Twenty kilometers from the Dead Sea shore and 264 meters below sea level, the canyon at Ma’in holds 63 thermal springs that have been heating water to between 45 and 60 degrees Celsius for millennia. The springs emerge where geothermal activity meets a basalt fissure system, pushing mineral laden groundwater to the surface through rock heated by the same tectonic forces that created the Dead Sea Rift Valley. The result is water rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium that cascades down canyon walls into pools accessible to visitors.
Ma'in Hot Springs (Hammamat Ma'in) in Jordan feeds 63 thermal springs at temperatures between 45 and 60 degrees Celsius through a canyon sitting 264 meters below sea level. The mineral-laden water, rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, cascades down basalt canyon walls into pools that have drawn visitors for approximately 2,000 years.
The Springs and Waterfalls
photographed feature. Thermal water drops approximately 50 meters into a pool maintained at roughly 42 degrees Celsius. The sensation of sitting beneath a hot waterfall in a canyon 264 meters below sea level, surrounded by basalt walls, is difficult to replicate anywhere else in the region.
Additional bathing areas include a women-only section (approximately 35 degrees Celsius, providing a gentler temperature), family pools of varying temperatures, and a cave sauna where ambient temperatures exceed 60 degrees Celsius due to the combination of thermal water and enclosed rock. The cave sauna is not for everyone; the heat is intense and sustained.
Public Area Versus Resort
The public bathing area charges approximately 15 JD entry and provides access to the main waterfall pools, changing facilities, and basic amenities. Maintenance and crowding vary by day and season; weekends and Jordanian holidays see significantly higher visitor numbers.
The Ma’in Hot Springs Resort and Spa, a five star property built into the canyon walls, operates separately. The resort maintains its own thermal pools, a Cascade Spa offering treatments using the thermal water, and day use passes for non guests. The resort experience is considerably more controlled than the public area.
The Ma'in Hot Springs public area provides access to 63 thermal springs and a 50-meter waterfall with pools at approximately 42 degrees Celsius for approximately 15 JD entry, while the adjacent five-star resort maintains separate thermal pools, a cave sauna exceeding 60 degrees Celsius, and a Cascade Spa with therapeutic treatments.
Practical Information
Detail Information
Location 20 km from Dead Sea, 30 km from Madaba, 264 m below sea level Public Entry Fee Approximately 15 JD Resort Day Pass Verify with Ma’in Hot Springs Resort Water Temperature 45 to 60 degrees Celsius (pools vary) Best Time to Visit October through April (cooler ambient temperatures) Getting There Rental car or taxi; road descends into canyon (steep, winding) What to Bring Swimwear, towel, water shoes, drinking water
Historical Use
Josephus Flavius recorded that King Herod the Great visited the hot springs at Ma’in for therapeutic purposes, placing documented use of the site at approximately 2,000 years. The springs’ mineral composition, particularly the high concentrations of magnesium and calcium, aligns with documented therapeutic applications for skin conditions, joint inflammation, and respiratory symptoms. The combination of thermal water and the below sea level atmospheric pressure, which increases oxygen density, creates conditions that have attracted both historical rulers and modern clinical interest.
FAQ
How hot are the Ma'in Hot Springs?
Ma’in’s 63 thermal springs range from 45 to 60 degrees Celsius. The main waterfall pool sits at approximately 42 degrees Celsius. The women’s section is gentler at approximately 35 degrees Celsius. The cave sauna exceeds 60 degrees Celsius. Water temperature varies by specific spring and pool.
How far is Ma'in Hot Springs from the Dead Sea?
Ma’in Hot Springs sits approximately 20 kilometers from the Dead Sea shore and 30 kilometers from Madaba. The drive from the Dead Sea resorts takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. The access road descends into a canyon, with steep switchbacks that require careful driving.
Can I visit Ma'in Hot Springs as a day trip?
Yes. Ma’in Hot Springs works well as a half day excursion from the Dead Sea resorts or as part of a full day combined with Madaba and Mount Nebo. The public area charges approximately 15 JD entry. Arrive early for the least crowded experience, especially during weekends.
Is Ma'in Hot Springs safe for children?
While Ma’in’s source springs emerge at 45 to 60 degrees Celsius, the bathing pools range from 35 to 42 degrees Celsius. The family pools are accessible, but parents should test the water temperature before children enter. The cave sauna (60+ degrees Celsius) is not suitable for young children. The public area has basic facilities; the resort offers a more controlled environment for families.
