Dead Sea & Jordan Valley
Experience the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea (Arabic: Al-Bahr al-Mayyit) is a geological wonder: 430 meters below sea level lies the lowest point on Earth's surface, and the water level drops by another meter every year. The salt content of 34% (ten times higher than normal seawater) makes swimming impossible — instead, you float on the surface like a cork.
The Dead Sea is 67 km long and is shared by Jordan with Israel and the Palestinian territories. The Jordanian east side offers the best access: Here, luxury resorts with private beaches line up, but public beaches are also available (Amman Beach, 20 JOD entrance fee including lounger/umbrella/shower).
The region around the Dead Sea offers much more than just the floating experience: Wadi Mujib is Jordan's most spectacular gorge, the Baptism Site of Jesus a holy pilgrimage site, and the hot springs of Ma'in promise pure relaxation.
Plan 1–2 days for the region. The Dead Sea is only 1 hour from Amman and is perfect as a day trip or as a stopover on the way to Petra (via the King's Highway).
Tipp
The best time for the Dead Sea is late afternoon: The heat subsides, the light is golden, and you can watch the sunset over the mountains of Jerusalem from the water. But: Do not stay in the water too long (max. 15–20 min.) — the salt dries out the skin.
Floating in the Dead Sea★★★
The Floating Experience
There are few experiences in the world as surreal as floating in the Dead Sea. You lie on the water, and it is physically impossible to sink. Your body is buoyed up as if by an invisible hand. You can lie on your back and read a newspaper (the classic photo op), stretch out your arms, and simply drift.
The Rules of the Dead Sea
- Do not submerge! The saltwater in your eyes, nose, or mouth burns intensely and can be dangerous. Always float on your back.
- Open wounds: Even the smallest scratch or a fresh shave burns like fire in the saltwater. Check beforehand!
- Maximum bathing time: 15–20 minutes. The highly concentrated saltwater dehydrates the skin.
- Shower immediately: After floating, rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Shampoo your hair.
- Remove jewelry: The salt attacks silver and fake jewelry.
- Wear water shoes: The shoreline is covered with salt crystals, which can be as sharp as glass shards.
Mud Ritual
The Black Mud Ritual is part of the Dead Sea experience: Collect the mineral-rich mud (high in magnesium, potassium, calcium, and bromide) from the shore, spread it over your body, let it dry for 15 minutes, then wash it off in the sea. Your skin will feel silky smooth afterward. This mud is sold worldwide in cosmetic products for hundreds of euros — here you get it for free.
Access to the Dead Sea
| Option | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Amman Beach (public) | 20 JOD | Loungers, umbrellas, showers, restaurant. The cheapest access. Well maintained. |
| O Beach | 25–35 JOD | Upscale public beach with pool and restaurant. |
| Resort Day Pass | 40–80 JOD | Kempinski, Hilton, Mövenpick — Pool + private beach + spa. Luxury. |
| Hotel Overnight Stay | 80–250 JOD/night | Private beach access, spa, infinity pool. The best option for full relaxation. |
Achtung
Drink LOTS of water at the Dead Sea! The combination of extreme heat (over 45°C in summer), low humidity, and saltwater quickly leads to dehydration. At least 3 liters per day. And: NEVER swallow water — Dead Sea water can be life-threatening in large quantities.
Wadi Mujib — Jordan's Grand Canyon★★★
Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve
The Wadi Mujib is the deepest canyon in Jordan — a massive gorge stretching from the highlands (900 m above sea level) to the Dead Sea (430 m below sea level), overcoming a height difference of over 1,300 meters. Managed by the RSCN (Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature), the nature reserve offers several canyoning trails that are among the most exciting outdoor experiences in Jordan.
The Siq Trail — The Highlight
The most popular trail leads through the narrow gorge of the Wadi, wading chest-deep in water, climbing over rocks, and passing under small waterfalls. The gorge becomes so narrow in places that you can touch the walls with both hands. At the end: a waterfall under which you can stand and refresh yourself. The return journey follows the same route back.
- Duration: 2–3 hours (round trip)
- Difficulty: Medium — no climbing experience needed, but fitness and swimming ability required
- Season: Open only from April to October (flash flood risk in winter!)
- What to wear: Sturdy shoes (hiking sandals or old sneakers) that can get wet. No flip-flops!
- What to bring: Waterproof phone case or camera, sunscreen, water, snacks
Other Trails
- Malaqi Trail: Challenging, full-day trail with rappelling through higher waterfalls. Only with a guide and reservation.
- Ibex Trail: Dry hike over the mountains above the gorge. Possible year-round, 4–5 hours.
Achtung
Wadi Mujib is CLOSED in winter (November–March) — flash floods after rain can fill the narrow gorge with meters of water within minutes. Even in season, individual trails may be temporarily closed during bad weather. Always check beforehand!
Bethany Beyond the Jordan★★
Bethany Beyond the Jordan — The Baptism Site of Jesus
Al-Maghtas (Arabic: "the baptism"), known as "Bethany Beyond the Jordan," is the site on the Jordan River where Jesus of Nazareth is said to have been baptized by John the Baptist. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015 and is one of the holiest places in Christianity.
The area comprises two sections: Tel al-Kharrar (Elijah's Hill) with remains of churches from the 5th–6th centuries and pools used for mass baptisms, as well as the actual baptism site on the Jordan. Here, the Jordanian and Israeli sides are so close that you can see (and hear) the pilgrims on the other side.
The Jordan River itself is disappointingly narrow at this point — little more than a stream. But the spiritual significance of the place is palpable: Three Popes (John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis) have visited the site and recognized it as an authentic baptismal site.
Visits are only possible with a guided tour (included in the entrance fee, starting every 30 minutes, lasting about 1.5 hours). There is also a baptismal pool on the grounds where pilgrims can be baptized.
Ma'in Hot Springs★★
Ma'in Hot Springs — Hot Springs in the Desert
The hot springs of Ma'in (Hammamat Ma'in) are located in a dramatic gorge 264 meters below sea level, about 30 km southwest of Madaba. Natural hot waterfalls (up to 63°C at the source, a pleasant 36–40°C in the pools) cascade over basalt rocks into terraced pools — a natural spectacle and wellness experience in one.
The mineral springs are rich in sulfur, calcium, and magnesium and have been valued for their healing properties for centuries. Even King Herod the Great (yes, the one from the Bible) is said to have bathed here.
Visiting Options
- Public Baths: 15 JOD entrance fee. Natural pools and waterfalls, basic facilities. Very crowded with Jordanian families on weekends (Fri/Sat) — much quieter during the week.
- Ma'in Hot Springs Resort & Spa: The 5-star hotel is located directly at the springs. Hotel guests have exclusive access to private pools and waterfalls. From 120 JOD/night. Day pass (without overnight stay): about 50 JOD with lunch.
Getting There
The road from Madaba down to Ma'in is one of the most spectacular roads in Jordan: It winds through a barren desert landscape in tight switchbacks down into the gorge. 30 minutes from Madaba, but every curve offers a new panorama.
Tipp
Combine Ma'in Hot Springs with Madaba and Mount Nebo for a perfect day trip from Amman: Morning in Madaba and Mount Nebo, midday down to the hot springs, afternoon on to the Dead Sea. A fantastic route with a huge elevation difference (800 m above sea level → 430 m below sea level).
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