Visiting the Lifeless Sea: Israel vs. Jordan

Are you questioning which facet visiting the Lifeless Sea is best? Learn alongside to seek out out!

I just lately had the chance to go to Israel and Jordan and explored the Lifeless Sea from each international locations.

On this weblog publish, I’m going to match the expertise we had in each locations. 

What’s the Lifeless Sea?

The Lifeless Sea is a landlocked sea that has turn into common for its excessive salinity ranges which may make you float effortlessly in its waters.

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

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

The place is the Lifeless Sea positioned?

The Lifeless Sea is positioned between Southern Israel and West Financial institution to the west, and Jordan to the east.

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

Due to this fact, it’s positioned within the Center East within the continent of Asia. 

Why is the Lifeless Sea well-known?

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

Additionally, the Lifeless Sea is the bottom land elevation on Earth – 430 meters under sea degree.

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

Why is it referred to as the Lifeless Sea?

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

No animals or vegetation can survive dwelling in it so the dearth of aquatic life has led individuals to call it the “Lifeless Sea.”

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

Additionally, you’ll not see any ships within the Lifeless Sea as a result of the excessive salinity will injury them. Due to this fact, you will note no fish, vegetation, or boats within the Lifeless Sea.

Can the Lifeless Sea salt be eaten?

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

Evaluating visiting the Lifeless Sea between Israel and Jordan

Many individuals marvel what the distinction between the 2 international locations is and the place they need to go to expertise the Lifeless Sea. Hopefully, this publish will shed some mild on that.

The Lifeless Sea in Israel

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

What was the Lifeless Sea like on the Israel facet?

The water of the Lifeless Sea seems very oily and thick. Your complete sea flooring was coated in these small salt balls which had been actually sharp on the ft.

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’s sand earlier than you attain the water the place you possibly can put down your towel and belongings.

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

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

Across the Lifeless Sea, you will note principally desert landscapes with only a few vegetation. On one facet you will note mountains and on the opposite facet is the Lifeless Sea. 

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

Is it protected to swim within the Lifeless Sea?

Sure, it’s protected to swim within the Lifeless Sea however it is advisable to comply with all the security measures once you do. It’s worthwhile to restrict your floating periods to twenty min max at a time.

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

Due to this fact, it is advisable to drink loads of water throughout and after the remaining interval.

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

Additionally, it is advisable to watch out once you enter the ocean.

What’s one of the simplest ways to enter the Lifeless Sea?

By no means you have to be diving into the Lifeless Sea! The salinity is extraordinarily excessive and can harm your eyes.

Strategy 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 harm when you dip within the water.

When you attain the water principally simply sit within the water slowly. You don’t need to make a giant splash and get the water in your eyes or mouth.

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

You’ll not sink even in the event you attempt to. I can by no means float so this was an incredible expertise for me. And if I can float so are you able to!!

Be sure to have sunscreen in your face and abdomen space if you are floating as a result of the solar is extremely robust.

What are a few of the Lifeless Sea lodges in Israel?

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

It’s a small strip with a mall, retailers, and some eating places. Total, the resort wasn’t too dangerous however be sure to 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 plenty of choices.

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

They one way or the other use a few of the water from the Lifeless Sea to replenish these swimming pools so that you don’t even need to go to the seaside.

The gang was principally older individuals which is smart contemplating that the ocean is getting used for lots of remedies akin to 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.

Nonetheless, the Lifeless Sea is slowly shrinking by a couple of meter yearly which is why now you need to stroll to the seaside.

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

Was there a Spa within the resort?

Sure, 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 Lifeless Sea.

The Spa was very fashionable and there was all the time a lineup to ebook any therapy. I did a Lifeless Sea mud wrap and a calming therapeutic massage.

The mud wrap consists of the esthetician overlaying 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’re carrying a showering swimsuit whereas they’re doing the mud wrap so don’t fear, you received’t be bare. They cowl you all over the place together with your face.

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

After they do the mud wrap, your pores and skin will really feel so smooth and rejuvenated. Each procedures had been nice and after them, I felt like 1,000,000 bucks.

Extremely suggest using the spa packages within the resort to ebook a pleasant and enjoyable expertise. It’s completely price it!!

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

I’ve used merchandise from the Lifeless 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 have been a ton of choices when it comes to merchandise and value factors.

Among the major manufacturers from the Lifeless Sea are Ahava, Premier (pricier), Sea of Spa (reasonably priced) and so forth.

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

Are the Lifeless Sea merchandise good?

Sure, I really like all of the Lifeless Sea merchandise that I’ve tried up up to now. My favourite is the Lifeless Sea mud masks, it actually helps with pimples and detoxifies your pores and skin.

You possibly can see a visual distinction after utilizing it which is uncommon with regards to skincare merchandise (normally it is advisable to use the product for a while earlier than you possibly can see outcomes).

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

Additionally, 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 Lifeless Sea.

I’m not a shower particular person so I’ve not tried the bathtub salts however they’re common as nicely.

How usually do you employ the Lifeless Sea mud masks?

In line with the directions on the package deal, it’s best to use the mud masks twice every week or no less than as soon as every week.

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

If in case you have dry or delicate pores and skin do it solely as soon as every week.

Suggestions for visiting the Lifeless Sea in Israel

• Carry water/swimming sneakers to keep away from your ft getting scratched
• Don’t enter you probably 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 may get broken by the salt
• You possibly can put on your regular bathing swimsuit as a result of you’ll be in a resort and it is going to be all vacationers round you
• Don’t keep within the water for greater than 20 min at a time, lay down afterward for no less than 15 min and drink plenty of water. In any other case, you’ll get actually dehydrated. 

Total expertise visiting the Lifeless Sea in Israel

Total, we actually preferred the Lifeless Sea on the Israel facet: we floated effortlessly and cherished the Lifeless Sea pool within the resort which was very handy, and total preferred the resort.

The Israel facet of the Lifeless Sea appears far more salty and oily than the Jordan facet.

The seafloor of the Israel facet was fully coated in salt balls (sharp on the ft) and we didn’t see any mud.

Due to this fact, in case you are extra within the salt, the Israel facet has loads of it.

The Lifeless Sea in Jordan

Once we visited the Lifeless Sea on the Jordan facet we had been on the alternative facet of the ocean each size and width-wise.

We had been on the northeast facet of the ocean (in Israel we had been on the southwest) which might be why it seemed so completely different.

What was the Lifeless Sea like on the Jordan facet?

The Lifeless Sea on the Jordanian facet appeared so much much less salty and oily. It was nonetheless sufficient to drift however not as concentrated as on the Israeli facet.

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

There have been no waves; the water was heat and shallow. Nonetheless, it was not as shallow because the Israel facet.

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 may simply go and assist themselves.

Listed below 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. Simply use your palms and apply it as you’re making use of lotion. Have somebody do your again.

Then take some humorous pics coated in mud. As soon as finished, sit and look forward to about 20-30 minutes with the mud on you. Or till it dries off and begins flaking.

Nonetheless, you probably 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 take a second to scrub up as it is vitally thick. That’s it!

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

Can the Lifeless Sea mud be used on the face?

Sure, completely! It helps with pimples and it detoxifies and purifies your pores and skin!

I wished to take a complete bucket house! Remember that the black mud does have a definite earthy scent to it however it isn’t disagreeable. 

What are a few of the Lifeless Sea lodges in Jordan

The resort’s identify was the Lifeless Sea Spa Resort, however we didn’t truly keep within the resort in a single day.

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

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

The resort was stunning and it appeared so much newer and fancier. It had common swimming pools, a water slide, and retailers.

Take a look at this video of the property: Lifeless Sea Spa Resort, Jordan

We didn’t spend plenty of time within the resort however total it seemed good. Additionally, there’s a spa on this resort in the event you resolve you need to do any remedies.

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

I received a couple of merchandise from Jordan as nicely simply to have the ability to evaluate them higher. Nonetheless, as I discussed earlier it’s far more costly to purchase them in Jordan as a consequence of their excessive forex.

It appeared like they’d very related merchandise: mud masks, exfoliants, face lotions, and so forth. I received one other mud masks simply to match the 2 and up to now I actually prefer it.

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

Additionally, the buckets of mud are very heavy so simply received the mud masks.

Among the Jordanian Lifeless Sea manufacturers are Bio Spa, Lifeless Sea Treasures, Bloom, Sensation, and so forth.

Suggestions for visiting the Jordan facet of the Lifeless Sea

• Don’t put on your nicest bathing swimsuit or one that’s white as a result of the mud may stain it 
• Put on the mud for 20 to 30 min max or till it’s totally dry after which wash it off
• Swim solely within the designated space on the seaside
• The identical 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 no less than 15 min and drink plenty of water. In any other case, you’ll get actually dehydrated. 
• You possibly can put on your regular bathing swimsuit as a result of you’ll be in a resort and it is going to be all vacationers round you

Total expertise of visiting the Lifeless Sea in Jordan

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

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

They’d showers on the seaside and changerooms within the resort. Due to this fact, 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.   

Total winner after evaluating the Lifeless Sea between Israel and Jordan

The ocean on either side is extraordinarily salty and oily however it appeared far more so in Israel. The Jordan facet had extra of the black mud on the shores.

You possibly can comfortably float in each international locations. By way of the lodges, I feel the one in Jordan was newer and fancier nonetheless the one in Israel had the within Lifeless Sea swimming pools and was cheaper.

I cherished the spa remedies that I did in Israel. From what I noticed in each international locations, the lodges are resort model and so they all appeared related to one another.

If you wish to buy any Lifeless Sea merchandise (and it’s best to) it is going to be so much cheaper to take action in Israel.

It’s about the identical quantity of driving in each instances (1hr from Jerusalem or Amman).  

Conclusion: Evaluating the Lifeless Sea between Israel and Jordan

We each cherished the Lifeless Sea, the floating is calming and enjoyable.

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

I’d extremely suggest visiting the Lifeless Sea however I can’t actually choose one county over the opposite. Whichever one you select, you should have an incredible expertise that can stick with you for the remainder of your life.