Dead Sea
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
March to May and September to November (25-35°C). Summer (June-August) can exceed 45°C. Winter is mild but water feels cold
Language
Arabic (official), English widely spoken in tourism
Currency
Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Time Zone
AST (UTC+3)
Airport
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Amman — 60km from Dead Sea resorts
Population
Sparsely populated resort area — nearest city is Amman (4.5 million metro)
Climate
Desert, 15-45°C. Extremely arid — receives less than 50mm rainfall annually. UV is intense year-round
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1). Jordan is one of the safest countries in the Middle East
Elevation
-430.5 meters (-1,412 ft) — the lowest point on Earth's surface
Top Highlights
Floating in the Dead Sea
With 34% salinity (10x the ocean), you float without any effort. Public beaches like Amman Beach (entry 20 JOD / ~$28 with pool and showers) are the most accessible. Resort beaches are included with hotel stays. Limit floating to 20 minutes max — the salt stings cuts and eyes. Don't put your face in the water. Shower immediately after.
Dead Sea Mud Baths
The mineral-rich black mud from the shore is famous for skin benefits — loaded with magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Slather it on, let it dry for 15-20 minutes, then rinse in the sea. Free at any beach. Resort spas offer full mud treatments for 30-60 JOD. The mud is also sold packaged at the Dead Sea Museum shop and hotel gift shops.
Wadi Mujib (Grand Canyon of Jordan)
A dramatic gorge entering the Dead Sea from the east — the Siq Trail involves wading and swimming through a narrow canyon with waterfalls. Entry: 21 JOD (~$30) including guide. Open April-October only, trails close in winter due to flash flood risk. Must book via the RSCN (Royal Society for Conservation of Nature). Wear water shoes and bring a waterproof bag.
Masada (Day Trip from Jordan Side)
The ancient fortress visible across the Dead Sea on the Israeli side is also accessible as a day trip via the King Hussein Bridge crossing (30km north). Alternatively, view it from the Jordanian shore at sunset. On the Jordan side, visit the similar hilltop fortress of Machaerus (Mukawir) — where John the Baptist was beheaded according to tradition. Free entry, 1-hour hike.
Ma'in Hot Springs
Natural thermal waterfalls 30km south of the Dead Sea, fed by underground volcanic activity. Water temperature: 45-63°C. The Ma'in Hot Springs Resort & Spa charges 25 JOD day-use (includes pool and waterfall access). Open 9AM-6PM. The drive from the Dead Sea passes dramatic desert canyon scenery. Best combined with a Dead Sea day.
Dead Sea Panoramic Complex & Museum
A viewpoint and museum on the cliffs above the Dead Sea (Jordanian side) with exhibits on the sea's geology, ecology, history, and the alarming rate of shrinkage (1 meter/year). Entry: 3 JOD. The terrace restaurant has stunning views 400m above the water. Open 8AM-sunset. Allow 1 hour. 15 minutes by car from the resort strip.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Dead Sea Itinerary
Arrival in Amman & Transfer to Dead Sea
Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Transfer 60km to the Dead Sea resort strip. The descent from 800m to -430m is dramatic — your ears will pop.
Airport transfer to Dead Sea(1 hour)
Rental car ($25-40/day), private taxi (~60 JOD), or pre-arranged hotel shuttle. The Dead Sea Highway drops through barren desert canyon scenery
Check into Dead Sea resort or hotel(30 minutes)
Kempinski ($250+), Movenpick ($180+), or budget Amman Beach day-use area. The Jordan Pass (jordanpass.jo, 70-80 JOD) covers visa + 40 attractions
First float in the Dead Sea(1 hour)
34% salinity — you float without effort. Limit to 20 minutes. Don't touch eyes. Float on your back only. Shower immediately after. The sensation is surreal
Sunset dinner at resort restaurant(1.5 hours)
Most resorts have restaurants overlooking the sea. Watch the Judean Desert across the water turn gold, then pink
Dead Sea Floating & Mud Baths
A full morning at the sea — the classic floating-with-a-newspaper photo, mud baths, and the mineral-rich experience the Dead Sea is famous for.
Morning float and mud bath(2 hours)
Slather the black mineral mud all over, let it dry 15-20 minutes, then rinse in the sea. The mud is loaded with magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Free at any beach. Resort spas charge 30-60 JOD for full treatments
Dead Sea Panoramic Complex & Museum(1.5 hours)
Cliffs above the Dead Sea with exhibits on geology, ecology, and the alarming 1-meter/year shrinkage. Entry 3 JOD. Terrace restaurant with stunning views 400m above the water
Lunch at panoramic restaurant(1 hour)
The terrace restaurant at the complex has incredible views and decent Jordanian food. Mains 8-15 JOD
Afternoon spa treatment(2 hours)
Dead Sea mineral treatments at resort spas. Full body Dead Sea salt scrub and mud wrap from 40-80 JOD
Wadi Mujib Canyon
Adventure day at Jordan's Grand Canyon — wade and swim through a narrow gorge with waterfalls entering the Dead Sea.
Wadi Mujib Siq Trail(4 hours)
Dramatic gorge hike involving wading, swimming, and scrambling through a narrow canyon with waterfalls. Entry 21 JOD including guide. Open April-October only. Must book via RSCN. Wear water shoes, bring waterproof bag. Start early to avoid afternoon heat
Afternoon float and relaxation(2 hours)
The salty water feels amazing on sore muscles after the canyon hike
Dinner at Movenpick Resort(1.5 hours)
Multiple restaurants. Jordanian mezze and grills. 15-25 JOD per person
Ma'in Hot Springs & Machaerus
Natural thermal waterfalls 30km south, then the hilltop fortress where John the Baptist was beheaded according to tradition.
Ma'in Hot Springs(3 hours)
Natural hot waterfalls (45-63°C) fed by volcanic activity. Day-use at Ma'in Hot Springs Resort: 25 JOD (pool and waterfall access). The drive through the desert canyon is dramatic. Open 9AM-6PM
Drive to Machaerus (Mukawir)(1 hour)
Hilltop fortress ruins with Dead Sea views. Free entry. 1-hour hike to the top. The biblical site where Herod had John the Baptist beheaded. Fewer tourists than Petra, equally dramatic setting
Picnic lunch with a view(45 minutes)
Bring supplies from the resort — the hilltop views are perfect for a picnic
Day Trip to Madaba & Mount Nebo
Drive 30 minutes uphill to Madaba — the 'City of Mosaics' — and Mount Nebo where Moses saw the Promised Land.
Madaba — Map of the Holy Land(1.5 hours)
St. George's Church houses a 6th-century floor mosaic map of the Holy Land — the oldest surviving map of Jerusalem and Palestine. Entry 1 JOD. The town has many other mosaic sites. Allow 1.5 hours
Mount Nebo(1 hour)
Where Moses saw the Promised Land before dying. On a clear day, you can see Jerusalem, Jericho, and the Jordan Valley from 817m. Entry 3 JOD (covered by Jordan Pass). The Brazen Serpent sculpture is iconic
Lunch at Haret Jdoudna, Madaba(1 hour)
Restored Ottoman house with courtyard dining. Jordanian mezze and mansaf. 8-15 JOD. On the main street
Rest Day — Float & Spa
A full rest day. Morning float, afternoon spa, sunset from the resort. The Dead Sea's healing properties deserve at least one unhurried day.
Morning float(1 hour)
The morning sea is calmest and least crowded. Bring a newspaper for the classic photo
Full spa treatment(2 hours)
Dead Sea salt body scrub, mud wrap, and massage. 50-100 JOD at resort spas
Departure Day
Final morning float, then transfer to Amman airport.
Sunrise float(45 minutes)
Sunrise over the Judean Desert across the water — worth the early alarm
Transfer to Queen Alia Airport(1 hour)
60km uphill. Taxi ~50 JOD. Arrive 3 hours before international flights
14-Day Dead Sea Itinerary
Arrival & Dead Sea Transfer
Arrive at AMM airport. Descend 1,200m to the Dead Sea.
Airport transfer(1 hour)
Rental car $25-40/day, taxi ~60 JOD. Buy Jordan Pass online (70-80 JOD)
First float(1 hour)
20 minutes max. Back float only. Don't touch eyes
Floating, Mud & Panoramic Complex
Classic Dead Sea experience — floating, mud baths, and the museum.
Float and mud bath(2 hours)
Free mud at any beach. Resort spa 30-60 JOD
Panoramic Complex(1.5 hours)
3 JOD. Geology museum and views
Spa treatment(2 hours)
40-80 JOD
Wadi Mujib Canyon
Jordan's Grand Canyon — wading and swimming through a narrow gorge.
Wadi Mujib Siq Trail(4 hours)
21 JOD. April-October only. Book via RSCN. Water shoes essential
Ma'in Hot Springs & Machaerus
Thermal waterfalls and the biblical fortress where John the Baptist was beheaded.
Ma'in Hot Springs(3 hours)
25 JOD day-use
Machaerus fortress hike(2 hours)
Free. Dead Sea panoramas
Madaba & Mount Nebo
City of Mosaics and where Moses saw the Promised Land.
Madaba mosaics(1.5 hours)
1 JOD. 6th-century map
Mount Nebo(1 hour)
3 JOD. Views to Jerusalem on clear days
Lunch at Haret Jdoudna(1 hour)
8-15 JOD
Rest Day
Full rest. Float, spa, poolside.
Full spa(2 hours)
50-100 JOD
3-Day Petra Side Trip — Day 1
Drive the Dead Sea Highway south to Petra (3 hours). One of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Drive to Petra(3 hours)
Follow the Dead Sea Highway south then cut east through Dana Nature Reserve. Stunning desert scenery
Check into Petra hotel(30 minutes)
Wadi Musa town. Budget $30-60, mid-range $80-150. Petra Moon Hotel is well-located
Petra by Night (Mon/Wed/Thu)(2 hours)
Walk through the candlelit Siq to the Treasury illuminated by 1,500 candles. 17 JOD. Starts 8:30PM. Atmospheric and uncrowded — a magical start to your Petra experience
Petra — Day 2
Full day exploring Petra — the Treasury, Royal Tombs, Monastery, and the vast Nabataean city.
Petra full day(8 hours)
Enter at 6AM opening to see the Treasury without crowds. Walk the 1.2km Siq (narrow canyon), emerge at the Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Continue to the Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, and the 800-step climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir). Jordan Pass covers entry (normally 50 JOD). Hire a guide ($50-80) or self-explore
Lunch at Basin Restaurant inside Petra(1 hour)
The only sit-down restaurant inside the site. Buffet 15 JOD. Near the museum
Dinner at Al Saraya Restaurant, Wadi Musa(1.5 hours)
Traditional Jordanian with Petra views. Mansaf (lamb in fermented yogurt), mezze. 10-18 JOD
Petra Day 3 & Return
Morning return to Petra for the areas you missed, then drive back to Dead Sea.
Morning Petra visit — High Place of Sacrifice(3 hours)
The alternative route via the High Place of Sacrifice offers aerial views of the entire site. The descent through Wadi Farasa passes the Garden Temple and Lion Fountain. Less crowded than the main path
Rest Day — Recovery Float
Rest after Petra walking. The Dead Sea's minerals are exactly what sore legs need.
Amman Day Trip
Drive 1 hour uphill to Jordan's capital — the Citadel, Roman amphitheater, and the buzzing downtown markets.
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)(1.5 hours)
Ancient hilltop with Roman Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, and the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Entry 3 JOD (Jordan Pass). Panoramic city views
Roman Amphitheater(45 minutes)
6,000-seat 2nd-century theater cut into a hillside. Still used for events. Entry 2 JOD (Jordan Pass). Excellent acoustics
Lunch at Hashem Restaurant downtown(1 hour)
Legendary falafel and hummus institution. Open since 1952. Cash only. A full meal costs 3-5 JOD. King Abdullah has eaten here
Rainbow Street walk(1.5 hours)
Amman's hippest strip — cafés, galleries, vintage shops. Jadal for Knowledge and Culture is worth a stop
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Day hike in Jordan's largest nature reserve — dramatic sandstone canyons, Nubian ibex, and Bedouin hospitality.
Drive to Dana(2 hours)
South along the Dead Sea Highway. Dana sits on the edge of the Rift Valley at 1,500m
White Dome Trail hike(4 hours)
Moderate 8km loop through sandstone formations and acacia valleys. Entry 10 JOD. Guides available ($20-30). Look for Nubian ibex on the cliffs
Tea with Bedouin at Dana Village(1 hour)
The ancient stone village on the canyon rim has a guesthouse and handicraft cooperative. Sweet tea with sage
Final Float & Farewell
Last full day. Morning float, final spa treatment, and farewell sunset.
Last mud bath(30 minutes)
Final mineral treatment — take photos this time
Sunset farewell dinner(2 hours)
Last Dead Sea sunset — the desert colors across the water
Departure
Final morning. Transfer to AMM airport.
Airport transfer(1 hour)
Taxi ~50 JOD. 3 hours before international flights
21-Day Dead Sea Itinerary
Arrival & Dead Sea Transfer
Arrive at AMM. Descend to -430m.
Airport transfer(1 hour)
Rental car $25-40/day. Jordan Pass 70-80 JOD
Floating, Mud & Museum
Classic Dead Sea — floating, mud baths, Panoramic Complex.
Panoramic Complex(1.5 hours)
3 JOD
Spa(2 hours)
40-80 JOD
Wadi Mujib Canyon
Wade and swim through Jordan's Grand Canyon.
Wadi Mujib Siq Trail(4 hours)
21 JOD. Apr-Oct only
Ma'in Hot Springs & Machaerus
Thermal waterfalls and the John the Baptist fortress.
Ma'in Hot Springs(3 hours)
25 JOD
Rest Day
Float, spa, pool. No agenda.
Madaba & Mount Nebo
City of Mosaics and Moses's viewpoint.
Madaba mosaics(1.5 hours)
1 JOD
Mount Nebo(1 hour)
3 JOD
3-Day Petra — Day 1
Drive south to Petra. Petra by Night.
Petra by Night(2 hours)
17 JOD. Mon/Wed/Thu. 1,500 candles
Petra — Day 2
Full day — Treasury, Royal Tombs, Monastery.
Petra full day(8 hours)
6AM entry. Siq, Treasury, Street of Facades, 800 steps to Monastery. Guide $50-80
Lunch at Basin Restaurant(1 hour)
15 JOD buffet
Dinner at Al Saraya(1.5 hours)
10-18 JOD
Petra Day 3 — High Place & Return
Morning at High Place of Sacrifice, then drive back.
Rest Day After Petra
Recovery. Float and spa.
Amman Day Trip
Capital city — Citadel, amphitheater, Rainbow Street.
Citadel(1.5 hours)
3 JOD
Roman Amphitheater(45 minutes)
2 JOD
Lunch at Hashem(1 hour)
3-5 JOD
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Sandstone canyons, Nubian ibex, Bedouin tea.
White Dome Trail(4 hours)
10 JOD. 8km loop
3-Day Wadi Rum — Day 1
Drive south to Wadi Rum — the dramatic desert valley where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. Overnight in a Bedouin camp under the stars.
Drive to Wadi Rum(3.5 hours)
Via the Dead Sea Highway south and east
Wadi Rum Visitor Center(30 minutes)
Entry 5 JOD (Jordan Pass). Arrange 4x4 tour with Bedouin guide
Afternoon 4x4 desert tour(4 hours)
Visit Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon (ancient inscriptions), red sand dunes, and rock bridges. 40-60 JOD per person. The scale is humbling — towering sandstone mountains rising from red desert
Overnight Bedouin camp(12 hours)
Sleep in a goat-hair tent or under the stars. Zarb dinner (meat and vegetables buried in sand and cooked underground). Camps range from basic ($40) to luxury ($150+). The Milky Way is extraordinary from here
Wadi Rum — Day 2
Sunrise in the desert, camel ride, and more exploration.
Sunrise from camp(1 hour)
Wake before dawn — the desert mountains turn from blue to orange to red. Hot tea by a fire
Camel ride through the valley(2 hours)
The traditional way to traverse Wadi Rum. 25-40 JOD. Slow, peaceful, and photogenic
Rock scramble to Um Fruth Bridge(1.5 hours)
Natural stone arch you can climb and walk across. Free. The most photographed spot in Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum Day 3 & Return
Morning desert walk, then drive back to Dead Sea.
Morning desert hike(2 hours)
Walk through a narrow siq (canyon) with your Bedouin guide. Petroglyphs and Nabataean inscriptions on the walls
Rest Day
Decompress after Wadi Rum. Pool, float, spa.
Jerash Day Trip
One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world — 1 hour from the Dead Sea via Amman.
Drive to Jerash(1.5 hours)
Via Amman. North of the capital
Jerash Roman ruins(3 hours)
Entry 10 JOD (Jordan Pass). Hadrian's Arch, the Oval Plaza, Temple of Artemis, and the South Theater. Hire a guide ($20-30) or self-explore. Chariot races are sometimes re-enacted in the hippodrome (extra 12 JOD). One of the largest and most complete Roman provincial cities ever excavated
Lunch at Lebanese House, Jerash(1 hour)
Near the entrance. Mezze and grills. 8-15 JOD
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage baptism site of Jesus on the Jordan River, then explore the Jordan Valley.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas)(2 hours)
UNESCO site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Guided tours only (included with 12 JOD entry, Jordan Pass covered). The actual Jordan River here is a small stream — humbling. 30 minutes from Dead Sea
Jordan Valley drive(2 hours)
Drive through the agricultural Jordan Valley — date palm plantations, banana farms, and the dramatic rift landscape
Rest Day & Slow Morning
Second-to-last day. Morning float, packing, and a farewell sunset.
Final Float & Amman Evening
Last morning at the Dead Sea, then drive to Amman for a farewell dinner in the capital.
Check into Amman hotel(30 minutes)
Near airport or downtown. $40-100/night
Farewell dinner at Sufra Restaurant, Amman(2 hours)
Upscale Jordanian in a restored 1920s house on Rainbow Street. Mansaf, mezze, and knafeh dessert. 15-25 JOD per person. Book ahead
Departure
Transfer to Queen Alia Airport.
Airport transfer(30 minutes)
AMM is 30km from downtown. Taxi 20-30 JOD
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Jordan Pass Saves Money and Time
Buy the Jordan Pass online (jordanpass.jo) before arrival — it includes the visa fee (40 JOD) and entry to 40+ attractions including Petra. Costs 70-80 JOD depending on how many days at Petra. Must stay at least 3 nights in Jordan. Without it, the visa alone is 40 JOD on arrival. US, EU, UK citizens eligible for visa on arrival.
Safety
Do NOT Get Salt Water in Your Eyes
The Dead Sea's 34% salt content will cause extreme pain if it contacts your eyes, open cuts, or recently shaved skin. Do not splash, dive, or put your face in. Float on your back only. If salt gets in your eyes, rinse immediately with fresh water (bring a bottle). Avoid shaving 24 hours before floating. Wear sunglasses to prevent splashing.
Extreme Heat and Sun Protection
Temperatures reach 45°C+ in summer, and the low elevation means thicker atmosphere but still intense UV. Drink 3-4 liters of water per day minimum. Wear SPF 50+ (the salt reflects sunlight). Sunburn happens in 15 minutes. Avoid midday floating (11AM-3PM) in summer. Hotels provide shade but public beaches have limited cover.
transport
Rent a Car or Join a Tour
The Dead Sea is 60km from Amman with no reliable public transport. Options: rental car ($25-40/day from Amman), organized day tour from Amman (25-40 JOD), or private taxi (~50-70 JOD round trip with waiting time). The Dead Sea Highway (Route 65) runs along the shore and connects to Wadi Mujib, Ma'in, and eventually Aqaba.
Budget
Resorts Are Expensive, Public Beaches Are Not
Dead Sea resort hotels (Kempinski, Movenpick, Hilton) charge $150-400+/night. For budget access, use Amman Beach or O Beach — day-use fees of 15-20 JOD include showers, pool, and beach access. Bring your own food and water. The Jordanian Dinar is one of the world's strongest currencies (1 JOD = ~$1.41).
Local Customs
The Dead Sea Is Shrinking Fast
The Dead Sea drops ~1 meter per year due to water diversion from the Jordan River. Sinkholes are forming along the retreating shoreline. Some beach areas from 10 years ago are now 1km from the water. Stick to marked beaches and resort access points. The environmental crisis is real — the sea may disappear within 50 years without intervention.
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