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What You Need To Know Before Floating on the Dead Sea in Jordan

Floating on the Dead Sea in Jordan is an experience that every visitor should experience. The high salinity of the Dead Sea waters makes it almost impossible to sink.

A smiling asian woman covered in mud stands in front of the Dead Sea in Jordan at sunset

Floating on the Dead Sea is one of those experiences that seems almost too surreal. The water is milky blue and almost completely devoid of life. Except, of course, for the tourists that flock to the region to float on one of the saltiest and most unique bodies of water in the world.

With legends of the near-magical healing properties of the mineral-rich mud found in the Jordan Dead Sea, it’s no surprise that countless resorts and spas have found their home along this legendary waterfront. Visiting here will make it clear as to why this has become one of the most popular places to visit in Jordan.

While most people associate the Dead Sea with Israel, the Dead Sea is actually situated between Jordan and Israel. And if you’re looking for the perfect place to float in the Dead Sea, I think Jordan is where you should go!

Christina Wagar floating on the Dead Sea in Jordan

How Do You Float on the Dead Sea in Jordan?

Arriving at the Dead Sea in Jordan is pretty spectacular. The ride along the barren coast is stunning, offering a glimpse into how this area received its name. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on the surface of the Earth.

The Dead Sea is situated at 429 m (1,407 ft) below sea level. This makes it the lowest point on the surface of the Earth. It is 304 m (997 ft) deep, 50 km (31 mi) long, and 15 km (9 mi) wide at its widest point. The Dead Sea water has a density of 1.24 kg/l, which makes floating a breeze. In fact, it’s almost impossible to sink in the Dead Sea.

Kevin Wagar stands on the coast of the Dead Sea in Jordan

Bathing in the Dead Sea Mud

Bathing in the Jordan Dead Sea Mud is seen by some as an almost religious experience. And families in Jordan flock in droves to the shores of Israel and Jordan to partake in this. There was no way we could travel all the way to the Dead Sea in Jordan and not get ourselves muddy and see for ourselves!

But what is the process for getting the baby soft skin promised by floating on the Dead Sea and Bathing in the Dead Sea mud and minerals? Well, thankfully there are signs posted near most of the resorts and public areas breaking down the guide to maximizing the benefits of Dead Sea Mud.

  1. Swim and float in the Dead Sea for 10 minutes.
  2. After swimming, apply the Dead Sea mud directly on to your body conservatively. You can get the mud either from the bottom of the Dead Sea in the public areas, or, at the resorts there are usually buckets of the mud placed in sheltered areas near the shore.
  3. Wait 15 – 20 minutes until the Dead Sea mud has caked dry on your body.
  4. Return to the Dead Sea and wash off the mud by floating on the Dead See some more.
  5. Take a shower after you exit the Dead Sea.
  6. You can do this once or twice daily.

It sounded simple enough, so off we went to accomplish Step 1. But that is where we learned one of the biggest lessons about the Dead Sea.

The Wandering Wagars Prepare to Bathe in the Dead Sea in Jordan

The Most Important Thing You Need to know about Floating in the Dead Sea in Jordan

Bathing in the Dead Sea means subjecting any cuts and scratches you may have received on your travels to salt. Lots of salt. And if you’ve ever heard the term “pouring salt on a wound”, a swim in the Dead Sea will remind you just how poignant that statement is!

Any scratches or cuts will hurt. It is also very important to keep the saltwater away from your eyes, as it will make for a very uncomfortable burning sensation. You also need to make sure that the saltwater doesn’t go into your mouth because it tastes terrible. Trust me on that one!

Kevin Wagar floating in the Jordan Dead Sea Resorts

Kids in the Dead Sea

Our boys dipped their toes in the water of the Jordan Dead Sea but quickly assessed that they would prefer to just play in the mud. Between cuts and scratches, and D’s eczema, the experience for them would be too painful. It’s best to let children decide for themselves if they want to partake. The discomfort of the water fades quite quickly, but it could be enough to ruin the Dead Sea experience for children.

Boy looks at the Dead Sea in Jordan

Best Resorts and Dead Sea Hotels in Jordan

Toddler walking to the water at the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort Jordan

Due to its popularity, there are lots of great Resorts and Dead Sea Hotels in Jordan. Some of our favorites include:

Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort

This was our Dead Sea hotel in Jordan, and it was fantastic. There were multiple pools, including some that were set aside for others, and others that were designed just for families. The food and service were incredible, and access to the Dead Sea water is accessible via a short walk to the beach area. You can read our full review of the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort here.

You can find the best prices for this hotel on Booking.com here.

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea

The Movenpick is arguably the most popular Dead Sea Resort in Jordan. It stands true to the Movenpick brand offering great service and fantastic amenities. It offers a wonderful Arabic style that gives it an authentic feel that other resorts do not. But it still offers incredible pools, great food, and of course, amazing sunset views of the Dead Sea.

You can find the best prices for this hotel on Booking.com here.

Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea

The Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea has an incredible pool and common area and modern rooms that will make any family stay in the Dead Sea of Jordan a treat. The views of the water are fantastic, and of course, the food will leave you smiling.

You can find the best prices for this hotel on Booking.com here.

Best Things To Do Near The Dead Sea Jordan

After a relaxing day lounging by the waters of the Red Sea in Aqaba and enjoying the pools of Blu Radisson in Tala Bay, Aqaba, we began our Dead Sea Jordan adventure. From Aqaba, the drive to Swemeiah on the Dead Sea is an easy 3.5-hour drive along the aptly named Dead Sea highway (Highway 65). Along the route, there were some absolutely unforgettable things to see near the Dead Sea in Jordan.

Wadi Mujib Gorge

On route, we stopped for a view of the magnificent Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve. The reserve is located in the Wadi Mujib gorge and at 410m below sea level, it is the lowest nature reserve in the world. It extends to the Karak and Madaba mountains rising up to 910 m above sea level in some spots.

The variation in elevation contributes to the variety of plant and animal species that can be found in the reserve. Wadi Mujib offers many hiking trails where you can see beautiful waterfalls and natural pools. Entry to Wadi Mujib is limited to those over 18 years of age so we were not able to participate this time, but it gives us a good reason to return to Jordan in the future!

Wadi Mujib Gorge near the Dead Sea in Jordan

Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan

Recently added to the UNESCO world heritage list, Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan (Al-Magthas) lies at the end of the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea. Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan is believed by archaeologists to be where John the Baptist performed the baptism of Jesus Christ.

Many religious scholars also believe it to be the site where the prophet Elijah ascended into heaven. Due to the source of the Jordan river being choked off, and the water being diverted several hundred meters from the original site, the actual baptism site looks more like a small green pond at the base of some stairs. No matter your religious affiliation, being in a place like the Jordan River Baptismal Site is a truly humbling experience.

The site of the Baptism of Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan near the Dead Sea

To visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan we had to join a guided tour. Private vehicles are not allowed near the ruins in order to preserve the site as well as to add to the solemnity of the experience. Shuttle buses depart from the parking lot beside the ticket office every 30 mins. The buses are often full or over capacity and there can be a rush for the limited seats available.

The site has only been accessible to the public since 1996 when the 1994 peace treaty between Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Territories paved the way for the clearing of landmines that had been dispersed in the area.

Archaeologists have since unearthed church ruins, caves, extensive wells, and several baptism pools. All of these taken together, along with excerpts from the bible and other ancient texts lend support to the claim that Jesus was baptized on the east bank of the Jordan river. This claim was sanctified by Pope John Paul II when he visited the site in 2000.

Greek Orthodox Church near the Jordan River at Bethany Beyond the Jordan near the Dead Sea

We took our time to traverse the paved pathway through the various archaeological sites. With the temperature hovering over 40ºC we kept a conscious effort to remain hydrated. After about an hour, we reached the gold-domed Greek Orthodox Church which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist.

A short walk away down a bricked walkway lay the banks of the Jordan River. A baptismal font sits in a covered structure right before the bank where one could be baptized if they were accompanied by a priest and made the arrangements prior to arrival. Baptism on the river itself is not encouraged in Jordan due to high levels of pollutants.

A mass baptism on the Palestine side of the River Jordan at Bethany Beyond the Jordan

We quietly took off our shoes and socks, even the children seemed to instinctively appreciate the solemnity of the place. We joined the Jordanian military guards on duty patrolling the quiet border and sat on the banks on the east river to watch the throngs of people, young and old, all clad in white, who were being baptized on the west bank of the river.

Many visitors purchased rosaries and other religious items from the Greek Orthodox Church and proceeded to dip them in the river where our toes were promptly nibbled on by small fish hiding beneath the waters. After some time for quiet reflection, we slowly made our way back to the bus stop filled with a kind of inner peace.

Bathing our feet in the River Jordan at Bethany Beyond the Jordan

Al Karak Castle

Al Karak is an ancient Crusader Castle located along the King’s Highway in Jordan. It can be easily visited as a day trip from the Dead Sea. The castle features multiple levels and underground tunnels that make exploring a lot of fun.

What makes this castle even cooler is just how many battles were fought here. For history buffs, or those looking to spark some medieval imagination, it’s a fantastic stop. You can read more about Al Karak and some of the other amazing castles in Jordan here.

Boys play at Karak Castle Jordan with kids

Get Muddy in the Dead Sea!

You didn’t think we’d go all this way and stop at floating on the Dead Sea, did you? Of course, we all got muddy. Because if there is one thing that kids will LOVE about the Dead Sea, it’s spreading that gooey mess all over their bodies.

Woman covered in Dead Sea mud stands in front of the Sea at sunset at the Kempisnki Hotel
Christina shows off her Dead Sea Mud Bath at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar in Jordan

At the end of our bathing, the Dead Sea did not disappoint. Our skin felt as smooth as a baby’s bum. It’s sad to think that the Dead Sea is disappearing. In fact, it’s dropping nearly 80 cm each year due to its water sources being choked off for various projects along the shores. The Jordanian government with the support of Israel has proposed several solutions that would divert water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. Here’s hoping it works so this treasure isn’t lost forever.

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melody pittman

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

This is so freaking cool. First of all, I would love to see this area but too afraid to do it alone. You guys need to put together tours and make some cash with your travel and guide skills. You'd be great! The mud bath looks so amazing. I have seen this a few places (especially Istanbul) but never had a chance to try it. Guess I will have to stick with spas for the shortcut method.

Ami

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

This is soooooo high on my list and everytime I see a post on it, I am envious. Need I say amy more!

Johann

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

Exciting trip to Jordan! The mud therapy is getting quite famous of late. Everyone's after softer skin these days. Haha! Lovely snaps with the kids.

Rob Taylor

Tuesday 25th of October 2016

I think the visit to the Jordan River sounds fascinating. I often think about what it'll be like to visit the Holy Land with our kids, particularly as they're not growing up in the Church like we did. The whole experience does sound really amazing though.

Kevin Wagar

Thursday 27th of October 2016

Whether you practice or not, the history around this place is absolutely incredible to experience.

Me-An Clemente

Friday 30th of September 2016

Wow! Ever since my mom has told me about the Dead Sea, I've always wanted to do this too. It's great that you posted the important details. I'll make sure I don't have any wound when I go there so I can experience floating. I also want to have a softer skin.

Kevin Wagar

Sunday 2nd of October 2016

Your skin will feel like velvet when you're done :)