Floating in the Dead Sea in Jordan

Dead Sea Mud

Sixty-seven kilometres long, eighteen kilometres at its widest point and boarding Jordan and Israel, the Dead Sea is vast and can be easily reached within both countries.

Over eight times saltier than the Ocean, the salinity of the sea is too high for any fish or plants to thrive. However, unlike many large water areas around the world, you don’t go to the Dead Sea to experience its marine wildlife. Instead, you go experience the unique ability of floating along the surface of its waters.

Due to the salinity, this makes the water dense enough to make you float like an inflatable rubber dingy.

So if swimming isn’t your forte, don’t worry, the Dead Sea is for floating!

Floating in the Dead Sea in Jordan - travel guide

History of the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea has a rich history. It is often mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Bible. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, associated with biblical narratives, are believed to have been located near the Dead Sea.

There’s also recorded evidence highlighting how the Egyptians used the mud in their mummification process.

However, little has changed since the days of Cleopatra, who lusted after its healing properties and built the world’s first ever spa along its shores. It is difficult not to get caught up in its claim for beautification when you’re there, floating, and covered completely in mud.

the dead sea, jordan, amman

It's actually a saltwater lake

Despite its name, the Dead Sea is not actually a sea but a saltwater lake and it isn’t completely dead, as some living organisms such as types of bacteria have evolved to survive these usually inhospitable conditions. In fact the whole area makes you feel like you’ve entered an unearthly like existence – strange rock formations, depletion of plants and miles upon miles of wide, barren land; it’s how you imagine life on Mars to be (minus the people).

Skin-healing properties

If the thought of being at the lowest point on earth doesn’t get your sense of wanderlust into a frenzy, then appreciation for its mineral studded properties will.

All my life I’ve suffered from bouts of dry skin and eczema, and the Dead Sea – rich in minerals – claims to heal such issues. (I’m allergic to dairy, but I love cheese too much. Ahem!)

As soon as I walked into the Dead Sea those areas were targeted by the skin healing properties including calcium, potassium and saline. It’s hard to know how truly effective the Dead Sea is for skin conditions like eczema after just one session, but my skin did feel softer…

Beware though, it’s a little like washing a mouth ulcer out with saltwater – to feel better, it hurts first!

Salt crystals in the Dead Sea, floating in dead sea

Along the beach you’ll see lots of salt crystals and quirky formations surrounding the edges of the Dead Sea.

Salt stones and crystals, Jordan travel guide

Yes, you really do float!

Floating in the Dead Sea

If you wanted to commit suicide, you’ve come to the wrong place – drowning is impossible!

collecting salt water from the Dead Sea, Jordan, mud, floating in the dead sea

Elsa collected salt water from the Dead Sea to bring back home. A unique piece of memorabilia from a fun place, right?

Floating and reading in the Dead Sea, Jordan.

Forget reading on the beach. At the Dead Sea it’s all about reading on water.

Floating in Dead Sea, Jordan. Covered in mud and natural sea salt from the Dead Sea

All over mud pack from the Dead Sea left our skin feeling very soft indeed!

Where to stay by the Dead Sea

If you’d like to spend a few days relaxing, floating, and soaking up the rich minerals of the land and sea, Mövenpick Dead Sea is the perfect place to do just that.

As well as private beach access, guests can enjoy swimming in multiples pools,  and enjoy from a variety of spa and wellness treatments. 

Planning a trip to Jordan?

Have you been to the Dead Sea or would you like to?

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Hi, I'm Shing

Welcome to The Culture Map, a place where I share my travel guides, adventurous tales, and capture the inspiring diversity of our world.

12 Responses

    1. If you like reading in the bath, then you’ll love floating in the Dead Sea Mary!

      Thanks re: new look of blog – changing my domain name was a headache but hopefully my site is now in good working order haha! X

  1. I would love to float in the Dead Sea! Very interesting article including your picture of the salt crystals.

    1. Thank you Debbie! If it was good enough to make Cleopatra raving for more, then it’s certainly good enough for us! 😉

    1. Hi Samuel! You wouldn’t need to try as floating is second nature in the Dead Sea! Yes, I’m glad Jordan is receiving more attention via travel bloggers as it really is such a unique and incredible place! You need to get your bum bum there! 😀

    1. You’ll have such a fun time, and I noticed the Dead Sea is on your ‘dream list’ so you’ll soon have that destination locked away in your memory! For me though, the creme de la creme was Petra – no where compares!

  2. I was there in 1993, 1995 and 2006.. It’s time to return again, I think.. But it won’t be until next September, when I will be staying in Eilat -__-

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