Swimming in the Dead Sea (in Jordan) is a bucket list experience for many. Here are ten tips to help you have a salty and sweet experience!

With a salt concentration of 34% (8.6 times saltier than ocean water!), this is a truly unique experience! The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth, not just in the Middle East. Despite this, it can still be a high point of your travels! 

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TIP 1- Location is Key: You typically pay a hotel for its beachfront access or private beach, and can then enjoy their swimming pools, showering, and changing facilities afterwards too.

Most places in Jordan charge for towels as well, so it’s a good idea to bring one with you if you can. Prices vary, but most are around 20 Jordanian Dinar. Choose wisely!

TIP 2- Throw Out the Razor: The water will sting any minor cut or scrape you have anywhere on your body. Do NOT shave 1-3 days before your swim. You will regret it!

The high salt level will leave sensitive areas stinging like crazy. I followed this advice, and even so it was still a bit painful.

TIP 3- Treat Your Wounds: If you have any deeper cuts or scrapes, wrap them heavily in a waterproof bandage prior to stepping in the water. Why? A world of pain could await you!

TIP 4- Leave It All Behind: With the incredible salinity of the water and its ability to damage electronics, it’s best to leave your camera or phone on the beach. Even a waterproof camera or GoPro can become blurred and potentially ruined from the salt.

Rinsing electronics with fresh water will help, but it isn’t guaranteed. Take your photos BEFORE you get in the sea, and try to find someone on shore to get a photo of you in the water.

TIP 5- Don’t Dress Your Best: Wear a swimsuit that isn’t your favorite. My white colored bikini was permanently stained (a slight rust color) from the water, despite me rinsing it off with fresh water afterwards.

TIP 6- Take It Slow: Once in the water, move slowly so you don’t accidentally fall or splash yourself.

Upon entering the water, you will feel a sense of weightlessness, and it isn’t immediately easy to control. The sensation is like no other- you won’t believe how much the water will lift you, despite any efforts you make not to float!

TIP 7- Maintain Calm: Do not splash or swallow the water. This seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised what you see people do!

I’d also suggest to bring thick hiking sandals you can wear in the water. This protects you from sharp edges and the hard salt on the shore. I’d bring sunglasses too as an extra shield from accidental splashes!

TIP 8- Treat Yourself: Take advantage of the mud from the bottom of the sea. Put it all over your body, and especially your face! The mud will make your skin feel incredibly smooth, and is way cheaper than any spa!

It’s also said the sea itself has healing properties… guess you’ll have to find out if it’s true!

Some beaches will have workers who will charge you for mud, but you can typically just find and apply it yourself.

TIP 9- Just Keep Looking: There are plenty of places to enjoy the Dead Sea in peace, so if the beach you’re at is too crowded, keep looking! There are plenty of options. It’s not worth it to deal with annoying crowds and loud vacationers when you can just go somewhere else close by.

TIP 10- Stay Modest: Have a towel or cover-up handy when emerging from the water. If you’re a woman, the walk back to the changing rooms or hotel can bring unwanted stares. You’ll definitely feel more comfortable covered up a bit.

Swimming in the Dead Sea: The Logistics

I visited Jordan and Egypt as part of a guided tour with Travel Talk Tours. We visited “Amman Beach Tourism Resort” to swim, which I reviewed on TripAdvisor. I would not recommend this location- its restroom facilities were appalling. However, its pool and beachfront access were okay!

Common Questions

♥ Does the Dead Sea Sting? Generally no, but if you have any cuts or have shaved recently then yes, it does.

♥ Do You Need Water Shoes for the Dead Sea? It’s not necessary, but it is easier and gentler on the feet to have them.

♥ Is Swimming in the Dead Sea Good for your Skin? Yes! It dries you up and leaves salt residue on your skin, which can have exfoliating properties.

♥ Can Fish Swim in the Dead Sea? Nope, the dead sea cannot host life of any form.

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