The lowest point on the face of the earth at 1400 feet below sea level, this vast stretch of water receives a number of incoming rivers, including the River Jordan. Once the waters reach the Dead Sea they are land-locked and have nowhere to go, so they evaporate leaving behind a dense, rich, cocktail of salts and minerals.
The warm, soothing, hyper-saline water of the Dead Sea is nearly ten times saltier than ocean water and rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others. The unusually warm, incredibly buoyant and mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors since ancient times, including King Herod the Great and the beautiful Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra.
The density of the Dead Sea makes it difficult to swim, but the buoyancy provides great relaxation while soaking up the water’s healthy minerals floating effortlessly on your back. You can even coat yourself in the Dead Sea therapeutic black mud. Known since biblical times for its rejuvenating effects on the skin, black mud stimulates the blood circulation and cleans, purifies and restores the skin.
We enjoyed access to the Dead Sea from Amman Beach, which offers several pools, shower facilities, and a restaurant.
Know Before You Visit the Dead Sea:
- Bring some water shoes as the crystallized sea salt can cut up your feet when trying to walk on it
- Take care not to get water in your eyes
- Bring an old bathing suit you can just toss out after
- Be sure to shower after your float in the sea; the salt will be caked on you
- And don’t forget your book, newspaper, or magazine for your Kodak moment!
Erika Blake says
Sounds like an interesting place Jen! Nice tips that you provided for anyone who visits it!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Definitely an interesting place, Erika! We wish we could have spent more time at the Dead Sea. Ah well, it gives us a reason to go back again!
Neil says
Jennifer and Tim, your post brought back some great memories for me. In September 2011 I spent a month in Israel, Jordan and the West Bank and managed to dip my toes in Dead Sea waters in all three locations.
Some of the Dead Sea views are also amazing, from the top of Masada in israel and from Mukawer in Jordan (where John the Baptist lost his head) both truly stunning.
If I can also add another tip to your list, guys don’t shave just before you go in. It will sting like mad.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Great tip, Neil! Yes, you won’t want to shave or have any cuts, nicks, or scrapes. It must have been incredible to be able to float in the Dead Sea from all three locations.