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Dead Sea Coast
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coast
The Dead Sea coast in Jordan marks the lowest point on Earth's land surface, situated more than 430 meters below sea level. This unique hypersaline lake landscape is characterized by dramatic salt formations, white crusts along the shores, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Geologically, the Dead Sea is an endorheic lake within the Jordan Rift Valley with no outlet, causing minerals and salts to concentrate over millennia. The water has a salinity of approximately 34%, about nine times that of the world's oceans, making it impossible to sink. The coast is rich in black therapeutic muds and mineral springs used since antiquity for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, notably by Herod the Great and Cleopatra. In recent decades, the water level has dropped dramatically, leading to the formation of numerous sinkholes along the coastline. The region hosts significant industrial facilities for potash and magnesium extraction alongside modern wellness resorts. Historically, the area is associated with biblical narratives such as Sodom and Gomorrah and the discovery of the Qumran scrolls.
- Location: Jordan
- Top sights: Amman Beach · Amman Tourist Beach · O'Beach
- Nearby: Ma'in Hot Springs (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 26 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 25 | 19 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 47 | 42 | 23 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 20 | 33 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The coast is easily accessible via the Dead Sea Highway (Route 65). Numerous public beaches and resort areas provide direct entry to the shore.
Best season
Best from October to May when temperatures are pleasant. Summer heat often exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, making the shore very uncomfortable for visitors.
Terrain & paths
The shores are lined with jagged salt crystals and slippery mineral mud. The descent to the water's edge can be steep and uneven in many places.
What to bring
Wear water shoes or old sandals to protect your feet from sharp salt crusts. Bring a swimsuit that you don't mind getting stained by the mineral-rich mud.
Parking
Designated parking lots are available at resort hotels, private beach clubs, and the various public bathing areas located along the highway.
Safety
Avoid getting the highly saline water in your eyes or mouth. Rinse off with fresh water immediately after swimming to prevent skin irritation from the salt.
Time needed
Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours floating in the water and applying the mineral-rich mud to their skin for its therapeutic properties.
Geography
Facts
- The water's salinity is approximately 340 grams per liter
- The water level is currently dropping by about one meter per year
- Contains high concentrations of bromide, magnesium, and calcium
- The air at the Dead Sea has approximately 5% higher oxygen content
- The world's lowest inhabited place, Al-Mazra'a, is located nearby
- There are no fish or aquatic plants in the lake (hence its name)
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Dead Sea Coast (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why don't you sink in the Dead Sea?
The extremely high salt content increases water density, providing natural buoyancy.
What should you keep in mind when swimming?
Do not get water in your eyes or mouth, and limit your soak to 15-20 minutes.
Are there public beaches?
Yes, like Amman Beach, but most visitors use hotel beaches for the showers.
Is the mud healthy?
Yes, the mineral-rich black mud is world-renowned for skin treatments.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn, as summer temperatures often exceed a grueling 40 degrees.
Dead Sea Coast: where is it located?
Dead Sea Coast is located in Jordan.
Dead Sea Coast: what is there to see?
Highlights include Amman Beach, Amman Tourist Beach, O'Beach.
Dead Sea Coast: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Dead Sea Coast: why is it worth visiting?
The Dead Sea coast in Jordan marks the lowest point on Earth's land surface, situated more than 430 meters below sea level.
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Nearby cities
Ain Basha
Ain Basha is located on the edge of the capital on fertile land.
As-Salt
As-Salt was once the most important settlement in Jordan.
Fuheis
Fuheis is a picturesque town northwest of Amman, inhabited almost exclusively by Jordanian Christians.
Mahis
Mahis is situated on the hills above the Jordan Valley.
Ma'in Hot Springs
Natural thermal waterfalls cascade into a desert oasis, offering relaxation in mineral-rich waters.
Madaba
Madaba is world-famous for its Byzantine mosaics.
History & landmarks
Monastery of Saint Gerasimus
The Monastery of Deir Hajla near Jericho is a desert oasis dedicated to Saint Gerasimus.
St. George's Monastery
This monastery in Wadi Qelt is famous for its location in a deep canyon.
Dead Sea Basin
The Dead Sea Basin is the lowest point on the Earth's surface on dry land.
Qasr al-Abd
A Hellenistic palace near Iraq al-Amir, built from huge stone blocks.
Mar Saba Monastery
This Greek Orthodox monastery hangs spectacularly on the cliffs of the Kidron Valley.
Nature
Jordan River
This historically and religiously significant river forms the natural border between Jordan and the Palestinian territories.
Dead Sea West Shore
The west shore of the Dead Sea features salt crystal formations and extreme environments.
Ein Feshkha Springs
These freshwater springs on the shores of the Dead Sea create a lush desert oasis.
Ein es-Sultan Spring
The Ein es-Sultan Spring is the primary water source for Jericho, supporting life for 10,000 years.
Wadi Mujib (River)
This spectacular canyon is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Jordan and carries water year-round.
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is an endorheic salt lake located at the lowest land elevation on Earth, famous for its extremely high salinity.
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Wadi el-Makkuk Nature Reserve
Wadi el-Makkuk is an isolated desert gorge with unique flora.
Al-Auja Spring
The Al-Auja Spring in the Jordan Valley is a vital water source for both wildlife and humans.
More places
Al-Maghtas
The historical baptismal site on the Jordan River, widely recognized as the authentic location where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
Jordan Valley Date Palm Plantations
Jordan is globally renowned for its premium Medjool dates.
Wadi Shuaib
An important valley connecting the city of Salt to the Jordan Valley, intensively used for agriculture.
Jordan Rift Valley
This significant geological depression is part of the Great Rift Valley and is very fertile.
Jordan Valley Citrus Farms
The Jordan Valley is the country's agricultural heartland where citrus fruits thrive exceptionally well.
Belqa Plateau
A fertile plateau in central Jordan, known for its agriculture and temperate climate.
Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden of Jordan protects native flora while offering stunning views of the King Talal Dam.
Qumran Caves
A series of caves in the Judaean Desert where ancient Jewish manuscripts were found.