How to Float in the Dead Sea
Walk into the water to waist depth. Sit back slowly, as though lowering yourself into a reclining chair. Your legs will rise to the surface.
Your arms will float at your sides. The sensation is unlike pool buoyancy; the water’s density creates a firm, almost mattress-like support beneath your body. There is no need to kick, paddle, or tread water.
Float on your back only. Never float face down. The density that holds you up also makes it extremely difficult to right yourself if you tip forward. This is the primary drowning risk at the Dead Sea, and it is real.
Dead Sea water has a density of 1.24 kg per liter, approximately ten times saltier than the Mediterranean Sea at 34.2% dissolved minerals. Floating is automatic once a visitor sits back in waist-deep water; the body rises to the surface and remains there without any swimming effort, though sessions should be limited to 15 to 20 minutes.
Critical Safety Rules
Do Not Swallow the Water
Dead Sea water ingestion is a medical emergency, not a minor inconvenience. The extreme mineral concentration can cause severe electrolyte imbalance, cardiac disruption, and pulmonary damage. If any water is accidentally swallowed, drink fresh water immediately and seek medical attention. Resort medical staff are trained for this scenario.
Protect Your Eyes
Dead Sea water in the eyes causes intense, immediate burning. Carry a sealed bottle of fresh water with you to the shoreline, separate from your drinking water. If splashed, do not rub your eyes. Rinse with fresh water for several minutes. Avoid applying mud above your eyebrows, where sweat can carry residue into your eyes.
Wear Water Shoes
The Dead Sea shoreline is not sand. The bottom is a terrain of salt crystals, sharp mineral deposits, and coarse gravel. Water shoes are essential, not optional. Walk slowly. Several resorts provide basic water shoes for loan or purchase, but bringing your own ensures a proper fit.
Stop Shaving 48 Hours Before
The mineral concentration will find every micro-abrasion on your skin. Shaving cuts, razor nicks, and even minor scrapes that are invisible under normal conditions will make themselves known immediately and intensely. Stop shaving all areas at least 48 hours before your Dead Sea visit. This applies to legs, face, and underarms equally.
Remove All Jewelry
The Dead Sea’s salt concentration tarnishes and corrodes metal rapidly. Silver blackens. Costume jewelry may be permanently damaged. Only 24-karat gold survives contact with the water without visible effect. Remove rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches before entering.
What to Bring
Water shoes (essential for shoreline) Old or dark swimsuit (salt fades fabric and mud stains)
Sealed fresh water bottle for eye rinsing (separate from drinking water) High-SPF sunscreen (the thicker atmosphere at 430 m below sea level filters some UVB, but sunburn is still possible) Waterproof phone pouch (tested and sealed; Dead Sea water is ten times more corrosive than ocean water) Towel (included at five-star resorts; bring your own for budget options or public beaches)
The Mud Experience
Black mineral-rich mud is available free at resort beaches, typically provided in buckets near the waterline. Apply a thick, even coat over your body, avoiding the eye area entirely. Allow the mud to dry for 10 to 20 minutes; it lightens visibly as moisture evaporates. Rinse thoroughly under a freshwater shower. The mud contains elevated concentrations of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and bromide. Clinical studies have documented improvements in skin conditions including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis following Dead Sea mud application, though results vary by individual and duration of exposure.
Free mineral-rich black mud is available at most Jordanian Dead Sea resort beaches, typically in communal buckets at the waterline. The mud contains elevated concentrations of magnesium, calcium, and bromide, and should be applied in a thick layer, dried for 10 to 20 minutes until it lightens visibly, then rinsed thoroughly with fresh water.
Visiting with Children
Children aged four and older can float in the Dead Sea with close adult supervision. The key requirements are that the child can stay calm, avoid splashing, and keep their mouth firmly closed. Inspect all exposed skin for cuts or scrapes before entering, as even small abrasions will sting sharply. Limit children’s sessions to 5 to 10 minutes. Have fresh water ready at the shoreline for immediate rinsing. The experience is genuinely enjoyable for most children when properly prepared, but the water’s chemistry is unforgiving of carelessness.
Electronics and Photography
Dead Sea water is approximately ten times more corrosive than ocean water to electronic devices. A waterproof phone pouch (tested before use) provides reasonable protection. GoPro cameras handle the environment well, though salt cakes on lens surfaces and must be rinsed promptly. The safest approach is to designate a dry photographer who stays on the beach while others float.
Tipping and Payment
Standard tipping in Jordan at resort areas follows a 10% guideline for restaurants. Hotel bellboys expect 1 to 2 JOD per bag, housekeeping 1 to 2 JOD per night, and spa therapists 5 to 10 JOD. Cash in Jordanian dinars is preferred for tips, even when the main bill is paid by card.
Best Time of Day
Early morning (before 10:00 AM) and the golden hour before sunset offer the most comfortable floating conditions. Morning light is softer, water temperatures feel warmer relative to air temperature, and resort beaches are less crowded. The midday hours between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM are the least comfortable in any season.
The best time to enter the Dead Sea is early morning before 10:00 AM or during the golden hour before sunset. These windows offer gentler light, less crowding at resort beaches, and the most comfortable temperature differential between the 34.2% mineral water and the surrounding air.
FAQs
Will I definitely float in the Dead Sea?
Yes. The water’s density of 1.24 kg per liter makes sinking physically impossible for the human body. Every visitor floats, regardless of body type, swimming ability, or experience. The buoyancy is automatic once you sit back in waist-deep water.
What happens if Dead Sea water gets in your eyes?
Intense, immediate burning. Rinse with fresh water for several minutes.
Do not rub. The sensation subsides within 10 to 15 minutes with thorough rinsing. Always carry a sealed bottle of fresh water to the shoreline as a precaution.
Can I wear a bikini at the Dead Sea Jordan?
Standard swimwear including bikinis is worn at all Dead Sea Jordan resorts without restriction. At the public Amman Beach, modest one-piece swimsuits or rash guards are more appropriate. An old or dark-colored swimsuit is recommended, as salt fades colors and mud can stain lighter fabrics.
How long should I float in the Dead Sea?
Fifteen to twenty minutes per session is the recommended maximum. Longer exposure can irritate skin, particularly around sensitive areas or minor cuts. Take a full freshwater rinse between sessions if you plan to float more than once.
Is the Dead Sea safe for children?
Children aged four and older can safely float with close adult supervision. Sessions should be limited to 5 to 10 minutes. The child must be able to stay calm, avoid splashing, and keep their mouth closed.
Check for any cuts or scrapes before entry, as even small abrasions will sting sharply.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Floating in the Dead Sea requires no swimming ability whatsoever.
The water’s mineral density holds the body at the surface automatically. In fact, swimming strokes are counterproductive, as the density makes conventional swimming movements awkward and increases the risk of splashing water into your face.
