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The Dead Sea sits at roughly 430 metres below sea level — the lowest exposed point on Earth's land surface — straddling the border between Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. Its water is approximately ten times saltier than the ocean, making it impossible for most life to survive in it and allowing swimmers to float effortlessly on the surface.
The surrounding landscape is stark and beautiful: bleached salt flats, reddish cliffs, and a shimmering turquoise-grey expanse of water backed by hazy mountain ridges. The region has been inhabited and visited since antiquity; references to the area appear in biblical texts, and Herod the Great reportedly used it as a health resort.
Today both the Jordanian shore (centered around the Sweimeh resort strip) and the Israeli shore (centered around Ein Bokek) are developed tourist destinations with hotels, beach clubs, and spa facilities. The two sides are not directly connected by a crossing open to general tourists, so most visitors experience one shore or the other depending on their wider itinerary.
One important environmental note: the Dead Sea is shrinking. The surface level has been falling by roughly one metre per year for decades due to diversion of the Jordan River and industrial mineral extraction. Sinkholes have appeared along parts of the shoreline. This ongoing change is worth understanding before you visit.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements differ entirely depending on whether you approach from Jordan or from Israel. Both countries have their own immigration rules. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance and verify current requirements directly with the relevant official immigration authority before booking.
Health considerations
The intense UV radiation at the Dead Sea is amplified by the atmospheric haze and can still cause sunburn quickly. Apply and reapply high-SPF sunscreen. Drinking water is essential — the dry desert air accelerates dehydration. People with open cuts, freshly shaved skin, or skin conditions should be aware that the highly saline water causes significant stinging on broken skin.
What to pack
- Old dark swimwear (mineral-rich mud stains fabric permanently)
- Waterproof sandals (salt crystals on the lakebed are sharp)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
- A dedicated water bottle — drinking water is not always cheap at beach clubs
- A change of clothing and a small towel for rinsing off
Practical expectations
Public beach access is more limited than many visitors expect. Much of the accessible shoreline is managed by hotels or fee-charging beach clubs. Free public beaches do exist on both sides but facilities can be minimal and vary by season; verify locally before relying on a specific spot.
Getting There
From Jordan
The main international gateway is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. The Dead Sea resort area (Sweimeh) is approximately 60–70 km from central Amman, typically reached by private taxi, rental car, or hotel shuttle. Public bus connections are limited and generally require a change in the town of South Shuneh; verify current routes locally. Journey time by car from Amman is roughly one hour depending on traffic.
From Israel
Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv is the principal international entry point. Ein Bokek, the main resort hub on the Israeli side, is approximately 90 km south of Jerusalem via Route 1 and Route 90. Buses operated by Egged and other companies connect Jerusalem and Be'er Sheva to Ein Bokek; check current timetables on the operator's official site before travel. By car the drive from Jerusalem takes around 1.5 hours.
Crossing between the two sides
There is no general-tourist border crossing directly adjacent to the Dead Sea. Crossings between Jordan and Israel exist at specific points (such as the King Hussein / Allenby Bridge, which connects the West Bank); rules, eligibility, and operating hours change and must be verified with official sources well in advance.
Getting Around
Within the resort zones on either side, most visitors walk between their hotel and the beach, or use hotel shuttles. On the Israeli side, local buses run along Route 90 connecting Ein Bokek with other points; frequency is limited, verify locally. On the Jordanian side, taxis and ride-hailing apps (such as Careem, available in Amman) are a practical option for getting between properties and nearby sites.
Renting a car is the most flexible option for exploring either shore, particularly if you want to visit Masada, Wadi Mujib, or other nearby attractions that are not served by regular public transit.
Things to See & Do
Floating and swimming
The signature experience. Enter the water slowly — the density is disorienting — and avoid getting water in your eyes (it is extremely painful and can temporarily impair vision). Limit time in the water to around 15–20 minutes per session and rinse off thoroughly afterward to remove salt from skin and hair.
Mud application
Black mineral mud is available at most beach clubs and some hotel pools. Many visitors apply it to their skin and allow it to dry before rinsing off. Whether or not the cosmetic and therapeutic claims are scientifically proven is debated, but it is a widespread and harmless tradition.
Wadi Mujib (Jordan side)
A dramatic slot canyon nature reserve managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), located on the Jordanian shore. Trail options range from a straightforward gorge walk to more demanding canyoning routes. The RSCN gates access; verify opening dates, trail availability, and reservation requirements on the RSCN website before visiting, as seasonal flooding affects access.
Masada (Israel side)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site: a dramatic mesa-top fortress built by Herod and the site of a famous first-century siege. Accessible by cable car or foot trails; the 'snake path' hike is popular at sunrise before the heat builds. Check the Israel Nature and Parks Authority website for current hours and fees.
Lot's Cave / Mount Nebo area (Jordan side)
Several biblical heritage sites are within day-trip range, including the traditional site of Lot's Cave near Safi and Mount Nebo, from which Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land. These are modest but historically layered sites.
Food & Drink
Food and drink options at the Dead Sea are dominated by hotel restaurants and beach club cafeterias. On the Jordanian side these generally serve a mix of Jordanian and international cuisine — expect dishes such as mansaf, mezze spreads, grilled meats, and fresh bread. On the Israeli side menus tend toward Mediterranean and Israeli fare: shakshuka, falafel, hummus, grilled fish, and salads.
Prices at resort-area restaurants on both sides are noticeably higher than in nearby cities. Bottled water and soft drinks can be expensive at beach concession stands; bringing your own is wise where permitted.
Alcohol is readily available in hotels and some restaurants on both sides, though availability in public spaces varies and Jordan has some dry areas near certain sites; be observant of local norms.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are available at hotels and in nearby towns, but may not always be reliable at smaller locations. Carry some cash in the local currency on each side. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants; smaller vendors may prefer cash.
Connectivity
Hotel Wi-Fi is standard across most properties. Mobile coverage from Jordanian and Israeli networks is generally adequate in resort areas but may drop in remote canyon sections. Note that Israeli SIM cards do not work on the Jordanian network and vice versa.
Emergency contacts
- Jordan general emergency: 911
- Israel general emergency: 101 (ambulance), 100 (police), 102 (fire)
- Always verify locally that these are current and operative.
Photography
The landscape and floating shots are a major draw. Be respectful of other guests' privacy at shared beach areas. On the Jordanian side, photography near military or security installations is prohibited.
Safety
The Dead Sea resort zones on both sides are considered low-risk tourist areas in terms of crime. The greater physical hazards are environmental: heat stroke, dehydration, sunburn, and eye injury from the saline water are the most common issues visitors experience.
Sinkholes are an active geological hazard, particularly along the northern shoreline and parts of the Israeli coast. Do not stray from designated beach areas or walk on unfamiliar ground near the water's edge. Signage marking dangerous zones should be taken seriously.
The broader geopolitical situation in the region can change; monitor travel advisories from your home government before and during travel. The Dead Sea itself sits in a generally stable tourist corridor, but regional events can affect border operations and transportation.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Jordan is a Muslim-majority country and conservative dress norms are standard outside of resort areas; swimwear is appropriate at hotel beaches but cover up when traveling to and from them or visiting any town or heritage site. Friday is the main day of worship and some businesses have reduced hours.
Israel observes Shabbat from Friday sundown to Saturday nightfall; public transportation runs on a significantly reduced schedule during this period and some businesses close. Plan transport and shopping accordingly.
On both sides, politeness and patience go a long way. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for service staff at hotels; verify local norms on amounts as expectations differ.
