11 natural swimming pools from all over the world
Are you one of those people who can’t resist discovering new places to swim? Here are the 11 most captivating natural swimming pools we have selected.
Pack your swimsuit in your suitcase, get in the mood for adventure and take a look at these 11 of our favorite swimming spots.
Cenote Ik Kil, Mexico
Cenote Ik Kil, located on the Yucatán Peninsula in southeastern Mexico, was a large pothole first used by the Mayans for human sacrifice to the rain god. But you don’t have to worry; In this place where the ritual of sacrifice is no longer practiced, all you will encounter is pure happiness! The 35-metre all-natural well was formed by the collapse of a cave and is a popular stopover for visitors to see the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. To get down to the water, you have to use the steps carved into the limestone. As this place can get pretty crowded, you may need to drop by a little early if you want to dive into the water at its calmest time. Once you’ve had enough swimming, you can also have lunch at the traditional Mexican buffet restaurant on site.
Blue Lake, Grindavik, Iceland
Considered one of the world’s top tourist destinations, the Blue Lake offers a refreshing and scenic swimming opportunity. Located 50 minutes’ drive from Reykavik, this artificial lagoon in Grindavik was created in the late 1970s and contains 5.6 million liters of geothermal seawater from the depths of the earth. Thanks to its 38-degree temperature, it is guaranteed that you will enjoy a relaxing and warm swim here all year round. The waters are believed to have “healing power” and are rich in silica and sulfur minerals. You can also find various luxuries here: you can rub silica mud on your face for softer skin, visit the waterfall that relieves shoulder pain, and get an underwater massage. The keyword of Blue Lake is comfort!
Hamilton Pool Nature Reserve, Dripping Springs, Texas, USA
If you think Texas is all about cowboy hats and boots, you’re wrong. This is also where Hamilton Pool is located, one of the most wonderful natural swimming pools in the USA. About 37 miles from Austin, Texas, this lush natural pool features a 15-foot waterfall and is surrounded by giant limestone rocks. Reservation is required to enter Hamilton Pool, so be sure to make a reservation on their website before coming here. The pool becomes a very popular spot on hot Texas days, with queues up to an hour long. It takes a steep 800-metre journey to reach it, but when you finally reach it, one of the best swimming opportunities Texas has to offer awaits you. If you forgot to bring a picnic basket, you can grab a bite at the nearby “It’s All Good BBQ” restaurant.
Blue Hole, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
No matter how hard it may be to leave the beaches of Jamaica and travel deep into the country, once you get into this natural swimming pool, you will never want to go out again. The road to the Blue Hole is quite challenging, so you should make sure you have a car that can handle the journey. You can also stop by Dunn’s River Falls on your way to this swimming area. Adventure lovers can dive into the 9-meter pool with the Tarzan rope dangling from above, but there is no problem for those who do not care about entering the water slowly and gliding.
Little River Canyon, Alabama, USA
The name may be misleading – Little River Canyon is not small at all. This stunning pit is 19 km long and is filled with steep rocks and sandstones that can be used for submersion. Considered one of the cleanest and wildest streams of the south, this river begins at Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia and ends in Fort Payne, Alabama. These pristine waters, where you can descend from three ropes hanging outside the pit, offer a unique feeling of refreshment and freshness that you can only find in natural waters. If you are planning a trip that lasts more than one day, you can rent one of the cottages in the area and spend a relaxed weekend in the heart of nature.
Enfield and Lucifer Falls, Ithaca, New York, USA
Get away from the sweltering heat of the city and visit Robert H. Treman Park on the outskirts of New York to understand what waterfall paradise is all about. When you start your day with a hike along the Gorge Trail, you’ll encounter 12 waterfalls on your way, including the impressive 35-metre Lucifer Falls. When you reach Enfield Falls, also known as Lower Falls, you’re ready to splash around. Dive into the swimming lake at the bottom of Enfield Falls and enjoy swimming amidst peaceful nature. Don’t forget to pack a picnic basket that you can enjoy after hiking and swimming, as there are also grills and picnic facilities in the area.
Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland
We don’t know if there’s something magical going on when you enter the clear blue lake and waterfalls of Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, but these blue and pink-toned waters really conjure up images of fairytale realms. Located at the foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle, Fairy Pools is ideal for swimming. Although the waters look warm from the outside, they are actually on the cold end of the thermometer. After all, you are in Scotland! After an invigorating swim, you’re ready to warm up with a hot drink. The answer you’re looking for might be the Wee Tea Room, a small family-run business in Eynort in the middle of the moor.
Cummins Falls State Park, Tennessee, USA
Located halfway between Nashville and Knoxville, this swimming pool is truly one of America’s hidden wonders. This area, where large herds of buffalo roam, was one of the areas where Indians hunted frequently, so finding an arrowhead in the river is not that unusual. Cummins Falls is not a place for amateurs. To reach the rope that will bring you to the water’s edge, you have to hike, wade through shallow water and climb. Although the hike only takes 4km, the level of activity makes it a place for adventure enthusiasts. Make sure to include your walking shoes, swimsuit, and slippers among the ones you will take with you, and don’t forget to check the weather forecast as sudden rains can create a flood. To cool off, you can jump into the forest green water and swim under the magnificent waterfalls.
Erawan Waterfall, Thailand
The clear waters, lush trees and sunlight filtering through the seven waterfalls come together to ensure one of the most captivating swimming experiences of your life. It takes almost four hours to walk around the entire area, which is named after Erawan, a three-headed white elephant, according to Hindu legend. It is also possible to extend this period a little longer by enjoying the fish-filled waters and exploring the surrounding caves. If you plan to explore Erawan in a few days, there are also countless hotels in the area to choose from.
Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls, Zambia
The Devil’s Pool sits atop the famous and stunning Victoria Falls. There is a 110-meter cliff right next to the natural swimming pool. This place is “open” only during the dry months (May to October) when the water level of Victoria Falls is low enough for the pool to emerge. The waters of the waterfall, which is the largest waterfall in the world pouring out of a single water bed and called “Rumbling Smoke” in the local language, can be seen even from afar. But you don’t have to worry, there are guides to ensure your safety and we recommend that you take a camera (waterproof!) with you to immortalize this view.
Cyprus Lake Cavern, Ontario, Canada
Cyprus Lake Cavern in Bruce Peninsula National Park is a natural well filled with magnificent turquoise waters surrounded by a giant cave. This unique place is frequently visited by lovers of hiking and nature. The cave was formed when waves from Georgian Bay broke up the rock formation over time. As you pass the giant boulders, you can see the glowing underwater tunnel exposed by the sunlight. Once inside, you can enjoy the crystal clear waters for a swim. In addition to swimming, you can also try canoeing or go scuba diving in Caribbean-like waters at Indian Head Bay, another popular tourist destination. Don’t worry if all this variety of activities leaves you hungry and tired; You can find numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area.
