Every one loves taking a dip in the clearest of waters on a beautiful
hot summers day. So if you are missing the summer already then check
out our list of 35 of the most clearest waters in the world to swim, do
some underwater exploring, and come back with amazing photographs.
1. Linapacan Island, Palawan, Philippines
1. Linapacan Island, Palawan, Philippines
This island is in a remote province and home to many beaches with
super clear water. The island has a population of just 14,180 people.
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2. The Maldives
The 26 atolls that make up the Maldives sit in the Indian Ocean about
400km southwest of the tip of the subcontinent. Abundant reef wildlife
(including whale sharks) + incredibly clear waters bring in a lot of
tourists.
3. Bodrum, Turkey
Along the southern coast of the peninsula of the same name, Bodrum
has an ancient history and was the site of one of the 7 Wonders of the
Ancient World (the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus). It also has some
amazingly clear water.
4. Cayo Coco, Cuba
A resort island on Cuba’s north coast, Cayo Coco is linked to the
mainland by a 27km causeway. The adjacent reef and clear waters have
earned international recognition as a diving destination.
5. Cala Macarelleta, Menorca, Spain
At the south end of the Mediterranean island of Menorca, the beach
at Cala Macarelleta can only be reached on foot or by boat — probably
one of the least-crowded beaches you’ll find in Spain and perfect if
like to take a swim alone.
6. To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa
To Sua Ocean Trench is a clear water pool located in Lotofaga
village. To Sua means ‘big hole’ and has been converted into a large
swimming area. A ladder is installed on side for visitors to access this
30 meters deep pool.
7. Crater Lake, Oregon
Visibility in Crater Lake has been measured at 43.3m — among the
highest in the world. There is only one access point down to the lake — a
steep, mile-long trail. It is easy enough to get down but the climb
back can be tiring. So best decide if it’s worth the swim before
venturing down.
8. Bak Bak Beach, Borneo
This unique beach is made up of mostly stone and you can find some interesting sea life here.
9. Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan, China
In the north of Sichuan province, the Jiuzhaigou Valley is a
national park, nature reserve, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. In
addition to several crystal-clear lakes, it’s a region of multi-tiered
waterfalls and snowy mountains. Tourism arrived late but is growing
strong, and while swimming isn’t allowed…there’s always nighttime skinny
dipping.
10. Sabah, Malaysia
Another one from the remote Malaysian state, which covers the
northern portion of Borneo and is ringed by reef-rich islands. This
photo was taken near Semporna, which is a hub for people who come to
dive Malaysian Borneo.
11. Jenny Lake, Wyoming
Jenny Lake sits right below the peak of Grand Teton and is a
landmark for many hiking trails, backcountry trails, and climbing
routes. Despite the fact that motorboats are allowed on the lake, its
waters are still considered pristine.
12. Rio Sucuri, Brazil
Located in the Pantanal region of Brazil, Rio Sucuri is a spring-fed
river that has some of the measurably clearest water on Earth. Multiple
tour outfits run trips that let you snorkel the river.
13. Calanque de Sormiou, France
Calanques are steep-walled coves, and there’s a series of them along
the 20km stretch of coast between Marseille and Cassis. Sormiou is one
of the largest of these, and it’s popular for its nearby climbing routes
as well as its beach.
14. Panari Island, Okinawa, Japan
Panari, also called Aragusuku, is one of the Yaeyama Islands, the
most remote area of Japan. The islands are also known as one of the
world’s best diving destinations, having a number of coral species and
marine lives as large as those in the Great Barrier Reef. (Over 400
types of corals, 5 types of sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and
all kinds of tropical fish species all live around Okinawa.)
15. Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
The most populous town in the Galapagos still sits right up next to
some amazingly clear ocean water. Even here in Academy Bay, you can see
pelicans, iguanas, sea lions, herons, rays, and other iconic wildlife.
16. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
The photo above was taken in the Bonsai Rock area, on the east shore of the lake, which apparently flies under the radar.
17. Cayos Cochinos, Honduras
The Cayos Cochinos is a unique retreat for travelers looking to
escape urban landscapes and crowded tourism centers. The islands have no
roads, thus no cars or bikes and all areas are accessed by hiking.
The perfect place for a secluded swim.
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18. Primosten, Croatia
Primosten is most famous for its vineyards, in addition to beaches that have been voted the best in the country.
19. St. George, Bermuda
The oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the New
World features many historic forts, like the small Gates Fort pictured
above. Also: some damn clear water that calls out for you to take a
swim.
20. Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
Visit on a weekend during high season and you’ll be surrounded by
busloads of tourists. Best to visit on a slow day with clear conditions,
it’s some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii.
21. Pupu Springs, New Zealand
At the very top of the South Island, on Golden Bay, the photographer
says: “14000 liters of crystal clear water comes out of these springs
per second!”
22. Calanque d’En-Vau, France
Another calanque on the southern coast of France, d’En-Vau has a
narrower, steeper channel than Sormiou, giving a real feeling of
seclusion and emphasizing the clarity of the water in this cove.
23. Rio Azul, Argentina
The entire Rio Azul waters come from the glaciers and snowfields of
the Andes and the water is so incredibly clear and pure that its
possible to drink.
24. Corfu, Greece
Corfu sits in the Ionian Sea, off the northwest coast of Greece.
Prior to the 1900s, most of the tourists that visited were European
royalty. Today, its crystal clear waters draw a lot of package-tours to
swim in the waters.
25. Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Aitutaki is one of 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands. It has a
population of approximately 2,000. and is the second most visited
island of the Cook Islands.
26. Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand
Made famous when its smaller neighbor, Koh Phi Phi Leh, was used as
the filming location for The Beach, the main island sees a lot of
traffic from both backpackers and luxury travelers these days. Water
like this is a big part of the draw.
27. Playa Blanca, Colombia
This is a 45-minute boat ride from Cartagena and well worth the
trip. In between swims in that crystal-clear blue water, be sure to snag
some fresh ceviche from one of the vendors walking up and down the
beach.
28. Blue Lake, New Zealand
One of many bodies of water in this list that someone or other has
claimed has the clearest water in the world, Blue Lake is located in
Nelson Lakes National Park, in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
29. Königssee, Germany?
This one’s made the rounds on the internet, but no one really seems
to know where it was taken, or by whom. The best guess I found was the
Königssee, a lake in southern Bavaria, near the border with Austria. If
you have any info, clue us in.
30. Valle Verzasca, Switzerland
The clear waters of the Verzasca River run for 30km through this
rocky valley in southern Switzerland. A dam of the same name, featured
in the James Bond movie GoldenEye, blocks the river’s flow and forms
Lago di Vogorno. Just downstream from it, the river empties into Lake
Maggiore.
31. Tioman Island, Malaysia
This photo comes from the town of Kampung Genting on Tioman Island, off
the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. Away from its beaches, there’s
significant rainforest terrain in the interior, where you can see the
endemic soft-shelled turtle and the Tioman walking catfish.
32. Belo Sur Mer, Madagascar
Belo Sur Mer is a super-isolated section of coastline known for
diving, fishing and the fact that almost no one makes the trip down
there for a swim.
33. Lake Marjorie, California
Lakes in the High Sierra come in a number of colors, this particular
one has an aquamarine “swimming pool” tint. Crater Mountain dominates
the skyline, with Pinchot Pass to the south.
34. Dog Island, San Blas, Panama
Another from Scott Sporleder, here is a shot from one of Panama’s
San Blas Islands, the largest of the politically autonomous reservations
of the Kuna Indians.
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35. Mystery spot
Another unidentified location that would be perfect for a swim. Anyone have an idea?
