Your guide to the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea was always one of those places I never imagined I'd actually get to see in my lifetime. It's somewhere I had grown up hearing about, but felt would always be wishful thinking - a haven filled with marvels and intrigue, yet somehow always just out of reach.
But when a trip to Egypt fell through for the third time (yes...really), my friends and I had a last-minute scramble to plan a new destination. When that scramble landed on Jordan, there was no question that our new itinerary would have to include a stop at the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea almost feels fabled, filled with wonder and infamy - it's the lowest place on Earth, not to mention one of the saltiest bodies of water, which means literally nothing can live or grow in it.
And a visit to this far-flung corner of the world is nothing short of wonderful.
Feeling weightless as I floated in the Sea and stared up at the sky was almost cathartic - and certainly the closest I'll ever get to being in space. Needless to say, it was a travel highlight.
Headed to the Dead Sea for yourself? Keep reading for tips on how to best enjoy this truly unique natural wonder.
Headed to other parts of Jordan? Check out my comprehensive guide to the country here!
How to get there
Public transportation around Jordan to the Dead Sea is extremely limited (if available at all), which means your easiest and most reliable option is to rent a car. Not only does this allow you to travel to the Dead Sea at your own pace, but it's cost-effective - our rental cost around USD$45 per day with insurance. Plus, it's an epic road trip.
From Amman: It’s about a 90-minute drive from Jordan’s bustling capital to the lowest point on earth. The beginning of the drive looks a lot like Kansas, before the landscape rapidly shifts to hairpin turns around hilly terrain descending towards the Sea.
From Petra: It'll take between 3-3.5 hours to get from the Rose City to the Dead Sea, depending on which route you take.
From Aqaba: If you take the Jordan Valley Highway, which hugs the Israeli border, you'll arrive at the Sea in about 3.5 hours. If you opt for the Desert Highway instead, which cuts through the middle of the country, it'll take you closer to 4.5 hours.
From Wadi Rum: The drive takes between 4 and 5 hours, depending on traffic and which route you take (it’s quickest to take the Jordan Valley Highway.)
How best to experience it
There are a couple things to keep in mind when visiting the Dead Sea in order to fully optimize your experience:
Don’t spend more than 15 minutes at a time in the water.
The high salt content from the water can dehydrate you otherwise!
Take care not to get water in your eyes or mouth.
Don't dip your head underwater and avoid splashing. Trust me on this one - that shit burns!
Try the mud treatment!
Go for a dip in the Sea, then slather yourself from head to toe in mud. Wait 15 minutes, then rinse it off in the water. Your body may never feel softer.
When to go
The best time of year to visit is during the springtime (March-May) and fall (October/November), when daytime temperatures are warm but not unbearable and the nights are cool and comfortable. The time to avoid visiting is summer, when the heat gets sweltering.
I visited the Dead Sea the last week of February, and it was absolutely gorgeous. The weather was hot enough during the day to warrant multiple dips in the Sea and some time spent poolside. Not to mention, the balmy breezes drifting in from our balcony were enough to put anyone in vacation mode.
How much time to spend there
With sites like Petra and Wadi Rum brimming with activity and adventure, the Dead Sea serves as an antithesis, providing the ultimate indulgence in much-needed (and luxurious) R&R. There are ample resorts located along the Jordanian shores of the Sea, and many of them feature incredible amenities. You should aim to spend one night minimum in order to fully soak it in!
We were there for two days and it was more than enough to enjoy the Sea; that said, if you're looking for a full-on spa vacation you can easily allot even more time in your itinerary.
We stayed at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, a 5-star facility brimming with amenities to foster a rejuvenating stay. Think infinity pools, 7 restaurants and bars, private beach access with mud baths, and balconies overlooking the sea.
What to bring
The Dead Sea is located in a hot, arid environment. Be prepared with the following:
Water
Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat
Backpack
People do wear bikinis in the water, but out of cultural respect it's best to bring a cover-up for any time spent out of the water. Regardless, avoid bringing an expensive suit – the salt can ruin the colors. Wash the suit immediately after use to prevent any fading.
The sea floor is pretty rocky, so consider wearing water shoes or flip flops if you've got sensitive feet!
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Interested in a visit to the Dead Sea? I can make it happen! Contact me today and let’s get started on your epic Jordan adventure.
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Everything you should know before going to Petra