A Pink Lake in Jordan!? Check out this hidden gem!

You’ve all heard of the Dead Sea, of course. The lowest point on earth (at 435m below sea level!), the saltiest body of water where you can recline and read a newspaper without sinking, where people have sought out its beauty and healing powers for centuries? But did you know that – in the same spot – you can also find waters that are Barbie pink, Army green and Caribbean blue all within a 5 minute walk of each other? 

The Pink Lake of Jordan has been on my radar since I moved here over 2.5 years ago. But somehow, I only recently took the chance to visit it. It’s shockingly easy to stop by, anytime you are in the Dead Sea area. 

What is the pink lake?

Literally, the Pink Lake is just that. Well, more like a few ponds that are Bright Barbie Pink, or Bubblegum Pink. As well as a few ponds that are Army Green and, well, Vomit Green. It can actually range from a deep pink, like what I saw, to a lavender depending on the season and time of day. 

It’s not actually a part of the Dead Sea, at least not at this time. Rather, it’s about 200m away from the Dead Sea, closer to the highway that passes north-to-south alongside the Sea. This makes it perfect for a day trip from Amman, or a short drive from a Dead Sea resort.

How do you find it?

The Pink Lake is located on the southern end of the Dead Sea in the Jordan Rift Valley, south of the majority of the resorts and the Mall. As you are heading south, it will be on your right side, but before you reach the Potash factory. 

The easiest way to find it is via Google Maps. Just enter “Pink Lake” into your maps, and it will easily pop up. Otherwise, it’s not visible from the road, and can be easy to miss. There aren’t really any signs that indicate its presence otherwise. 

There is a small entry alongside of the road to an area where you can park. It’s very small but if you miss it, just find a place ahead to turn around and head back. You will most likely find a “parking attendant” waiting in a small, tented area. Don’t be surprised if he notes a “fee” of 2JD. He will watch your car and help guide you down the hill in return. He was also quite encouraging to me as I was huffing and puffing back up the hill in the sweltering heat of the afternoon. 🙂

Why are they so vibrantly Pink and Green?

Pink Lakes can be found all over the world. Wikipedia notes 29 different pink saline lakes around the globe – and surprisingly still misses any pink lakes in the Middle East! 

Pink lakes arise from a combination of factors, such as salt-levels, climate, and salt-tolerant algae. Normally, the presence of this algae, commonly the Dunaliella salina algae, plays a key role in the color. At extreme salinity, temperatures and light, this algae accumulates beta carotene – the same pigment that makes carrots orange – to bring the vibrant color. With the Dead Sea being so far below sea level, and some of the hottest summer months on the planet, one would think that this was the case. 

But! Surprise, surprise! The Jordan Royal Scientific Society tested the waters of the Pink Lake by the Dead Sea, and found that it’s not caused by algae! Rather, it’s caused from a salt-loving microorganism that belongs to a family of bacteria. It also has high levels of beta carotene and thrives in extreme salt concentrations. 

The Dead Sea itself is a hypersaline body of water, different than many other salt lakes, and which normally prevents any sort of bacteria – or other form of life – from growing. (It’s not called the “Dead Sea” for no reason…). But in the Pink Lake, a few sinkholes allowed rainwater and groundwater to dilute the salinity, allowing these microorganisms to grow and color the water the vibrant pink.

Even more importantly, they also found that the microorganisms pose no risk to humans or the environment. I guess that means technically you can swim in it… but I’m not sure I would. 

In addition to it being vibrantly pink and abnormally green, the area also has a strong smell of rotten eggs. This smell comes from the presence of sulphur/salt. Could you try to swim? Sure, whatever floats your boat (or in this case, your body). But the smell may be a bit off-putting.

But an environmental warning?

In its research, the Royal Scientific Society found that the presence of the Pink Lakes (and the Green Lakes) links closely with climate change as well as the region’s ongoing water crisis. The Jordan River, which feeds the Dead Sea, is at the lowest levels in its recent history, due to excessive water use, damming and competing national interests. 

The Dead Sea is shrinking at an alarming rate, which is increasing the presence of sinkholes like the Pink Lakes. As more sinkholes appear, it must be seen as a warning sign that water scarcity is worsening, and only increases the need for more regional cooperation, policy changes and shared responsibility. Even if they are pretty.

Tell me more…

As I mentioned, the lakes, aka ponds, aka sinkholes are just below the road. It’s a hike downhill to access them, as well as a hike uphill to return to your car. The Dead Sea is hot on a winter’s day, so visiting the Pink Lakes at the height of summer – when the temperatures can be 45 degrees Celsius and above – may not be the best idea. Bear this in mind for your visit. The best time to visit would be from October through April, when the temperatures in the Dead Sea are more comfortable.

Accordingly, bring water with you. There are no amenities in the area. None (no, not even toilets). 

However, in your same visit, you cannot miss the Salt Beach. Here, you will find waters of turquoise and teal, with a white beach that invites you towards it. But beware! This is not soft sand beckoning you towards it. It’s literally salt crystals, with salt formations found around as well as inside of the lagoon. This salt beach is not only beautiful, but it is a unique phenomenon across the Dead Sea in Jordan! 

The other beaches that you would visit – either at a resort or in the public beaches towards the north – don’t have water so clear nor such unique salt formations. It’s worth a visit. 

Can I swim?

Another point to beware of! On a hot day, the water calls to you – “come to me, I’ll cool you down, I’ll refresh you.” However, if this is your first experience of touching the Dead Sea, you will notice a few things: 1) the water is a bit slimy due to the high salt content and 2) it’s really not a refreshingly cool temp. 

The Salt Beach is a public beach however, and therefore one is able to enter / float in the magnificent Caribbean blues of the water here. It is an experience and one that you may be tempted to partake in.

If you choose to swim, here’s a few pointers:

• Ladies, this is a public beach and therefore, I recommend you dress modestly. A t-shirt and shorts is likely sufficient, or even a modest one-piece plus shorts. But I would not recommend a bikini out of respect for others (although its technically not illegal) and also so you aren’t at the receiving end of a diverse range of looks.
• There are no amenities here. Bring a towel, water, and be prepared for your skin (and feet) to feel slimy due to the salinity of the water. This sliminess is what brings the skin-softening powers of the Dead Sea, but can make it difficult to walk back up the hill in flip flops (take it from my personal experience). 
• Alternatively, bring water shoes and/or sneakers that you can wear up and down the hill to the parking lot. Water shoes can be beneficial for wearing in the water directly, as – again – it’s not a soft sand you are walking on.
• Although the beach looks nice to lounge on, the ground really is not. They don’t call it “rock salt” for no reason. The salt formations are rock hard, as is the ground.  
• Although I can’t condone taking from a natural, national reserve, this area is a good are for a small amount of salt harvesting. You will readily find salt “rocks” available as a souvenir. Please be considerate though, and leave some for others and for nature.

Pink is the love you discover

Aerosmith said, Pink, it’s my new obsession and Elle Woods also said “whoever said orange is the new pink is seriously disturbed”. I visit the Dead Sea regularly, most of the time to experience a day by the pool or a massage at one of my favorite luxury resorts by the water (such as the Movenpick Resort & Spa).

But in the future, I’m reminding myself that Jordan has much to offer, and a Pink Lake is only just one of many natural wonders to discover. Much more to come!