Dead Sea

Sunset View of Dead Sea
Bethany Layton 2011

C’mon, just try and sink!  A trip to Jordan would not be complete without a dip in the Dead Sea to experience just how true it is that you really do float.  The salt content of the water is 31.5% making the water so buoyant that it is impossible for the you to sink. The water also contains 21 minerals including high levels of magnesium, sodium, potassium, and bromine and 12 of these minerals are found in no other body of water in the world.  Because the water is so salty, be cautious to not get any water in your eyes as it will sting!  Also, if you have any cuts or nicks in your skin, these will all be brought to your attention by the burning sensation will experience.  Gives another meaning to ‘pouring salt on the wound.’ 

At 410 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is also the lowest point on earth, making the climate sunny and warm year round.  Because of the climate and low elevation, you can swim and bathe in the sea year round - even in the winter!  One of the most popular activities is to cover yourself in the soothing mud from head to toe, let it dry and take a dip to rinse it off.  For centuries, mankind has believed in the medicinal properties in this mud, which has more of a clay-like, silky consistency.  

Fees:

You have a few options: use a beach associated with a hotel ($$-$$$), Amman Tourist Beach ($) or pull off to the side of the road along the coast and take a dip (free).  My suggestion is to pay for a room and stay overnight at a hotel and I will discuss my reasons why after explaining the alternatives. 

First, if you choose to take a dip somewhere along the coastline, you do not have access to showers, restrooms, and other amenities.  You usually cannot find the world-famous mud at these locations as well.  While it is free, yes, you get what you pay for.  You will definitely want to rinse off the salty water as soon as you are done taking a dip in the sea, so I would avoid this option unless your budget doesn’t permit otherwise. 

The second option is Amman Tourist Beach is more affordable at 16JD and includes amenities such as swimming pools, restrooms, showers and changing rooms.  However, this beach can get very crowded with locals and tourists alike, does not have much of a sandy beach to enjoy and the facilities are less than clean.  You can find mud, but must purchase it from a vendor selling it on the beach.  One of the biggest complaints I have heard from locals and tourists alike is the amount of men staring at the women.  I have many female friends that avoid this beach strictly because they feel uncomfortable with the amount of voyeurism happening on this beach.

The third option is to use the beach facilities through a hotel.  You can do this two ways: rent a room for the night (rooms from 80JD and up) or pay the beach only access fee (typically 35JD-50JD per person depending on the hotel).  In my experience, I would definitely spend the night.  You practically get the room for free (versus paying for beach only access) and you can spend as much time at the beach as you want and have a nice place to rest and recharge yourself after an activity filled day.