Floating in the Dead Sea: Tips & Lessons for Your Jordan Trip
Floating in the Dead Sea is one of those “I can’t believe it’s real” travel moments. We were actually floating in the Dead Sea in Jordan! You can actually float! It’s actually hard to sink. My Dead Sea Jordan experience was awesome. Recommended.
Being the lowest point on Earth (1,388 feet below sea level), with such high salt content made it a fun experience. However, the high salt concentration requires a few precautions. Don’t make the same mistake as me. Spoiler alert – I jumped in and I have very much regret it. Don’t jump in! Don’t have a cut or open wound! Here is what you need to know before you take the plunge in the Dead Sea.
Is Floating in the Dead Sea Worth It?
Absolutely.
I’ve floated in rivers, lakes, oceans, and swimming pools all over the world, but nothing feels remotely like the Dead Sea.
The first few seconds are bizarre. Your brain expects to sink, but your body refuses. Instead, you’re pushed upward like an invisible force is holding you above the water.
It’s one of those travel experiences that sounds overrated until you’re actually doing it.
Jordan is home to some incredible attractions. Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Another favorite is the Wadi Rum desert, with some of the most beautiful desert scenery I’ve ever seen. Yet floating in the Dead Sea still ranks among my favorite travel experiences in Jordan because it’s unlike anything I’ve experienced anywhere else.
If you’re planning a Jordan itinerary, make sure the Dead Sea is on it. It’s also accessible from Israel.
Facts about Floating in the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth (1,388 feet below sea level).
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Dead Sea, Jordan |
| Claim to fame | The Dead Sea is the lowest body of water on the planet |
| Why you float | Hyper-salination (approx. 33% salt). |
| Best time to go | Sunset for the best lighting and colors |
| Key precaution | Avoid open cuts or shaving beforehand |
Practical Tips for a Pain-Free Experience
Beyond the science of floating, there are a few practical habits to keep your trip enjoyable,
- Protect Your Skin: Do not shave 24 hours before entering the water. The salt will find every tiny micro-cut, and it will sting intensely. It hurts so much!! Many women come in with excitement but quickly exit in agony. Your legs will scream. Ahhh!
- Watch Your Eyes: Never rub your eyes if your hands have touched the water. If you get salt in your eyes, rinse them with fresh water immediately. I made this mistake. It was not my smartest decision. Ouch! I’ve included a photo of me in pain from the salt in my eyes below.
- Use the Mud: The mineral-rich mud is therapeutic. Apply it, let it dry, and rinse it off in the water for a natural spa treatment.
- Entry: Don’t jump in. Enter slowly to avoid splashing your face or eyes.
Jumping in the Dead Sea is NOT recommended! Please learn from my mistakes! I was so excited that I jumped in the Dead Sea. The salt got in my eyes and burned so much! See below.
My Biggest Dead Sea Mistake
I made the rookie mistake.
Most people hear that you float effortlessly in the Dead Sea and assume it’s basically nature’s swimming pool. It’s not.
I got a little too excited and jumped in. I immediately regretted putting my head in the water. OMG!
That was a terrible decision.
The Dead Sea is about ten times saltier than the ocean. The moment the water hit a scrape on my leg from Indonesia, it felt like somebody poured fire directly into the wound. Then some water splashed into my eyes.
Instant regret.
My eyes burned more than I thought possible. Naturally, your first instinct is to rub them. Unfortunately, your hands are covered in Dead Sea water too, which only makes things worse.
Learn from my mistake:
- Do not jump in.
- Do not splash.
- Do not dive.
- Do not shave right before visiting.
- Avoid going in if you have fresh cuts or scrapes.
Slowly sit back and let the water do the work. Trust me.
Entering the Dead Sea – don’t jump in!
I had a bad scrape from Indonesia that I had forgotten about until the salt from the Dead Sea found my wound. Ouch! Then a few splashes later and my eyes were burning like I had never felt before! Most people’s instinct is to rub them (with their hands, still wet from the Dead Sea), which makes them hurt even more.
I recommend going when you don’t have any cuts or open wounds. Trust me, it will hurt! I had a bad scrape from my Indonesia hiking trip when I went in. The salt from the Dead Sea found my wound immediately. Ouch!
I strongly recommend against jumping in the Dead Sea. 33% saltine = lots of pain!
Then a few splashes later and my eyes were burning like I had never felt before!
It actually got worse from there. Most people’s instinct is to rub them (with their hands, still wet from the Dead Sea). This of course makes your eyes hurt even more.
After I finally got a dry towel, I felt MUCH better. Then, I went back in and enjoyed it.
Dead Sea Mud
Dead Sea mud has all kinds of therapeutic benefits. It’s so rich in minerals. Put it all over your body and then let it wash away in the water.
The Surprise Highlight: Dead Sea Sunset
Floating gets all the attention, but the biggest surprise for me was actually the scenery.
As we drove along the Dead Sea Highway, the sunset kept getting better and better. Every few minutes we’d say, “Okay, now it’s peak sunset.”
Then it would somehow improve.
Eventually we pulled over just to watch.
The contrast between the mountains, the calm water, and the changing colors in the sky created one of the best sunsets of my entire Jordan trip.
If you’re planning your visit, try to arrive in the late afternoon and stay through sunset. The floating experience is memorable, but the views afterward might be what you remember most.
Views from the Dead Sea Jordan
We paused our road trip to note of the beautiful sunset over the Jordan side of the Dead Sea, which seemed to get better with each passing minute.
Once you have experienced the float, here is how to make the most of the sunset
On our drive down the Dead Sea highway, the sunset went from kinda nice to great to spectacular. This Dead Sea sunset in Jordan was the best ever!
It kept getting better!
We pulled over just to experience this Dead Sea Sunset in Jordan
Note on the watermarks on the bottom right of each photo. My travel blog used to be 50and50by50 when I first launched. It has his become Visit50.com. I’ll fix it soon!
I think I’ll wear this outfit around town in New York. Is it a good look for me?
Can you float in the Dead Sea? Why do you float in the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water (33% saltine). Due to the hyper-salination of the water, you can float! With over 34 percent salinity, it’s about 10 times saltier than the ocean. This is true on both the Jordan and Israel side.
Why is it called the Dead Sea?
The “Dead Sea” gets its name from the salt. That salt content isn’t exactly welcoming for underwater life. Almost no living organism can survive in it. The water is so salty that fish, plants, and other living creatures cannot live there. Ancient peoples who saw a lake with no fish and no visible life gave it a name that stuck for thousands of years. It’s a catchy name too.
Note, it’s actually not a sea. The Dead Sea is actually a hypersaline lake. This means it holds far more salt than a normal body of water.
Tips for Visiting the Dead Sea
Here are a few Dead Sea Jordan tips. These are the tips I wish I knew before arriving at the Dead Sea:
Wear old swimwear
The salt can be rough on clothing. Don’t bring your favorite swimsuit. It’s great for your photoshoot, but it might be your last in that swimsuit. It’s not going to get torn but it may not look its best after this.
Stay upright
Floating is easy. Rolling over isn’t.
You want to lean back and relax. Trying to swim normally feels awkward and unnecessary.
Keep water away from your face
This sounds obvious until you’re laughing with friends and accidentally splash yourself.
Don’t.
Bring sandals
The salt crystals along the shoreline can be surprisingly sharp. Ouch.
Limit your time in the water
Most people only stay in for 10–20 minutes at a time. After that, you’ll probably be ready for a fresh-water shower.
Rinse off immediately
Most resorts and public beaches have showers nearby. Use them.
Your skin will thank you.
How to Visit the Dead Sea in Jordan
Most travelers visit the Dead Sea as part of a larger Jordan itinerary.
I visited during a road trip that included several of Jordan’s highlights:
- Petra – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Wadi Rum – stunning desert landscapes and Bedouin culture
- The Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth
- Aqaba – Jordan’s gateway to the Red Sea
- Jerash – one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East
If you only have a few days in Jordan, I’d prioritize Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. Together they provide three completely different experiences and showcase why Jordan became one of my favorite countries.
I’ve traveled to more than 50 countries, and place Jordan among my favorites. If you’d like to learn to save money on flights and see the world, I put together the ultimate guide on How to Travel More Often
Key sites in Jordan
The Dead Sea sits in the Jordan Rift Valley, fed mainly by the Jordan River, with no outlet for the water to escape. Everything that flows in stays in, and over thousands of years that has turned it into one of the most mineral-rich places on the planet.
Below is where to find the top places in Jordan. In addition to the above list, I visited Gerasa, Aqaba (Red Sea), and Karak
See Jordan on Google Maps here.
In this photo I have both hands and feet out of the water as I float. I found a newspaper for the photo but it was just a prop. Look closely and you’ll see I’m reading a Japanese newspaper
Dead Sea Jordan FAQ
Where can you go to the Dead Sea?
Visit the Dead Sea from both Israel and Jordan.
Can you really float in the Dead Sea?
Yes. The extremely high salt content makes it easy for almost everyone to float without effort.
Why do people float in the Dead Sea?
The water contains far more salt than a typical ocean. The increased buoyancy pushes your body toward the surface.
Is floating in the Dead Sea safe?
Yes, as long as you follow basic precautions. Avoid diving, splashing, and getting water in your eyes or mouth.
Does the Dead Sea burn your skin?
If you have cuts, scrapes, sunburn, or recently shaved skin, it definitely can. I learned this the hard way.
Is the Dead Sea the Lowest Point on Earth?
Yes. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth among places that sit on dry land. The Dead Sea shores are more than 400 meters below sea level.
How long should you stay in the Dead Sea?
Most visitors spend between 10 and 20 minutes floating before rinsing off.
Can you swim in the Dead Sea?
Not really. The water’s buoyancy makes traditional swimming difficult. Most people simply float on their backs.
Is the Dead Sea in Jordan or Israel?
Both. The Dead Sea sits on the border between Jordan and Israel, and visitors can access it from either side.
What should I bring to the Dead Sea?
Bring a swimsuit, sandals or water shoes, a towel, sunscreen, drinking water, and a change of clothes.
Is Dead Sea mud good for your skin?
Many visitors use Dead Sea mud as part of their experience. It’s rich in minerals and is commonly used in skincare products sold throughout Jordan and around the world.
What are the best things to do near the Dead Sea?
The most popular nearby attractions include Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Mount Nebo, and Jerash. Jordan has an incredible variety of landscapes for such a small country.
Floating in the Dead Sea was just one of several unforgettable experiences from my Jordan trip. If you’re planning a trip of your own, I’ve put together my Jordan travel guide with all of my favorite experiences and travel stories