Spending vacation days chilling in swimming pools is a great way to relax and unwind.
But as every traveler knows, the best swimming pools are the ones created by Mother Nature herself!
After all, no man made structure could ever beat the incredible beauty of natural pools. Especially not the ones we’re talking about here.
We’ve rounded up 13 stunning natural pools that you absolutely have to see (and swim in). These will have you covered no matter where in the world you travel to.
Keep reading and get set to get wet!
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1. Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Possibly one of the most well known natural pools in the world!
The Blue Lagoon is one of the 25 Wonders of the World, and the most popular tourist attraction in Iceland.
With a constant temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the Blue Lagoon offers a stark, but welcoming, contrast to the usual cold temperatures in Iceland.
The famous lagoon gets its beautiful blue colour from geothermal seawater that originates 2,000 meters beneath the surface.
It then travels through porous lava, and finally becomes a blend of sea and fresh water that undergoes a mineral exchange near the surface where concentration occurs.
The geothermal properties of the pool make it a perfect place to rest and restore your sore traveler muscles, or just relax in general.
2. Nanda Blue Hole, Vanuatu
Welcome to the South Pacific. Here, you will see some of the clearest blue water you will ever see in your life.
Surrounded by lush, green jungle and home to tons of tropical fish, this natural freshwater swimming hole will have you living the island life in no time.
This is one of those natural pools that you have to see to truly believe.
Be sure to take a mask and snorkel to truly enjoy Nanda’s beauty. This includes being able to see the bottom of the pool at its deepest point. Simply breathtaking!
3. Gunlom Plunge Pool, Australia
Gunlom Plunge Pool is located at the bottom of a beautiful seasonal waterfall in world heritage listed Kakadu National Park.
The crystal clear pools offers majestic views of the surrounding scenery.
No wonder it was recently voted as one of the top pools in Australia! It was also a contender for Australia’s best ‘secret spot’.
Getting to Gunlom requires walking up a steep hiking path, so be sure to wear your hiking boots!
If you’re keen to stay at Gunlom overnight or for a few days, the camping area includes relaxing solar powered hot showers.
4. Sliding Rock, North Carolina
Sliding rock is basically a natural water park for your enjoyment!
This natural water slide is fueled by 11,000 gallons of water flowing down the rock each minute.
Slip and slide your way down the 60-foot flat, sloping boulder before you make a splash in to the eight-foot deep plunge pool at the bottom.
As fun as Sliding Rock is, it’s also COLD! The water ranges from around 50 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Perfect for hot summer days (when Sliding Rock is extremely popular).
Sliding Rock is open all year round during daylight hours for your enjoyment.
5. Pamukkale, Turkey
These incredible natural infinity pools are a sight to be seen! In fact, Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The name, Pamukkale translates to “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, and it’s easy to see why. You will literally feel like you are floating in amongst white cotton candy clouds here.
The white travertine formations (aka the terraces) have built up over thousands of years from limestone deposited by the hot springs.
Not only is Pamukkale a sight to be seen, but you’re in for a real treat with the warm waters, with temperatures sitting at around 96 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Natural Pool, Aruba
Also known as Conchi Natural Pool, this unique swimming hole is located in Arikok National Park.
Getting to the pool is an adventure in itself. The pool is located on a deserted stretch of the country’s northeastern coastline.
Most people feel like they have discovered the pool when the finally reach it by Jeep, horseback or foot.
Surrounded by rugged rocks that with the ocean waves crashing around it, the scenery is dramatic! This makes the serene Natural Pool feel even more special – like a little hideaway in the middle of the ocean.
7. Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman
Full of dazzling turquoise water, this is one of those natural pools that is not to be missed!
A falling meteorite created the sinkhole, according to legend. This is why the locals have given it the Arabic name Hawiyyat Najm which means “the deep water pit of the falling star”.
However geologists have confirmed that the Earth’s upper crust layer collapsed because of erosion, creating the sinkhole.
Ocean surrounds the sinkhole on one side, and mountains to the other. The sinkhole is located in Hawiyat Najm Park, and a stairway leads the way down to the stunning pool.
8. Parc National de Isalo, Madagascar
Step inside the magical world of Parc National de Isalo!
Here you will find lush vegetation, deep canyons, local wildlife (like lemurs and birds) and incredible natural pools.
The park is full of a ton of hiking trails to the famous Piscine Naturelle.
Here you’ll find a natural stone cave that overlooks a crystal-clear waterfall.
The glorious waterfall tumbles into a picturesque deep green pool surrounded by overhanging pandanus trees. Aka, the perfect setting for relaxation and an Insta pic or two.
9. The Blue Pools, New Zealand
Take a wander through the incredible native forests before walking across a swing bridge to get to the breathtaking Blue Pools.
The Blue Pools are deep river pools that are located where the Blue River joins the Makarora River in the South Island of New Zealand.
The incredible blue color of the pools is a result of light refraction on the clear and icy cold water.
If you visit during the Fall and Winter, you’ll see large rainbow and brown trout migrate up the Makarora River from nearby Lake Wanaka. These trout are often seen swimming in the pools at Blue Pools.
10. Devil’s Pool, Zambia
Aka, the world’s most epic natural infinity pool!
Here, you’ll get to swim at the edge of Victoria Falls – one of the world’s largest waterfalls.
Sounds a little dangerous, right? It’s not for the faint hearted, that’s for sure.
It takes a rocky walk and swim in the Zambezi River before slipping into the natural pool. While the river waters may push you up to the edge, the rock lip stops you from going over.
As you chill at the edge of the falls, you’ll see the waters of the Zambezi crash over the cliffs a few feet away. Definitely one for the adrenaline junkies!
11. Erawan Falls, Thailand
Sit back and relax in the beautiful emerald green pool at the base of Erawan Falls, as you look up to the seven tiers of the Falls.
Located within Erawan National Park, there’s plenty to see and do once you’ve explored the pools and the falls.
This includes exploring the many caves within the park and going for hikes along the various trails.
The National Park is also known to be a safe destination for solo female travelers, with lots of rangers keeping everything in order throughout the Park. Be sure to check the Falls out if you visit Thailand.
12. Fairy Pools, Scotland
Looking like something out of a Scottish myth, the name Fairy Pools is definitely fitting! In fact, they are some of the most pristine swimming holes in the world.
On a perfectly sunny day, you can look into the turquoise waters of the pools and see the beautiful moss covered rocks at the bottom.
Located at the foot of the Black Cuillins in the Glen Brittle Forest, you will need to hike for around 40 minutes to get to the pools.
As you get closer, you’ll find a series of small waterfalls that make up the Fairy Pools – a sight to behold, that’s for sure!
Pro-tip: don’t let the pretty pools fool you. The water is cold (it is Scotland after all)!! Be sure to pack some warm clothes to change into if you do jump into the pools for a swim.
13. Queen’s Bath, Hawaii
Once used as a royal bathing place, this is one of those pools that’s fit for a Queen, King … or a thrill seeker!
Located in Princeville on the north shore of Kaua’i, this stunning pool is separated from the ocean by lava rock. The pool itself is refreshed by ocean water crashing over the lava rocks into it, and is home to some cute little sea creatures.
But here’s the thing, Queen’s Bath isn’t always a safe swimming spot. Visitors are encouraged to to avoid the pool on days when waves reach above four feet, so check the surf reports daily!
Given the pool’s proximity to the ocean, there is a risk that high waves and rough ocean can pull you into the ocean! So, proceed with caution.
The pool is generally calmer during the summer months. So, if you’re looking for a bit of adventure and you’re a strong swimmer, a summer getaway to the Queen’s Bath will be the trip for you!
14. St. Peter’s Pool, Malta
St Peter’s Pool is known as one of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in Malta.
However, just because it’s beautiful, doesn’t meant all the tourists go here. Why? Because it’s not as easy to get to as other sites in Malta!
You’ll need to park up on the main road before hiking down to the pool. Make sure you come prepared with whatever you’ll need for the day as there are limited facilities.
Once you make it down to the pool, you’ll be in for a real treat!
The crystal clear azure water provides excellent snorkelling opportunities. The flat rocks surrounding St Peter’s Pool make for the best sunbathing areas, while the high rocks offer some shade.
15. Calanque de Sugiton, France
Found along the Mediterranean coast, a calanque is a narrow, steep-walled inlet that is developed in limestone or dolomite.
Calanque de Sugiton is very well known for its beautiful waters and for being easily accessible.
Starting from Luminy University Campus, a one hour hike will lead you to the Calanque.
Here, you will find two creeks which lead to two turquoise blue pools, each with its own small pebbled beach.
Great for an afternoon swim, or that perfect Insta shot!
Which of these 15 pools will you be traveling for next? Let us know in the comments below, and happy swimming!
wow.. is very nice article, i’m very like it… good
oh my god Alyssa, this should be on my list.
THANKS FOR THIS WONDERFUL POST, REALLY AMAZING
Love the walk into blue pools, though maybe if you choose to swim, throw on 5mm wetsuit, as the water is bloody cold. Drive along Hasst highway to get to blue pools also well worth it
Would love to get to Iceland and Blue Lagoon. You keep adding to my Wonderlust bucket list.