Standing knee-deep in the Dead Sea for the first time, most people hesitate. The water looks normal. The shore looks normal. Then you lean back, let go, and your legs shoot to the surface like buoys. It is the most counterintuitive swimming experience you will ever have — because it is not swimming at all. You simply float, and no amount of effort will change that.
The Dead Sea sits at the lowest point on Earth’s surface: approximately -430 metres below sea level (and dropping by about one metre per year due to water diversion). It straddles the border between Jordan and Israel/Palestine. The Jordanian shore, concentrated around the Sweimeh resort area about 55 kilometres west of Amman, is where this guide focuses.
The science behind the float
The Dead Sea’s salinity sits at around 34% — compared to roughly 3.5% for ocean water. That makes it approximately nine to ten times saltier than standard seawater. Because salt increases water density, your body displaces more water per unit of volume than in any normal body of water. The result: your body’s density is lower than the Dead Sea’s, so you float without any effort.
The water’s high mineral content — magnesium, potassium, bromine, calcium, and sodium — gives it a distinctly oily feel. Unlike ocean salt, which you can taste on your lips, Dead Sea brine has a bitter, metallic quality. Its pH sits around 8.9, making it slightly alkaline.
At -430 metres below sea level, the atmospheric pressure is slightly higher than at sea level, which has the side effect of filtering out more ultraviolet radiation. Some people claim this makes sunburn less likely, but the heat is intense and the water reflection amplifies UV exposure significantly. Sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Before you get in
A few preparations make the difference between an enjoyable float and a painful experience.
Do not shave for 24-48 hours beforehand. Tiny razor nicks, invisible on dry skin, become burning channels the moment you enter the water. The same applies to waxing. If you have open cuts, insect bites, or any skin irritation, wear waterproof bandages or accept that those areas will sting.
Do not wear contact lenses. If Dead Sea water enters your eyes — even a small splash — the salt concentration causes intense, prolonged burning. Bring your glasses and remove them before entering, or wear prescription swimming goggles. The risk of accidental eye contact is higher than in a standard pool because the buoyancy can cause unexpected rolling.
Pack swimming goggles as insurance even if you do not plan to submerge your face. If you slip on the salt crystals underfoot and stumble, eye contact is almost certain.
Remove metal jewellery. The high salt and mineral content can corrode or discolour silver and some metals quickly. Leave rings and chains in your locker.
In the water: what to do and what to avoid
Once you enter, walk slowly out until the water is about waist-deep, then lean back and allow your legs to rise. Do not fight the buoyancy — it is disconcerting at first but let it happen. Most people find a stable reclined position with legs slightly apart and arms out to the sides.
Time limits: 15 minutes maximum per session. This is not a guideline — it is a genuine safety recommendation. The mineral absorption and skin exposure over a longer period can cause nausea, dizziness, and dehydration. Most resort pools and beach operators post this rule. Take a break, shower, drink water, then you can re-enter.
Do not swim face-down. If salt water enters your throat or eyes in quantity, you will need immediate fresh water and possibly medical attention. At every resort, there are clearly marked fresh-water tap stations at the water’s edge for exactly this reason — use them immediately if you get water in your eyes.
Do not push or splash others. Even playful splashing can put water in someone’s eyes. This is one place where the no-horseplay rule is genuinely important, not just bureaucratic.
Getting up can be tricky. The buoyancy that keeps you afloat makes it hard to right yourself. Roll onto your side first, then push up with your hands. On the salt crystal bottom, footing can be slippery — take it slowly.
Where to access the Dead Sea
Amman Beach (public)
The most accessible public option costs around 22 JOD and includes basic facilities: changing rooms, showers, and access to the shoreline. The experience is rougher than resort beaches — the salt crystal formations underfoot require more careful navigation, and the facilities are minimal. That said, it is genuinely public, genuinely affordable, and you float exactly as well as anywhere else. It is located at the northern end of the resort strip and is popular with Jordanian families.
Mövenpick Resort Dead Sea
One of the anchor resorts in the Dead Sea area. The Mövenpick offers a day pass (typically 60-80 JOD depending on season, includes a lunch buffet) with access to multiple pools, a beach area, sun loungers, towels, and locker rooms. The resort water is calmer and cleaner than the public beach, and the fresh-water pool adjacent to the sea allows you to rinse and return. For the day pass details see /guides/dead-sea-day-pass-comparison/.
Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea
The most luxurious of the resort day-pass options. The Kempinski operates a striking infinity pool series that steps down towards the shoreline. Day pass prices run higher (80-100 JOD) but the facilities are exceptional — multiple pools, private beach section, full spa access in some packages. See /guides/dead-sea-spa-treatments/ for their spa offerings.
Crowne Plaza Dead Sea and Holiday Inn Resort
Mid-range alternatives with reliable facilities. The Crowne Plaza (50-70 JOD day pass) and Holiday Inn (40-50 JOD) offer solid beach and pool access without the premium pricing of Kempinski. For families or travellers who simply want the floating experience without a luxury splurge, these work well.
For a guided day trip from Amman that handles transport and entry:
Dead Sea day tour from Amman with entry and lunchAfter the float: the mandatory shower
Every resort has outdoor showers at the water’s edge. Use them immediately after leaving the water, before towelling off. The salt residue continues to draw moisture from skin if left in place, and the mineral film feels unpleasant once dry. A proper shower with fresh water and shampoo is not optional — it is a standard part of the experience.
At Amman Beach and the public areas, there are shower facilities though they can be basic. At resorts, changing rooms with hot showers are standard.
Dead Sea mud: free at the water’s edge
One of the pleasures of any Dead Sea visit is the black mineral mud available at the shoreline and in shallow water. You can apply it directly from the lake bottom (best at Amman Beach where access to natural mud is easiest) or buy commercial preparations at resort spas and airport shops. Apply the mud, let it dry in the sun for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off. For the full story on what the mud actually does and which products are worth buying, see /guides/dead-sea-mud-guide/.
Combining the Dead Sea with nearby sites
The Dead Sea is ideally positioned for combination with other Jordan Valley highlights:
- Hammamat Ma’in hot springs: 30 kilometres south. Hot thermal waterfalls and spa pools at 264 metres below sea level. See /guides/hammamat-main-hot-springs/.
- Mount Nebo: 30 minutes north of the resort area. The Biblical site where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land.
- Madaba mosaic map: Also about 30 minutes north. See /destinations/madaba/.
- Bethany Beyond the Jordan: The UNESCO-inscribed site of Jesus’s baptism is about 45 minutes from the resort strip. See /destinations/bethany-beyond-jordan/.
- Wadi Mujib reserve: Just south of the Dead Sea resort area. The Siq Trail (open April-October) involves wading up a water canyon — an extraordinary contrast to the buoyant stillness of the Dead Sea. See /guides/mujib-reserve-guide/.
For a tour that combines the holy sites with the Dead Sea day pass:
Dead Sea day pass with Jordan’s holy sites and resort lunchGetting there from Amman
The Dead Sea resort area (Sweimeh) is about 55 kilometres west of Amman and takes approximately 1 hour by car. There is no direct public bus from central Amman to the resort hotels. Taxis from Amman typically cost 20-30 JOD each way (negotiate before departure). Most organised day tours pick up from major hotels in Amman and handle all transport. See /guides/dead-sea-from-amman/ for full transport options.
If you are renting a car, the route is straightforward: head west from Amman on the Dead Sea Highway (Route 65), following signs to Sweimeh. Parking at both the public beach and the resort hotels is available.
Practical information
Best time to visit: The Dead Sea is pleasant year-round, but summer (June-August) sees air temperatures above 40°C. The water is warm but the sun is intense. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are most comfortable. Winter visits are mild by the water — around 20-22°C air temperature — and the resorts are quieter.
What to bring: Swimwear (dark colours since the minerals stain lighter fabrics over time), flip-flops for the salt crystals, a towel (or rely on resort-provided towels), plenty of water to drink, sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended), and sunglasses. Avoid bringing valuables you cannot secure in a locker.
Currency: All resort day passes can be paid in Jordanian dinars (JOD), and most accept credit cards. Amman Beach is cash only.
Safety: Despite the extreme salt content, there are no lifeguards specifically trained for Dead Sea emergencies at all locations. The main risks are not drowning (impossible if you stay calm) but eye injury from splash, dehydration from sun and salt, and cuts from salt crystal formations. All are preventable with the preparations above.
Frequently asked questions about floating in the Dead Sea
Can you sink in the Dead Sea?
No. The salinity makes the water denser than your body, so you float automatically. Even non-swimmers are perfectly safe in the Dead Sea — the only risk is getting water in your eyes. That said, you should still enter calmly and not panic, as disorientation from the unfamiliar buoyancy can cause involuntary movements.
Does the Dead Sea water sting?
It stings immediately on any open cut, fresh shave, or irritated skin. Your eyes will burn intensely if they get any water in them. Intact healthy skin feels fine — often quite good, with a mild tingling from the minerals. After you rinse off, skin typically feels soft and smooth.
What is the water temperature in the Dead Sea?
Surface water temperature ranges from around 19°C in winter to 31°C in summer. The warm months feel like a bath; even winter temperatures are comfortable by the shore where the water is shallower and sun-warmed.
How long can you stay in the Dead Sea?
The standard recommendation is 15 minutes per session maximum, then exit, shower, drink water, and rest before re-entering. Prolonged exposure causes dehydration and can lead to nausea. Most visitors do 2-3 sessions over a day trip.
Is the Dead Sea shrinking?
Yes, significantly. The lake has lost roughly one-third of its surface area since the 1960s, primarily because the Jordan River — its main inflow — has been diverted for irrigation by Jordan, Israel, and Syria. The water level drops by approximately one metre per year. Salt crystal formations now protrude from what was formerly open water. A proposed “Red Sea-Dead Sea” conduit project has been discussed for decades but not constructed.
Do I need a resort day pass to visit the Dead Sea?
No. Amman Beach is a public beach with a 22 JOD entry fee. You get the same floating experience, with more basic facilities. Resort day passes (22-100 JOD depending on the hotel) add pools, restaurants, towel service, and cleaner facilities.
Book a guided Dead Sea day trip from AmmanThe Dead Sea in history
The lake has been known and used by humans for at least 3,000 years. The Nabataean kingdom traded Dead Sea asphalt — the lake produces blocks of bitumen that float to the surface — to Egyptian embalmers. Herod the Great reportedly came here to treat a chronic illness. The Ptolemies and the Romans extracted potash and other minerals. Cleopatra is said to have financed cosmetics operations on the lake’s shores.
The biblical geography around the Dead Sea is dense. The Cities of the Plain — Sodom and Gomorrah — are traditionally placed at the lake’s southern end. Lot’s wife, turned to a pillar of salt while fleeing, is sometimes associated with the salt formations that appear and dissolve around the southern shore. The Essene community that produced the Dead Sea Scrolls lived at Qumran on the northwestern shore (now on the Israeli/Palestinian side). Masada, Herod’s mountain fortress where 960 Jewish rebels chose death over surrender in 73 CE, overlooks the lake from the western cliffs.
From the Jordanian shore, you look across to these sites — close enough to see the cliff faces, far enough to feel the peculiar historical distance of looking at another country across a water body that connects rather than separates the ancient landscape.
Children at the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is appropriate for children with some specific precautions. The main concerns are:
Eye contact: Children tend to splash more than adults, and are less reliable about keeping their heads above water. The burning pain from Dead Sea water in the eyes is severe and distressing. Swim goggles are non-negotiable for children. Set clear rules before entering.
Age: Most resorts recommend a minimum age of 6-7 for the actual Dead Sea water. Younger children can use the resort fresh-water pools (standard pool temperature, no brine, no mineral hazard).
Temperature: In summer, the combined heat of the sun and the mineral water makes the environment tiring for children relatively quickly. Plan shorter exposure sessions (10 minutes) and build in shade and fresh-water pool breaks.
The experience itself: Most children who follow the safety rules love the float — the sensation of being unable to sink is inherently surprising and fun. Many children describe it as the highlight of their Jordan trip. The trick is to manage the setup carefully rather than letting it become a chaotic water-play session.
Photography tips at the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is one of the most photographed natural environments in Jordan. Getting good images requires understanding the specific conditions:
The classic float shot: To photograph someone floating while reading a newspaper or book (the iconic Dead Sea image), the photographer stands in the water at waist depth and shoots at low angle. The horizon level and the stillness of the water create the composition. Morning light from the east gives best illumination of the floating subject’s face.
The salt formations: The white salt crystal formations along the shoreline (most dramatic at the southern end of the Jordanian resort strip) are most photogenic at sunrise and golden hour when the low light creates texture and shadow in the crystals. Midday overhead light flattens the texture completely.
From the shore: The Dead Sea’s extremely flat surface and the distant Jordan cliffs (on the Israeli/Palestinian side) create natural landscape compositions. A wide-angle lens captures the vastness; a telephoto compresses the distance and brings the far cliffs closer.
Mineral water and cameras: Salt spray is corrosive to camera equipment. Keep cameras in waterproof housing or dry bags when near the water. Wipe down any equipment that gets splash. The salt residue is more corrosive than ocean water.
Sustainable visiting
The Dead Sea’s decline is a genuine environmental crisis, and visitor choices matter at the margins. A few practical considerations:
Water use at resorts: The resort pools are filled with freshwater that is pumped from groundwater sources under pressure. Being mindful of water use (shorter showers, not running taps unnecessarily) at the resort is a small contribution to a significant regional problem.
Sunscreen: Several studies have suggested that certain chemical sunscreen ingredients are damaging to the Dead Sea’s microbiome (the brine shrimps and halophilic bacteria that are the only life forms in the lake). Mineral-based sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) is considered less damaging. Given that you will shower off your sunscreen in the lake, this is a meaningful choice.
Access point choice: Using the public Amman Beach rather than expanding resort infrastructure is not a sacrifice — you float just as well, and the reduced resort development footprint is marginally better for the lake’s hydrology.
Planning your Dead Sea visit
The Dead Sea works well as a standalone day trip from Amman — one hour each way, three to five hours at the water, and home by evening. For a longer stay, the resort hotels offer full packages that include breakfast and access to their extensive wellness facilities. See /guides/dead-sea-day-pass-comparison/ for a side-by-side breakdown of which resort offers the best value.
If you want to pair the Dead Sea with spa treatments using the region’s minerals, /guides/dead-sea-spa-treatments/ covers the best options at the Anantara, Mövenpick, and Kempinski spas. And if you are building a broader Dead Sea itinerary, /itineraries/jordan-5-days/ and /destinations/jordan-valley/ show how the resort area connects with the rest of the Jordan Valley corridor.