Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
being below sea level; rather it comes about because of the high evaporation rate. This sa-
linity makes for an almost intolerable environment for all but the most microscopic of life
forms. Indeed, the only things you're likely to see in the Dead Sea are a few buoyant tour-
ists.
Dead Sea salts and minerals have long been exploited for their skin-friendly properties
- although they don't always feel that friendly. While swimming in the sea, you'll discov-
er cuts you never knew you had (don't shave before visiting), and if any water gets in your
eyes, be prepared for a few minutes of agony. In fact, 'swimming' is probably a misnomer
- bobbing is nearer the mark as the buoyancy experienced in the Dead Sea makes it diffi-
cult to move through the water.
The best way to visit the Dead Sea is to stay at one of the luxury resorts at the north-
eastern end of the sea. Here you can enjoy a spa treatment, watch the sunset across the
water and toast the rising night lights of Jerusalem, perched 1200m above the West Bank.
Alternatively, the Dead Sea can be reached as a day trip from Amman or Madaba.
History
The Dead Sea has been called many names in its time, including the logical 'Salt Sea' and
the less flattering 'Stinking Sea' (slap a little Dead Sea mud on your face and you'll soon
see why). A Greek traveller, Pausanias, first gave it the current name, noticing that the ex-
treme brackishness of the water made it unsupportive of life. The high salinity is due to
the fact that the sea has no outlet and the high summer temperatures evaporate the fresh
water more quickly than it is replenished. Each year, due to intensive irrigation in the
Jordan Valley, the sea shrinks. This, together with the potash industry on the southern
shore, has caused many environmentalists to lament the imminent death of this extraordin-
ary stretch of water.
Activities
People come to the Dead Sea to engage with the sea and its mineral properties, either by
taking a dip or by wallowing in a spa. About the only other activity on offer is a chance to
ride on a camel or a horse. The Bedouin bring their magnificently liveried animals to the
corniche between the resorts and pace them up and down the pavement between ad hoc
tea stalls. A five-minute ride or photo opportunity costs around JD2.
Swimming
Although technically you can take a dip anywhere along the Dead Sea coast, unless you
are staying at one of the resorts it can be surprisingly difficult to reach the sea. This is es-
pecially the case as each year the sea retreats further from the shore, making it less and
