Swimming is one of the most exhilarating and healthy forms of exercise on the planet and, while swimming in a man-made pool is enjoyable enough, there is no better feeling than taking a dip in a natural pool. While the ocean is obviously the largest natural swimming pool on the planet, there are also thousands of hidden swimming spots found on land. Whether hidden in the jungles of Samoa or found in the deserts of Arizona, the following are 10 of the most stunningly beautiful natural swimming pools on earth. Grab your bathing suits and jump right in!
To Sua Ocean Trench – Samoa
The To Sua Ocean Trench in Samoa is one of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in the world. The giant hole is filled with crystal clear sea water and visitors can access the pool via a wooden ladder, that is also used as a makeshift diving board. To Sua is without doubt one of the most magical places to swim in the world.
The Grotto – Ontario
Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario is home to a hidden secret: an underground natural swimming pool that has been carved out by the natural erosion of the water. ‘The Grotto’ is only reachable by a 30 minute trek through the park but the reward of a cool dip in incredible surroundings makes the trip more than worth it.
Kuang Si Falls – Laos
The three-tiered waterfalls of Kuang Si Falls in Laos are impressive enough but the real reason for visiting this natural wonder is to take a dip in one of the many turquoise pools that sit below the stunning falls.
Havasu Falls – Arizona, USA
In the heart of the Grand Canyon in Arizona there lies the Havasu Falls, a small piece of paradise in the dry Arizona desert. The falls themselves drop 100 feet into the pool below and, due to a high calcium-carbonate content, the blue-green colour of the water just begs to be swam in.
Blue Lagoon – Iceland
Iceland is famous for its geothermal heated sea waters and one of the best places to experience the sensation of a natural thermal spa is in the Blue Lagoon. The enormous pool is full of milky turquoise water and, while there may be snow and ice covering the ground above, the waters below are like a giant hot tub thanks to the geothermal heating from the earth’s crust.
Ik Kil Cenote – Mexico
While Ik Kil Cenote may look like a man-made pool, the breathtaking swimming spot is actually a natural sink hole in Mexico. The 130 ft deep pool is accessed via winding steps and the greenery and foliage that surrounds the swimming spot make this one of the most special places to swim on the planet.
Bimah Sink-Hole – Oman
Wadi Shab in Oman is home to waterfalls, rivers and natural pools but the main attraction is the submerged cave that offers one of the most beautiful swimming spots on the planet. The crystal clear waters of the pool and the protective shade of the cave offer the perfect oasis, away from the scorching sun.
Queen’s Bath – Hawaii
The island of Hawaii is hardly short on swimming spots but that doesn’t make Queen’s Bath any less breathtaking. The natural pool is filled with crystal clear sea water and provides a warm oasis to take a dip in during the summer months. Visitors are warned against using the pool in the winter though as the rough waters make the surrounding rocks extremely dangerous and 28 people have died after being swept out to sea.
Marieta Islands’ Hidden Beach – Mexico
On a tiny island off the coast of Mexico there lies one of the most secluded and beautiful pools on earth. Marieta Islands’ Hidden Beach is so special that the only way to access it is by swimming through an underwater tunnel that opens up into the stunning pool and beach. The private pool and sandy beach make this one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to swim on earth.
Enchanted River – Mindanao, Philippines
The ‘Enchanted River’ in the Philippines gets its name due to the fact that no one quite knows where its waters come from. The perfectly blue and crystal clear salt water of the river is a huge tourist attraction through and few people can resist taking a dip when they first see the Enchanted River.
