Dead Sea

البحر الميت

The lowest point on Earth's land surface, about 430 m below sea level, with a salt content of about 34%. You can float effortlessly and enjoy mud treatments.

The Dead Sea is an inland salt lake between Jordan and Israel/the Palestinian territories. Its surface lies about 430 m below sea level, the lowest point on Earth's land surface. The water is nearly ten times as salty as seawater, so anyone can float effortlessly on their back, even reading a newspaper. The Jordanian resort area is concentrated on the north shore around Sweimeh, about 50 minutes' drive from Amman. Along the shore are resort hotels such as Marriott, Kempinski, and Hilton, all with private beaches, pools, and Dead Sea mud, and you can also buy a day pass. On a tight budget, choose the public Amman Beach (admission about 20 dinars, including showers). To enjoy the sea, slowly lean back once you're in the water, paddling your hands backward and keeping your body relaxed. Coat yourself in black mud, let it dry, then rinse off; it's said to be good for the skin. Precautions: never let water get into your eyes or mouth, and don't dive or swim face-down. Avoid shaving before going in, and don't enter with open wounds, which will sting. Stay in the water no more than 15–20 minutes at a time, rinse off with fresh water immediately after getting out, and wear non-slip sandals, as the salt crystals on the lake bed are sharp. Nearby, you can also visit Mount Nebo and the Baptism Site.

Dead Sea

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