The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and also one of the most unique. It’s nine times as salty as the ocean, which makes it super easy to float in. And floating in it is truly a bucket list experience! It is such a unique feeling. You can literally float with zero effort and you can even float while standing straight up and down like a buoy. It’s definitely worth experiencing for yourself, but it’s also best to be prepared before you go, because it’s probably unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before!
8 Tips for VISITING & Floating in the Dead Sea:
1. Bring Flip Flops or Water Shoes
The Dead Sea doesn’t have traditional beaches. It’s mostly just mud and built up salt as you walk in, so it’s not the most comfortable ground to walk on barefoot. Be sure to bring water shoes or flip flops, so you can walk around and get in the water without hurting your feet.
2. Don’t Shave Before You Go and Be Extra Careful with Scrapes or Cuts
The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest places on earth. It’s even saltier than you can probably imagine and as a result, it burns. Be prepared for any scrapes or cuts on your body to start stinging as soon as you touch the water. Definitely don’t shave before you go, and try to avoid getting any of your cuts in the water if you can.
3. Don’t Splash or Dive
The water is so salty that literally nothing can survive in it. That’s why it’s called the Dead Sea. So you want to be sure to avoid the water getting in your eyes or nose at all costs. If it gets in your eyes, it’s seriously miserable, and you’ll want to flush them out with fresh water immediately. Do not go all the way under. Just float and enjoy the experience.
4. Go to a Designated Swim Spot
Don’t make the same mistake we did. Go to a designated swim spot and pay the fee, so you can get access to fresh water showers, pools, Dead Sea mud, etc. If you want to adventure off the beaten path, make sure you buy fresh water ahead of time and bring it with you, so you can rinse off as soon as you get out. If you leave the salt just sitting on your skin, it’s bound to be one of the most uncomfortable experiences of your life.
5. Wear a Bathing Suit You Don’t Really Care About
I’ve been in twice now and neither of my suits have been ruined, but I’ve heard horror stories, and better safe than sorry. And be sure to rinse out and wash your bathing suit as soon as possible.
6. Don’t Spend More Than 10-15 Minutes in the Water
Because the water is so salty, you don’t want to spend too much time in the water. Make sure to rinse off and drink a lot of fresh water as soon as you get out.
7. Buy Dead Sea Mud and Enjoy a Little DIY Spa in the Water
The Dead Sea mud is full of healing minerals and makes your skin feel so smooth and soft. Buy some Dead Sea mud before you go and lather yourself with it while you’re there. It might seem a little cliche, but it’s all part of the experience! Plus, it’s fun and once you rinse it off, your skin will feel the softest it’s ever felt before.
8. Go Around Sunset
Not only is it the prettiest time of day to take photos at the Dead Sea, but it’s also the coolest time of day. The sun and the water get very hot here (because it’s in the middle of the desert), so your experience will be much more comfortable if you go later in the day. Plus the way the light and the colors of the sunset reflect off the water is truly a breathtaking sight.
How to get to the most photogenic spot at the Dead Sea, Jordan:
Drive down the Jordan Valley Highway and go to Point de vue via Google Maps. Once you get to the spot, you can park on the side of the road and walk down and take photos. While we were there, we were told by security guards to be careful leaving our belongings in our car, so make sure you bring your belongings with you. If you decide to float there, make sure you bring lots of fresh water and a towel with you to rinse off, because there aren’t any showers at this spot like there are at the spots by the hotels.
Where to Stay:
Choosing a hotel right on the Dead Sea will make it so you can easily enjoy spending time at the Dead Sea. Staying at a hotel will make it so you have access to all of the amenities you need to have an enjoyable experience at the Dead Sea. We suggest choosing a hotel that also has a pool so you can still relax and cool off with a view of the Dead Sea, since you won’t want to actually be in the Dead Sea for more than a few minutes at a time. We suggest staying at one of these hotels:
Kempinski Hotel
Dead Sea Marriott Resort and Spa
Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea
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