7 Crazy Cool Places to Swim in the World (You’ll Want to Dive In Now!)

“It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy…” And when temps rise, we like to cool off at our local sandy beaches and lakes.

We’re fortunate we have wonderful natural swimming spots in Victoria, Canada, where we live.

Thankfully, though, the world is chock-full of crazy beautiful beaches and great places to swim!

Insanely cool places to swim in the world

Some of the most unique places to swim in the world are Mexico’s underground cenotes in the Riviera Maya. And we’ve enjoyed swimming in the pools at the base of some of Maui’s waterfalls.

1) Gippsland Lakes, Australia

The star trails ensure that the Gippsland Lakes will be one of the most magical places you’ll ever get the chance to swim.

Dreamy starry nights aside, there’s something else that makes this place worthwhile to visit.

The waters in the area are filled with a special kind of dinoflagellate.

When the water is disturbed, they create a fantastic bioluminescent effect. They look link thousands of tiny twinkling stars in the water.

So now you can swim amongst the stars, quite literally.

No doubt about it. These Australian lakes are one of the best places to go swimming.

Of course, don’t miss the chance to spot the Aurora Australis if you’re in the area. No Vegas light show will ever match what nature has on display.

2) Havasu Falls, Arizona, United States

Among the vast redness of the Grand Canyon lies one of the most beautiful places to swim in Arizona – maybe even one of the best swimming holes in the U.S.

This hidden gem – Havasu Falls – lies on Havasupai territory, which is native land. If you want to swim at the base of these 100-foot falls, you’ll need a permit.

Oh, and since the area is so inaccessible, you’ll have to hike all the way there. Hikers reading this will gleefully tap their feet in anticipation of the challenge.

Even if you’re not particularly fond of hiking, all those thoughts will disappear once the falls caress your skin – perfect after a hot Arizonian day!

3) The Blue Grotto, Croatia

The Adriatic island of Vis in Croatia hides some truly mystical places to swim.

On a day tour from Split or Dubrovnik, you can hop on a small boat to go inside the Blue Grotto cave.

Travelers are usually taken here just before noon because that’s when the cave is most spectacular. The sea takes the sun’s rays and splashes them throughout the limestone cave to create a mesmerizing blue effect.

Now, you can’t actually swim in Croatia’s Blue Cave, as it’s so busy! Boats sometimes wait hours to enter the cave.

But you can swim in a similar nearby cavern, called the Green Grotto. As you might expect, instead of the sapphire blue, you’re met with an emerald green hue.

And there are lots of other wonderful places to swim in Dubrovnik, Vis and elsewhere around Croatia’s gorgeous Dalmatian Islands.

4) Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman

One of the world’s most interesting natural swimming holes is found a short drive away from Oman’s capital of Muscat.

The Bimmah Sinkhole can be found within Hawiyat Najm Park. The area has picnic sites to make your visit more pleasant.

As for the water in this beautiful sinkhole? It’s the very definition of “crystal clear,” with limestone reflections giving it its emerald green color.

We wouldn’t call it a place to cool off, so to speak, as the water is actually quite warm.

Still, it’s probably better than the hot Oman sun. Swim with the little fishes that hang out there, or observe the sea turtles coming up for air just a few hundred feet away.

5) Kuang Si Falls, Laos

The area around Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and with good reason.

Not only do the villages have their usual East-Asian architectural merit, but the unspoiled natural splendor of the place will have your jaw on the floor in no time.

You can also find one of the most serene places to swim here.

After haggling your way through the myriad of tuk-tuk drivers offering to take you to Kuang Si, you’re in for a treat. The tropical trees leave only threads of light touching the warm crystalline waters.

The best part about Kuang Si are the vines that hang from the trees. Experience the feeling of being Tarzan for a day, and swing from tree to tree.

Or dive right into the water for a big splash. These are some of the best waterfalls to swim in! Just be careful of the swimmers below.

You might find some less visited, secret pools if the crowds are too much, though we won’t spoil the surprise.

6) Llyn Cau, Wales

Situated in the impressive Welsh mountain range of Cadair Idris, Llyn Cau is a deep blue lake surrounded by steep walls that remind us of a natural citadel.

It’s one of those places to swim if you’re a writer looking for inspiration.

Not surprisingly, local legends say that anyone who sleeps on the summit of Cadair Idris will wake up a poet. Of course, the same myths imply that you might wake up a madman.

Nonetheless, you’ll definitely enjoy the quiet surroundings. Those looking to get away from the usual racket of tourist traps will especially appreciate the place.

7) Deception Island, Antarctica

We don’t think anyone packs a swimsuit for their Antarctica cruise.

Who would be crazy enough to take a dip in the freezing waters of the south? A lot of people, apparently – near the comically-named Deception Island, one of the best places to visit in Antarctica.

If you want a place to swim that gives you the ultimate in bragging rights, this is it. It’s probably the coolest place to swim in the world! (Oh, bad pun.)

Of course, don’t expect to splash around like at your local swimming pool. Most often, people take a short plunge and then scurry back to the ship’s crew, waiting for you with fresh towels.

So your Antarctica swim will be short.

But you can console yourself the rest of your trip by peeking at playful penguins sliding down snow-covered slopes and wondrous icebergs more humongous than most buildings.

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Photo credits: 3 Alltournative Ecological Adventures | 11 Oceanwide Expeditions

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