum 15 minutes
Maximum fifteen minutes at a time in the water. The salt really dehydrates your skin, hair, and body. Always rinse off immediately with fresh water afterwards and drink lots of water. And apply another layer of sunscreen!
Best timing for your visit
Plan your Dead Sea visit as the last stop of your Jordan trip. It’s the perfect place to recover from all the impressions and relax nicely. Plus: it’s only a 45-minute drive from Amman airport.
Season-wise, it’s best to go in the spring or fall. In summer, it can get extremely hot in Jordan, even up to 122°F (50°C). In winter, it’s still pleasantly warm there, around 68°F (20°C).
Dead Sea: checking off the bucket list
Should you go to the Dead Sea or not? If you’re in Jordan, I’d definitely do it. It’s a unique experience you can’t have anywhere else in the world. But don’t expect too much from it and don’t plan more than half a day for it.
It’s more of a “must have seen” thing than a place where you want to spend the whole day. There are so many more spectacular things to see in Jordan, like Petra, Wadi Rum, and Jerash, that make more of an impression on me. But have you really been to Jordan if you haven’t bobbed around in the Dead Sea? My answer is no.
More Jordan inspiration
Useful links for your Jordan trip
- Accommodation. Booking.com is always useful, but be sure to compare prices. For example, through Trivago and Trip. Rather stay in a hostel? Try HostelWorld.
- Activities. Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. “Free” walking tours book with Freetour or GuruWalk.
- Attractions and museums. For 5% off museums and attractions, use discount code KIMOPREIS22 at Tiqets.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com.
- Guide books. I love the practical guides by Lonely Planet, for sale at Amazon.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high phone and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could check out Expedia or CheapOair.
- Flights. Compare all your options! At least check Expedia, Kiwi and Trip.
- Yoga retreat. Or: go for a yoga retreat in Jordan.
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