The Dead Sea: Float at the Lowest Point on Earth

At roughly 430 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the Earth's surface and one of the strangest, most relaxing experiences tourism in Jordan has to offer. The water is nearly ten times saltier than the ocean, so bathers float effortlessly on their backs — a bucket-list moment for almost everyone who visits.

The mineral-rich black mud is famous for its skin benefits, and the shore is lined with spa resorts and public beaches, most about 45 minutes to an hour from Amman. Beyond floating, nearby attractions include the Baptism Site at Bethany beyond the Jordan, the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba, and the dramatic canyon of Wadi Mujib, whose water hike is a favourite in summer.

The site is an easy day trip, but many travellers who hire car & driver in Jordan combine it with Madaba, Mount Nebo and the King's Highway on the way to Petra. Full package tours to Jordan almost always end with a restorative night at the sea.