Top Things to Do in the Dead Sea in Jordan
The Dead Sea is a Saline Lake found in the Rift Valley in the Middle East. The Dead Sea is nestled between 2 countries, Jordan from the East Coast and Israel from the West.
How to Get to the Dead Sea in Jordan
The Dead Sea is less than 45 minutes drive from Amman, the capital of Jordan. Amman is served with the main airport in Jordan, Queen Alia Airport.
The best way to reach the Dead Sea is either through an organised tour groups or rent a car or using an Uber taxi.
The Best Time to Visit the Dead Sea
The weather in the Dead Sea is very unique due to the fact it is the lowest point on this planet and being surrounded by mountains and has no air humidity.
Summertime in the Dead Sea
During summertime, temperatures reach above 40 degrees and in the winter months it hovers around low 20 degrees.
Wintertime in the Dead Sea
If you enjoy hot weather and dipping in the waters to cool down, Spring through Autumn months are the best months to enjoy the abundance of sunshine and tanning. Otherwise, visiting the Dead Sea in winter might be your best option if you enjoy a slight breeze in the air.
What is So Special About the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea has so many amazing facts that makes it one of the unique nature wonders in the world that is worth visiting and experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
But first let me share some amazing facts about the Dead Sea!
7 Amazing Facts about the Dead Sea
Fact #1: Lowest Point on Earth
The first fact is the Dead Sea is considered the lowest point on Earth at -430 meters below sea level, which gives the Dead Sea its own microclimate despite being less than 45 minutes from Amman, the temperature varies at least 7 degrees warmer than Amman!
Fact #2: Saltiest Lake in the Planet
The Dead Sea is the saltiest water body in the world! It contains around 30-35% salt and it is around 10 times saltier than any other water body in the world.
Fact #3: Nothing is Alive in the Dead Sea
Due to being very salty water body, you will never find any living creatures living in these salty waters. There is no Fish, no Corals, nothing!
Fact #4: You Can ONLY Float and NOT Swim
Again, because the Dead Sea is highly concentrated with Salt, people cannot swim, even if you try. Once you enter the sea, you will immediately be lifted in a floating position! It doesn’t matter if you cannot swim, the water density is so high that it will lift you up!
Insider Tip: Do not ever attempt to rub your eyes after soaking your hands in the Dead Sea water, it will burn your eyes. Also, be aware if you have any minor cuts, mosquito bites, shaved or any open wounds, the sea will burn you! It is best to shave 2 days at least before your visit to the Dead Sea.
Fact #5: Most Concentrated Oxygen Levels on Earth
Because the Dead Sea is located below sea levels, the bad UV sun rays to do not reach at this level.
In fact, people can get burns from exposing their skin to the sun for long hours, but they will never be cancerous! A bonus to suntan without the guilt, just be warned during the summer months the sun is strong, and the skin can get burned if it’s exposed to long sun tanning hours.
Fact #6: Biggest Natural Spa in the World
Due to the unique water characteristics and no bad UV rays in the Dead Sea, the waters of the Dead Sea and mud have healing characteristics for some skin conditions as well as Arthritis.
Lots of the Hotels in the Dead Sea offer extensive Spa experiences to treat some skin conditions using those magical waters.
Insider Tip: When I was a teenager, I struggled with face acne, and I used to collect Dead Sea water in a bottle to use it as a natural mask to de-flame my acnes and used to collect the mud to wrap my body for a smoother and glowing skin.
Fact #7: The Dead Sea is Drying Up Fast
Due to the rare rain fall at the Dead Sea Area, the global warming and excessive water use from the Jordan River to irrigate the crops at the sides of the river, the Dead Sea is evaporating at a speedy rate and losing 1 meter of its water every year.
Scientists believe that within 50 years the Dead Sea will dry up completely.
Top 8 Things to Do in the Dead Sea in Jordan
The Dead Sea at the Jordanian Part has many things to offer other than just floating in the sea.
My Top Things to do in the Dead Sea, Jordan are:
#1: Indulge in the Dead Sea Spa Experiences
My top thing to do when visiting the Dead Sea is booking unlimited Spa experiences at my favourite Spa spots.
I particularly enjoy the Salt body scrubs, dead sea mud wraps, massages and dead sea facials whenever I visit the Dead Sea.
It is hard for me to choose one preferred Spa as I enjoy choosing between the Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea or the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Spa.
Ishtar Kempinski Hotel Dead Sea Spa by Resencse
The minute you entre the Spa at Kempinski all your senses will be activated to the relaxation mode! The signature Bergamot smell at the Spa entrance to the candle lit spaces, an unmatched luxury is awaiting the Spa and Hotel guests.
The Spa features a lux infused infinity and whirl pools and treatments that will leave you in a complete Zen mind, those facilities are
- One of the largest infinity pools in the area that overlooks the Dead Sea, perfect space to unwind and unite with nature.
- Indoor whirl pools, heated areas, Dead Sea salt concentrated pools, Moroccan Hammam Bath, Saunas, Tropical Showers, Steam rooms and many private treatment rooms.
- An extensive Spa treatments list and combos from dead sea scrubs, mud wraps and massages and couple therapies and many more to indulge with the serenity of the Dead Sea.
Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
The Zara Spa at the Movenpick Hotel is a luxury spa with 6,000 square meters space dedicated for Spa facilities, offering over 70 treatments, which include:
- One of the biggest outdoor heated hydro and whirl pools in the Middle East
- Sauna and Steam Rooms dedicated areas for men and women, great experience for those who prefer to unwind in an unmixed zones.
- Outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Dead Sea and served with healthy meals bar.
- Indoor facilities of Sea Salt pools, Tropical Showers, foot whirl pools, 31 treatment rooms and relaxing areas.
- VIP Royal Suit treatment room.
- Direct Access to the Dead Sea Shores and ability to use the Dead Sea Black full of minerals mud from the Sea.
#2: Enjoy Picturesque Sunsets at the Dead Sea
The Jordanian side offers spectacular sunsets over the Dead Sea, sipping your favourite cocktails, or dining at one of the restaurants or smoking shishas while enjoying the sun setting behind the Sea is one of the special experiences when visiting the Dead Sea.
#3: Wine and Dine with a Private Chef
If you are a foodie and want to try local foods made with a twist and paired with local wines, head to the Precious Jordan Villa and book your private dining experience while overlooking the Dead Sea at sunset time.
#4: Visit the Baptism Site
Less than 15 minutes’ drive from the Hotels zone, located at the Jordan River at the Northern tip of the Dead Sea, you will find the site where Jesus Christ was baptised at the Jordan River, which is called the Baptism Site.
#5: Visit Ma’in Hot Springs and Waterfalls
Just under 1-hour drive nestled between the mountains of the Dead Sea, Ma’in Hot Springs and waterfalls are found, a true hidden gem and a must visit place when visiting Jordan.
What is special about Ma’in Hot Springs and waterfalls, from the name, you can find several water springs that temperature ranges naturally between 34 Celsius degrees and up to 65 degrees, which is perfect to relief any muscle tensions and help in reducing muscular and arthritis pains.
The waterfalls benefit from the hot waters and they cascade at around 34 degrees temperature and also you could visit the natural Sauna cave behind the waterfalls where the cave temperature hover between 60 & 70 degrees.
#6: Hike Wadi Al -Mujib
Wadi means Valley in Arabic, Wadi Al-Mujib access point, is just 30 minutes’ drive from the Hotels zone in the Dead Sea.
If you want to seek some canyoning rocky hike adventures, Wadi Al-Mujib is your destination.
Hiking Wadi Al-Mujib is available between April – October months and can close within short notice if the waterflows are high.
#7: Visit Madaba City – The Mosaic City
Madaba city which is within a short drive from the Dead Sea. Madaba is also known as the “City of Mosaics” because its churches, streets and history are rich with many floor mosaics that dates to the Byzantine and the Romans.
You could start your visit by visiting Madaba Tourist Street for some local shopping sprees and visiting Saint George Church to view the mosaic map of Madaba that dates to the 6th century.
#8: Visit Mount Nebo
Overlooking the valley of the Dead Sea, Mount Nebo is the place where it is believed to Moses died as he viewed the Holy Land. On a clear day, views of the Dead Sea and the skyline of Jerusalem would be visible.
“And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho.” (Deuteronomy 34:1).
Top Places to Stay at the Dead Sea Jordan
Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Spa and Hotel
If you are a luxury seeker and want to indulge in the complete luxury experience at the Dead Sea, staying few nights at the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Hotel is an unmatched experience.
Attention to details, over 5 big pools ranging from lazy river style, infinity pools, 6 restaurants and bars to choose from, kids club and their luxury Spa it will make your stay unforgettable.
Movenpick Dead Sea Hotel
If you want to taste an authentic village experience, then the Movenpick Dead Sea offers a unique room styles with lush Gardens, infinity pools, village square restaurants and bars and of course their Spa.
Movenpick Dead Sea is built like a mud village style with different room categories, some with private jacuzzi and some with private pools. I always found the Movenpick Dead Sea a true hidden gem experience while staying in the Dead Sea.
Inside Tip: If you are staying at the Movenpick Hotel, try their delicious ice creams, all made from Swiss excellence products, and they are so yummy. My personal favourite is mixing the Black Berry with Toffee flavours!
The Precious Jordan Villa
The Precious Jordan Villa is a privately owned villa in the hills facing the west of the Dead Sea with unparallel views of the Dead Sea.
The villa offers unique wine and dine experience with private chef, and they can host private events too. If you are seeking privacy and not worried about the access to the beaches of the Dead Sea and want an intimate and local feel stay, The Precious is the choice.
