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The Dead Sea

Sweimeh, Balqa Governorate, Jordan

Last updated: 16 April, 2024

At 423m below sea level, the Dead Sea marks the Earth’s lowest elevation on land. The sea is a natural collection point for salts and minerals, with salinity up to ten times that of ocean water – so dense that swimmers float on its surface, while animals and plants struggle to flourish (hence the name).

The sea’s mineral-laden waters ease discomfort from arthritis, soothe fiery skin conditions like acne and eczema, heal allergies and boost circulation so helping with detoxing.

They’ve been revered for their magic healing properties for thousands of years – King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, Cleopatra and King Herod all came to bathe here. No surprise then that the Dead Sea is home to some world-class spas today.

Logistics

Price from: £60

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 8+

When: All year around

Duration: 30 mins

Getting there & doing it

The Dead Sea is accessible from both Amman (90 minutes by car) and Aqaba (3 hours). Self-drive is easy, or you can book taxis for the whole day (agree a price first).

Many excellent hotels there sell day passes that include full use of hotel facilities as well as their Dead Sea beachfronts (and can arrange transfers). Alternatively, 2km from the hotel area, the Amman Tourist Beach Resort has pools and changing rooms for minimal fees.

When to do it

The resorts are open all year round, seven days a week. The Amman Tourist Beach Resort is open 8am-midnight.

Spring and autumn are best – winter is a bit too cold to swim and sunbathe, and summer is ferociously hot. Early morning is best to avoid the crowds (and cameras).

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

Viator

Discover two of Israel's must-see sights on this memorable day trip from Tel Aviv. You'll explore the legendary ruins of Masada and King Herod's palaces, and enjoy a therapeutic visit to the famous Dead Sea. This unforgettable day trip also passes the setting of one of the New Testament's most famous parables, the Good Samaritan. Due to maintenance working of the cable car, the site of Masada will be closed between January 13th-27th 2019. As a substitution, tour will visit at Qumran caves and Baptism site on the Jordan River.

Price $120

Min age 4

Rating 4.43 / 5 [1006 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Viator

Discover two of Israel's must-see sights on this memorable day trip from Jerusalem. You'll explore the legendary ruins of Masada and King Herod's palaces, and enjoy a therapeutic visit to the famous Dead Sea. This unforgettable day trip also passes the setting of one of the New Testament's most famous parables, the Good Samaritan. As a substitution, tour will visit at Qumran caves and Baptism site on the Jordan River.

Price $111

Min age 4

Rating 4.26 / 5 [753 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Jerusalem and the Dead Sea from Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

Viator

See the highlights of Israel in one day on an evocative sightseeing trip from Tel Aviv. You will discover the ancient city of Jerusalem, a holy site for many different religions, before enjoying a therapeutic spa visit to the Dead Sea. Few places in the world mean so much to so many people as these do, so if you only have a day to spare, make sure you see the best that Israel has to offer!

Price $133

Min age 4

Rating 4.42 / 5 [444 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Masada, Ein Gedi, and The Dead Sea from Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

Viator

Starting from Tel Aviv, travel on this unique tour of the region's highlights with a licensed guide. Visit the Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea on this tour from Tel Aviv. See Masada, the desert fortress, and Ein Gedi, the beautiful desert oasis and nature reserve. Marvel at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth where you can float in the waters and immerse yourself in the healing mud. This tour is guided, operated using our air conditioned vehicles with experienced English speaking guide.

Price $150

Min age 1

Rating 4.21 / 5 [280 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Masada, Ein Gedi and The Dead Sea from Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Viator

Visit the highlights of Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea on this guided tour from Jerusalem. See Masada, the desert fortress, and Ein Gedi, the beautiful desert oasis and nature reserve. Marvel at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth where you can float in the waters and immerse yourself in the healing mud.

Price $150

Min age 2

Rating 4.19 / 5 [263 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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