Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a salt lake on the border between Jordan and the West Bank, lying at the lowest point on land anywhere on Earth, more than 400 meters below sea level. Its water is so salty that you float effortlessly on the surface, and its shores are lined with mineral-rich mud that visitors have used for centuries.

On the Jordanian side, the eastern shore is an easy drive from Amman and has a cluster of resorts, public beaches and day-use facilities. It is a place to rest between busier sightseeing days, and it sits close to several important biblical and historic sites, from Mount Nebo to the baptism site on the Jordan River.

The setting is striking in its own right. Bare, sun-baked mountains rise on both sides of the lake, the water takes on shades from turquoise to silver, and white salt crusts gather along the shoreline. On clear days you can see across to the hills on the far side, and at sunset the whole valley glows.

History in brief

The Dead Sea lies in the Jordan Rift Valley, a deep trough in the Earth's crust that is part of a long system of faults running from Syria down through the Red Sea into East Africa. Water flows in, mainly from the Jordan River, but has no outlet to the sea, so it evaporates in the heat and leaves its salts behind. That is why the lake is several times saltier than the ocean and why almost nothing lives in it apart from microorganisms.

The region has drawn people since ancient times. Its salts, bitumen and minerals were traded in antiquity, and bitumen from the lake was used in ancient Egypt, including in some embalming. Its landscape appears in many religious traditions, from the stories of Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot to the baptism of Jesus in the nearby Jordan River. On the western shore, the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in caves near Qumran in the mid-twentieth century.

In recent decades the water level has been falling steadily, mainly because so much water is diverted from the rivers that feed it, and because of mineral extraction at the southern end. The shoreline has receded noticeably, and sinkholes have appeared in some areas along the shore. Several resorts now have longer walks or ramps down to the water than they once did.

What to see

• Floating: The main event. Wade in, lean back slowly and let the water hold you up. The sensation is unlike swimming anywhere else, and most people find it relaxing after the first surprised moment.
• Dead Sea mud: Cover yourself in the dark mineral mud, let it dry in the sun, then rinse off in the sea or showers. Resorts usually provide the mud, often in pots near the water.
• Salt formations: Along the shore you will see white crusts and crystals of salt on rocks and pebbles, which shift and change as the water level falls.
• Sunset over the water: From the Jordanian shore, you watch the sun go down over the hills on the far side, one of the finest moments of the day.
• The Dead Sea Panorama: A viewpoint and small museum on the hills above the lake, with wide views and background on the region's geology, ecology and history, plus short walking trails.
• Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas): A nearby site, inscribed by UNESCO in 2015, revered as the place where John baptized Jesus, with remains of churches, baptismal pools and a short path to the river.
• Mount Nebo: A short drive uphill, where tradition holds that Moses viewed the Promised Land. The Memorial Church on the summit holds fine Byzantine mosaics, and on clear days the view stretches across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

Stories behind the site

The name Dead Sea comes from the lack of fish and plant life in its waters, but the lake has had many names over the centuries, including the Salt Sea in the Hebrew Bible. Ancient writers were fascinated by the way objects and people floated on its surface and by the lumps of bitumen that rose from its depths.

The area south of the lake is linked with the story of Lot, and a site known as Lot's Cave, with remains of a Byzantine monastery, stands above the southern shore near the Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth. Pilgrims have long traveled through this valley on their way between the holy sites of the region.

The low altitude gives the air here an unusual quality. The atmosphere is thick, dry and often hazy, and the area has long been associated with health and rest. Today, many resorts offer spa treatments built around the lake's mud and salts.

How to get there

The main resort area on the Jordanian shore is roughly an hour's drive from Amman and well under an hour from Madaba. The road descends steeply from the plateau into the valley, and you will notice your ears popping as you go down.

The Dead Sea is also within reach of Petra, a drive of a few hours, and many itineraries link the two with a stop at Mount Nebo or Madaba. From Egypt, the most common route is a flight from Cairo to Amman, followed by a short transfer.

How long to spend and when to go

You can visit for the day using a hotel day pass or a public beach, or stay a night or two in one of the resort hotels, which have pools, spas and managed beach access with fresh-water showers. Half a day is enough for a float and a mud session, but a night lets you enjoy sunset and a quiet morning by the water. Facilities, access arrangements and prices vary between hotels and beaches, so check current details or let us arrange it for you.

The Dead Sea is warm for most of the year. Spring and fall are ideal, with warm water and comfortable air. Summer is very hot, so float in the early morning or late afternoon. Winter is mild here compared with Amman, which makes it a pleasant escape in the cooler months.

Tips from our specialists

• Do not shave on the day of your swim. The salt stings on any small cut or scratch.
• Keep the water out of your eyes and mouth. Float on your back, avoid splashing, and never dive or swim face down. If water gets in your eyes, rinse them with fresh water straight away.
• Wear water shoes. Salt crystals and stones along the shore can be sharp.
• Limit each float to short sessions, rinse off with fresh water afterward, and drink plenty of water. The air is hot and dry for much of the year.
• Leave jewelry in your room, as the minerals can tarnish some metals.
• Avoid entering the water with a sunburn or broken skin, and ask your doctor first if you have heart or blood pressure conditions.
• Use only official beaches and resort access points. Some stretches of shoreline are unsafe because of sinkholes.

Nearby sights to combine

• Madaba: A town famous for its mosaics, including the sixth-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in the Church of Saint George.
• Mount Nebo: Combines easily with Madaba and the Dead Sea in a single day.
• Bethany Beyond the Jordan: The baptism site, about half an hour from the main resort area.
• Wadi Mujib: A dramatic canyon reaching the lake's eastern shore, with water hikes that run in the warmer months, conditions allowing.
• Ma'in Hot Springs: Hot waterfalls in the hills above the lake, a short drive from the shore.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the Dead Sea?

You float rather than swim. The water is so dense that normal swimming strokes are difficult, and splashing risks getting the salt in your eyes. Lie back, relax and enjoy the sensation.

Is the Dead Sea mud good for your skin?

Many visitors enjoy the mud and feel their skin is softer afterward, and it has been used for centuries. If you have sensitive skin, test a small patch first, and rinse off thoroughly.

Can I visit the Dead Sea as a day trip from Amman?

Yes. The drive is about an hour, and a day pass to a resort gives you beach access, showers, pools and lunch. Many travelers combine it with Mount Nebo or the baptism site.

Is the Dead Sea suitable for children?

Older children usually love floating, but they need close supervision so that water does not get into their eyes or mouth. Very young children are better off in the resort pools.

Why is the Dead Sea shrinking?

Mainly because water from the Jordan River and other sources is diverted for agriculture and drinking water before it reaches the lake, and because of evaporation ponds used to extract minerals. The level has fallen for decades.

The Dead Sea combines easily with an Egypt trip, often as a relaxing final stop after Petra and Amman.