joellebohringerInterested in visiting the Dead Sea while in Jordan? This guide is for you! It goes over all of the best options for exploring this bucket-list destination
About the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea has been famous for millenia. Located between Jordan and Occupied Palestine, the sea is the lowest point on Earth. It famously is also one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. It is so salty that you can’t really swim, you can only float!
However, the dead sea is very quickly shrinking. The shoreline declines by about a meter every year, and it has shrunk more than 30% since the 1960s. This means that the water has gotten more dense, and the shoreline ever more inaccessible than before. Now is the best time to visit the Dead Sea, before it is gone forever!
How to Get to Jordan’s Dead Sea
The dead sea is located about 1 hour from Amman. There used to be busses to get there, but they no longer run between the dead sea and Amman. Here are the options to get to the Dead Sea:
- Rental Car: The best way to get to the dead sea is by rental car. Cars can be rented for about $15 a day in Jordan, and this is by-far the cheapest option. Driving in Jordan is quite easy, especially once you get outside of Amman. I always rent a car through rentalcars.com.
- Taxi: You can also use Uber to arrange a taxi to the dead sea. Taxi rides via Uber cost around 35 JOD. However, it can be quite difficult to get back to Amman via Uber. If you want to go back to Amman, your best bet is to arrange a taxi through a hotel at the dead sea. However, the taxis back can cost considerably more, up to 55 JOD.
- Book transfer: If you prefer, you can also prearrange transfers. I always use GoTransfer to book transfers in countries that I do not want to self-drive.
- Guided Tour: You can also take a guided day tour from Amman to the Dead Sea. Some tours combine the Dead Sea with Wadi Mujib while other combine the Dead Sea with religious sites such as Mt. Nebo and the Baptism site on the Jordan River.
Read More: Jordan Itinerary and Travel Guide. The Perfect 5 Day Self-Driving Itinerary
Ways to Visit Jordan’s Dead Sea Beaches
Option 1- Free Beaches
The cheapest option for visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan is to visit one of its free beaches. While I have done this option, I don’t reccomend it if you can afford a day pass to the resort beaches for the following reasons:
- The free beaches do not include the famous black sea mud that you can rub on your body and face
- The completely free beaches do not include shower facilities. The Dead Sea is so salty that it can hurt your skin, and it is very difficult to feel comfortable if you cannot rinse off afterwards.
- The free beaches are often quite dirty and difficult to access. Do not expect picturesque views, and be sure to wear beach shoes to protect your feet.
There are 2 main points to enter the dead sea for free. Both include a considerable walk from the road to the sea.
Option One: The Salt Beach
This beach is the most breathtaking of all of Jordan’s Dead Sea Beach access points. The beach is completely free, but there are no showers. It is covered with beautiful salt crystals, but be sure to bring additional water for rinsing off your face. Also, be sure to wear very comfortable shoes, as the salt crystals are very painful to walk on.
Option Two: The Seascape
This beach does not have picturesque salt crystals, but it does have more sandy-beaches that resemble resort beaches. To enter here may cost a few Jordanian Dinars, as local men have built small areas with stairs to the beach and small shower huts. These shower huts are a lifesaver, as they can allow you to swim and comfortably rinse off afterwards.
Option 2- Day Pass
My preferred option for visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan is to book a day pass at one of the local resorts. You don’t have to book ahead; you can just show up. Day passes are very common at the resorts, and they are very used to having guests book day passes. Here are the most budget-friendly and highest-rated options:
Dead Sea Spa Resort – 20 JOD
A Day Pass to the Dead Sea Spa Resort costs 20 JOD. Kids under the age of 6 are free, and kids aged 6-12 cost 10 JOD. The day pass does not include towel rental, so be sure to bring your own towel. Otherwise, towels can be rented for 3 JOD per towel. You can purchase a lunch buffet for 15 JOD. Otherwise, there are a number of restaurants on the property where you can buy lunch. They have multiple pools that both children and adults can enjoy. They also have a buy one get one free happy hour for alcohol every evening.
Holiday Inn- 35 JOD including lunch
If you want to book a more mid-range day pass that includes lunch, go for the Holiday Inn Day Pass. The day pass includes the lunch buffet and towel rental. The facilities also have multiple pools.
Option 3- Guided Tour
As stated above, if you do not want to drive or arrange a transfer, a guided tour to the Dead Sea can be a good option. Some tours combine the Dead Sea with Wadi Mujib while other combine the Dead Sea with religious sites such as Mt. Nebo and the Baptism site on the Jordan River if you are looking to see more things near the Dead Sea.
Option 4- Overnight Stay
Lastly, you can also stay overnight at a Dead Sea Resort.. Dead Sea Resorts are quite expensive, and I personally think you only need one day at the Dead Sea. However, if you want to relax on a longer trip to Jordan, you can book a stay at a resort that includes access to the Dead Sea.
Economy Resorts ($100-$150/night)
- Oh Beach – $320
- Dead Sea Spa Resort – $400
Mid Range Resorts ($150-$200/night)
- Hilton– $570
- Crown Plaza– $580
- Holiday Inn– $580
Luxury Resorts ($200+/night)
Where to Eat Nearby
The Dead Sea Area is only a small collection of hotels. You can choose to eat dinner at the resort after you eat, but if you are looking for more affordable options, there is one mall, the Samarah Mall , in the Dead Sea area that has multiple food options.
What to Pack
- An old swimsuit ( The Dead Sea Mud and harsh water can ruin light-colored or expensive swimsuits)
- Water shoes ( I reccomend bringing sturdy water shoes to the Dead Sea, even to the resort. All Dead Sea beaches have rough salt crystals that can really hurt your feet
- Sunscreen
- Towel (if you are booking a day pass or visiting a free beach)
- Extra water and snacks (budget food options are limited in the Dead Sea Area)
Things to Note
Do NOT put your face in the water. I cannot emphasize this enough! Dead Sea Water can seriously burn your eyes and face.
Try to avoid shaving a few days before you enter the Dead Sea. Any cuts or nicks that you have will burn upon entering the water.
What to Do Nearby
The Dead Sea is near other awesome Jordan Sites. If you are looking for nearby sites, Wadi Mujib and the Baptism Site of Jesus are very close.
Otherwise, you can combine your trip to the Dead Sea with a drive to Petra. Spend the morning at the Dead Sea, and drive to your accomodation near Petra in the afternoon. This will allow you to get there with plenty of time for an early-morning visit to the site.
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