{"id":27561,"date":"2021-05-03T10:46:24","date_gmt":"2021-05-03T17:46:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bucketlistjourney.net\/?p=27561"},"modified":"2025-04-07T08:23:19","modified_gmt":"2025-04-07T15:23:19","slug":"float-dead-sea-jordan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bucketlistjourney.net\/float-dead-sea-jordan\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Floating in Jordan’s Dead Sea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Floating in the Dead Sea, a lake known for one of the saltiest formations of water in the world, is a dreamy activity often found high up on any traveler\u2019s bucket list<\/a>\u2013including mine! To make a visit sound even more exciting and unforgettable, is the fact that it is 1,300 feet below sea level it making it the lowest point on Earth. Truly a double whammy.<\/em> But exactly what is the Dead Sea all about, why should you visit and how can you have the perfect trip there? Read through this guide to get your questions answered!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Facts, History and a Guide to Floating in Jordan’s Dead Sea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

What is the Dead Sea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Dead Sea, sometimes also known as \u201cSalt Sea\u201d, is a salt lake wedged between Jordan and Israel\u2019s borders. Jordan has ownership of the eastern shore of Dead Sea, while the western shore\u2019s southern half is Israel\u2019s, and the northern half of the western shore reaches Palestinian West Bank. A majority of the water in the Dead Sea comes from the Jordan River, marking the lake primarily as Jordan\u2019s natural wonder to the world. It is also the deepest of the hypersaline lakes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Why is the Dead Sea Salty?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Compared to the Atlantic or the Pacific Oceans, the saltiness levels of the Dead Sea is approximately ten times more <\/strong><\/em>(though it\u2019s still not the saltiest lake or lagoon in the world\u2014Don Juan Pond in Antarctica is.). Where does all that saltiness come from? It is due to the lake being located in a low-lying arid desert, with water flowing in from a sole source\u2014Jordan River. Without a way for the incoming river flow to then get out of the lake to move forward, the water in the Dead Sea evaporates quicker than the water in an open sea or ocean would, leaving behind a bigger amount of salt.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Why is the Dead Sea called the Dead Sea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The name Dead Sea comes from the fact that, due to the high levels of salinity, fish and aquatic plants cannot live in its waters. In other words, because no marine ecosystem exists in the Dead Sea, at least not in the way they usually do in different types of waters, the sea has been labelled as \u201cdead\u201d. So don\u2019t expect to see any fish, plants, or even birds when you visit the Dead Sea! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Annette<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there life in the Dead Sea?<\/strong> Mostly there is no life in the Dead Sea, as I have explained above. There are no animals or plants, not even seaweed, in the waters. However, some algae and microorganisms do <\/i>live in the Dead Sea, so in that sense, there is indeed some life in the Dead Sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

About Floating in the Dead Sea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Floating in the Dead Sea is a popular activity among those visiting Jordan and Israel, many even traveling to the region exactly in order to cross the item off their bucket lists. Hordes of people flock there, some to benefit from it\u2019s natural healing properties in the mineral-rich waters and others to take the quintessential photo of floating in the sea while reading the Jordanian Times newspaper (I was the latter of the two!). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other reasons people come include its beautiful turquoise appearance, its designation as the lowest point on Earth, the intrigue that arises from its floating capabilities, and its healing qualities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Annette<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Healing Qualities of the Dead Sea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now, while the existence of marine life in the Dead Sea might be absolutely minimal, it doesn\u2019t mean that the Dead Sea is somehow dangerous for us humans. Quite the contrary, actually! Its mineral rich waters are known to be quite the treat for your skin, even those with chronic skin conditions finding a lot of relief by floating in the lake, thanks to its restorative properties. floating in the Dead Sea can also help out those with asthma, eczema, cystic fibrosis, some lung diseases, and even other chronic conditions, such as heart disease.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The black mud found at the Dead Sea also has therapeutic qualities, it contains more than 25 different minerals that are said to help with things like acne, cellulite and aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you don’t make it to Jordan’s Dead Sea for the therapeutic benefits you can get a taste of it by buying a Dead Sea Mud Mask<\/a> that will cleanse and reduce pores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does Floating in the Dead Sea Feel Like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Initially, as you walk into the water it will feel little different than any other lake, though you may feel a little burning if you have even the tiniest open cut or sensitive skin. The strange sensation happens when you lean back and begin to float like a fishing bobber without any effort at all. No water wings or life vest needed. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Annette<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is It So Easy to Float in the Dead Sea?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because of the high density of the lake\u2019s salinity (34%!), the water is dense. Since our bodies are not as dense as the sea, they float.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Annette<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Interesting Facts About the Dead Sea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n