Dead Sea and Baptism Site
Float on the lowest land on earth and visit the place where tradition says Jesus was baptised.
- Duration
- Full day, about 8 hours
- Starts from
- Starts at your hotel or the airport in Amman
- Price
- Price on request
Overview
The Baptism Site, Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas), is on the east bank of the Jordan River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided walk takes you past the remains of churches and pools to the river itself, where Jordan and the West Bank face each other across a narrow stream.
Then you drive down to the Dead Sea, about 430 m below sea level, where the water is so salty that you float without trying. Allow time for the mud and for a swim, and bring something to wear that you do not mind getting salty.
Itinerary
08:30
Drive down from Amman
The road drops from the hills to the Jordan Valley.
10:00
The Baptism Site
A guided walk to the river, run by the site, in about 90 minutes.
12:30
Drive along the Dead Sea
A short stop at a viewpoint on the way.
13:30
Swim and float
At a public beach or a resort day pass, as you prefer.
16:30
Return to Amman
Back by early evening.
What is included
- A private car with air conditioning and a professional driver
- Fuel and parking for the whole day
- Bottled water in the car
- Pick-up and drop-off in Amman
What is not included
- Entrance tickets to the sites
- Meals and drinks
- A licensed site guide, if you want one
- Tips
- A beach or resort day pass at the Dead Sea
Practical tips
- Do not shave before you swim and keep the water out of your eyes: it stings.
- Wear modest clothes at the Baptism Site.
- Water shoes help on the stony and salty shore.
- Do not stay in the Dead Sea for more than about 20 minutes at a time.
Gallery
Photo credits: Photos by Jorge Láscar (CC BY 2.0), Jorge Láscar (CC BY 2.0), Ian Scott (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons.
Request this tour
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