15 Picturesque Natural Swimming Pools Around The World That Would Leave You Spellbound

Crystal-Clear Freshwater, No Salt & Chlorine! Yes! You got that right. Soothe Your Soul At These Picturesque Natural Swimming Pools Around The World. These natural pools are no ordinary ones and swimming here would be once in a lifetime experience. While swimming pools and beaches are too common and crowded, head to these semi-isolated pristine locations of the world that make for the perfect Monsoon Destinations in the form of the most beautiful and Natural Swimming Pools in the world. From Lakes to Lagoons and Caves to Holes we have discovered everything for that instagrammable post in your feed. 

1. Hamilton Pool Preserve - USA

Not a centuries-old natural pool, this natural swimming pool is formed just a few years ago when a massive cave fell into the Hamilton Creek at it led to the formation of a gorgeous natural emerald pool. Consistent water erosion in the place created this stunning natural pool surrounded by stalactites, moss, fern, and swallows.  making it one of the most stunning places in the world. 

Image Credit: Tripsavvy

Highlight: The 50-foot waterfall never dries out, not even during a drought!
Where: Hamilton Pool Preserve is in Texas, USA. You have to reserve beforehand on their website. The cheapest way to get from Austin to Hamilton Pool Preserve costs only $3, and the quickest way takes just 46 mins

2. Bimmah Sinkhole - Oman

A west-Asian country, Oman is one of the unexplored and most beautiful tourist places in the world. An astronomical wonder hid in shape of this geographical beauty, Bimmah Sinkhole is believed to be created by a meteor striking. The same is where it gets its name from, Bimmah Sinkhole in Arabic means Meteor Fall Park. However, in reality, this natural pool is a result of falling rocks and mineral erosion.

Image Credit: Wonder mondo

Highlight: The sinkhole is linked to the ocean through a network of underground tunnels bringing in beautiful small sea-fishes and other pleasant water creatures
Where: For those traveling from Al Sharqiyah to Muscat, this can be a nice day trip option. It is housed in the Hawiyam Najm Park

3. Cummins Falls - USA

Another wonder of the world located in the United States Of America, this natural swimming pool formed by the 75 ft high Cummins Falls will leave you spellbound by all means. The Cummins Falls State Park where the waterfall and this natural pool is a much sought after hiking and picnicking spots. 

Image Credit: media2.trover

Highlight: The 4-kilometer circular path trek to access the falls
Where: Tennessee, United States of America

4. Gunlom Plunge Pool - Australia

The down-under country of Australia is one such beautiful place. The Gunlom Plunge natural swimming pool in the Northern Territory of Australia is a gorgeous natural pool looking over an equally stunning landscape. The pool is in the middle of a Waterfall Creek and provides a great opportunity for hiking. And believe us, the hike is more than worth for the national park views it offers. It's the magical combination of a waterfall and serene plunge pool, with shady gums.

Image Credit: Australia Swims

Highlight: There are plenty of other day-tripping options in and around Gunlom Plunge Pool too for those eager to explore
Where:  Cushily nestled in the Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

5. Devil’s Pool - Zambia

Zambia, a landlocked country in Southern Africa is a rare name when it comes to the most beautiful places in the world. The Devil’s is a massive infinity pool which gets this name because it looks dangerous, wild, crazy and AMAZING at the same time! The place is popular among adventure buffs and explorers on the Zambezi River’s edge. They are just tiny rock pools on the edge of a waterfall!

Image Credit: Roaming Around the World

Highlight: A rainbow is a very common sight and the place makes for the perfect picture opportunity. It's scary and thrilling!
Where: Devil’s Pool in Livingstone Island in Zambia is located on the 100 meters tall Victoria Falls. The best time to visit when you can hike up there is from May to October (when the climate is drier)

6. Erawan Falls - Thailand

A common tourist place, Thailand also has many hidden gems and Erawan Falls is one of them. It is a multi-tiered waterfall collecting to form an enchanting natural swimming pool. The falls are termed as Erawan owing to their resemblance to the three-headed elephant in Hindu mythology.

Image Credit: Orange Smile

Highlight: The Erawan Falls pool is home to the highly popular dead skin eating fish that is known to offer a natural and relaxing spa experience
Where: It is nestled inside the sprawling 550 square kilometers Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

7. Calanque de Sugiton - France

A wonder of the increasing global warming is the Calanque de Sugiton in France. This natural pool is a rather steep valley created as a result fluvial erosions and collapsing of cave roofs that have been drowned as a result of the rising sea level. Who knew something so gorgeous and breath-taking could be a result of something so dangerous and harming?

Image Credit: Blogspot

Highlight: It is gigantic enough to allow you to go boating or yachting in the pool itself
Where: Calanques is located near the Mediterranean coast, the most famous of which is the easy to reach Calanque de Sugiton, juxtaposed between Cassis and Marseille

8. Marieta Islands - Mexico

The "Hidden Beach" or "Playa de Amor" (Beach of Love) in Mexico is said to have formed centuries ago due to volcanic activity and are entirely uninhabited which make them one of the best unexplored places in the world. This natural swimming pool is adorned in tropical vegetation and filled with crystal clear blue water making it the perfect spot for rejuvenation. 

Image Credit: Travel and leisure India

Highlight: It is an idyllic beach paradise hidden underneath a hole in the ground
Where: Located about 20 nautical miles from Puerto Vallarta in Mexico

9. Havasu Falls - Arizona

Like an oasis in the desert in the middle of the thickest rocky tropical forests of Arizona are the Havasu falls which form one of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in the world. Havasu Creek is fed by a spring, so the water remains at a steady level and is 70 degrees year-round. In addition, it is 120 feet high and is one of the favorite picnic spots amongst the people of Arizona. 

Image Credit: Wandering Wheatleys

Highlight: Havasu Falls is only accessible by helicopter or a ten-mile hike attended by pack mules
Where: It is located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation just south of the Grand Canyon National Park, United States of America

10. Enchanted River - Philippines

Just as the name suggests, the Enchanted River natural pool is truly enchanting. The Hinatuan River which is known locally as the ‘Enchanted River’ because the water seems to magically flow without any source but from a 50ft deep spring. From where the spring erupts rich salt-water is a mystery but the place is perfect for a dip in the middle of the thick tropical jungles.

Image Credit: ytimg

Highlight: The water is magically deep turquoise blue in color making it one of the most beautiful water bodies in the world surrounded by thick lush green plants
Where: Mindanao, Philippines, Asia

11. Pamukkale Thermal Pools - Turkey

'Pamukkale' literally translates as 'cotton castle' is situated in Turkish is a jaw-dropping cotton castle and is one such spectacular natural thermal pool in the world. The beauty of the place is unimaginable until seen with naked eyes. This mountain of mineral baths has formed over thousands of years and is fed by rich thermal springs making it one of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in the world.

Image Credit: Pinimg

Highlight: The water, which is considered to have healing properties, contains mainly calcium salts and carbon dioxide. It ranges in temperature from 36-57°C
Where:  It's a natural site that's located near Denizli in Turkey, Eurasia

12. Las Grietas - Galápagos Islands

Galapagos Island's contribution to the world does not end at Charles Darwin's Theory Of Evolution. Instead, it also houses the gorgeous natural swimming pool of Las Grietas. It is a canyon formed of two lava rock walls. These natural pools are the perfect place for taking a deep dip.

Image Credit: Wordpress

Highlight: Both freshwater and seawater flow into this pool, and temperatures can vary between 18 and 20°C – ideal for cooling off
Where: Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands. To reach Galapagos, first, you must get to mainland Ecuador by flying into either the capital city of Quito or Guayaquil. The islands are nearer to Guayaquil. If you have the option, fly here to save time since most flights from Quito have a stopover here on the way to the Galapagos

13. Ik Kil Cenote - Mexico

Another spellbinding natural swimming pool is situated in the beautiful country of Mexico. Ik Kil cenote is an amazing rounded, swimming hole with crystal clear blue water. It was formed by the collapsing of a cave and a ladder carved into the limestone wall of the cenote to access the pool is the only access to the pool making it more adventurous. 

Image Credit: pinimg

Highlight: The Ik Kil cenote has a great importance in the Mayan civilization. Centuries ago, they used this cenote for relaxation and ritual services
Where: The Ik Kil cenote is located within the Eco-Archaeological Park in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico

14. Blue Lagoon - Iceland

I'm pretty sure this is where the movies got its name from. A spa-like experience, only bigger, better and out of the world is what Iceland offers us in the form of this natural pool. This lagoon has been made visitor friendly with changing rooms, restaurants, and other well-appointed facilities. One of the most favored ones being an outdoor bar which is right at the lagoon. It is truly like 'a bath on the moon'.

Image Credit: Adventurous Kate

Highlight:  A treasure trove of Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is a naturally heated geothermal pool with blue-green algae, mineral salts and fine silica mud that nourish and exfoliate the skin, making it supple and soft. Beauty reasons apart, this place is truly spectacular
Where: In Iceland, take the highway that connects Keflavík and Reykjavík, you will see a sign “Blue Lagoon”, take a turn and drive in for around 6 miles

15. Agatti Lagoons - India

Last but definitely not the least has to be one of the most beautiful places in India, the Agati lagoons. Lakshadweep has large water lagoons that create natural pools which are not only for swimming but they are so gigantic that you could easily go canoeing, boating, glass-bottomed boating, snorkeling, kayaking, pedal boating, windsurfing, and many other underwater sports in the lagoon itself. 

Image Credit: Hello Travel

Highlight:  An enchanting tourist mark, it offers wonderful endure, palm trees, stunning and scenic beaches with mouth-watering food.
Where: Lakshwadeep Island can be accessed by flight or ships.

FAQs

Q. Are lagoons safe to swim in?
A. It depends on a lagoon to lagoon because usually they are pretty safe but research before going into one about the conditions and depth of the place. Always carry your safety gear such as life jackets if you are apprehensive. 

Q. How do natural swimming pools work?
A. In an NSP, swimming pool water flows via gravity from the swimming pool into distribution shafts. The water then passes through a biological fine filter/bioreactor before it is pumped into the regeneration zone. Thus, microorganisms and water plants ensure effective, continuous cleaning.