Tips for Swimming in the Dead Sea in Jordan

Advice for a salty but sweet experience!

The Dead Sea is a place I’d dreamed for years of visiting! I had the chance to finally swim in its salty waters while traveling through Jordan. With a salt concentration of a staggering 34% (8.6 times saltier than ocean water!), it makes for a truly unique experience!

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth, and hosts no life in its waters. Despite this, it can still be a high point of your travels (see what I did there?)! Here are my tips to best enjoy your dip in these famed waters:



Location is Key: You typically pay a hotel for its beachfront access, and can then enjoy their swimming pools, showering, and changing facilities afterwards too. Most places in Jordan charge for towels as well, so it’s a good idea to bring one with you if you can. Prices vary, but most are around 20 Jordanian Dinar. Choose wisely!Amman Beach: Dead Sea, Jordan
Throw Out the Razor: The water will sting any minor cut, scrape or lesion that you have anywhere on your body. With that being said, do NOT shave 1-3 days before your swim. You will regret it! The high salt level will leave sensitive areas stinging like crazy. I followed this advice, and even so it was still a bit painful.Amman Beach: Dead Sea, Jordan
Treat Your Wounds: If you have any deeper cuts or scrapes, wrap them heavily in a waterproof bandage prior to stepping in the water. Why? See above for details on the world of pain that could await you!
Amman Beach: Dead Sea, Jordan
Looks like I’m laying on something, but NOPE- just floating!
Leave It All Behind: With the incredible salinity of the water and its ability to damage electronics, it’s best to leave your camera or phone on the beach. Even a waterproof camera or GoPro can become blurred and potentially ruined from the salt. Rinsing it with fresh water will help, but it isn’t guaranteed. With that being said, take your photos BEFORE you get in the sea, and try to find someone on shore to get a photo of you in the water.
Amman Beach: Dead Sea, Jordan
The pool overlooking the sea at “Amman Beach Tourism Resort”
Don’t Dress Your Best: Wear a swimsuit that isn’t your favorite. My white colored bikini was permanently stained (a slight rust color) from the water, despite me rinsing it off with fresh water afterwards.
Amman Beach: Dead Sea, Jordan
Looking down at the water and shore
Take It Slow: Once in the water, move slowly so you don’t accidentally fall or splash yourself. Upon entering the water, you will feel a sense of weightlessness, and it isn’t immediately easy to control. The sensation is like no other- you won’t believe how much the water will lift you, despite any efforts you make not to float!Amman Beach: Dead Sea, Jordan
Maintain Calm: Do not splash or swallow the water. This seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised what other tourists can do! Also I’d recommend bringing thick hiking sandals that you can wear in the water to protect you from sharp edges and the hard salt on the shore. I’d bring sunglasses too as an extra shield from accidental splashes!
FLoating, Dead Sea, Tips
Again, just floating!
Treat Yourself: Take advantage of the mud from the bottom of the sea. Feel free to put it all over your body, and especially your face! It will make your skin feel incredibly smooth and soft, and is way cheaper than any spa! Some beaches will have workers who will charge you for mud, but you can typically just find and apply it yourself.Amman Beach: Dead Sea, Jordan
Just Keep Looking: There are plenty of places to enjoy the Dead Sea in peace, so if the beach you’re at is too crowded, keep looking! There are plenty of options. It’s not worth it to deal with annoying crowds and loud vacationers when you can just go somewhere else close by.
Amman Beach: Dead Sea, Jordan
Abstract and artful forms in the salt
Stay Modest: Have a towel or cover-up handy when emerging from the water. If you’re a woman, the walk back to the changing rooms or hotel can bring unwanted stares from local men who act like they’ve never see a girl before. You’ll definitely feel more comfortable covered up a bit.
Amman Beach: Dead Sea, Jordan
Last Tip: Go with Friends! 🙂


Logistics:

I visited Jordan and Egypt as part of a guided tour with Travel Talk Tours. We visited “Amman Beach Tourism Resort” to swim, which I have reviewed on TripAdvisor here. I would not recommend this location as its restroom facilities were appalling. However, its pool and beachfront access were nice enough. Check here for other locations, and check this link for guided trips to the Dead Sea from nearby locations.


Pin it for later!Tips and Advice for Surviving a Dip in the Dead Sea in Jordan

5 Comments

  • Reply Sunrise Taj Mahal tour April 26, 2018 at 1:19 am

    I also want to float in this Dead Sea, this is one of my dreams. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful post on it. You had a great time there, which shows this post.

    • Reply Michelle W. April 30, 2018 at 8:03 pm

      Thank you so much! I hope you get to achieve your dream one day, it is such an amazing and unique sensation!

  • Reply Golden Triangle Tour 3 days May 3, 2018 at 1:42 am

    I have only heard about it, I also want to float in this mind-boggling sea. Want to see the incredible creation of almighty. Thanks for sharing your experience.

  • Reply Parvez August 15, 2019 at 9:17 am

    Beautiful Post!!!

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