Free Swimming in the Dead Sea in Jordan
Swimming in the Dead Sea in Jordan is, for sure, an activity high on every traveler's bucket list. But it also does not come cheap. Are you traveling on a budget, do you want to save some money and enjoy swimming in the Dead Sea and lazing on beaches for free? You've come to the right place. We will tell you everything you need to know about swimming in the Dead Sea outside the resorts and public beaches.
How cool is to visit the lowest place on Earth (at some points 400 meters below sea level), a place which is ten times saltier than the sea, and a place, which is called the Dead Sea, and well, is not technically sea but a large lake shared by two countries, Jordan and Israel?
Unexpectedly, driving along the shores of the Dead Sea via road 65, also known as Jordan Valley Highway or the Dead Sea Highway, which is one of the world's lowest roads, was one of the highlights of our eight-day long Jordan road trip.
Well, you've probably already seen the iconic photo of people floating in the Dead Sea while reading a book, or a photo of people covered in mud.
Even though we do not have such a photo ourselves (we did not arrive equipped with a book), we still had quite a lot of time to float in the Dead Sea, and what was even better, it did not cost us anything but a few dinars we spent for water.
At first, it seemed that it is almost impossible to swim in the Dead Sea for free, and the tips we could read suggested that visiting this place will require a lot of logistics.
But in the end, swimming in the Dead Sea was for us one of the most relaxing times in Jordan, and this activity perfectly fitted in our Jordan itinerary.
That day in the morning we left the desert of Wadi Rum behind us and were headed via the Dead Sea Highway to the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib Canyon, and city of Salt to Jerash, a city known for the Roman ruins.
It was yet another long day in Jordan, but totally worth it.
If you want to enjoy swimming in the Dead Sea just by yourself, you do not require any special treatments, and your only dream is to find out how is it to float in the Dead Sea in Jordan, without paying a steep price for it, keep on reading.
In this travel guide, we share with you our experience on how to enjoy swimming in the Dead Sea for free.
You can then decide if this is the way how you want to explore the area; if not, we also share other (not free) options on how to get the most of the place.
THE DEAD SEA FACTS
Except for the fact that the Dead Sea is one of the lowest places on Earth shared by two countries, and its salinity is way too high, you might be also wondering where this place got its deadly name.
Well, it is actually not that hard to figure it out. Because of the high salinity, aquatic organisms are not able to live in the waters of the sea, even though biologists discovered some forms of bacterias to be present in the water.
The main tributary of the Dead Sea is Jordan River. The only problem is that the water flows in, but there is no outfall from where the water could flow out.
That's why the water evaporates, and this is also one of the many reasons why the Dead Sea is shrinking every year.
And then there is agriculture which is a far more significant threat to the future of the Dead Sea.
Every year travelers have to go a bit further to take a dip, and some of the grim prognosis even say that in the near future the Dead Sea will disappear for good. So make sure you will make it to Jordan soon.
Of course, the Dead Sea is also an important place for the Jordan industry, but you will see it yourself while driving around.
By the way, you can also visit the Dead Sea in Israel, which is something that we did the following year. And we really enjoyed our time in Ein Bokek.
DRIVING ALONG THE DEAD SEA IN JORDAN
If you are road tripping around Jordan, chances are, that you will drive almost the whole length of Jordan Valley Road alias the Dead Sea Highway. The highway leads to Aqaba, where we also joined it from Wadi Rum.
Even though this road is for sure not that picturesque as the most popular King's Highway, it is still worth your time, especially if you are making a loop and travel back to Amman.
The first part of the road was quite uneventful, except for several police checks. Fortunately, we were never held for long, and it was sufficient only to show a driver's license through a window. Once we had to open our car’s trunk, but that was it.
We must say that here we were again in awe how such a small country is diverse.
The landscape around the south stretch of the Dead Sea Highway is almost barren, the predominant color at the beginning of March was grey, and only from time to time, we spotted groups of tents where shepherds live.
But then we finally spotted the Dead Sea, and the landscape changed again, from agriculture one to industrial. We saw many factories, heavy machinery extracting potash, salt, and other minerals, and trucks traveling in between.
Yeah, we must say that the first impression was not somehow positive, and we could not imagine we will jump into the sea in a few minutes. But once we passed this industrial area, the highway was less-trafficked again, and we started stopping frequently because the views were great.
The hazy sky, blue waters, craggy cliffs, and the shores are really photogenic.
Then we arrived at the free-swimming spot, where we spent approximately an hour (more about it later).
Only a few hundred meters from here was the entrance to Wadi Mujib, a famous canyon for hiking and canyoning.
The canyon is open only during the dry season from April though October because of the possibility of flash floods, so the caretaker let us exceptionally in, only to have a quick peek. Read our post on best time to visit Jordan.
Then we continued in our journey. The landscape started to be greener here, we passed the turnoff to Ma'in Hot Springs, then the popular Amman beach, and The Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ.
Then we arrived in the small city of Salt where we had enough time to walk around just before the sun went down, and our journey ended that day in Jerash.
Finally, if you are looking for some epic Dead Sea viewpoints, take a detour to either Mukawir or Mount Nebo.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SWIM IN THE DEAD SEA IN JORDAN
If you are still undecided whether it is worth it to pay for the swim in the Dead Sea or if it is better to look for free spots, we will do quick math here for you.
Of course, if you prefer a certain level of comfort, security, want to enjoy a relaxing day, and do not mind to pay (according to our standards) high entrance fee, do not bother and visit either Amman Beach, also known as the Dead Sea public beach.
Or choose one of many resorts such as Dead Sea Kempinski Hotel, which is very popular, and where you can also indulge in spa treatments.
For us, who normally don’t go to a spa, like never, we did not see the point for paying for a few minutes floating in the sea, therefore we were looking for free options.
The cheaper option when it comes to swimming in the Dead Sea is Amman Beach.
It is a public beach, but the entrance fee is for around 25 JD per person.
It just seemed to us quite a lot, when we take into account it is not possible to swim in the sea for too long, and our itinerary was pretty packed that day. Here you will find safe access to the Dead Sea, toilets, showers, and plastic chairs.
We've heard that public beach can be quite dirty, but it probably depends on the day of your visit and on the frequency of cleaning.
The Dead Sea hotels, in case you do not stay there and visit only for a day, usually charge 40 - 50 JD per person. The facilities are for sure high-end, but we rather spent the money elsewhere.
FREE SWIMMING IN THE DEAD SEA
Because most of the time we are budget travelers, we decided to find a place where it is possible to swim in the Dead Sea for free. How hard it could be? Well, actually it is a bit harder than it could seem, but not a mission impossible.
The Dead Sea Highway leads on a high cliff, which is very picturesque, but there are actually not that many places where it is safe to descend to the sea.
Especially when you take into account that the salt when dries out creates sharp formations, so it is not very comfortable to walk on it.
The only disadvantage when it comes to swimming in the Dead Sea for free in Jordan is, that there are no facilities.
And because after the swimming it is essential to rub all the salt off your body, you need to buy water so you can take a natural shower.
We bought ten liters of water (it’s better to buy a single 10L or two 5L water bottles in the store), which was enough for both of us. We were still a bit salty until the end of the day, but it was not uncomfortable.
And where is the best free swim place? It is only a few hundred meters away from the entrance to Wadi Mujib.
Use google maps and search for Dead Sea Free Swimming. Once you arrive there, you will find a dusty parking lot, and a small stall where you can buy water (it is better to have your own since the guy does not need to be there every day).
We changed into a swimsuit in the car, I (Lucie) wrapped myself in a beach towel, because Jordan is a conservative country, and I did not want to make anyone (including me) feel uncomfortable.
We packed only necessary stuff like water and a camera, put on flip-flops (sneakers would have been better because rocks are sharp), and we set off. A narrow path led us down to the shore, where we left our daypack, and finally went for a swim.
You might consider bringing water shoes, but we managed without them, though the entrance to the water here was really sharp.
If you do not feel like swimming, go to the shore anyways, the salt creates wonderful salt formations, and it is really photogenic.
If you will follow the shoreline, you will for sure find a place where it is possible to dig out the mud, but we were fine just with the floating.
Is this place clean? Well, it was clean, but every now and then we could see plastic bottles - but we believe you know that you should take all the trash with you once done.
TIPS FOR SWIMMING IN THE DEAD SEA
The first question you probably have on your mind is: Can you swim in the Dead Sea? Well, sure you can; it’s still water, not concrete.
Swimming
Though there are a few things to know before you go. When you swim, you can’t do breaststroke kicks, as your legs will be lifted up in the air every time you try to kick.
We didn’t have the guts to try freestyle swimming without nose clips and water goggles. So you are only left with backstroke, which is surprisingly okay, though you won’t be breaking any world records.
Swimming in the Dead Sea (it is rather floating) is a really weird feeling. Like good weird. Here are some tips on how to best enjoy this one of the most popular activities in Jordan.
Keep Your Head Above Water
We’ll start with an easy one. Keep your head above water. All the time.
No Splashing
Unless you are a fan of crying, avoid splashing around. Once the water gets into your eyes, it really hurts (Martin could tell the story), so pay attention, especially close to the bank. We recommend you to wear cheap sunglasses to prevent it.
Water in Your Eyes
From our own experience, if some drops accidentally get into your eye, do not panic, it's not acid.
Get back to the shore, and rinse it with clean water. Surprisingly the eye can deal with it by itself even without fresh water, though it stings and you might shed a few tears during the process.
Martin says, it feels like listening to One Direction. No idea why he would say that.
No Drinking
Do not drink the water. Well, similar like at Salar Uyuni in Bolivia, (though to be fair, that was just pure salt without water), we could not resist it and wanted to try how salty is the water in the Dead Sea. Well, it's salty.
It was enough just to lick our arm to feel how gross it is. Definitely do not swallow it.
Cuts and Shaving
Do not shave at least two days before visiting the Dead Sea, or do not swim if you have open bruises as your skin will sting.
How Long Can You Swim in the Dead Sea
Although the water of the Dead Sea has health benefits, and you can buy a lot of Dead Sea products and cosmetics around the country, you should not be in the water longer than 15 minutes.
Swimwear
Also, it is recommended to wear an old or black swimsuit, so the salt will not ruin it.
Gear
And here is a final tip. Don't forget to clean your cameras, phones and wash your swimsuit once you get back to the hotel room.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
HOW TO GET TO THE DEAD SEA IN JORDAN
The Dead Sea is well-accessible from all corners of Jordan, therefore it is a popular destination for one-day trips.
You can easily get there from Amman, Karak, Madaba, Wadi Rum, Petra or Jerash - we believe that at least one of those places (if not all) will be on your itinerary.
The question is, what is the best way of transport for you to get to the Dead Sea.
Rental Car
Without a doubt, the least difficult way how to get to the Dead Sea is by rental car.
Not only because of the freedom you'll have with planning your day, but it will also save you a lot of time because public transport in Jordan is not very frequent. We went for this option, and could not be happier.
First of all, thanks to having a car we could enjoy swimming in the Dead Sea for free, and also, we were able to drive along the shore of the sea, and stop whenever we sensed a viewpoint or photo opportunity.
Here, you will find more information on driving in Jordan.
Taxi
Alternatively, if you do not drive a car, you can hire a taxi driver. This possibility is great for a group of people, who can share the cost.
Public Transport
We would recommend public transport only to those of you traveling from Amman, getting there from other destinations would be simply too painful, if even possible.
From Amman, catch a bus from Mujaharin bus station to Rame, and from here take a taxi. The usual destination is Amman Beach, but then it is basically up to you where you would like to relax near the Dead Sea.
TOURS
Probably the most popular way how to reach the Dead Sea (in case you do not have a rental car), is with a tour.
This way you do not need to worry about logistics, the only downside is that you will pay slightly more, and you will definitely not visit a spot by the Dead Sea which is for free.
The most common Dead Sea Day Tour runs from Amman.
But there are even multi-day options such as this 3-Day Petra, Wadim Rum, Aqaba and Dead Sea Tour when except for the Dead Sea you will visit other highlights of Jordan.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE DEAD SEA AREA
Even though you might have imagined the Dead Sea like a barren area far from civilization, the opposite is the truth, and you will be pleasantly surprised how the Dead Sea is easily accessible.
Therefore, you can incorporate the Dead Sea in your itinerary, no matter what is your schedule, at some point, you will be always near to the shores.
There are many options on where to stay when visiting the Dead Sea.
You can either stay right in the area in one of many resorts, but also the city of Madaba is quite near, the same as the capital Amman. Or you can follow our footsteps, sleep in Wadi Rum, then drive along the Dead Sea Highway, and spend the next night in Jerash.
As you can see, options are plentiful, now you only need to find a hotel which suits your needs and budget.
Here we've handpicked the option in every destination from where you can visit the Dead Sea.
Madaba | Mosaic City Hotel - Great location, friendly atmosphere, tasty breakfast, and helpful staff are the main features in this hotel. It is worth it to ask for a room with a balcony facing the garden.
Amman | Gallery Guest House - We stayed in this hotel for a couple of days, and really enjoyed clean, air-conditioned, and quiet rooms, lovely breakfast, and helpful staff. This hotel is located a walking distance to Amman Citadel, super popular Hashem Restaurant, or Rainbow Street. Great value for money. Free parking on the street in front of the hotel.
Jerash | Full Panorama To Archaeological Site Jerash - Family guesthouse located in a quiet residential area with nice modern rooms, welcoming host, and great location next to Jerash Ruins. Parking is available on the street in front of the hotel.
Wadi Rum | Beyond Wadi Rum Camp - Great service and location just near the Little Bridge are the main highlights here. As in most of the camps, you can enjoy here the authentic atmosphere and the insight in the bedouin life.
Dead Sea | Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea - A luxurious resort offering top services on the shore of the Dead Sea is a top pick for travelers looking for a peaceful retreat.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
