Visiting the Dead Sea: Israel vs. Jordan

Are you questioning which aspect visiting the Dead Sea is best? Read alongside to search out out!

I just lately had the chance to go to Israel and Jordan and explored the Dead Sea from each nations.

In this weblog put up, I’m going to check the expertise we had in each locations. 

What is the Dead Sea?

The Dead Sea is a landlocked sea that has grow to be standard for its excessive salinity ranges which might make you float effortlessly in its waters.

Most of the water is introduced in by the Jordan River. However, it has no method to move out of the ocean and is compelled to evaporate, leaving the salt behind.

The salt and minerals of the Dead Sea are used to create skincare merchandise which might be offered worldwide. 

Where is the Dead Sea situated?

The Dead Sea is situated between Southern Israel and West Bank to the west, and Jordan to the east.

The closest huge metropolis in Israel is Jerusalem (about an hour away) and the closest huge metropolis in Jordan can be Amman (about an hour as properly).

Therefore, it’s situated within the Middle East within the continent of Asia. 

Why is the Dead Sea well-known?

The Dead Sea is the saltiest physique of water on the earth. Its salinity is nearly 10 instances increased than the salinity of the ocean!

Also, the Dead Sea is the bottom land elevation on Earth – 430 meters under sea stage.

When we had been driving to go to the Dead Sea, I might really feel my ears popping from the change in strain. That’s how low the ocean is!!

Why is it referred to as the Dead Sea?

The Dead Sea will get its identify from the truth that its waters are extraordinarily salty and create a really harsh residing surroundings.

No animals or vegetation can survive residing in it so the dearth of aquatic life has led folks to call it the “Dead Sea.”

However, there are small portions of micro organism and microbes that dwell within the water.

Also, you’ll not see any ships within the Dead Sea as a result of the excessive salinity will injury them. Therefore, you will note no fish, vegetation, or boats within the Dead Sea.

Can the Dead Sea salt be eaten?

No, it can not. Don’t eat or lick the salt, the chemical compounds and minerals make the salt inedible. That contains cooking with it. 

Comparing visiting the Dead Sea between Israel and Jordan

Many folks surprise what the distinction between the 2 nations is and the place they need to go to expertise the Dead Sea. Hopefully, this put up will shed some gentle on that.

The Dead Sea in Israel

Let’s check out the Israel aspect of the Dead Sea first and what was our expertise there.

What was the Dead Sea like on the Israel aspect?

The water of the Dead Sea seems very oily and thick. The whole sea flooring was lined in these small salt balls which had been actually sharp on the toes.

We floated within the seaside space in entrance of the resort in addition to on the public seaside and so they had been very related. There is sand earlier than you attain the water the place you possibly can put down your towel and belongings.

However, in each locations, the ocean flooring was made out of salt balls. The water is extraordinarily heat and shallow. There aren’t any waves in any respect, not even the slightest motion.

The temperature across the Dead Sea is often round 30 + levels Celcius. The day that we visited, which was in October, was 35 levels.

Around the Dead Sea, you will note principally desert landscapes with only a few vegetation. On one aspect you will note mountains and on the opposite aspect is the Dead Sea. 

Here are two movies exhibiting what the seaside appears to be like like.

Is it protected to swim within the Dead Sea?

Yes, it’s protected to swim within the Dead Sea however it is advisable observe all the security measures whenever you do. You must restrict your floating periods to twenty min max at a time.

Afterward, it is advisable lay down for 15-30 minutes. That is because of the warmth and excessive salt content material of the water, your physique will get very dehydrated.

Therefore, it is advisable drink loads of water throughout and after the remaining interval.

I used to be considering that the directions had been over-cautious. However, I skilled the fatigue after floating myself and would extremely advocate following the foundations. 

Also, it is advisable watch out whenever you enter the ocean.

What is one of the simplest ways to enter the Dead Sea?

Under no circumstances you need to be diving into the Dead Sea! The salinity is extraordinarily excessive and can damage your eyes.

Approach slowly as a few of the shore rocks could be slippery or jagged (or each). You don’t need to slip and scrape your knees (yup, I did that) as a result of the scrapes and cuts will damage when you dip within the water.

Once you attain the water mainly simply sit within the water slowly. You don’t need to make an enormous splash and get the water in your eyes or mouth.

Lay in your again and float together with your palms behind your head. That’s it!!

You won’t sink even if you happen to attempt to. I can by no means float so this was a tremendous expertise for me. And if I can float so are you able to!!

Make certain you’ve sunscreen in your face and abdomen space if you are floating as a result of the solar is extremely sturdy.

What are a few of the Dead Sea inns in Israel?

The resort we stayed in for one evening was David Dead Sea Resort and Spa. There is an space with resorts about an hour south of Jerusalem.

It is a small strip with a mall, retailers, and some eating places. Overall, the resort wasn’t too dangerous however be sure you ask for a renovated room and one dealing with the ocean.

Our room had a good balcony with pretty views of each the ocean and the mountains. The dinner within the resort was a very nice buffet with loads of choices.

There was a big common pool in addition to two Dead Sea swimming pools. One was inside and the opposite one was outdoors.

They by some means use a few of the water from the Dead Sea to replenish these swimming pools so that you don’t even need to go to the seaside.

The crowd was principally older folks which is smart contemplating that the ocean is getting used for lots of remedies resembling pores and skin situations and arthritis.

The resort was about 5 minute’s stroll from the seaside and some time in the past, it was on the precise shore.

However, the Dead Sea is slowly shrinking by a few meter yearly which is why now you need to stroll to the seaside.

There are free showers by the seaside so be sure you rinse your self after floating within the Dead Sea.

Was there a Spa within the resort?

Yes, there’s a full spa within the resort with a complete bunch of procedures and coverings that make the most of the advantages of the Dead Sea.

The Spa was very talked-about and there was all the time a lineup to e-book any therapy. I did a Dead Sea mud wrap and a soothing therapeutic massage.

The mud wrap consists of the esthetician protecting you from head to toe within the black mud. Then they wrap you in a heat towel and allow you to lay down for about 20 to half-hour.

You are sporting a washing swimsuit whereas they’re doing the mud wrap so don’t fear, you gained’t be bare. They cowl you in every single place together with your face.

The solely half that they don’t cowl is your hair (I’m guessing it’s simply too tough to scrub off). Then you rinse your self from the mud and get a pleasant stress-free therapeutic massage.

After they do the mud wrap, your pores and skin will really feel so comfortable and rejuvenated. Both procedures had been nice and after them, I felt like one million bucks.

Highly advocate using the spa packages within the resort to e-book a pleasant and stress-free expertise. It’s completely price it!!

What are the cosmetics you should purchase from the Dead Sea in Israel?

I’ve used merchandise from the Dead Sea earlier than visiting and I preferred all of them. Which is why I used to be tremendous excited to seize some extra goodies from there.

There had been a ton of choices by way of merchandise and value factors.

Some of the primary manufacturers from the Dead Sea are Ahava, Premier (pricier), Sea of Spa (inexpensive) and so forth.

If you need to purchase some on-line, examine Amazon as properly as a result of a few of the merchandise are cheaper there.

Are the Dead Sea merchandise good?

Yes, I like all of the Dead Sea merchandise that I’ve tried up thus far. My favourite is the Dead Sea mud masks, it actually helps with zits and detoxifies your pores and skin.

You can see a visual distinction after utilizing it which is uncommon in the case of skincare merchandise (often it is advisable use the product for a while earlier than you possibly can see outcomes).

The subsequent greatest product is an exfoliator/scrub that makes use of the Dead Sea salt. You use it to exfoliate your physique within the bathe.

Also, you should purchase the salt within the type of bathtub salt if you wish to make a salty bathtub for your self and recreate the sensation of floating within the Dead Sea.

I’m not a shower particular person so I’ve not tried the tub salts however they’re standard as properly.

How usually do you employ the Dead Sea mud masks?

According to the directions on the package deal, you must use the mud masks twice every week or a minimum of as soon as every week.

I’ve loads of hormonal zits and the mud masks is the one factor that really clears my face so I do it twice every week.

If you’ve dry or delicate pores and skin do it solely as soon as every week.

Tips for visiting the Dead Sea in Israel

• Bring water/swimming footwear to keep away from your toes getting scratched
• Do not enter when you have an open wound or reduce as a result of it’s going to sting like hell
• Don’t put on any jewellery as a result of it will possibly get broken by the salt
• You can put on your regular bathing swimsuit as a result of you’ll be in a resort and will probably be all vacationers round you
• Don’t keep within the water for greater than 20 min at a time, lay down afterward for a minimum of 15 min and drink loads of water. Otherwise, you’ll get actually dehydrated. 

Overall expertise visiting the Dead Sea in Israel

Overall, we actually preferred the Dead Sea on the Israel aspect: we floated effortlessly and beloved the Dead Sea pool within the resort which was very handy, and general preferred the resort.

The Israel aspect of the Dead Sea appears far more salty and oily than the Jordan aspect.

The seafloor of the Israel aspect was fully lined in salt balls (sharp on the toes) and we didn’t see any mud.

Therefore, if you’re extra within the salt, the Israel aspect has loads of it.

The Dead Sea in Jordan

When we visited the Dead Sea on the Jordan aspect we had been on the other aspect of the ocean each size and width-wise.

We had been on the northeast aspect of the ocean (in Israel we had been on the southwest) which might be why it appeared so totally different.

What was the Dead Sea like on the Jordan aspect?

The Dead Sea on the Jordanian aspect appeared quite a bit much less salty and oily. It was nonetheless sufficient to drift however not as concentrated as on the Israeli aspect.

Also, there have been no salt balls current on the ocean flooring, solely sand and dust. The temperatures had been additionally near 35 so it was extraordinarily sizzling. 

There had been no waves; the water was heat and shallow. However, it was not as shallow because the Israel aspect.

In Jordan, we had been in a position to expertise a few of the black mud on the seaside. It was collected in buckets by the shore the place everybody might simply go and assist themselves.

Here are two movies from the seaside in Jordan:

How do I apply the mud to my physique?

Apply a thick layer of mud throughout your physique. Just use your palms and apply it as you might be making use of lotion. Have somebody do your again.

Then take some humorous pics lined in mud. Once achieved, sit and watch for about 20-30 minutes with the mud on you. Or till it dries off and begins flaking.

However, when you have utilized a beneficiant quantity it’s going to take a very long time to dry so whichever comes first. Then enter the ocean and begin washing it off.

It would possibly take a second to wash up as it is vitally thick. That is it!

Doing it as soon as is sufficient to make your pores and skin good and comfortable. 

Can the Dead Sea mud be used on the face?

Yes, completely! It helps with zits and it detoxifies and purifies your pores and skin!

I needed to take a whole bucket residence! Keep in thoughts that the black mud does have a definite earthy scent to it however it’s not disagreeable. 

What are a few of the Dead Sea inns in Jordan

The resort’s identify was the Dead Sea Spa Hotel, however we didn’t really keep within the resort in a single day.

Our tour group had some kind of partnership with the resort that we might use the seaside space and the altering rooms and showers.

There had been extra umbrellas and lounge chairs by the seaside which appeared a little bit of a greater setup in comparison with the Israel aspect.

The resort was lovely and it appeared quite a bit newer and fancier. It had common swimming pools, a water slide, and retailers.

Check out this video of the property: Dead Sea Spa Hotel, Jordan

We didn’t spend loads of time within the resort however general it appeared good. Also, there’s a spa on this resort if you happen to determine you need to do any remedies.

What are the cosmetics you should purchase from the Dead Sea in Jordan?

I bought just a few merchandise from Jordan as properly simply to have the ability to evaluate them higher. However, as I discussed earlier it’s far more costly to purchase them in Jordan as a consequence of their excessive foreign money.

It appeared like they’d very related merchandise: mud masks, exfoliants, face lotions, and many others. I bought one other mud masks simply to check the 2 and thus far I actually prefer it.

I actually needed to purchase a complete bucket of pure mud. However, we nonetheless had a complete bunch of touring to do and must carry it round for an additional two weeks.

Also, the buckets of mud are very heavy so simply bought the mud masks.

Some of the Jordanian Dead Sea manufacturers are Bio Spa, Dead Sea Treasures, Bloom, Sensation, and many others.

Tips for visiting the Jordan aspect of the Dead Sea

• Do not put on your nicest bathing swimsuit or one that’s white as a result of the mud would possibly stain it 
• Wear the mud for 20 to 30 min max or till it’s absolutely dry after which wash it off
• Swim solely within the designated space on the seaside
• The similar guidelines apply right here – no diving or splashing, don’t drink the water or get it in your eyes
• Don’t keep within the water for greater than 20 min at a time, lay down afterward for a minimum of 15 min and drink loads of water. Otherwise, you’ll get actually dehydrated. 
• You can put on your regular bathing swimsuit as a result of you’ll be in a resort and will probably be all vacationers round you

Overall expertise of visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan

We actually loved placing the mud on ourselves and taking foolish pics with it.

My companion didn’t imagine within the energy of the mud however he was pleasantly stunned about its results.

They had showers on the seaside and changerooms within the resort. Therefore, it was simple to prepare for the seaside after which to prepare to return to the bus.

We had loads of time to drift and use the mud and even swam within the common pool a bit.   

Overall winner after evaluating the Dead Sea between Israel and Jordan

The sea on either side is extraordinarily salty and oily but it surely appeared far more so in Israel. The Jordan aspect had extra of the black mud on the shores.

You can comfortably float in each nations. In phrases of the inns, I believe the one in Jordan was newer and fancier nevertheless the one in Israel had the within Dead Sea swimming pools and was cheaper.

I beloved the spa remedies that I did in Israel. From what I noticed in each nations, the inns are resort fashion and so they all appeared related to one another.

If you need to buy any Dead Sea merchandise (and you must) will probably be quite a bit cheaper to take action in Israel.

It is about the identical quantity of driving in each circumstances (1hr from Jerusalem or Amman).  

Conclusion: Comparing the Dead Sea between Israel and Jordan

We each beloved the Dead Sea, the floating is calming and stress-free.

I used to be obsessive about the mud as a result of it cleared my face and made my pores and skin good and comfortable.

I might extremely advocate visiting the Dead Sea however I can’t actually decide one county over the opposite. Whichever one you select, you should have a tremendous expertise that can stick with you for the remainder of your life.