Dead Sea Public Beach (Amman Beach) | Dead Sea

Information

Landmark: Dead Sea Public Beach (Amman Beach)
City: Dead Sea
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Dead Sea Public Beach (Amman Beach), Dead Sea, Jordan, Asia

Amman Beach, also known as the Dead Sea Public Beach, is a designated swimming area located on the northeastern shore of the Dead Sea in the Balqa Governorate of Jordan. It is situated approximately 430 meters below sea level, functioning as a primary access point for non-resort visitors to the hypersaline lake.

Visual Characteristics

The shoreline consists of a mixture of coarse sand, gravel, and jagged, salt-encrusted rock formations. The water exhibits a deep turquoise hue, characterized by high density and extreme buoyancy due to a salt concentration of approximately 34%. At the water's edge, white crystalline salt deposits accumulate on submerged rocks and the lake bed. The surrounding terrain is arid and mountainous, featuring steep escarpments of Upper Cretaceous limestone and dolomite that rise to the east.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located 60 kilometers southwest of Amman's city center. Access is via the Dead Sea Highway (Route 65), a multi-lane road that runs parallel to the coastline. From central Amman, the drive takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes. Public transportation includes the JETT tourist bus, which departs from the 7th Circle station in Amman, and local minibuses from the Muhajireen station that stop in the nearby village of Sweimeh. On-site parking is available in a paved lot adjacent to the main entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Dead Sea is a terminal hypersaline lake situated in the Jordan Rift Valley, a pull-apart basin formed by the tectonic movement of the African and Arabian plates. It originated from the ancient Mediterranean Sea flooding the basin several million years ago, subsequently becoming landlocked. Over the Holocene period, extreme evaporation under arid conditions increased mineral concentrations, particularly magnesium, sodium, and potassium chlorides. The public beach facility was constructed by the Jordanian government to provide managed access to this geological feature.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can participate in "floating" on the water's surface, as the high mineral density prevents sinking. The shoreline provides access to black mineral mud, which is used for topical application. Freshwater showers are mandatory after exiting the water to remove salt residue. The beach is a designated point for sunset viewing across the sea toward the Judean Mountains.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes freshwater showers, changing rooms, and flushing toilets. Shaded seating areas and umbrellas are positioned along the upper terrace, though shade is limited on the immediate shoreline. On-site amenities include a cafeteria/restaurant serving simple meals, a small gift shop selling Dead Sea salt products, and a swimming pool for those preferring non-saline water. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally stable throughout the area.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal months for visiting are March to May and September to November, when air temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C. Summer temperatures (June to August) frequently exceed 40°C, making midday visits hazardous. For photography, the late afternoon "golden hour" provides diffused lighting against the western mountains. High and low tides do not occur as the Dead Sea is a landlocked lake, but the water level is currently receding at a rate of approximately one meter per year.

Facts & Legends

A prominent local legend identifies this region as the site of the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. According to the account, Lot’s wife was transformed into a pillar of salt while fleeing the cities' destruction; a specific rock formation on a nearby hillside is traditionally associated with this event. A logistical "secret" for visitors is to avoid shaving 48 hours prior to arrival, as the high salinity causes intense stinging on micro-cuts or skin abrasions.