Dead Sea (Southern Jordan)

البحر الميت

The lowest point on Earth at 1,410 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea offers unique therapeutic experiences with mineral-rich waters and mud treatments. Visitors can float effortlessly, enjoy luxury spa resorts, and witness stunning desert-to-water landscapes.

Things to do

• Float in the Dead Sea — Experience effortless floating in the hypersaline waters due to their extreme mineral density, allowing visitors to lie back and read without sinking.
• Mineral Mud Treatment — Cover your body with therapeutic mineral-rich black mud from the Dead Sea floor, which is believed to have healing and rejuvenating properties for skin.
• Visit Amman Beach Resort — Relax at this popular public beach facility offering changing rooms, showers, and affordable access to the Dead Sea waters.
• Explore Wadi Zarqa Ma'in — Hike through this scenic canyon with natural hot springs and freshwater waterfalls that cascade into pools surrounded by desert cliffs.
• Sunrise or Sunset Desert Viewing — Witness dramatic color changes across the desert landscape and the Dead Sea as the sun crosses the horizon, particularly stunning from elevated vantage points.
• Visit Lot's Cave and Memorial — Explore the historical and religious site believed to be where the biblical prophet Lot sought refuge, offering views over the Dead Sea valley.
• Spa and Wellness Treatments — Indulge in luxury spa resorts offering Dead Sea salt scrubs, mineral baths, and professional massage using the region's natural therapeutic resources.
• Photography and Nature Observation — Capture the otherworldly landscape where desert meets sea, with opportunities to photograph migratory birds and unique halophytic plant life adapted to extreme salinity.

Food to try

• Mansaf — A traditional Jordanian dish of lamb cooked in yogurt sauce served over rice or flatbread, considered the national dish and widely available at local restaurants.
• Zarqa Ma'in Trout — Fresh grilled or fried trout sourced from the natural springs of nearby Zarqa Ma'in, often prepared simply with lemon and herbs to highlight its delicate flavor.
• Mezze Selection — A variety of small appetizers including hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and falafel served with fresh pita bread, typical of Jordanian hospitality.
• Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab) — Grape leaves filled with seasoned rice, sometimes with ground meat, rolled tightly and steamed, representing traditional Levantine cuisine.
• Date Pastries with Jordanian Coffee — Sweet pastries filled with dates and nuts served alongside traditional cardamom-spiced Arabic coffee, a common hospitality offering at resorts and local establishments.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly at Public Beaches — While therapeutic floating requires swimwear, wear a cover-up when not in the water to respect local Islamic customs, particularly when visiting public beach areas.
• Observe Prayer Times — Be aware that many restaurants and businesses may close or have limited hours during the five daily prayer times, especially Midday and Afternoon prayers.
• Engage with Local Hospitality — Jordanian hosts are traditionally generous with welcome and hospitality; accepting offered coffee or tea is customary and appreciated, even if only taking a small amount.
• Avoid Touching Your Face After Mud Treatment — After applying Dead Sea mud, refrain from touching your face or eyes until rinsing completely, as the high salt concentration can cause significant irritation.