I booked the “Private Madaba, Mount Nebo, and Dead Sea Tour from Amman with Lunch” on the website Viator.  This means that my experience at the Dead Sea was actually just a stop instead of a trip by itself.  These tips on what to expect, however, will help anyone who plans to visit the Dead Sea, no matter how long.

1. The bus takes forever

The tour I booked took me to the Ramada’s private beach and lunch at the hotel (which was amaze-balls by the way).  In the off season it seems that the shuttle there doesn’t run as often and I was stuck waiting for a pretty long time.  Walking there would have been much faster, but my tour guide insisted I wait and that I did not need to walk myself.  Just note here that you could definitely walk, and the hotel may claim it’s “right on the beach,” but it’s not.  Having the private beach is pretty cool, but it’s definitely not a waterfront hotel.

2. The Dead Sea Cycle : Change – Shower – Mud Bowl – Swim 

They’ve got this Dead Sea thing down to a science.  First, get changed into a bathing suit (there are two changing rooms at the Ramada’s spot).  I recommend wearing one you don’t mind getting dirty and potentially ruined.  The mud can be a challenge to get out of the fabrics of your suit.  Next, you take a fresh water shower to get the oils and already existing dirt off your skin.  After that is the fun part.  Step into the mud pit, sit on your knees, and cover yourself in mud that feels like pudding. Tip: avoid getting the mud in your hair and too close to your eyes or lips.  Just trust me on that one, I learned the hard way.  Wait about 10 to 20 minutes for the mud to dry, then presto!  Go for a swim, rinse of the mud, and harness the powers of the Fountain of Youth!  Just kidding, but your skin will feel HELLA soft after.  No wonder people pay the big bucks for those jars of mud at the mall kiosks… 

3. Walk Backwards

When entering the Dead Sea for the first time, it doesn’t hurt to walk in backwards.  You may feel silly, but it will help you keep your balance.  Let the buoyancy of the water help you out by leaning back into it.  You DO NOT want to swim face first.  I repeat, DO NOT swim face first and DO NOT dunk your head into it.  Simply scoop the water with your hands to get the mud off your face.  

4. It’s SALTY AF.

DO NOT DRINK IT, DO NOT LICK IT, and if it get’s in your eyes immediately rinse them with fresh water.  I’m not joking people.  I accidentally licked my lips off of habit, and I’m pretty sure I achieved my sodium intake for a week.  That’s why you only want to swim on your back, and drink plenty of water.  It’s just as dehydrating as it is hydrating.

5. Choppy water = No floating

This was the worst part about my stop here.  When there are waves, the staff doesn’t allow anyone to go past the shore basically.  I had to sit in the shallow water getting sand in my shorts and slightly hit by incoming waves.  All I wanted was to float on my back like a google image!  Oh well, next time I suppose.  If you have time, try to check the winds before you go.  It might save you from a “wasted” day.  Even if you have no other option (like I didn’t), it is still a cool experience and your skin will thank you.

6. Helpful, yet handsy.

There are a couple of guys who work for tips down at the beach.  They’ll take your pictures and even help you rinse off any remaining mud on your body.  This can be nice until they start trying to get mud and sand out from underneath your shorts in the front, back, and everywhere in between.  So unless you you don’t mind being half naked and hearing “it’s ok” when some dude is trying to brush sand off your cheeks with your towel, just keep politely telling them no and just make sure you get it all yourself (or bring a trusty friend).

If your curiosity about Jordan has been piqued, check out this post about Petra, this one about driving in Jordan, or even this one about Jordan’s tattoo culture!

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