We visited the place with a small group in a guided tour. The guide updated us in advance that it is almost impossible to predict how the visit will go and he was correct. We had fantastic time there as we came in parallel to a group from South America that sang songs and made a ceremony and this gave the entire place a magical feeling If not - it is a nice place to visit, more impactful if you are Christian

According to Christian tradition, Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan on this site by his cousin, John the Baptist. For those of us who were brought up on hymns which proclaim "Jordan River is chilly and cold" the site may be a tad disappointing. The River Jordan is muddy and narrow here, but as with many other things in the Holy Land, imagination supplants reality. Believers who visit this site will probably be strengthened in their faith.

There are other places purporting to be the site of jesus' baptism, especially Yardenit near Lake Galilee, but this is much the most likely. It is truly in the wilderness, with murky sandy waters these days. It is hard to apoproach, as it is right on the border between Israel and Jordan (and can be reached from either side) and on the edge of a minefield. Its simplicity makes it truly memorable.

We visited with a tour group, and during the time we were there saw a lot of other groups come through, some just to look, others to be baptized. I'm not sure how confident anyone is that this is the actual site where Jesus was baptized, but it was a nice experience to talk with our guide about the scriptural accounts, and to see the Joran River. The river is pretty slow-moving with a lot of sediment this close to the Dead Sea. We spent about an hour here, although without a guide's talk, less time would likely be fine.

The site of Christ's baptism by St. John The Baptist on the River Jordan is very interesting and must be experienced on any trip to the Holy Land. At the site, both banks (on the Israeli side and on the opposite bank on the Jordanian side) facilities have been developed with steps leading down into the water. Both sides have shaded pavilions and the Israeli side has several small altars nearby. The Jordan River, however, is not how one might picture it: It is small, narrow (only about 15-20 feet wide), and very muddy with a strand of barbed wire running down the center to mark and guard the border. Other than at the built up and developed steps, both banks are very overgrown with weeds and shrubs. Border guards sit at picnic tables on either side to guard the border between Jordan and Israel. The site is located in the West Bank and has been a contested area for years. The approach to the site is down a narrow road with signs on either side warning of the danger of the minefields just beyond the fencing.

This is right on the banks of the Jordan river which is very narrow at this point and therefore can be reached from either Jordan or Israel. We joined it from the latter although I don’t think the experience is different from either side. As it is right on the border there is a lot of security before you get to the site. You won’t need long there - assuming you are only looking and the site. This is reality is just a narrow dirty looking part of the river but, for religious reasons, is extremely important to pilgrims. While we were there a party of pilgrims were being baptised (again I assume) in the river. This was interesting to watch what it meant to the people. You won’t need long but recommended

Jordan River flows from Lebanon, to the Sea of Galilee and end in the Dead Sea. It borders Israel, Syria and Jordan. Numerous events of this river were written in the Bible. Abraham allowed Lot to choose the fertile valley land at the Jordan River. Joshua defeated the Cannanites and his priests carried the Ark of the Covenant across this river. Prophet Elijah and Elisha performed miracles in here. We are at the baptismal site in Jordan River. In the New Testament, John the Baptist preached on its river bank. He baptised Jesus with water. During the baptism, God proclaimed His Son, with a Dove descending upon Jesus. The Baptism of Christ is a milestone. It heralds the start of his ministry.

We visited here on a coach day trip. We wandered down to the river and saw the baptism of a member of our party being carried out. It was and is a place of great significance for Christians although the Jordanians would claim that the true site is on their side. The site is well laid out with good facilities - however the muddy river looked quite uninviting. What is quite sobering is the signs of conflict which still exist away in the desert.

Very cool to see the place where Jesus was baptized... according to my research anyhow. Jordan border is a stone throws away too which added to the experience. You do have to drive through the DMZ to get there but again I think that adds to the overall experience of traveling to far away lands.

As to where exactly Jesus was baptized was still being debated today. My mother also had the opportunity to renew her baptism 15 years ago during their Holy Land pilgrimage in Yardenit, and they were issued a "baptismal certificate". Here in Qasr al-Yahud, we're not sure if our tour operator coordinated its issuance (coz we were issued a "Wedding Certificate" in Cana, a certificate for sailing on a Jesus Boat in Sea of Galilee and a Certificate of Appreciation issued by no less than the Tourism Minister of Israel.). It could have been great if we were also issued a Certificate of Baptism here.